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I think it’s noteworthy that most Baptists view the tithe as the basement of individual giving to the work of God through the local church. The reason is that the local church together can make more of a difference in the lives of our neighbors than individual believers could alone.

It’s also noteworthy that many of the pastors who preach this message neglect to lead their churches to tithe to the greater kingdom work of Southern Baptists through the Cooperative Program. Let’s not only embrace this spirit of cooperation in word, but by leading every church to work together for the advance of God’s kingdom on earth by supporting the CP.

I am convinced that the Cooperative Program is the most efficient evangelistic missions-funding strategy in the world today, perhaps ever. One of the reasons I am a Southern Baptist is this spirit of cooperation — of shared passion and evangelistic, missional zeal — that we hold as people of common faith and practice.

The CP enables each of us, from small rural fellowships to metropolitan megachurches, to band together to reach the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. What is it that distinguishes Southern Baptists from other Christian groups? Two things: conservative biblical theology and a cooperative and comprehensive mission strategy — a strategy that would be impossible without the Cooperative Program.

Our commitments to sound doctrine and the CP are what make Southern Baptists shine Christ’s light brightly for the world to see. CP gifts enable the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions to offer numerous training opportunities for all Alabama Baptists that would be otherwise very costly and impractical. As a pastor, I have been greatly encouraged and supported by the ongoing ministry of the State Board of Missions.

From printed resources to one-day seminars to long-term coaching partnerships, the State Board provides ample resources and opportunities to enhance the ministry of every Alabama Baptist church. And all of this is made available by churches’ gifts through the Cooperative Program.

Britt Green serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eclectic.

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