SBC membership reaches all-time high of 16.2 million
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Membership in Southern Baptist churches reached a record 16,247,736 in 2002, a 1.21 percent increase over the previous year, or 194,816 additional members.
The total number of churches grew to 42,775, a 1.04 percent increase, or 441 churches more than the 2001 total of 42,334. At the same time, church-type missions operated by churches grew 10.26 percent to a total of 5,439, an increase of 506.
LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention compiles the Annual Church Profile from church reports routed through local Baptist associations and state conventions.
While membership grew, the number of baptisms -- 394,893 -- reflected a decline of 0.26 percent or 1,037.
...
