I am both humbled and honored to serve as convention president for the coming year. I certainly covet your prayers as we strive together to continue the course as South Carolina Baptists. South Carolina is certainly on the forefront of all Southern Baptist Conventions, thanks to prior leadership, the commitment of South Carolina Baptists and the gracious hand of God. Our prayer is that growth and commitment would continue for years to come.
Eddie LeopardOne of the major issues to emerge from this year’s convention was the recommendation from the Executive Board concerning Cooperative Program giving. Many thanks to the subcommittee for their hard work and research. Though we certainly have differing opinions on the matter, most would agree that we would like to do more for the Southern Baptist Convention and mission endeavors outside the boundaries of South Carolina. On the other hand, we do not want the support of our agencies and institutions to suffer. Therefore, the approved plan will enable us to move in those directions.
The bottom line is the more our churches give in support of the Cooperative Program, the more all will be blessed. Many of our churches are currently going through the budgeting process for 2008. Would you prayerfully consider increasing your support of the Cooperative Program? Several years ago, our church felt led to make the Cooperative Program giving a priority. It wasn’t easy, because it seemed we were always building or buying property and in the midst of a capital funds campaign – yet we felt the need to tithe to the Cooperative Program. At that time, we were giving 3 percent and our past history was not very good. Each year for the next seven years, we increased our giving by 1 percent. Now I’m certainly not saying all churches should tithe out of their undesignated gifts (in fact, some give much more). However, I would ask that all of our churches prayerfully consider increasing their Cooperative Program giving by 1 percent, and certainly more if the Lord leads you. What a blessing that would be to the kingdom of God at home in South Carolina – our Jerusalem – and then to Judea, Samaria and even to the ends of the earth. Would you sincerely pray about that commitment?
Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve our state and our Lord. Let’s continue to “tell the story.”