2003 Marks 6.88% Increase in SBC Missions Funding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention reported a 6.88 percent increase in funding through its Cooperative Program compared to that of 2002.

As of Dec. 31, 2003, the year-to-date total of $45,269,709.85 for Cooperative Program (CP) Missions is $2,913,303.29 ahead of the $42,356,406.56 received at this same point in 2002. For the month, receipts of $13,585,159.83 were 9.15 percent, or $1,138,776.11, above the $12,446,383.72 received in December 2002.

Designated giving of $12,348,324.73 for the same year-to-date period is 21.85 percent, or $2,214,608.79 above gifts of $10,133,715.94 received at this point in 2002. The $4,248,725.35 in designated gifts received last month is $405,422.30 above the $3,843,303.05 of December 2002, a 10.55 percent increase.

For the SBC Cooperative Program Allocation Budget, the year-to-date total of $45,269,709.85 is 99.32 percent of the $45,580,777.50 budgeted, or $311,067.65 under budget to support Southern Baptist ministries globally and across North America.

The Cooperative Program is the SBC’s method of supporting missions and ministry efforts of state and regional conventions and the Southern Baptist Convention. CP receipts come from individuals, churches, state conventions and fellowships for distribution according to the 2002-03 Cooperative Program Allocation Budget.

The SBC operates on an Oct. 1-Sept. 30 fiscal year.