June 23, 2025
I participated in two Cooperative Program celebrations in the past two weeks. One in Murray, Ky., at First Baptist Church recognizing the origins of the Cooperative Program and the other in Memphis, Tenn., commemorating its adoption by Southern Baptists nationally as our primary Great Commission funding tool.
Both events were well planned and inspiring. But why should Baptists celebrate 100 years of Cooperative Program giving? Here are five reasons:
1. Because we need celebrations: For 100 years, Southern Baptists have given over $20 billion through one mission fund. That is a legacy worth celebrating. But even more significant is the gospel impact made possible by the investment of thousands of churches. God can do His work without Southern Baptists, but He has chosen to use us. Our Cooperative Program giving has been used to reach real people, make real disciples, start real churches, and spread the good news of Jesus to those who have never heard His offer of salvation.
2. Because we need inspiration: We are living in one of the more cynical and suspicious seasons in conservative Baptist history. Southern Baptists have made our share of missteps, but we remain better together. When I hear stories of early Southern Baptists and their commitment to funding a global gospel-advancing enterprise, I am inspired to do my best to continue that vision. One longtime member of a strong CP-supporting KBC church reportedly said about the CP 100 celebration in Murray that it was one of the greatest nights of his life. He witnessed firsthand the impact of his financial investment and was deeply encouraged.
3. Because we need reminders: At the CP 100 Celebration in Murray, SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg reminded us that Southern Baptists are a force for good. At the CP 100 commemoration in Memphis, he reminded us that the future success of the Cooperative Program will require us all working together. “All” includes SBC entity heads, state convention leaders, and local church pastors throughout the SBC. But also, and possibly more importantly, it includes church treasurers, deacons, Sunday school teachers, and rank and file Southern Baptists.
4. Because we need a challenge: While our current generation did not introduce the Cooperative Program into Southern Baptist missions support, we will be the generation that will determine whether it is strengthened or diminished. Last year, Kentucky Baptist churches gave more than $22.7 million through the Cooperative Program to fund gospel work here in Kentucky and around the globe. In fact — through the Cooperative Program giving of KBC churches — the gospel is being advanced, churches are being planted in North America, college students are being reached, foster children are being cared for, natural disasters are being responded to, men and women are being trained for a life of gospel ministry and so much more. The Cooperative Program is the financial fuel for reaching every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every state, and every nation.
5. Because we need to commit: Recently one of our great KBC churches reached out to share that it wanted to make a $100,000 gift to the KBC. The pastor said we should use those dollars wherever they are needed. I responded that this was an easy decision — we will send it through the Cooperative Program. Why? Because the Cooperative Program not only funds the work of our state convention staff but also 3,500 missionaries, hundreds of church planters, campus ministers, seminary professors, and more. I believe giving through CP is the best way for a church to invest its limited mission funds for the greatest return on its investment.
I join thousands of other Southern Baptists who celebrate 100 years of Cooperative Program giving and pray that it will remain a Great Commission funding tool God will use until He returns.
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Todd Gray is executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. This commentary appeared in Kentucky Today.
