By Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention expanded by more than 270 churches in 2017. More people showed up for weekly worship services, and congregations gave more generously in a strengthening economy. However, reported baptisms and membership declined as fewer churches participated in the SBC’s Annual Church Profile (ACP). Long-standing … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists report more churches in 2016; baptisms, membership decline
By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE -- Southern Baptists experienced growth in the number of churches that cooperate with their convention in 2016, according to the latest Annual Church Profile report (ACP). However, other key measures declined in 2016, including membership, baptisms, average worship attendance and total giving, according to the ACP compiled by Lifeway Christian … [Read more...]
SBC pastor salaries increase, paid health insurance declines
By Martin King Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist church staff members has exceeded the cost-of-living increase over the past two years. However, health insurance coverage continues to decline, according to the 2016 SBC Church Compensation Study. The biannual study is a joint project of state Baptist conventions, GuideStone Financial Resources and Lifeway … [Read more...]
SBC reports more churches serving fewer people
By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Southern Baptists are adding more churches but serving fewer members who are giving fewer dollars, 2014 data compiled by Lifeway Christian Resources shows. The number of cooperating churches within the Southern Baptist Convention rose for the 15th consecutive year, but the churches lost more than 200,000 members, the biggest one-year … [Read more...]
SBC pastor salaries not keeping up with inflation
By Marty King NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist pastors has not kept pace with inflation over the past two years, while salaries for other full-time ministers and office staff increased at a rate higher than national inflation. These findings are part of the SBC Church Compensation Study, an in-depth survey of 12,907 staff members in … [Read more...]
