FLORENCE, Ky. – Kentucky’s largest religious organization gathers in Florence later this month, likely making an impact on the local economy and spiritual lives of residents.

“We realize it’s a boon for Florence hotels, restaurants and other businesses to have so many people coming to town, and we’re pleased to be helpful in that way,” said Kentucky Baptist Convention Executive Director Paul Chitwood. “But the greatest impact we could hope to have on Florence will come from our coming along side area churches to share the gospel with the people who live there.”

At the daylong conference on Nov. 15, Kentucky Baptists will celebrate their growing influence with increases in baptisms, charitable contributions and welcoming several new churches to the list of nearly 2,400 congregations already served by the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

Florence Mayor Diane Whalen extended a warm welcome to visiting guests.

“We are pleased that Kentucky Baptists selected the city of Florence and the Florence Baptist Church to host their 179th Give Hope Annual Meeting,” Whalen said. “Florence has a multitude of great restaurants, shops, hotels, theaters and other entertainment to choose from. Our hope is that all the visitors enjoy their stay here and we welcome them to come back to see us again.”

More than 1,200 attended the meeting when it was last held in Florence in 2011.

“We truly appreciate the economic impact that such a meeting will have,” said Trey Grayson, president and CEO of Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Grayson said he hopes visitors have a great time experiencing all the region has to offer – on both sides of the Ohio River – including nearby Creation Museum and Ark Encounter.

In addition to hosting the annual meeting, Florence Baptist Church will be the venue for the Kentucky Baptist Pastors’ Conference on the day before the annual meeting.

Many local churches are planning revival services and outreach events to coincide with the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, said Jim Woolums, Northern Kentucky Baptist Association director of missions.

On Nov. 12, Kentucky Baptists plan to prayer walk parts of Florence while others simultaneously do the same in Covington, Crescent Springs, Dayton, Erlanger, Independence, Ludlow and Newport.

Chitwood said he is looking forward to sharing all the good work Kentucky Baptists are doing in the name of Christ.

“We are excited to be able to report on the growing impact of our churches,” Chitwood said, “and that God continues to use their labors to bring the lost to Christ and give birth to new Kentucky Baptist churches across the state.”

The Kentucky Baptist Convention reported 14,456 baptisms in 2015, the highest number since 2012. Members of those churches also increased charitable giving for worldwide missions, totaling more than $31 million the past fiscal year.