All too often we collect information and it seems it really didn't matter.  The Data Processing Office is working with LifeWay and other states to develop 'data mining' tools that will give back to the churches information about their church which would be helpful for them as they evaluate, plan and serve the Lord.

Over the years Southern Baptists have depended on the Annual Church Profile (ACP) report.  By the very name of the report, it is done annually.  In today's ever changing and rapid developments, waiting a whole year to collect the data, then months of processing before it can be used, seems somewhat archaic. 

While the best solutions are not readily available, work is being done. 

The churches who are so faithful in completing the Annual Church Profile give exisiting data that at times encourages and at other times reminds us that the world is ever increasing in the number of lost men and women.  The numbers bring to us a sense of urgency for lostness and an ever compelling drive to make a difference for the kingdom of our Lord.