Churches honored at Cooperative Program breakfast

CABOT – With more than 30 percent of its budget dedicated to the Cooperative Program last year, First Baptist Church, Sparkman, is the top church in Arkansas in overall percentage giving. The church was recognized along with other top givers, during the Cooperative Program Breakfast held at First Baptist Church, Cabot, during the 2012 Arkansas Baptist State Convention Annual Meeting on Oct. 31.

The church also was recognized for per capita ($1,350 per person) given to the Cooperative Program. 

“We are so thankful for our Cooperative Program givers,” said Don Pucik, ABSC associate executive director. “We do this each year because we think it is very important to say thank you and to recognize those churches and leaders that have invested so heavily in this strategy for reaching the world for Christ.”

Cross Church, Springdale, was first in overall giving, with $567,069 given through the Cooperative Program. 

Union Baptist Church, Harrison, led in percentage giving among churches averaging 50-99 people in Sunday school, while First Baptist Church, Almyra, led the way in percentage giving among churches averaging 100-149 people in Sunday school.

Other churches leading in percentage giving included First Baptist Church, Des Ark, among churches averaging 150-299; Union Valley Baptist Church, Beebe, among churches averaging 300-499; First Baptist Church, Fayetteville, among churches averaging 500-749; and First Baptist Church, Russellville, among churches averaging 750-plus in Sunday school.

“The money sent from churches this year has made a difference,” said Rusty Hart, ABSC executive support Cooperative Program team member. “We have over 12,000 missionaries that depend on your support … we want to thank you for what you have done.”