I have always been grateful for the faith of my grandparents and parents. They were born-again, committed Christians and by conviction and choice, Baptists. I was doubly blessed to have parents that didn’t know anything other than tithing. From my first few dollars mowing yards, I knew that 10% would be in my offering envelope the next Sunday morning.
Southern Baptists are recognizing this year as the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program. There has been no method that compares that has united cooperating churches in cooperative missions and efforts like this. I have heard one of my friends and faith heroes, John Sullivan, often say that the “Cooperative Program is not a sacred cow but a sacred how!” It has been.
Commitment of some pastors to the Cooperative Program and its efforts has waned. It happens. One of the traits I love about Baptists is our local church autonomy. Churches give what they decide. There are no dues or assessments. The number of churches giving through the Cooperative Program has declined over the years. This is true in many states as it is in Arkansas. There are those who are critical of cooperative efforts. Understood. This cooperative effort is not valued by some.
You have been strong in your spirit and stewardship when it comes to cooperation. There are challenges nationwide that have impacted giving. That is why we have Arkansas CP for churches that prefer to keep their mission giving in Arkansas supporting Arkansas ministries that messengers approve each year. A budget formula committee has been working to come up with a plan to present to our Executive Board and then our messengers.
My feeling is one of gratitude for your faithfulness. We will not be coming asking you to increase your giving. We will be sharing the good that is being accomplished and, naturally, we could do more. We will intentionally be even more available to assist pastors and churches. That is the purpose of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. We have much to celebrate. I believe we give thanks for the past, embrace the present, and anticipate great days of ministry, mission and evangelism in the coming years.
I am grateful to join in cooperation with you.