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The Colorado Baptist Convention, in partnership with the North American Mission Board, provides financial resources to select churches and individuals for the purpose of assisting in church planting. Congregational Assistance funds are distributed according to the guidelines established by the North American Mission Board and the Missions Committee of the Colorado Baptist Convention.

Source of Congregational Assistance Funds

Every year, thousands of Southern Baptist Churches give a portion of their weekly offerings to the Cooperative Program (CP).

During the annual meeting of the Colorado Baptist Convention, messengers from your church and other churches across the state decide what percentage of CP Missions gifts contributed by local congregations stays in your state to support local missions and ministries (Currently 70.5% stays in Colorado). The percentage to be forwarded to the SBC for North American and international missions and ministries is also determined at this time (currently 29.5%)

Then, the Southern Baptist Convention determines appropriate percentages for the North American Mission Board, International Mission Board, Seminaries, and other SBC entities.

Additionally, the North American Mission Board receives funding directly from gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. (100% of the AAEO goes to NAMB)

The North American Mission Board receives funding for their national ministry and also distributes funds back to certain states via Missionary Personnel and Congregational Assistance. This is determined each year as the Colorado Baptist Convention and NAMB determine a strategic mission plan. Currently, NAMB funds 87% of strategic mission plan and Colorado funds 13%.

Summary – Congregational Assistance funds are partnership funds of SBC churches, 42 state conventions, the North American Mission Board, and the Colorado Baptist Convention.

Criteria for Receiving Congregational Assistance

The elected trustees of the North American Mission Board, determine the eligibility requirements for Congregational Assistance and allow the Colorado Baptist Convention to make allocations within our state. The general criteria are…

Initial assistance is for congregations less than 3 years old.

Churches must have written growth plans for evangelism, stewardship, discipleship, and ministry outreach as well as a budget.

Congregations receiving assistance must participate in the Cooperative Program.

Monthly progress reports and an annual church profile are to be submitted by the congregation and/or church planter.

The pastor/church planter of the new congregation must meet the eligibility requirements of NAMB approved missionaries. Few exceptions to the following criteria are allowed…

Must affirm the 2002 Baptist Faith & Message

Must abstain from alcohol use, drug use, and the practice of speaking in tongues.

Should not be divorced and remarried.

Process for Applying for Congregational Assistance

Contact your local association to apply for congregational assistance funding. Note that CA funds are not intended to supply all funding needs for a church plant project. Other partnerships with churches, associations, and individuals are encouraged. Additionally, the new congregation is expected to begin contributing immediately to their own financial needs.