CKNB Fall Gathering Celebrates Kingdom Partnerships, Ministry Growth, and a Renewed Call for Unity
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Pastors, church leaders, and messengers from across Central Kentucky gathered Monday evening, October 12, at Grace Baptist Church in Lexington for the 2026 Central Kentucky Network of Baptists (CKNB) Fall Gathering. The evening was marked by encouraging reports of Gospel advancement, the celebration of new partnerships, and a renewed call for unity among the churches of the Network.
Celebrating a Growing Network
One of the evening's highlights was the unanimous decision to welcome Emmanuel Baptist Church of Powell County as the newest member congregation of CKNB!
Emmanuel Baptist brings a passion for reaching its local community with the Gospel, along with a strong commitment to international missions, particularly through its involvement in Brazil. CKNB is grateful for this new partnership and looks forward to many years of working together for Kingdom advancement throughout Central Kentucky and around the world.
Encouraging Reports of Gospel Advancement
Throughout the evening, messengers heard encouraging reports highlighting the ways God is working through churches and ministry partnerships across the Network.
Pastor Bryan Watts shared an update from Porter Memorial Baptist Church's Jessamine Station campus, reporting steady growth in attendance and celebrating the many individuals who are coming to faith in Jesus Christ through the ministry.
Executive Director David Barron, reporting on behalf of Pastor Khum Hauzel, shared encouraging news from Cross Culture Church, where an increasing number of people are beginning to attend worship services. The church also extended an invitation to individuals and leaders throughout the Network who would like to visit a worship gathering or explore opportunities to assist in worship leadership.
Daniel Johnson, representing the University of Kentucky Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM), reported that nearly 30 students have professed faith in Christ since the beginning of the academic year. He expressed gratitude for the ministry's growing impact, particularly in connecting with incoming freshmen. Johnson also invited pastors and church leaders to attend a BCM gathering to build relationships with students, emphasizing his desire to see students connected with and serving in local churches throughout the Network.
Dr. Kyle Sullivan introduced the CKNB Bible Institute, a promising new initiative focused on providing theological training and equipping international pastors and lay leaders for faithful ministry. The Institute represents another opportunity for CKNB to extend its impact through leadership development and biblical education.
Together, these reports offered a powerful reminder of the diverse ways Network churches and ministry partners are making disciples, developing leaders, and reaching communities with the Gospel.
Strengthening the Network for the Future
CKNB Executive Director David Barron provided an update on the ongoing work of the Network, including the recent hiring of Derek Holmes as Network Ministry Director. Holmes will serve in a part-time capacity, assisting Barron with administrative leadership and supporting the Network's growing ministry efforts.
During the business session, messengers received an encouraging financial report reflecting the Network's strong financial position, made possible through the faithful partnership giving of its member churches. The proposed 2027 CKNB budget was unanimously approved, affirming the churches' continued commitment to supporting cooperative ministry throughout Central Kentucky.
A Call to Pursue Unity
One of the evening's most meaningful moments came during the presidential address from outgoing CKNB President Steve Price, who challenged those gathered to recognize the importance of Christian love and unity as a defining characteristic of the Network.
"The greatest testimony of our Network should be that we chose to love and pursued unity within the body of Christ," Price shared.
His remarks served as a timely reminder that while CKNB churches represent a diversity of congregations, communities, and ministry contexts, they remain united by a common faith in Jesus Christ and a shared commitment to His mission.
The evening also marked a transition in Network leadership as Price concluded his term as president and passed the gavel to incoming President Shane Maples. CKNB expresses its sincere gratitude to Price for his faithful leadership and service, while looking forward to the continued work of the Network under Maples' leadership.
Worshiping Together as One Body
The gathering was enriched by passionate, Christ-centered worship led by the University of Kentucky Baptist Campus Ministries Worship Team. Through their musical leadership, the team helped direct the hearts of those gathered toward the Lord and the Gospel that unites His people.
CKNB extends a special word of appreciation to these talented young leaders for sharing their gifts and leading the Network in worship. Their participation also provided a wonderful reminder of the importance of investing in the next generation of Christian leaders through collegiate ministry.
Special thanks are also extended to Grace Baptist Church for graciously hosting this year's gathering and providing a welcoming environment for fellowship, worship, and Network business.
Moving Forward Together
As the 2026 Fall Gathering concluded, the evening offered much to celebrate and even more to anticipate. From new believers coming to faith in Christ and growing church plants to emerging ministry partnerships and opportunities for leadership development, the reports reflected God's continued faithfulness throughout Central Kentucky.
Perhaps most importantly, the gathering reinforced a truth at the heart of the Network's mission: We can accomplish more together than we can alone.
With gratitude for the faithful partnership of its churches and a renewed commitment to pursuing unity in Christ, CKNB looks forward to another year of working together to advance the Gospel in Central Kentucky and beyond.
Comments