For 100 years, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program has been a cornerstone of mission work, uniting churches in their commitment to spreading the gospel. As the SBC celebrates this milestone, Dr. Ken Weathersby, a veteran leader in Baptist life, reflects on its history, impact, and the road ahead.
A Calling to Ministry and Missions
Dr. Weathersby’s journey into the Southern Baptist fold began when he answered the call to ministry. Initially studying at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary, he was encouraged by a professor to further his education to become a missionary. This path led him to Mississippi College and then to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he formally connected with the Southern Baptist Convention.
“My desire was to be a missionary,” Weathersby recalls. “I had to research what was required, and I realized I needed further education. That journey led me into the broader SBC world.”
Over the years, Dr. Weathersby has served in multiple leadership roles, including vice president for convention advancement and global evangelism at the SBC Executive Committee, a professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a strategist at the North American Mission Board (NAMB). His experience has given him a unique perspective on how the Cooperative Program fuels mission work across cultures and nations.
The Cooperative Program: A Kingdom Enterprise
Reflecting on the Cooperative Program’s century-long legacy, Dr. Weathersby describes it as a “kingdom enterprise” designed to maximize gospel impact.
“When the Cooperative Program was established, it was ahead of its time,” he explains. “It allowed churches to pool resources to do more together than they ever could separately. That model has remained effective in making Christ’s name known, not only in our communities but across the nation and the world.”
He points to the early formation of mission boards, such as the Home Mission Board (now NAMB), as a testament to the Cooperative Program’s vision. These organizations helped SBC churches reach diverse populations, including Native Americans, African Americans, and immigrant communities, ensuring that gospel outreach crossed cultural lines.
“Missionaries were placed in areas where individual churches couldn’t go alone,” Weathersby says. “Because of the Cooperative Program, we had national missionaries dedicated to specific people groups—Hispanic, Native American, Asian, and African American communities—ensuring that the gospel reached everyone.”
The Shift in Ministry Mindset
Dr. Weathersby also highlights a shift in how people perceive ministry.
“When I was called into ministry, ‘calling’ was a big word,” he says. “It wasn’t just a career or occupation. It was a divine assignment, and we prepared ourselves accordingly. Today, it seems that some enter ministry as a job rather than a calling, and that’s a concern.”
This shift, he believes, underscores the need for renewed mission education. He argues that understanding the difference between the church and the Kingdom is essential.
“We often mistake the church for the Kingdom, but the church is actually an ambassador for the Kingdom,” he explains. “Jesus didn’t come to establish denominations—He came to bring the Kingdom of God to Earth. Our work, whether in a local church, a state convention, or a mission board, should always be about proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom.”
Looking Ahead: Educating the Next Generation
As the Cooperative Program moves into its second century, Dr. Weathersby emphasizes the need for intentional education about missions and cooperative giving.
“My passion is mission education,” he states. “We need to train the next generation to understand what it means to be a missionary. Who are missionaries? What do they do? How can young people be involved in missions? We must teach this at an early age so that future leaders grasp the importance of the Cooperative Program.”
He praises organizations like the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) for their efforts in raising mission awareness but believes there is still much work to be done.
“We can’t take the Cooperative Program for granted,” he warns. “If we don’t educate the next generation, they may not see the need for it. We need to continue sharing stories of what it has accomplished and what still needs to be done, because there are millions who have yet to hear the name of Christ.”
A Legacy of Faithful Cooperation
Looking back on his decades of service, Dr. Weathersby expresses gratitude for the impact of cooperative missions.
“The Cooperative Program has allowed us to reach places and people groups that individual churches could never reach alone,” he says. “That’s why it’s still relevant today. But its future depends on us continuing to educate, invest, and commit to the Kingdom work ahead.”
As Southern Baptists embark on the next 100 years of cooperation, leaders like Dr. Weathersby remind us of the power of unity in fulfilling the Great Commission. By working together, the SBC can continue making a global impact for Christ, ensuring that the gospel reaches every tribe, tongue, and nation.


