TUPELO, Miss. (BP)--Pastors of churches started in the mid-1800s, mid-1900s and the middle of this decade share more than their under-40 age in common: They're all advocates for the Cooperative Program (CP).

CLAY ANTHONY, Richmond Baptist Church, Tupelo, Miss.

At the start of each worship service throughout the year, youngsters are sent into the congregation to find all the change they can. The change is dumped into a 5-gallon water jug near the pulpit. It takes about six weeks to fill a jug, which yields $200 to $300. That money goes toward whichever missions offering is coming up next.

"We're real big on making sure our Southern Baptist missionaries are taken care of," said Clay Anthony, 37, pastor of Richmond Baptist Church. "I want our people to know when you give to Lottie Moon, to the Cooperative Program, it's not just writing a check. You're investing in souls."

Although in need of a new building, Richmond Baptist remains committed to putting love in action through CP and other missions endeavors. Currently about 25 percent of its offerings go toward missions -- including 10 percent

through the Cooperative Program, another 3 percent to the Lee County Baptist Association and hands-on missions and ministry locally, regionally and internationally.

"There are people in South America, Africa, St. Louis, Orlando and Lee County who need Jesus a lot more than we need a building," Anthony said. "If it comes to the Cooperative Program or a fancy chandelier, it's going to missions every time.

"The Cooperative Program makes it possible for us to do a lot more together than we can by ourselves," the pastor continued. "The things that divide certain Southern Baptists are not worth the division they cause versus the togetherness the Cooperative Program brings."

Richmond Baptist, founded in 1843, is the oldest Baptist church in northern Mississippi, predating the formation of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, Anthony said. Of the 120 who worship at the church on Sunday mornings, perhaps five are over 65. The rest are young families who typically did not grow up in church.

"We've increased our budget this year, and increased giving through the Cooperative Program in this economy, and 90 percent of these people are first-generation church growers," the pastor said. "It's wonderful because they don't know what we can't do."

What Richmond Baptist does do, in addition to worshipping God on Sunday mornings, is study His Word on Sunday nights and connect with Him and with people in the community during Wednesday night prayer times -- when prayer needs have been submitted by 60 or more people. Bible Drill is seen as an important part of the church's ministry to children. Ministry to men is seen as a key to reaching entire families.