Recession still impacts CP 10 years later

NASHVILLE — While total undesignated receipts of Southern Baptist churches have recovered from the Great Recession, total Cooperative Program (CP) giving has yet to rebound.

Total CP giving through state conventions was $79 million less during the most recent fiscal year than in 2007–2008, according to Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annuals. CP giving to SBC causes is rebounding — but giving is still more than $6 million below 2007–2008 levels. 

Ashley Clayton, the SBC Executive Committee’s vice president for Cooperative Program and Stewardship, said he is optimistic total CP receipts will begin trending upward, but it is a slow process. Whereas individuals may change their gifts often, churches seldom do, he said. (BP)