FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Virginia Baptist ministries next year will be funded essentially at 2013 levels following adoption of a $12,214,00 budget by the Baptist General Association of Virginia Nov. 13.
The 2014 budget, approved at the BGAV’s annual meeting without discussion or opposition, is slightly more than this year’s $12,100,000. The bulk of the $114,000 increase will fund rises in health coverage costs for Virginia Baptist Mission Board staff and insurance premiums on Mission Board properties, budget committee chair David Washburn told participants at the annual meeting.
BGAV treasurer Eddie Stratton fields questions at a breakout session on the 2014 budget. (BGAV photo by Aaron Lee)
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As in previous years, the budget divides allocations between BGAV ministries — which in 2014 will be $8,794,080 — and world mission causes, totaling $3,419,920 next year.
The recommendation continues to offer churches three pre-set giving tracks and a fourth customized option, all of which divide funds between BGAV ministries and national and international causes.
The percentage divisions remain unchanged:
• The World Missions 1 track provides 66 percent for Virginia ministries and 34 percent for Southern Baptist Convention ministries.
• The World Missions 2 track provides 72 percent for BGAV ministries and 28 percent for a combination of Virginia, SBC, CBF and other ministries.
• The World Missions 3 track provides 72 percent for Virginia ministries and 28 percent for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship ministries.
In 2012, BGAV churches funded about 98 percent of the budget and gave over $22,000 more than they had in 2011. At the end of last month, contributions were about $958,000 below year-to-date goals to meet the $12.1 million 2013 budget, with two months remaining in the fiscal year. The contributions were about $550,000 less than they were at the same time last year.
Robert Dilday (rdilday@religiousherald.org) is managing editor of the Religious Herald.