» View the honor roll.

In the book of Acts, we find a stirring example of early believers caring for one another within a congregation by “selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need” (Acts 2:45). Later, in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle commends the congregations in Macedonia for joyfully and sacrificially assisting the church in Jerusalem, and urges the congregation in Corinth “to also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). And again in Philippians 4, Paul thanks the congregation in Philippi for sharing in “giving and receiving” in his missionary efforts to start new churches and refers to their financial gifts as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:15,18).

These biblical instances of generosity within and among congregations were motivated by a deep commitment to spiritual kinship or “community.” Two thousand years later, Brethren in Christ churches continue to practice spiritual kinship within congregations in various ways and among congregations through Cooperative Ministries. For more than 20 years, Cooperative Ministries has provided a practical way for congregations to help one another and work together as a family or “community” of congregations.

Participation in Cooperative Ministries is one facet of what it means for a congregation to be healthy—to be alive, fruitful, and dynamic. Every Brethren in Christ congregation is expected to be engaged in both local and “extended family” aspects of our common life and mission, including

• supporting the pastoral staff at recommended levels,
• participating in regional and general conference gatherings, and
• contributing at least 10-12% to Cooperative Ministries.

We rejoice in congregations that are actively investing in the message and mission of the wider Brethren in Christ family. The commitment of every church matters as together we seek to advance Kingdom goals.