But sadly, many in the SBC think that anyone who does not send money to the CP is either sinful, or worse a liberal, or perhaps even both. We stopped giving to the CP over three years ago, and it is actually a very liberating thing to be set free from the bondage of that man made Denominational tithe/tax on the local church.

Grace Always,

What if the CP was changed so that all money first went to the national level SBC. The IMB could get first dibs on the money and always have as much as they needed after that the funds could be split among the state conventions.

Individuals and organizations need to be continually prayerful and analytical in how money is given and spent. But I see a lot of broad accusations lately, in a lot of places, about greedy state conventions. And I just do not agree.
If truly-called missionaries are not being sent, make people aware of it. But to pit it against greedy children’s homes, and greedy OBU is something I am not getting.

Your fear is a reality. Motions can be made and passed from now until Jesus Comes but the SBC will not radically change without the Churches turning off the CP spigot.

Blessings,
John

I’m not crying out for a boycott of the CP. I’m just saying that it may be that the SBC only really understands dollars and sense…uh…cents.

I appreciate the thoughtful and straightforward reply. I value such communication. And I do understand your heart.

I acknowledge that you have a bit more knowledge of national and state convention structure than I: thanks for the info. Good point that state conventions don’t have much accountability.

I’m not saying we all need to just get along: I did say unhelpful, not untrue…though I think state conventions deserve a little move credit than you are giving them.

Difference in style of communication is probably the main difference here: I am used to such candidness being reserved for private conversations with friends. You seem to feel the freedom to post it on blogs.

As I said, I understand your heart… and I appreciate your passion.

Thanks for your comment. Allow me to respond for a moment. The state conventions and local associations can help local churches when they exist to serve the local churches, but that is not always the case (I would argue rarely). One exception, for example, is when the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina granted funds to Summit Church in Durham to launch a church planting center this past year.

When I speak arbitrarily, state conventions in a sense do get first dibs (i.e., “direct deposit”) of CP funds because they can determine what percentage of the CP they keep without having to answer to local churches. Local churches who are holding them accountable are choosing to circumvent state conventions and give directly to Nashville instead. However, the politics of the SBC kick in if that happens because messengers are determined by your giving to the state route. Local churches are usually the last to benefit from the Cooperative Program, and since they are the front lines (the only lines?) of the Great Commission, we have it all backwards.

You say that my comment “every year $300 million is arbitrarily direct-deposited into the piggy banks of state conventions” is “unhelpful” but you did not say it was untrue. In fact, it is true. That’s a major point behind Article IX of the GCR. The system is broken. Big time. And to think that those who are satisfied with the status quo or have stock in the current system would not bring “division” is naive in my opinion. Since when has the SBC been united on anything anyway?

What I am saying is that speaking plainly and boldly about some much needed change as unhelpful rhetoric is presented under the false pretense “foster divisiveness” or that reformation comes when we “all just get along.” I know. I have a little more radical approach than what is generally offered. We all have different ways of making our points. I am simply trying to speak plainly and boldly about a matter too important to leave with vague generalities or lightweight recommendations.

In any case, I do hope you understand my heart on this matter and can receive it with the same unfiltered disposition in which it was delivered. Grace and peace.