Even as they enact measures to prepare for what is likely to be a tough year on the economic front, South Carolina Baptist Convention officials say they are pleased that member churches met Cooperative Program giving expectations in 2008.
Facing the beginning stages of an economic recession in 2008, SCBC churches were “faithful in their support” of the Cooperative Program through “generous and sacrificial giving,” said James Wright, associate executive director and chief financial officer for the state convention. The CP goal of $33,625,000 was met and exceeded by $20,960.
Still, as economic indicators point to a continued downward drift in 2009, convention staff, under the direction of SCBC executive director-treasurer Jim Austin, have implemented multiple measures to manage expenditures, including the following:
? Staff travel has been restricted to essential trips to minimize out-of-state travel.
? Purchases of office equipment and furniture will be made on an essential-need basis.
? Several vacant staff positions will not be filled during 2009.?Before any staff vacancy is filled, it must be considered to be a critical position that requires immediate staffing.
? Each group and office director is working to reduce spending in program areas by 5 percent.
? Changes have been made to consolidate mailings to churches in order to reduce printing and mailing costs. A new Experience Kingdom Life Focus magazine has been developed, which replaces several other convention publications. As an added savings, Focus magazine is available online in order to provide the information to churches without printing or mailing costs.
? The convention is looking at more ways to communicate electronically via e-mail and the Web, including video-conferencing, to further reduce operating costs.
? A biweekly electronic newsletter, E-Update, has been launched to communicate with churches at no cost.
The convention staff has established an economic task force to explore ways to assist churches and other kingdom partners during difficult economic times. “While it is a challenging time financially, there will be opportunities for churches to minister to hurting and lost people,” Wright said.
“As people look to the church for answers in a troubled world, there will be many different times to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The economic task force will be working to help churches and kingdom partners to identify these opportunities.”
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