Deacons propose changes in Denominational Partnership Giving Plans

The Deacons voted at their February meeting to propose some changes in the church's denominational giving plans. The proposed changes will be presented for discussion and vote at the quarterly church business meeting April 27 at 6:15 p.m. in the Dining Hall. If approved by the congregation, the changes would become effective January 1, 2012. The proposal does not affect the 2011 giving plans.

Download this file to see the proposed changes compared with the existing plans.

Almost 10 years ago, the church adopted a statement of denominational relationships: "First Baptist Church relates to the Richmond Baptist Association, the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Baptist World Alliance, and supports missionaries through the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship."

As part of the recognition of those relationships, 10 percent of the annual church budget is allocated to our denominational partners. Using the 2011 budget of $3.1 million as an example, the church would allocate $310,000 (if the budget is met).

There are three plans: the Shared Plan, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Plan, and the Southern Baptist Convention Plan. Every person who gives to the church may choose which of the four plans is used to allocate their denominational partnership giving. If a giver does not indicate a choice, the allocation is done according to the Shared Plan. Members may also designate contributions to specific purposes or organizations with which the church is aligned and the church will make the contribution as instructed.

The proposal approved by the Deacons and being presented to the church is aligned with our statement of denominational relationships. Each plan funds the Baptist General Association of Virginia and FBC Community Missions equally. The Shared Plan funds the worldwide mission efforts of the SBC and CBF equally. The Shared Plan also allocates funds to the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, the Baptist World Alliance and two Baptist organizations to which our church has long-standing ties.

Read further analysis of the proposal, and responses of several church members in First Things First, the online magazine of Richmond's First Baptist Church...