Cooperative Baptist Fellowship cuts jobs

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship said it eliminated 13 positions and re-classified one in response to ongoing revenue shortfalls.

The organization, a fellowship of Baptist churches and individuals, said its fiscal 2010-2011 budget is $14.5 million, about 20 percent lower than the previous fiscal year's budget. So far this fiscal year, revenue has been nearly 20 percent below  the budget.

Two of the eliminated positions will become contract jobs. In the past, the CBF has reduced grants to its partners and reduced program funding, salaries and benefits. The changes were a result of  economy and financial challenges of the churches and individual members. Ninety percent of the CBF's funding comes from member churches.