CKNB Spring Gathering Celebrates Unity, Vision, and New Leadership

Edgewood Baptist Church | Nicholasville, KY | The Central Kentucky Network of Baptists (CKNB) gathered on Monday evening, April 13, 2026, at Edgewood Baptist Church in Nicholasville for its Spring Gathering—an important semi-annual meeting focused on worship, encouragement, collaboration, and shared vision for the future.

Representatives from churches across Central Kentucky came together for an evening marked by meaningful updates, Kingdom celebration, and a historic step forward in the leadership of the Network.

Nicholasville's Edgewood Baptist Church was a wonderful host for this year's Spring Gathering. Pastor Steve Gray and congregation were extremely hospitable.

A Night of Worship, Reports, and Kingdom Vision

The evening began at 6:30 PM with a time of welcome and worship, setting a tone of unity and shared mission. Through Scripture, prayer, and song, attendees were reminded of the Network’s collective calling to connect, equip, assist, and support churches across the region.

Following the opening, the gathering moved into a time of business and reporting. Previous meeting minutes were affirmed, and key updates were shared reflecting the continued health, stewardship, and collaborative impact of the Network.

Ministry on Campus: UK BCM Update

Daniel Johnson, Director of the University of Kentucky Baptist Campus Ministries (UKBCM), was invited to share about the work taking place on campus. He reported that several students have trusted Christ as Savior over the past year, along with the formation of many meaningful discipleship relationships.

Johnson also extended an invitation to church leaders to attend UKBCM’s Tuesday night worship gatherings and outlined clear pathways for local churches to partner with BCM in ministering to students during their time in Lexington. His report highlighted the vital role campus ministry plays in reaching and discipling the next generation.

The Network at Work

A highlight of the evening came through a series of ministry updates that vividly illustrated “the Network at work” across Central Kentucky and beyond.

Special recognition was given to Pam Polkey, CKNB Compassion Ministries Director, who was recently honored as Missionary of the Year at the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) Annual Banquet. The Network celebrated this well-deserved recognition with gratitude, noting how her faithful leadership and compassion-centered ministry represent the heart of CKNB. Her participation on the evening’s panel further reflected her dedication and impact, offering a clear picture of how God is working through Compassion Ministries.

Additional reports provided insight into the breadth of ministry happening across the Network:

• CJ Pearce shared updates on upcoming networking opportunities and leadership development events designed to strengthen and equip church leaders throughout the region. He also highlighted the upcoming season of the Together for the Bluegrass Podcast, which continues to serve as a valuable resource for encouragement, storytelling, and ministry insight.

• Steve Bruce reported on the ongoing work of the Barnabas Team, emphasizing their commitment to encouraging pastors and ministry leaders through intentional care, support, and relationships.

• David Barron offered an encouraging update on a developing partnership between CKNB and 20 Schemes, a mission organization committed to taking the Gospel to some of the hardest and most underserved regions of Scotland. This partnership reflects the Network’s growing vision for both local and global Kingdom impact.

Together, these reports painted a compelling picture of a Network actively engaged in strengthening churches, supporting leaders, and advancing the Gospel.

Welcoming a New Partner Church

Another joyful moment in the evening came as the Network unanimously affirmed The Holy Church of Our Lord Jesus, Inc. as the newest affiliate church of the CKNB.

The church’s pastor and his family were present for the gathering and greeted those in attendance with encouragement and visible excitement for this new partnership. Their addition reflects the continued growth of the Network and a shared commitment to Gospel-centered ministry across Central Kentucky.

David Barron and Steve Price pray over our newest affiliate Church, The Holy Church of Our Lord Jesus, a Congolese Congregation.

Task Force Report and Leadership Milestone

A central moment of the evening came with the presentation of the Task Force report. After a season of prayerful evaluation and discernment, the Task Force brought forward a leadership recommendation for the consideration of the Network.

That recommendation, the approval of David Barron as the next Executive Director of the CKNB was affirmed with strong, unified support by the messengers in attendance.

This decision marks a significant and hopeful milestone for the Network. Barron’s leadership has already been characterized by relational strength, clear vision, and a deep commitment to the mission of CKNB. His affirmation reflects both continuity and a forward-looking confidence in what God will continue to do through the Network.

Following the vote, the room responded with encouragement and a moment of prayer was held, expressing support for Barron and his family as he steps into this role.

Newly approved Executive Director, David Barron, offers words of gratitude to those in attendance for approving his appointment. CKNB President, Steve Price, looks on.

Looking Ahead

As the evening concluded, the Spring Gathering once again demonstrated the strength of partnership within the CKNB. Through worship, shared stories, and unified decisions, the Network was reminded of the power of working together for the sake of the Gospel.

With new leadership affirmed, faithful service honored, and a growing Network of partner churches, the CKNB moves forward with confidence—committed to equipping churches, strengthening leaders, and advancing Kingdom work throughout Central Kentucky and beyond.