The Real Reason IMB Is Cutting Missionaries

How many missionaries would have to be cut if our churches were giving 10% through the Cooperative Program?

by Rod D. Martin
September 8, 2015

David Platt sent an open letter to Southern Baptists last week about IMB's plans to cut 600-800 staff positions, most of them missionaries, to close the agency's ongoing $20+ million annual deficit, now reaching a cumulative $210 million.

Platt addresses the matters ably. But the real question is this: How many missionaries would have to be cut if our churches were giving 10% through the Cooperative Program?

Answer: Precisely zero.

Folks, let's be frank. The state conventions have all cut sacrificially. Florida alone has gone from keeping 2/3 of CP money to sending 51% away. Jobs have been cut, buildings are being sold, all to put more money into missions, at home and abroad. And a lot more money IS getting to missions.

But while the conventions are being faithful, most of our pastors are keeping their cash at home -- or designating it to projects of their own choosing -- something most of them would tell us as individuals was sinful.

Isn't it time our past…