In our dual approach to funding denominational causes, cooperative and societal, the bulk of missions money comes through the two offerings dedicated to international and North American missions. Those would be the two named offerings: Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong.
They are both at record levels reflecting the true interests and goals of Southern Baptist individuals, churches, and denominational workers.
The total for 2020-2021 was $177.6 million. Great news. [One note, I am told that the sum includes overseas giving through an IMB sponsored and promoted church-to-field project program.] To put in perspective relative to Cooperative Program giving. IMB received $96.8 million through CP gifts from churches. The designated offering totals passed the CP offerings long ago. Both are important.
Annie Armstrong offering tops $66 million for new record high.
The total was $66.5 million for 2021. Notable is that NAMB has been under constant criticism from a sector of SBC life that looks like it is shrinking. If SBC churches and individuals are giving record amounts, that is a ratification of what NAMB is doing.
Yes, other things are dominating the headlines. Those will go forward more quietly now and we will see where it ends up.
For now, it’s time to give another record to Lottie Moon and to get prepared for another record Annie Armstrong offering next year.
If you want to take the temperature of Southern Baptists, look to these two thermometers.
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