Funds to SBC Up 1.8 Percent
According to the financial report released by the Southern Baptist Convention on Feb 29, year-to-date contributions to the denomination has increased nearly 2 percent as compared to the same time frame in 2003.
The Southern Baptist Convention, the largest denomination in the U.S. with 14 million members, receives funding for missions and ministries through the Cooperative Program. Individuals, churches, state conventions and fellowships offer financial support through designated fundraising projects: the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund, and other special gifts.
Since the fiscal year began on Oct. 1, the CP received $1,424,476.92 more than the $78,915,285.32 raised in 2003. For the month, however, the receipts were 15.37 percent below the $17,686,441.54 raised in Feb. 2003.
Each state and regional convention retains a portion of church contributions to the SBCs CP to support their own work and ministry. A certain percent, as designated by each regional conference, is forwarded to the Southern Baptist national and international cause.