CKNB Churches Honored for Impact and Growth at Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting

by Derek Holmes

CKNB Communications Specialist

[COLD SPRING, KY] The Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC) held its 188th Annual Meeting this week at First Baptist Church, celebrating the remarkable achievements of churches across the state. Among those recognized, several churches from the Central Kentucky Network of Baptist (CKNB) stood out for their dedication to baptisms, missions, revitalization, and generous giving. These honors highlight the vibrant faith and commitment within the CKNB community as they continue to advance the Great Commission in Kentucky.

Celebrating Baptism Growth in Kentucky

One of the most inspiring recognitions at the meeting was for baptisms, a key indicator of spiritual growth and outreach success. The KBC honored the top baptizing churches in six regions based on data collected from September 2023 through August 2024.

The Mission Church of Lexington, part of the CKNB, earned the distinction of being the top baptizing church by ratio. Under the leadership of Pastor Donovan Stewart, The Mission Church has seen a significant number of new believers baptized relative to its size. This achievement reflects the church’s strong focus on sharing the Gospel and welcoming new members into the faith community.

Pastor Stewart and the congregation expressed excitement about this honor but remain focused on the future. They are committed to continuing their efforts to reach more people in Lexington with the message of Christ, embodying the call to spread the Gospel faithfully.

Recognizing Generous Giving and Support

Giving through the Cooperative Program is vital for supporting missions, church planting, and ministry efforts across Kentucky and beyond. At the Annual Meeting, two other CKNB churches from Lexington were recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Immanuel Baptist Church and Porter Memorial Baptist Church both ranked among the top three churches in total Cooperative Program giving for the past year. This level of generosity demonstrates their commitment to supporting the broader mission of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

Porter Memorial Baptist Church also received special recognition for surpassing the $10 million mark in total historical giving. This milestone reflects decades of faithful stewardship and partnership in Kingdom work.

Welcoming New Churches to the KBC Family

The Annual Meeting was also a time to celebrate growth in the network itself. Two new CKNB churches were officially approved for affiliation with the Kentucky Baptist Convention: Lexington Jyoti Baptist Church and City of Refuge Church.

These new affiliations strengthen the CKNB network and expand the reach of the KBC’s mission throughout the region. Welcoming new churches brings fresh energy and opportunities for collaboration in ministry and outreach.

The Power of Partnership in Kingdom Work

The recognitions at this year’s Annual Meeting underscore the strength of the CKNB network and the impact of churches working together. Each church’s efforts in baptisms, missions, revitalization, and giving contribute to a larger movement advancing the Gospel in Kentucky.

The CKNB expresses deep gratitude to all partner churches for their faithfulness and partnership. Together, these churches accomplish more than they could alone, building a stronger community of faith and service.

Looking Ahead with Hope and Purpose

The honors received by CKNB churches at the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting are a testament to their dedication and impact. These achievements encourage continued focus on outreach, discipleship, and generosity.

As the Mission Church of Lexington and other CKNB congregations look forward, they remain committed to growing their ministries and welcoming more people to faith in Christ. The future holds great promise for expanding the Kingdom through faithful service and partnership.

The Kentucky Baptist Convention and the CKNB network stand united in their mission to support churches in their efforts to share the Gospel, baptize new believers, and serve communities across the state. This year’s recognitions are a clear sign of progress and hope for what lies ahead.