Funding the Mission
The identity of the American Baptist family is built upon personal faith in Jesus Christ and a deep commitment to mission. Our mission budget provides opportunities for congregations to invest in God’s mission.
American Baptist Mission Support (ABMS) is the grand total of all money given by American Baptists for the ministry that God has given to us. Rooted in scripture and God’s love, American Baptists give over $40 million each year to support our shared ministries. These gifts are channeled to programs and people through the following mission giving categories.
Click here to download the 2005 American Baptist Mission Support Brochure.
United Mission is the largest portion of the American Baptist Mission Support budget, and provides the foundation of support for our entire mission. United Mission supports programs, projects, and people in “Jerusalem, in Judea and all Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” United Mission Love Gifts are contributions from American Baptist women in support of American Baptist ministry, given over-and-above United Mission Basics.
The America for Christ offering is the American Baptist response to the needs of home mission within and beyond the local congregation in witness and service for Christ as mandated by the Great Commission. Gifts are channeled through National Ministries and Regional ministries to fund home mission, education, and local community ministries.
The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is the American Baptist response to worldwide disaster relief and development. One Great Hour of Sharing, in cooperation with other denominations, is a channel for national and international aid in times of crisis.
The World Mission Offering is the American Baptist response to the needs of international mission as mandated by the Great Commission in partnership with national Baptist churches in other countries.
The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering is the American Baptist thank you and response to emergency needs of retired ministers, missionaries, and surviving spouses.
Institutional Support is contributions to approved American Baptist institutions, such as seminaries, colleges, homes and hospitals, centers for ministry, and campus ministries.
Specifics are contributions that provide extra money for special needs not related to the budgets of American Baptist ministries. Specifics include new church development, pastoral salary support in the regions, college and seminary scholarships, and camps and conferences. Regional and national boards may validate additional ministries.
