Florida Baptists give record $39.6 million in CP receipts

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—In a year when four hurricanes ripped through the state, damaging 200-plus church buildings and the homes and businesses of church members, Florida Baptists gave more money through the Cooperative Program in 2004 than any other year in their history.

In 2004, Florida Baptist churches gave a record $36,691,754 through the Cooperative Program, a 3.13 percent increase above the $35,578,272 given in 2003. Additionally, Florida Baptists gave $13 million in designated gifts for Southern Baptist causes.

“I am grateful that Florida Baptists have remained faithful to the Great Commission challenge we have in Florida and in the world,” said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention.

Convention officials had expressed some concern that the onslaught of hurricanes might adversely affect giving when October receipts dipped below $3 million for the fourth consecutive month. The Convention’s 2004 basic budget of $35,320,365 was contingent on receiving an average of $3 million each month.

Also due to the timing of the hurricanes, many Florida churches cancelled several Sunday worship services. During the fall, local churches were asking members to catch up on their giving.

But then Cooperative Program gifts received in November, $3.5 million, and December, $3.18 million, represented the largest amounts ever given during those months, spurring Cooperative Program receipts to an all-time high.

Hayes Wicker, president of the Florida Baptist State Convention, said the record giving is “Florida Baptists reflecting Paul’s evaluation of Macedonian believers.”

Citing 2 Corinthians 8:2, “In a severe test of affliction, … they have overflowed in a wealth of generosity,” Wicker noted, “most importantly, the Lord of the harvest knew our mission needs and sovereignly moved upon His people who were not as affected to make up for the lack by those who were economically stretched.”

Miscellaneous designated gifts—international, national and state mission offerings and special offerings such as disaster relief—also hit an all-time high mark as Florida Baptist churches gave $13 million in designated gifts.

These gifts by Florida Baptist churches include funds earmarked for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions, $6,761,594; Annie Armstrong Offering for North American Missions, $2.8 million; Maguire State Mission Offering, $1,002,196; and Florida Baptist Children’s Homes Mother’s Day Offering, $703,488. Non-budgeted items, which included disaster relief and special gifts to help Haiti Baptists, totaled $613,796.

“I have often said that Florida Baptists are the most generous people I know,” added Sullivan. “In the year of numerous tragedies and countless blessings, they once again have proven me true.”

Money given by Florida Baptist churches through the Cooperative Program was divided among SBC causes, 40 percent; Florida Baptist Convention needs, 39.92 percent; Florida Baptist State Convention agencies and institutions, 11.83 percent; Florida pastoral aid, 5 percent; and Florida church annuity, 3.25 percent.

While Cooperative Program giving increased, giving fell in other areas. Giving by churches electing to bypass the Southern Baptist Convention, “Florida only” funds, dropped 4 percent—from $129,694 given in 2003 to $124,490 given in 2004.