NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The world's largest protestant denomination just keeps getting bigger, according to a report by the Baptist Press.
Southern Baptist churches increased 1.21 percent in 2002 to a record 16.2 million members, 194,816 more than the previous year. The number of churches in the Southern Baptist Convention grew to 42,775, a 1.04 percent increase or 441 churches more than 2001.
BP reported that LifeWay Christian Resources compiled the annual church profile from church reports routed through local Baptist associations and state conventions.
Sunday morning average worship attendance grew 1.9 percent to 5.8 million, yet the number of baptisms -- 394,893 -- declined by 0.26 percent or 1,037.
According to the news report, tithes, offerings and special gifts were up to $8.7 billion, 4.41 percent above 2001 totals, while undesignated giving was up 5.3 percent to $6.8 billion.
Sunday school enrollment dropped 8,251 or 0.10 percent to 8.2 million, but discipleship training enrollment jumped 1.45 percent, or 30,038 to a total of 2.1 million.
Music ministry enrollment/participation decreased 2.98 percent or 51,009 to a total of 1,658,310.
The news service reported Woman's Missionary Union enrollment and men/boys mission education enrollment both showed gains. WMU enrollment increased by 105,434, or 12.29 percent, to a total of 963,114. Men/boys mission education enrollment grew 3.08 percent or 13,009 to 435,646.
Total mission expenditures, with the South Carolina convention not reporting data, were up 4.94 percent, totaling $1.03 billion, a $48.4 million increase above 2001 totals.
