FRESNO—California Southern Baptist Convention offices in Fresno will be closed on Fridays, effective July 1, due to 2010 giving shortfalls.

According to Mike McCullough, associate executive director and chief operating officer, a drop in Cooperative Program giving is the reason for this new schedule which will result in an annual savings of about $90,000 through reductions in salaries based on hours worked and utility costs.

“This action alters the work schedule of the Convention’s support staff,” according to McCullough. He explained that support staff will now be working a maximum of 36 hours weekly. Office hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

McCullough also explained ministerial staff will not be impacted by the reduction of work hours. “The ministerial staff is our primary resource for serving churches. They are expected to be available at all times. The decision to alter operating hours will not impact our primary mission of serving churches,” he stressed.

The reduction of operating hours will assist the Convention in addressing significant reductions in giving through the Cooperative Program, the primary source of funding for CSBC ministries. If giving remains consistent for the remainder of 2010, gifts will be $1.2 million less than in 2008 when the economic downturn began. The Executive Board budget was reduced by $166,000 in 2009 and by $470,000 for 2010. Current giving levels will lead to an additional reduction of about $500,000 in the 2011 budget.

“The realities of our economy and giving patterns of our churches are leading the Convention to reduce expenses, and now hours of operation. More expense cutting will be needed this year to bring operations in line with the resources being provided by the churches.

“Please pray with us as we seek the best solutions to this challenge,” McCullough requested.