Florence—Kentucky Baptist churches will celebrate 14,456 baptisms last year—the highest number since 2012—and reaching a historic milestone of contributing more in a single year through the Cooperative Program when they meet Nov. 15 at Florence Baptist Church.
“The cooperative mission work of Kentucky Baptists is flourishing,” said Kentucky Baptist Convention Executive Director Paul Chitwood. “We are looking forward to giving praise to God for what our churches are doing to share the gospel throughout our state, the nation and the world.”
Churches that significantly helped Kentucky Baptists exceed expectations will be recognized during the annual meeting for leading the state in baptisms, missions work and missions giving.
One individual will be honored with the Distinguished Cooperative Program Leader Award for lifelong devotion to the Cooperative Program, the primary means for supporting the work of Southern Baptist missionaries and missions.
“What we’re seeing are the fruits of Kentucky Baptists being obedient to what Jesus called them to do: Share the gospel,” Chitwood said.
Kentucky Baptists will also have opportunities to be a part of evangelistic initiatives while attending the annual meeting. The first is a challenge to join the convention in collecting 2,000 hospice buckets that can be used by missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa share the gospel with AIDS patients. The second is to participate in Crossover, a missions outreach to residents in the Florence area.
One of the highlights of the one-day meeting will be the convention sermon from North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell, a former Kentuckian who previously served as lead pastor of Highview Baptist Church in Louisville.
Meanwhile, messengers from affiliated Kentucky Baptist churches will elect new convention officers and approve a $23.2 million missions budget.
“Come and be a witness to the good work being done in the name of our Savior, and join us as we rejoice in God working through His people to reach Kentucky and the world for Christ,” Chitwood urged.
For more information about the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting and related activities, visit www.kybaptist.org/annualmeeting. (KBC)