The 2006 initiative encouraging all churches to baptize at least one person during the year, ended the churches across South Carolina celebrating more than 16,000 new believers.
The Goal of One targeted churches that reported zero baptisms in 2005 and encouraged all churches to reemphasize the significance of baptism.
According to the Annual Church Profile, the number of churches reporting zero baptisms decreased from 301 in the 2004-2005 church year to 160 this year, a 47 percent reduction. There was also a slight increase in the overall number of baptisms reported for the 2005-2006 church year.
“I want to commend our churches for their faithfulness in carrying out the Great Commission,” said Marshall Fagg, director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention evangelism and missions team. “Making disciples and baptizing them is the lifeblood of kingdom growth.”
Fagg stresses that the actual numbers of baptisms are hard to calculate, since 88 percent of churches reported baptisms through the ACP for 2006. He projects that if all churches reported, baptisms would have likely exceeded 18,000, producing a record year. Fagg also states that Goal of One response cards are still coming into their office.
“I pray the Goal of One will serve as a catalyst in our churches to ignite even greater urgency to reach, baptize and disciple new believers,” said Fagg.
An analysis of baptisms across South Carolina indicates a growing number of church plants are among the statistical leaders.
“Reaching a 21st century culture with the gospel increasingly demands a spiritually relevant and technologically innovative methodology. The Holy Spirit is directing the creative hearts and minds of church leaders to discover the most effective way to transform the lives of people,” Fagg said.
The SCBC church multiplication group deserves credit, according to Fagg, for their increased commitment to more effectively equipping new church planters for ministry.
“We are a 21st century church, but we must never lose the first century passion for the transforming power of the gospel,” he said.
Fagg also states that many churches are exploring innovative methods of communication which positively impact their congregations.
“While we must never compromise the message of scripture, innovative ways of communicating that truth are essential.”
To view the 2006 baptism report, go to www.scbaptist.org/evangelism.