NEW ORLEANS -- Union Valley Baptist Church in Beebe, Ark., and McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, Fla., have been recognized with “Church of Excellence” awards by the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Health and the Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
The joint initiative highlights growing churches at a time when 89 percent of Southern Baptist churches are plateaued or declining.
“The need for revitalization among our SBC congregations is evident according to our research at the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Health,” said Preston Nix, director of the center. “By recognizing Churches of Excellence in the SBC we are showing examples that prove revitalization and church growth are still possible even in our postmodern society. Our intent is that the highlighting of these healthy churches in this forum will bring both hope and inspiration to other churches that desire to grow again.”
Union Valley, rural church organized in 1927, was almost forced to close its doors in its early years because it did not have a pastor. When Thomas Miller came as pastor in 1987, the church had some 250 members, with about 100 in Sunday morning worship. By 2007, Sunday morning attendance had grown to 650 with 91 baptisms. Membership has grown to 1,170.
Total undesignated receipts in 2007 were $654,476. Total missions expenditures were $203,923 and Cooperative Program funds were $96,053 or 14.7 per cent of undesignated funds. The church has had six different building programs, but is debt free.
McGregor Baptist, which was established in 1958, moved to its present location in 1983 because of explosive growth. In 1999, when Richard Powell arrived as pastor, the church had 2,400 in Sunday morning worship and 4,600 total members. Since then, the church has grown to 3,847 in morning worship attendance and 7,201 members in 2007. Between 1999 and 2007, the church’s baptisms increased from 155 in 1999 to 323 and Sunday School attendance has increased from 1,487 to 2,594.
Total undesignated receipts have grown from $4 million to $9.5 million. In 2007, total missions expenditures were $1.5 million dollars and Cooperative Program funds were $852,947 or 8.9 per cent of undesignated funds.
The criteria for consideration as a “healthy” church includes a membership increase of 10 percent over five years, one or more baptisms per year over five years, a member-to-baptism ratio of no more than 35-to-1, with conversions representing at least 25 percent of total additions. Mission giving and discipleship enrollment are also considered.
Churches that receive the Healthy Church Award are highlighted on the Baptist Center website at www.baptistcenter.com.
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