Louisville—Kentucky Baptist messengers elected a Louisville pastor and a Western Kentucky director missions as vice presidents during their annual meeting today at Louisville’s Highview Baptist Church.

Nate Bishop, lead pastor of Forest Baptist Church in Louisville, was elected as first vice president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention; and Paxton Redd, director of missions for Little River Baptist Association, was elected as second vice president.

Bishop, who ran against Bob Whitter, pastor of First Baptist Church of Loyall, was nominated for the post by Todd Robertson, director of missions for Louisville Regional Baptist Association. Redd was nominated by Kyle Noffsinger, pastor of Cadiz Baptist Church.

In nominating Bishop, Robertson noted that Bishop has led Forest Church, a predominantly African American congregation, to engage more deeply in both the Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Louisville Regional Baptist Association, both in giving and participation.

“I believe that Nate will bring fresh eyes and great Kingdom vigor to the leadership of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Mission Board,” Robertson said. “His commitment to his family, church, neighborhood and city are clear. His heart for partnership in the gospel through the SBC, KBC and LRBA is strong and growing,” he added.

Redd has been the director of missions for Little River Association for the past year. Before that, he served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church. In nominating Redd, Noffsinger noted that during Redd’s six years at Oak Grove, the church had seen solid growth and improved health.

“At only age 30, he is easily one of our youngest men to serve in this field, and he has already distinguished himself as a man of character and wisdom,” Noffsinger said of Redd. (WR)