By Jeff Huett

Lea la narrativa del presupuesto en español aqui.

DECATUR, Ga. – Cooperative Baptists attending General Assembly June 28-30 in Atlanta will vote on a budget proposal approved by the CBF Governing Board that reflects both words in the “Holy Ambition” theme for the 2023 General Assembly. 
 
“It’s holy in the sense that we understand God to be present in it, especially in the wisdom, discernment and good judgment given to our leaders, as the budget was being prepared,” said Juan García, chair of the CBF Governing Board’s Finance Committee. “It’s also holy in the sense that it pursues initiatives, ministries and collaborations that will make possible for the continuation of the proclamation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, both domestically and abroad. 

“It’s ambitious in its anticipation of a $750,000 increase in unrestricted income to support CBF Ministries and Mission and an increase of $315,000 in Global Missions to sustain the presence of our field personnel, to commission two new ones, and to make possible the anticipated policy changes impacting the compensation structure and housing benefits for field personnel,” García said. “And it’s ambitious in the sense that it shows us to be in the forefront to support our ministers and congregations with the tools needed to prepare themselves for thriving ministry amid the challenging times in which we live.”  

The projected increase for CBF Ministries and Mission reflects continued modest growth in contributions from congregations, as well as cautious estimates for success in fundraising strategies focused on individual donors.  
 
The revenue total for the Offering for Global Missions reflects the actual cost of sustaining the presence of CBF’s field personnel around the world. That number has increased this year because of the commissioning of new field personnel and anticipated policy changes impacting the compensation structure and housing benefit for field personnel. 

Nearly all increases in expenditures in this year’s budget are in areas funded by restricted revenue (not unrestricted revenue). The only increases in spending associated with unrestricted revenue are increases budgeted for health insurance, funds for compensation bonuses and fixed costs. 

The CBF 2024 fiscal year budget proposal is available at www.cbf.net/budget. A budget summary document is available, as well as a detailed narrative that explains both revenue and expenditure projections.  

CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley said that the “priorities and practices that emerged several years ago in the Toward Bold Faithfulness process continue to guide our life and work, and they are fully reflected in this budget.” 

“I am grateful to our staff, the Finance Committee of our Governing Board and our entire board for their diligent work in preparing this budget,” Baxley said. “Through this budget, our Fellowship continues to invest in the strengthening of Global Missions, expanding ways we join states, regions and partner organizations to respond to the needs of congregations and their leaders all the while continuing to prioritize the growth of our Fellowship. We welcome opportunities both before and during General Assembly to respond to questions regarding this proposal.” 

Voting on the budget proposal will occur during the business plenary session of the 2023 General Assembly at 9:30 a.m. Eastern on Friday, June 30. A breakout session to discuss the budget proposal is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Thursday, June 29, in The Learning Center. 

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CBF is a Christian network that helps people put their faith to practice through ministry efforts, global missions and a broad community of support. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.