A tradition we can't afford to abandon

I was recently reminded of a problem that many churches, like mine, probably have in common. During a conversation with a fellow church member, he asked the question: “So what is the Cooperative Program? I’ve never heard of it.”

This is not the first time this has happened. This same subject was brought up in an adult Sunday school class with the same results. Many people, including some who have been in church for decades, had never heard of the CP. Ignorance about the CP’s existence and function is more than likely widespread throughout the SBC, but why is this? Why is one of the most important functioning entities of our denomination being ignored to a large extent?

The CP is a Southern Baptist distinctive that makes us unique among other denominations. CP dollars go toward supporting the IMB (International Mission Board), NAMB (the North American Mission Board), the six Southern Baptist seminaries, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Guidestone Financial Resources. Most church members, if asked, would most certainly agree that the operation of these entities is vitally important to the ongoing effort of reaching the lost for Christ. But with ever-decreasing allocations to each of these entities it is becoming more and more difficult to operate successfully.

There is no doubt that the difficult economic times we are in influence financial giving. The challenge for believers then is to look beyond what we see with our eyes and trust that God will honor our obedience. As a graduate student at New Orleans Seminary, I recently read a book entitled “One Sacred Effort – The Cooperative Program of Southern Baptists” by Chad Owen Brand and David E. Hankins. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand better not only the CP, but the history, cooperation, growth, and future challenges facing our convention.

Many of us would probably admit we have heard much criticism of the old ‘traditions’ of our denomination, some of which may be justified. Faithful support of the CP, however, is one tradition we cannot afford to abandon. Simply stated, we are able to accomplish so much more together than we ever could individually.

I am grateful for the CP dollars that go towards supporting my education and because of this, it’s time that more of us who benefit from the CP stand up and defend its purpose and the need to support it. I am also grateful to the churches in our convention that do faithfully give to the CP and challenge those that don’t to be reminded of the sacrifices that were made by those who have gone before us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance that race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1, ESV).

As Southern Baptists in challenging times we have an opportunity laid before us: Will we turn aside and listen to the voice of God as Moses did when he saw the burning bush, or will we let it pass by? May our fidelity to the duty we have been called to not be compromised and may we never forget the responsibility we have to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is His church, not ours.