Every year about this time, you receive a packet containing the Annual Church Profile (ACP). Perhaps, if you’ve received this packet before, you have wondered whether it is worth your time to complete and submit this information given what I’m sure is already a packed schedule. Why should you take the time to research and then provide statistical data about things like worship attendance, missions participation, and baptisms especially with all the competing priorities for your time?
Firstly, the ACP is one of the most basic data-gathering tools in the SBC. It is through this process that we in the associational office as well as in other areas of the SBC keep track of vital statistics in the church. This data is extremely helpful as we seek to facilitate helpful cooperation between churches. The ACP is also helpful in giving a snapshot of trends in Southern Baptist Churches, which in turn helps us know the best way to direct our resources, events, training, and other avenues of service. Finally, it is the information you provide on the ACP that determines your church’s messenger eligibility to the Southern Baptist Convention.
But beyond all of those things, the Annual Church Profile is a chance for you, as a church leader, to objectively examine how and where God is at work in your congregation. Sometimes, as church leaders, we can develop a strong sense of tunnel vision. We get fixated on the current need, the current opportunity, or the current decision point that we lose sight of everything that has happened over the past year. This profile is not just a chance to provide statistics; it's an opportunity for both evaluation and celebration in the life of the local church.
Yes, it takes time. But view the time it takes to complete this packet not as an infringement on other priorities, but as the priority for reflection and cooperation it is. If you haven't already, please complete the Annual Church Profile and return it to the associational office as soon as you can.
Michael Kelley
NBA Executive Director