RESOURCES

ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS

REPORTS

CHURCH HEALTH REPORTS

If filling out a paper report, make 2 copies. Mail one to General Baptist Ministries and the other to your associational clerk. If filling out your report online, email or send a printed copy of your report to your associational clerk.

Mail one copy to:

General Baptists Ministries
Attn: Carol Lawrence
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

ASSOCIATION REPORTS

If filling out a paper report, mail to General Baptist Ministries. If filling out your report online, your report will be digitally processed.

Mail one copy to:

General Baptists Ministries
Attn: Carol Lawrence
100 Stinson Drive
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is the purpose of the 2024 Church Health Report?

    The report is designed to assess GBM churches and assist with strategic planning for the next season of ministry. It ensures data provided is complete and accurate for evaluation purposes.

    What contact details are required in the form?

    You need to provide your church’s name, phone number, email, mailing address, and physical address.

    How can GBM assist my ministry in 2025?

    This section allows you to provide specific ways GBM can support your ministry. Fill in your needs or suggestions directly in the provided space.

  • What congregational information should I include?

    Provide details on:

    • Total Members – The sum of all currently active members of your congregation.

    • New Members – The number of members added to your congregation during the year.

    • Average Attendance – Provide data for Sunday Worship and Small Groups attendance.

    • Conversions – Record the number of salvations during the year.

    • Baptisms – Report the number of baptisms conducted.

    • Volunteers – Include the total number of active volunteers.

    • Ordained and Licensed Pastors – Provide relevant counts.

    What financial information is required?

    You need to report:

    • Total Income – Funds received.

    • Total Expenses – Funds spent.

    • Unified Giving – Contributions toward GBM’s Unified Giving program.

    • Global Missions Giving – Contributions to GBM’s Global Missions program.

    • Other Missions/Outreach Giving – Contributions to other mission programs or outreach efforts.

    How should I report members participating in leadership development?

    Include members involved in programs like Church Leadership Networks, Internships, Residencies, or Coaching initiatives. These can include GBM programs, internal development programs, or external leadership development opportunities.

  • How do I indicate church affiliation?

    Circle whether your church is a “Direct Affiliate” or associated with another body. Provide association details, if applicable.

    How do I list delegates and alternates to the local association?

    Fill in the names of delegates and alternates in the provided section.

    How do I report deceased members?

    List names of deceased members in the designated section.

    What leadership roles need to be documented?

    Provide details for the following roles:

    • Pastor (Full-Time or Bi-Vocational)

    • Deacons/Elders/Other Staff

    • Sunday School Superintendent

    • Treasurer

    • Worship Leader

    • Children’s Leader

    • Youth Leader

    • Associate Pastor

    • Clerk

    What information is required for each leader?

    • Name

    • Email Address

    • Mailing Address

    • Phone Number

  • Who should I submit this report to?

    Submit copies to General Baptist Ministries, your Association Clerk (if applicable), and retain one for your records.

    What is the deadline for submitting the form?

    Forms should be returned by the end of January if possible. Contact General Baptist Ministries directly for additional details at (573) 785-7746.

GENERAL BAPTIST PENSION TRUST

General Baptist Pension Trust was established in 1968 as a vehicle to provide retirement benefits to employees of General Baptist churches as well as employees of denominational and institutional ministries. The Pension Trust is an IRS Section 401(a) money purchase plan whereby the employer contributes 5% of the participant’s salary on a pre-tax basis and the employee contributes a minimum of 2% on an after-tax basis. The employee can contribute a maximum of 20% of their salary.

All contributions are fully vested upon entry, so your money is protected. Participants also have the opportunity to select their own portfolio mix through American Funds. Currently, nearly 30 mutual funds are available.

  • This retirement program is available to all General Baptist pastors, church staff, missionaries, church planters, and employees of denominational ministries.

  • General Baptist Ministries’ retirement plan offers a

    benefit that no other retirement planning tool can. Pastors may designate up to 100% of their pension benefit as housing allowance upon distribution. No federal income tax is due on the portion of your pension you designate as housing.

  • The trust operates at a minimal administrative expense, but a professional advisor is available to assist you with investment options. Erick Kirkman and Amy Deken of Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre, LLCis always ready to answer questions and discuss the possibilities with you so you can make informed decisions about your future.

If you are interested to learn more, click below to send us an email and take your first step.