There are hundreds of reasons why a nationwide census is important. It helps the government know what services to provide. It also helps Alabama Baptists know where different populations and people groups are located so that they can know where new churches need to be planted.

Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said in a similar way to how census data can be helpful, data from each Alabama Baptist church can be helpful to prepare for future ministry.

That’s why the Annual Church Profile is collected every year.

“It helps us understand, and you understand, how your ministry is doing,” Lance said.

“It provides all kinds of information related to our being able to operate and function in Great Commission Ministries as a state convention and as a Southern Baptist Convention.”

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This article was originally published at TheAlabamaBaptist.org.