By Dr. Bob Terry
I have never been more proud of Alabama Baptists than right now,” declared Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM), after learning the state’s year-end total for Cooperative Program (CP) giving.
According to figures released by the SBOM, Alabama Baptists gave $40,216,409 to missions causes in Alabama and around the world through CP during 2014. That was $476,208 more than contributed through the CP the previous year.
“Alabama Baptists continue to demonstrate sacrificial giving even in the most challenging of times,” Lance said.
The increase is the first time in six years annual CP receipts from Alabama churches have topped the previous year’s total. Over the six years, annual totals fell from a high of $44,782,408 in 2008 down to $39,740,201 in 2013.
Despite the increase for 2014, the total still fell short of the $41 million goal. Also, state CP totals are still 10.26 percent below the all-time high in 2008.
Continued support
Even with the slippage Alabama Baptists continue to lead all other state Baptist conventions in CP support of Southern Baptist causes. According to statistics furnished by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee, Alabama Baptists gave $16,981,419 to SBC causes through the CP during the last SBC fiscal year (October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014).
That figure was $477,289 more than the second highest contributor — Georgia Baptists who have more churches and members than Alabama Baptists.
For the first quarter of the current SBC fiscal year Alabama Baptists again led in CP giving with $4,087,292 or 9.32 percent of the total $43,875,087 given by all cooperating state conventions.
“The kingdom of God is better for the commitment of Alabama Baptists,” Lance said. “I am grateful to serve alongside my convention family.”
Bobby DuBois, SBOM associate executive director, pointed out that the CP is only one way Alabama Baptists support the SBC missions boards. Counting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and other designated receipts channeled through the SBOM, Alabama Baptists gave $22,222,926 to the International Mission Board in 2014.
For the North America Mission Board including the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions and other designated offerings, the total was $9,951,790.
When financial support for other SBC causes is added to these two numbers, work outside Alabama received a total of $36,986,125 or 55.37 percent of all funds received for all causes by the SBOM.
“Alabama Baptists continue to be a pacesetter among state conventions in SBC life when it comes to missions support,” DuBois said.
The CP goal for 2015 is $40.5 million.
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