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The following are testimonies from some Texas Southern Baptists about the vital role of the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists’ shared missions funding mechanism. Begun in 1925, the CP replaced the old “societal” method of agencies competing against one another for funding. Prior to the CP, funding often went to the last missionary to visit a given church, or perhaps the most persuasive. Today, more than 10,000 domestic and international missionaries, church planting, six seminaries, a social concerns entity and Disaster Relief are among the ministries underwritten by the CP. Through CP, with every dollar given local churches are able to reach Texas and touch the world.
For a free CP promotional DVD, e-mail sharmon@sbtexas.com.
At SWBTS, I think one of the best things has been the quality education I’ve received. Being able to go into a classroom and have some of the finest minds in the United States and even the world teach me Scripture and how to relate Scripture to my people has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. The Cooperative Program makes that education possible for people that normally wouldn’t be able afford it. In fact, it’s going to cut my tuition in half, just from the giving that people all around the country give through the Cooperative Program.
?Craig Seals, Southwestern student
Our giving allows us to join with tens of thousands of other Southern Baptists across the state of Texas, across the U.S. and around the world as we seek to be a part of what God is doing to reach the nations for Jesus Christ. When you give through the Cooperative Program, you make sure that you’re connected to God’s plan to save the world. From West Texas to West Africa, it’s all a part of being connected through the Cooperative Program.
?Clayton Griggs, pastor, First Baptist church, Snyder
Often when I think of the Cooperative Program, I think “many hands make light work.” We’re intentional about the Cooperative Program for several reasons. Probably one of the most important would be church planting?being able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, providing funds for new church planters, for young pastors to be able to have resources, to our schools, which I have personally benefited from ? and I am forever indebted and grateful for those opportunities.
?Alex Gonzales, pastor, Hickory Tree Baptist, Balch Springs
God has blessed us tremendously through the Cooperative Program, not only in carrying on our ministries, but we are only a few weeks away from being able to close on what we believe will be our permanent church home. We were able to purchase property and that is a result of the Cooperative Program and obviously God changing hearts and changing lives to give according to his biblical principles. We again want to thank you and encourage you to give through the CP. It goes to glorify God and help build his kingdom.
?Josh Henry, pastor, Trail of Life Cowboy Church, Conroe
God has blessed and continues to bless the cooperative efforts of Southern Baptists to give support and sustain the various agencies and entities of our denomination. We are honored to support the Cooperative Program at our church here at Great Hills in Austin. I take great joy in knowing Great Hills is able to cooperate with other Bible-believing Baptist churches and we can support our local, state, national and international ministries through the Cooperative Program.
?Danny Forshee, pastor, Great Hills Baptist Church, Austin
Christ has given us a command to go into all the world and baptize believers and teach them the Word of God. When we find ourselves moving and blessing lives with the Word of God, we’ve got to know that God is pleased with that.? [Whenever] you see calamity around the world, Southern Baptists are always one of the first there, and I know that the SBTC is there?. Not only are we saving souls, but we’re making sure that those caught in calamity are taken care of and supported as well.
?Terry Turner, pastor, Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church
