Cooperating Church Annual Reports
Link to CCAR Report Page (a new window will open with the report form)
February 12, 2010
Dear Church Secretary, Moderator or Pastor:
Have you ever thought about the idea that numbers are Biblical? If you do a search on any of the Bible study websites and put in the word number or counted, you realize how many people and things were measured throughout the Bible. Age was noted in Genesis, a census was done on Israel's warriors in Numbers, in Chronicles years of reigning kings are recorded, Matthew tells us that even the hairs on our heads are numbered, in Mark we read that five thousand men were fed with the loaves and fishes, Acts gives us the number of believers surrounding Peter and Revelation notes angels numbering thousands upon thousands.
It appears as though numbers are important to God, when explaining or defining situations for us. Since none of us lived in Bible times, God must have known that our desire for information would include a "need to know", when it came to age, size of armies, people listening to Jesus teaching and how many angels might be in heaven.
We all need and use numbers. Last year out of 311 churches in ABCOPAD only 179 returned or submitted online their annual report from 2008. That's only slightly over 50% of our churches who responded. We don't know the total number of members in American Baptist congregations in Pennsylvania and Delaware, we don't know how many baptisms were celebrated in 2008 and we don't how many churches received new members.
The Biblical authors took time to note important numbers and those numbers are a part of our Christian heritage. Please take time to note your numbers. Please fill out your annual report for 2009 and return it or go online to the website at the top of this letter and submit your church's information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Denise Veselicky (412) 687-3940 PghBaptist@aol.com, Carol Bicking (800) 358-6999 cab2644@aol.com or Caryl Casey (800) 932-9442 caryljc@aol.com.
Partnering in Ministry,
Caryl J. Casey, ABCOPAD Treasurer
Downloadable Copy Of The Above Letter
If you do not have a copy of your church's annual report form you can obtain the log in information you require by contacting
Direction To Access ABCIS Website:
It is possible for you as a church leader to view your church's information contained in the American Baptist Churches Information System. Information is available at the American Baptist Churches Information System (ABCIS) website.
www.abcis.org To access the ABCIS website you will need to request a username and password from Caryl Casey, ABCOPAD Treasurer. Email Caryl at CarylJC@aol.com or call (800) 932-9442. Requests will be processed as quickly as possible. Once you have your username and password, you will be able to log into the ABCIS website and view your church information. Security is set up so you can only view your own church data. Once you enter the ABCIS website, it is recommended that you start at the Report Center. If you have questions about the website contact Caryl Casey (information above) or Mark Mahserjian-Smith (msmsmail@abcopad.com) for assistence.
Annual Report Forms and Information
The Annual Report collects statistical, leadership, and financial information. The data is widely used for variety of purpose, including:
* Determining the number of ABC Biennial Delegates for your church
* Regional and national directories
* Statistical reporting both within ABC and in inter-denominational publications
* Congregational Profile reports for pastoral search committees
* Per capita calculations for financial reports and recognitions
Our entire denomination benefits from having the most accurate information possible on our congregations.
On-Line Reporting Forms
You may use the on-line forms to submit your Church Information. Link to CCAR Report Page
(a new window will open with the report form, make sure your pop up blocker is turned off)
1. The website of annualreport.abcis.org reacts best if accessed by internet explorer.
2. The person filling out the form online MUST have a copy of the church's annual report form to access the website. They are asked for the church's pin number but more importantly they must use the church leadership pin to access the login. This means that if a church has any leadership listed, they must use that leadership pin.
3. If a church does not have any leadership listed, they are able to use ABCOPAD's (the Region's Pin). This number will NOT work for them if they have a leadership pin available. Contact Caryl Casey, Denise Veselicky or Mark Mahserjian-Smith to assist with leadership pin number.
If you have question please call Caryl Casey or Denise Veselicky using the contact information listed above.