The Baptist World Alliance® (BWA) has implemented several initiatives that will serve to strengthen the financial health of the international Baptist organization. In the face of challenges in the world economy, the BWA seeks to exercise financial stewardship through the continued support of BWA stakeholders and tight management of expenditures.
BWA General Secretary Neville Callam reported that he sought “funding for BWA ministry initiatives from extra-budget sources” and took “aggressive steps…to rein in expenditure partly by opting for more efficient operational systems and mechanisms.”
He emphasized that the BWA instituted a new system that enables donors to make their contributions online. “It is noteworthy that at least 100 of our first-time donors last year used our online giving mechanisms,” he said.
All this is being done, Callam asserted, to encourage the international Baptist community to do more to identify with the work and mission of the BWA. He celebrated the fact that in 2011 BWA member bodies in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, and Europe saw improvements in giving over the previous year, and has strongly encouraged them and the other regions to build on this improvement.
Jeff Bloomer, who represented BWA Treasurer Carolyn Fossen at recent meetings of the General Council in Chile, urged council members to take personal responsibility by making their own contributions and to encourage others, including member organizations to which they belong, to do so.
Callam noted that the General Council decided that only member organizations that contribute to the BWA will normally receive travel and support scholarships for BWA meetings.
In highlighting the goodwill that the BWA enjoys among Baptists, Callam said, “we have a truly compelling vision and mission that Baptists appreciate and will want to support.”
Baptist World Alliance®
© July 24, 2012