NASHVILLE — Southern Baptists gave 2.3 percent more to missions last year despite the economic downturn but they lost members and baptized the fewest number of people since 1987, according to the denomination’s Annual Church Profile, compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in conjunction with 42 Baptist state conventions.
Total giving to missions reached $1.36 billion in 2008 through the denomination’s Cooperative Program and special missions offerings. Offsetting the rise in giving, along with a slight increase in the total number of Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) churches and primary worship attendance, was the fourth consecutive year of decline in baptisms. Southern Baptists recorded 342,198 baptisms in 2008, a drop of 1.1 percent from the previous year.
Total SBC membership fell by 38,482, or 0.2 percent last year, to 16,228,438. Sunday School enrollment dropped 123,817, or 1.6 percent, to 7,752,794. The total number of churches increased by 152 to 44,848, for a 0.34 percent gain. Primary worship attendance rose 35,449 to 6,184,317, an increase of 0.58 percent.
Share with others: