Leaders of the Baptist World Alliance heard a positive financial report during a meeting of the group's executive committee March 7-9 in McLean.
Despite large reductions in the group's budget over recent years-including a $425,000 annual loss as a result of the Southern Baptist Convention's withdrawal-the group's revenue in 2004 was more than $500,000 greater than in 2003. And the BWA came in more than $561,000 over budget for 2004.
Ellen Teague, the BWA's finance director, attributed much of that increase to generous giving by local churches. Last year, the BWA began allowing local churches to become “associate members,” and more than 300 local churches-including SBC congregations-have sent contributions directly to the BWA.
Associated Baptist Press