As Christians, we know God alone deserves all praise and glory, and it is to Him we offer every gift of thanksgiving. God has also called us to give earthly honor where it is due. As we collectively prepare for a new executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, it seems very appropriate to honor Dr. Rick Lance for his leadership, specifically in the Cooperative Program.
For more than 200 years, Alabama Baptists have demonstrated faithfulness to the Great Commission by putting into action the biblical principle of churches working together. It has been proven time and again that the impact of the Gospel message is multiplied far beyond what any single congregation could do alone when we work, pray, serve and give together. Since 1925, the Cooperative Program has been at the center of this shared belief, and the results have been nothing short of miraculous.
Throughout his tenure as executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, Dr. Rick Lance has been a steadfast champion of the Cooperative Program, keeping our focus on our One Mission, The Great Commission, and reminding Alabama Baptists of this truth: Cooperation is not merely a strategy — it is a biblical conviction rooted in the call to make disciples of all nations.
Never Waver: Great Commission Focused
Laser focus on the Great Commission has been one of Dr. Lance’s guiding principles since he came to the helm of the State Board of Missions in 1998. From the early days until now, he has led Alabama Baptists in keeping the Cooperative Program as the sole strategy of funding and a conduit for churches to partner in advancing Gospel work. Rather than focusing on individual recognition or isolated efforts, he has emphasized working together in obedience to Christ’s command in Matthew 28:19–20. It has been with a shepherd’s heart and great encouragement that he has helped guide churches across Alabama to understand that the Cooperative Program is not just a funding mechanism but also a ministry multiplier — one that supports missionaries, church planting, theological education, disaster relief and a wide range of Gospel-centered, Great Commission ministries. This has resulted in Alabama Baptists being a leader in CP giving. Alabama has always been a CP pacesetting state convention, and for the past 25 years we have been #1 or #2 among all Southern Baptists in total Cooperative Program dollars given and #1 for 15 of the last 17 years! We praise the Lord for the blessings of God’s goodness and provision, the generosity of Alabama Baptists and the steadfast leadership of Dr. Lance for making this a reality.
Facilitating Cooperation: Strengthening Gospel Impact
Over the past three decades, it may seem that some have drifted away from cooperation. Alabama Baptists, under Dr. Lance’s steadfast guidance, have continued to embrace our partnership with one another. We continue to be reminded that cooperation is theologically based and practically the most effective means of missions and ministry. We have all been blessed by his fostering relationships among pastors, ministry leaders and congregations. Cooperation has thrived as evidenced by the generous and faithful giving of Alabama Baptist churches. God’s love has been shared across the globe, and ministries have been supported that have brought help in times of dire need.
Moving Forward Together
As churches continue to give, pray and go, they carry forward the legacy of cooperation that Dr. Lance has so faithfully modeled. I have no doubt Alabama Baptists will continue to reach their neighbors, their state, their nation and the ends of the earth with the hope of the Gospel, all to the glory of God! In the days and years ahead, we will continue to reap the fruit of his faithful leadership, with which we have been blessed for the past 28-plus years.
So, on behalf of Alabama Baptists and Southern Baptists everywhere: Thank you, Dr. Lance!
State Missionary Jay Stewart serves Alabama Baptists as director of the Office of Cooperative Program & Church Financial Resources. He may be reached at 1-800-264-1225, ext. 283, or 334-613-2283, [email protected].