You will often hear us say that we have one mission in Alabama — the great commission. We accomplish this mission through the Cooperative Program,” said John MacLaren, director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions office of stewardship and Cooperative Program (CP).
Speaking during the CP presentation at the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting in Mobile Nov. 18, MacLaren said, “Our forefathers taught us that we can do so much more together than we could ever do by ourselves.”
In 2002 Alabama Baptists gave $39,487,493 through the Cooperative Program. Alabama’s state convention continues to be a leader in Cooperative Program giving, according to MacLaren.
MacLaren recognized associations and churches for “leading out and setting the example for us all in their Cooperative Program giving.”
Isney Baptist Church in Choctaw Baptist Association was recognized for the highest amount per resident member, with a total giving of $358.84 per resident member.
Isney Baptist Pastor Jim O’Neal said the 64-member congregation “loves the Lord and wants to give generously to others.”
“We believe that it’s important to support the furtherance of the gospel and missions. This congregation is a loving church and not only gives through the Cooperative Program, but to community missions and other causes,” said O’Neal, who came to pastor the Isney congregation in August.
“We have set a goal of 12 percent of our giving to go to the Cooperative Program this year. This body of believers also gives generously to Lottie Moon (Offering) and Annie Armstrong (Offering). They always give generously and believe in the biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive,” said O’Neal.
Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham Baptist Association was recognized for giving the largest amount during 2002 — $515,450.67.
Johnie Sentell, Dawson Memorial church clerk, received the plaque on behalf of the congregation and Pastor Gary Fenton.
In a phone interview Fenton said his congregation gives to many missions programs.
“We focus on giving to missions but allow our members to choose what missions program to give to. We give our members many opportunities to give. Believing in the priesthood of believers has appeared to enhance our missions giving.
“As we are more involved in missions projects, and as our members participate, they give more,” he explained, noting education about stewardship is important.
“We educate our members on the biblical principles of giving out of love for God instead of out of guilt. Stewardship is taught in our children’s area and all through the church,” said Fenton.
Fenton credited former pastor Edgar Arendall, who began to teach stewardship at Dawson Memorial 50 years ago.
“This church has a long history of giving to missions thanks in large to Dr. Arendall. Today we are just seeing the heritage of that. He laid a very great foundation,” said Fenton.
Seven associations in the convention had 100 percent of its churches contributing through the Cooperative Program. Each association received a plaque during its annual meeting. The associations are Autauga, Bethel, Bethlehem, Chilton, 4Hale, Sand Mountain and Muscle Shoals.
Noting that “every dollar given through the Cooperative Program is important,” MacLaren recognized the top five churches in total dollars given and total dollars given per resident.
The top five churches in total dollars given during 2002 are: Dawson Memorial; Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham Association with $495,401; Hunter Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Association with $366,666.70; First Baptist Church of Montgomery with $365,517.34; First Baptist Church of Trussville in Birmingham Association with $349,532.09.
The top five churches in total dollars given per resident member are: Isney; Church at Hampton Cove in Madison Association with $247.14 per resident member; First Baptist Church of Jacksonville in Calhoun Association with $240.67 per resident member; Four Mile Baptist Church in Shelby Association with $232.17 per resident member; and Mount Zion Baptist Church in Madison Association with $225.30 per resident member.
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