The Cooperative Program is still a good idea. I will be the first to admit that the name "Cooperative Program" is lacking in marketing appeal in our day, but the concept is good and the results are impressive. Through the CP our church joins with thousands of other churches around the nation to support evangelism causes and mission endeavors throughout the world. This is a good thing.
Last year Highland Drive Baptist Church gave $41,057.62 to the CP. A portion of that supports the work in Arkansas and the rest goes to the national Southern Baptist Convention where it supports mission causes around the nation and world. These gifts enable missionaries to focus on the tasks at hand without having to take excessive time to raise funds for their support. This is a good thing.
In the state of Arkansas last year CP funds were instrumental in seeing 27 new churches started. Collegiate ministries were supported on 35 college campuses with over 1900 students involved in discipleship/missions and 191 students coming to faith in Christ. 260,877 people were fed through hunger relief. 397 people came to faith in Christ through those efforts. CP dollars were also used to ministry to over 17,000 clients in Crisis Pregnancy Ministries. This is a good thing.
HDBC's giving to the Cooperative Program last year enabled over 11,000 missionaries to be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world. This is a good thing.
I, for one, would be open to a name change for the Cooperative Program. I believe that would be a good thing. However, new name or old name, the concept is good and the results are impressive. Let's keep working together to make a difference in our world.
