NASHVILLE (BP) – The SBC’s Cooperation Group is asking Southern Baptist churches to complete a survey to provide key information for their research. The group is working to present a report to messengers next June at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis that could reassert or more closely define what it means for a church to be in friendly cooperation with the SBC, SBC President Bart Barber has said.

Texas pastor Jared Wellman is leading the Cooperation Group.

Wellman told Baptist Press the group believes it is “crucial to hear from local churches directly.”

The survey asks churches questions about their understanding of and partnership through the Cooperative Program and their thoughts on the direction of the SBC.

It is being administered by Lifeway Research and is being sent to the email addresses on file for churches with SBC IDs.

“We greatly appreciate Lifeway’s assistance in creating and overseeing the confidential survey,” Wellman said.

If a church does not receive a survey, Wellman said, it could email Lifeway to be added.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – Brandon Porter serves as Associate Vice President for Convention News at the SBC Executive Committee.)