Central Kentucky Network of Baptists Celebrates Growth and Vision at Spring Gathering

[Nicholasville, KY] The Central Kentucky Network of Baptists (CKNB) held its Spring Gathering at Porter at Jessamine Station in Nicholasville—a vibrant new church plant already experiencing encouraging growth and momentum in its first year. Porter Jessamine Station stands as a testament to the bold and kingdom-minded decision of Brookside Baptist Church to gift their property and facility to a church plant to ensure that a gospel light would continue to shine from that location after they closed their doors. It also stands as a beautiful example of the work being done through the CKNB Replant and Revitalization team (The Barnabas Team) to strengthen the church in Central Kentucky.

The meeting opened with a devotional from President-Elect Steve Price, Pastor of Grace Baptist in Lexington. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5–6, Price emphasized the importance of trusting the Lord fully and serving with open hearts and hands. His message set the tone for a meeting focused on unity, service, and future vision.

President-Elect Steve Price (Grace Baptist, Lexington) offered a timely devotion from the book of Proverbs to call the meeting to order.

Following the devotional, members unanimously approved the previous meeting minutes and the Financial Report presented by Treasurer Bill Ellis of Immanuel Baptist in Lexington. Ellis reported that financial support remains strong and the network is operating well within budget.

The "Network at Work" panel highlighted key ministry efforts and updates. Pastor Josh Ancello (Central Baptist, Paris) spoke about a recent trip to the NAMB Replant Lab in Alpharetta, which deepened his appreciation for church revitalization efforts. He noted how associations like CKNB can be instrumental in helping churches regain health and focus on Gospel mission.

CJ Pearce (left) led a panel discussion on the current work being done in the CKNB. Panel Guests (RtoL Josh Ancello, Pam Polkey, Steve Price & Derek Holmes)

Pam Polkey, Director of Compassion Ministries, shared updates on upcoming addiction recovery events designed to equip church leaders and members to respond with compassion and practical support.

Steve Price also updated the network on the development of the Grace Ministry Center—an initiative in partnership with Grace Baptist and CKNB. The center aims to be a strategic hub for ministry, church planting, and international congregations. He announced that a formal partnership with an "anchor" church is nearing completion, which will bring additional resources to expand the center’s reach.

CKNB Communications Specialist Derek Holmes emphasized the importance of storytelling within the network. He shared upcoming enhancements to internal communications, including a new online giving option and leadership workshops focused on using AI effectively in ministry, while remaining spiritually grounded.

Later, Pastor Bal Gurung of Lexington Jyoti Baptist Church shared plans for his upcoming trip to Nepal to lead a pastors training conference. He spoke passionately about the challenges facing Christians in Nepal and his goal to offer encouragement and support free of charge to local pastors.

Pastor Bal Gurung (Lexington Jyoti Church) shares about his upcoming trip to Nepal to train and encourage Nepali pastors and the changing climate toward Christians in that region.

Co-Executive Director David Barron provided an encouraging update on the partnership between CKNB and the Mercer Baptist Association. After a time of mutual assessment, the two networks are moving toward a fostering relationship that will support greater health and vitality within the Mercer Association.

Barron also delivered the Director’s Report, painting a broad picture of the Kingdom work taking place across Central Kentucky. He referenced Canoeing the Mountains to illustrate how the network must continue to adapt in response to changing ministry landscapes—much like Lewis and Clark had to change course upon encountering the Rocky Mountains. His remarks were both honest and hopeful, acknowledging the challenges ahead while celebrating God’s ongoing work.

Co-Executive Director, David Barron, shared his heart and vision for the future of the Network.

The meeting closed with a time of prayer, followed by fellowship as attendees lingered to connect and encourage one another.

The network now looks ahead to its Fall Gathering in October.

We thank Pastor Bryan Watts and the team at Porter Jessamine Station for their hospitality in hosting this year's Spring Gathering.