GOTM UP 5.3 PERCENT

Baptist and Reflector

BRENTWOOD — When the books closed on Aug. 31 for the 2015-16 Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions, the final tally for the year totaled $1,713,258.

The total was a 5.3 percent increase over the amount given for the 2014-15 GOTM. In addition, 1,220 churches gave to the offering in 2015-16, a net increase of 44 over the previous year.

This year’s increase is an important step as Tennessee Baptists move forward in their GOTM goal of realizing an increase in annual giving for the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions that reaches at least $3 million by 2024 (Objective 5).

“It has been nothing short of miraculous to see Tennessee Baptists giving financial support at a near record level through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions,” said TBC Executive Director Randy C. Davis.

“As we move toward doubling our GOTM giving by 2024, we rejoice that 44 more churches participated this year than the previous year in our state missions offering. Thank you Tennessee Baptists for your generous hearts,” he said.

Vickie Anderson, executive director of Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union, also expressed gratitude for the offering increase.

“As we celebrate the second highest offering ever given in the 113-year history of our state missions offering, we are also rejoicing that more people and churches are engaged in praying for, giving to, and serving through ministries all across Tennessee that are meeting needs and helping to lead people to be saved, baptized, and discipled,” she said.