By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released the July 2023 financial summary, August 4, reporting that gifts for the month to SBC causes through the Cooperative Program and via designated giving were down 8.19 percent and 15.63 percent, respectively, compared to July 2022. Year-to-date figures also showed both funding channels continued to be below 2022 levels. From October 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023, total SBC CP contributions were 4.91 percent lower compared to the same timeframe during the last fiscal year. Likewise, combined designated giving was 3.38 less for the same months, with both of the two largest funds down compared to last year. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering was off 4.96 percent, and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering was lower by 0.49 percent (less than one-half of a percentage point). LBC Giving The national report showed monthly giving by Louisiana Baptists to SBC causes in July was down 31.83 percent through CP and 51.36 percent for special offerings. However, the yearly data was less volatile. Louisiana Baptist contributions for 2023 through the CP were off slightly, 0.16 percent (less than … [Read more...]