We should begin moving toward a 50/50 split of our state’s CP dollars

I want to publicly thank Hans Wunch, the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Ware Shoals, for asking the convention to begin a process that would move us toward a 50/50 percent split of Cooperative Program gifts between what stays in state and what is forwarded on to the budget of the Southern Baptist Convention. Though nothing was enacted by this convention, Hans spoke the heartbeat of many pastors and laymen in this state who are burdened to find a way to get more money onto the mission field. It can be done in a way that will not damage our institutions nor diminish the varied ministries that are provided through the state convention. But it must take careful planning and preparation to be accomplished.

Many of you remember back in the early ’90s that we (as South Carolina Baptists) came to the understanding that if our CP giving went back above 10 percent of our churches’ undesignated receipts, we would, in turn, raise the percentage of CP gifts that went on to the SBC portion of the budget. It is now obvious that is not going to happen in the foreseeable future.

I don’t need to rehearse the history, scope or impact the Cooperative Program has made in Southern Baptist life and the propagation of the gospel around the world. That has been well documented. Nor do I need to revisit all the statistical data that would show how giving to the Cooperative Program, while setting new records in amounts given, is actually in rather steep decline as a percentage of the undesignated gifts from our churches. Something must be done to reignite the passion for missions giving through the channel that God has given us.

As Morris Chapman said at our state convention last month, the Cooperative Program was inspired by God (though not “inspired” the way that scripture is). And though it has been often imitated, no other denomination has achieved such success with a similar model. I believe that I know why: Southern Baptists have combined an effective, efficient system of missions support with the simple truth of the gospel message in an effort to reach the world for Jesus. And, for the most part, we’ve stayed true to that message and that calling.

But just as there was a groundswell of the laity that resulted in the Cooperative Program, there is now a groundswell of interest in its renewal and refocus. The SBC executive directors recommended some time ago that the various state conventions begin moving toward a 50/50 percent split. Similar language was to be included in various reports at the SBC in June, as well as language encouraging churches to give 10 percent of undesignated receipts to CP. But because of political considerations, or a desire not to seem political, the tone of those reports was significantly modified. But Joe and Josephine Baptist are paying attention. And the groundswell of support for CP renewal has resulted in stunning presidential elections on the national and, now, the state level.

I also know that the Kingdom Growth Initiative that was almost presented at last year’s (2005) state convention was designed to address this issue somewhat. But it was never brought to the floor because of the controversial way it was designed and presented. There were two significant factors that caused its demise:

1. It was seen as being damaging to the institutions financially. Joe and Josephine Baptist take great delight in knowing that part of what they give on Sunday supports our fine colleges, the children’s homes and the retirement communities, as well as our missionary enterprises. People give to people. If the CP becomes just a training program supporting teachers in the Baptist Building, it will dry up in a dramatic way.

2. It was seen as being disruptive to the relationships between the convention and her institutions. Those of us in the conservative movement and those who went through the Furman and Baptist Hospitals fiascos cannot stand the thought of giving up any of the boards, much less 20 percent of the election of the trustees.

I also know that our state convention budget, finance and audit committee has worked diligently to address some of these concerns through the Kingdom Growth Initiative. But if we are not careful, some churches will be tempted to see that as a new funding stream, and we will end up with a very complex system where simplicity has been part of the genius.

So what can be done? Again, I believe that the answer is a simple one. We just need to set a time to begin, and start moving by 1 percent per year toward a 50/50 percent split in CP funding. Under the current budget structure, this would be a shift of $194,550. Because 50 percent of the SBC budget goes to the IMB, that would mean another $97,275 increase per year directly to where it is needed most.

Would this be totally painless on the state side of the budget? Probably not. But I don’t believe it would be as difficult as some think. Here’s why: Southern Baptists in South Carolina will become rejuvenated in their support of the Cooperative Program, and that long-lagging percentage of undesignated receipts will begin to rise. The increase in real dollars would then more than cover the cuts in the percentage that stays in South Carolina. I genuinely believe that would happen. But even if it does not, we should still begin moving toward a 50/50 split in our CP budget because it is the right thing to do.

No one is more sensitive to the needs of our South Carolina Baptist institutions than I. As chair of the trustees of South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging, I know firsthand what impact those Cooperative Program dollars have on our ministry. A part of this plan could also be to “lock” our institutions to a set percentage of that same budget. For instance, each institution could receive 5 or 6 percent (about what they do now). Frankly, that would make it even easier to explain to the average layman.

Someone has well said that one definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If we are going to see a revival of the lifeline of Southern Baptist missions support – the Cooperative Program – business as usual will not suffice.

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