Northern Kentucky—Much like the rest of the state, a majority of Northern Kentucky’s 370,000 residents are lost and in need of the gospel, said a Kentucky Baptist missions leader.

“The hearts of our pastors are breaking. They’ve heard the statistics; they know that thousands are headed toward an eternity apart from Christ,” said Doug Williams, missions strategist at the Kentucky Baptist Convention. “Kentucky’s pastors want to make a kingdom impact, it’s just knowing where to start.”

Williams estimated that about half of people living in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties are “religiously unaffiliated.”

In an effort to help pastors reach their Judea for Christ, Williams said the KBC’s missions mobilization team has organized a series of lostness vision tours called Engage KY. The next tour will be held in northern Kentucky March 20-21.

A second spring vision tour is scheduled for Lexington on May 18-19.

Through panel discussions and bus tours, Williams said Engage KY participants learn about the unique ethnic and socio-economic make-up of their region. They also are introduced to local churches and ministries seeking to cultivate lasting, gospel-centered partnerships.

Last fall, a packed travel bus toured Louisville’s international refugee and low-income communities, stopping along the way at several Muslim mosques and Buddhist temples to pray. During the two-day event, participants heard about several short- and long-term church discipleship opportunities.

“The Great Commission calls us to be holistic in our approach—sharing the gospel in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the nations,” Williams said. “Carrolton, Florence or Maysville may be your Jerusalem, but all of Northern Kentucky is your Judea. Think of what God could do if churches intentionally engaged this region with the gospel.”

Engage KY: Northern Kentucky is designed for pastors, directors of missions and missions leaders. The first 40 registered participants will receive free accommodations. To register, go to www.kybaptist.org/engage. Deadline is March 19. (KBC)