2003 Cooperative Program gifts break new ground

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)–Spurred on by record giving during the months of January and December, gifts given through the Cooperative Program in 2003 hit an all-time high, reaching $35,578,272–more than one million dollars or 3.51 percent over the $34.3 million given in 2002.

"God has been so good to Florida Baptists," said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer. "Our wonderful pastors have led their churches to do this which is especially significant in today’s economy. Our leadership at the grass-roots still believes the Cooperative Program is the best and most effective way to fulfill the Great Commission."

The record giving is also an affirmation that "Florida Baptists believe in what the state convention is doing," Sullivan added. "I have great gratitude for the faithfulness of Florida Baptists."

Glen Owens, assistant executive director, oversees CP promotion in the state. "The generous giving in 2003 by our churches is significant because we were over budget in receipts in a time of financial uncertainty as to the world's economy. It proves once again that Florida Baptists are serious about Kingdom building in these days of much confusion and fear."

In January, Florida Baptist churches gave $3.8 million to the Cooperative Program, the highest monthly amount in Convention history. Giving fluctuated between $2.5 million and $3.1 million for the remainder of the year. Then in December, receipts totaled $3,179,111, the largest amount ever received for that month.

Analyzing CP receipts, Owens said, provides a good forecast of future giving. In Dec 2002 and Jan 2003 combined CP receipts totaled $6.1 million—yet in the same time frame in 2003-2004, the combined receipts totaled $6.8 million. "This would tell us the growth for 2003 was real and that growth seems to be continuing in 2004. That's good news," he added.

Money given by Florida Baptist churches through the Cooperative Program will be divided among SBC causes, 40 percent; Florida Baptist Convention needs, 39.49 percent; Florida Baptist State Convention agencies and institutions, 12.26 percent; Florida pastoral aid, 5 percent; and Florida church annuity, 3.25 percent.

The CP amount given in 2003 was $341,384 in excess of the Cooperative Program budget goal of $35,236,888. In action taken by the State Board of Missions Jan. 30, the overages were distributed between Southern Baptist Convention Cooperative Program, $84,553.86; Florida Baptist Witness postage supplement, $20,000; Maguire State Mission Offering supplements for Project Cuba and Project Haiti, $106,830; FBC Employee Christmas salary gift, $80,000; and "Join the Celebration" regional rallies for the 150th Anniversary Celebration, $50,000.

While Cooperative Program giving increased, giving fell by churches wishing to bypass the Southern Baptist Convention. "Florida only" funds dropped to $129,694 in 2003 from $133,479 given in 2002, a 2.84 percent decrease.

Designated giving increased by 8.33 percent to $11,447,259 in 2003 from $10,567,567 in 2002. Designated giving includes money earmarked for international, national and state mission offerings, world hunger and disaster relief. [See 2003 CP report on pages 8-11]