There are hundreds of reasons why a nationwide census is important. It helps the government know what services to provide. It also helps Alabama Baptists know where different populations and people groups are located so that they can know where new churches need to be planted.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said in a similar way to how census data can be helpful, data from each Alabama Baptist church can be helpful to prepare for future ministry.
That’s why the Annual Church Profile is collected every year.
“It helps us understand, and you understand, how your ministry is doing,” Lance said.
“It provides all kinds of information related to our being able to operate and function in Great Commission Ministries as a state convention and as a Southern Baptist Convention.”
The Annual Church Profile report can help the SBOM know how to come alongside churches in the state in a more helpful way. For instance, they can use that data to understand why churches might be declining and in need of revitalization help.
Stories worth celebrating
The report also tells stories worth celebrating — like baptisms that happened in the state this year.
Lance encouraged every Alabama Baptist church to fill theirs out. This year’s reports are due Oct. 1.
“In recent years, for several reasons, some churches have chosen not to be involved in sending in an ACP, which is used in research by various people,” he said.
“The Alabama Baptist Convention and the SBC need this information for accurate record-keeping purposes. To not be a participant in this information sharing leaves gaping holes in the research process.”
ACPs can be turned in through your association or online at adx.alsbom.org.
If you need help completing the ACP, please contact your local association or contact Sandy Harmann at the SBOM at 334-613-2266 or sharmann@alsbom.org.
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