NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Southern Baptist Convention's Cooperative Program (CP) reported an 8.5 percent increase in gifts in October compared to the same period last year, according to the Baptist Press.
October's $13.8 million in gifts to support Southern Baptist ministries globally and across North America compared to $12.7 million in October 2001. The $13.8 million is nearly $1 million below the budgeted goal, however. The SBC operates on an Oct. 1-Sept. 30 fiscal year.
Gifts to the CP come from individuals, churches, state conventions and fellowships. Funds are used to support missions and ministry efforts of state and regional conventions along with the SBC. State and regional conventions retain a percentage of CP contributions they receive from the churches to support work in their areas. The percentage of distribution is at the discretion of each state or regional convention.
