One Sacred Effort: The Cooperative Program of Southern Baptists

by Chad Brand, David Hankins

The preamble of the original constitution of the Southern Baptist Convention describes the purpose of the SBC as “eliciting, combining, and directing the energies of the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation of the Gospel.” These words are not only historically significant; they convey the mission and purpose and distill the distinct facets of the SBC Cooperative Program. One Sacred Effort looks close at this unique and enduring ministry operation.

Genres: Christian, Church History, History, Christianity

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nathaniel Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is replete with influential figures in the Southern Baptist Denomination. These people contributed much to the formation of American character. This is the story of the joint giving program within the Southern Baptist denomination.

But is shows more than the flow of money. Following the money reveals much about the shaping of the larger umbrella organization of the Southern Baptists. I believe the Southern Baptist Convention is a 3-day organization, and this is the extent of the legal existence of that body.

Baptists stick closely to Scripture, and seeing no larger, umbrella organization in the New Testament Church, cannot justify one of the sort Presbyterians and others take as normal. All the giving is done on a voluntary basis, from individual churches. There is no higher authoritative organization than the individual church.

This is useful in many ways, as a check against corruption and power abuse. For one thing, it makes large-scale scandal and corruption, which we see with the Roman Catholic church and Boy Scouts of America, impossible. Though he may be charismatic, one fallen preacher does not sink the whole ship. There is something to be said for that.

And when one church does have problems, criticism is quick from neighboring churches, as is defection to neighbors. This institutional level instantiation of the individual command for "one Christian to sharpen another" works well, I think.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid work regarding the history of cooperation in churches throughout history as well as among Southern Baptists. A very helpful work.

[William Marr · Rating 2 out of 5]

It serves its purpose, but could be more effective and engaging. I found that the first few chapters could be greatly condensed. The more practical sections of the book are outdated leaving me wondering what the actual current state of the SBC/Cooperative Program is rather than its state in 2004. I don’t hold this against it, but an updated edition is needed.

[Michael Cash · Rating 2 out of 5]

An unfortunate combination for any author is first a tendency to include too much information, and second to repeat that information. Oy vey.

There is however, presented here some quite interesting history of Southern Baptist Convention history, theology, and current challenges.

[Scott Sheppard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very historic view of the Christian faith with an emphasis on Baptists. The second part of the book emphasizes how the Cooperative Program came to be and then how it serves Baptists and looks to the future.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative. Just, not exactly a lively read.

[Nate Weis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good information, but about as fun to read as watching paint dry.

[Landon Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

🥱

[Thomas Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated but it’s a good read on the history of Baptist thought and tradition in terms of missionary alliances. The author portrays the current state of the Southern Baptist Convention and its respective entities, and he emphasizes the importance of continuing of the local church continuing to support missions through the Cooperative Program.

[Jim Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good History

A well written and concise his of SB and the development of the CP. Then it gets bogged down trying to argue for its existence as the reason for Southern Baptist.

[David Watson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read multiple chapters wondering "What does this have to do with the Cooperative Program?" Could tell this book was written by a rabbit-chasing, long-winded Southern Baptist.