KENTUCKY |
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Kentucky, officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked state in the Southeastern region of the United States. Kentucky borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia to the northeast, Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Missouri to the west. Its northern border is defined by the Ohio River. Its capital is Frankfort and its largest city is Louisville. As of 2020, the state's population was approximately 4.5 million. Previously part of Virginia, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as the fifteenth state on June 1, 1792. It is known as the "Bluegrass State" in reference to Kentucky bluegrass, a species of grass introduced by European settlers which has long supported the state's thoroughbred horse industry.
The fertile soil in the central and western parts of the state led to the development of large tobacco plantations similar to those in Virginia and North Carolina, which utilized enslaved labor prior to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. Kentucky ranks fifth nationally in goat farming, eight in beef cattle production, and fourteenth in corn production. While Kentucky has been a long-standing center for the tobacco industry, its economy has diversified into non-agricultural sectors including auto manufacturing, energy production, and medicine. Kentucky ranks fourth among US states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled. It is one of several states considered part of the Upland South. The state is home to the world's longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park, the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous United States, and the nation's two largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi River. Cultural aspects of Kentucky include horse racing, bourbon, moonshine, coal mining, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, automobile manufacturing, tobacco, Southern cuisine, barbecue, bluegrass music, college basketball, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
The fertile soil in the central and western parts of the state led to the development of large tobacco plantations similar to those in Virginia and North Carolina, which utilized enslaved labor prior to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. Kentucky ranks fifth nationally in goat farming, eight in beef cattle production, and fourteenth in corn production. While Kentucky has been a long-standing center for the tobacco industry, its economy has diversified into non-agricultural sectors including auto manufacturing, energy production, and medicine. Kentucky ranks fourth among US states in the number of automobiles and trucks assembled. It is one of several states considered part of the Upland South. The state is home to the world's longest cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park, the greatest length of navigable waterways and streams in the contiguous United States, and the nation's two largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi River. Cultural aspects of Kentucky include horse racing, bourbon, moonshine, coal mining, My Old Kentucky Home State Park, automobile manufacturing, tobacco, Southern cuisine, barbecue, bluegrass music, college basketball, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Former Kentucky pastor indicted on seven felony charges, including rape
A former Kentucky pastor who police say admitted to having sex with a child is facing numerous felony charges related to sexual abuse. Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Thursday 47-year-old Zachary King, former executive pastor of LexCity Church in Lexington, was indicted this week on seven felony counts, including rape. A Fayette County Grand Jury indicted him on the following charges: One count of first degree rape.
One count of first degree sodomy. One count of unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in a sexual or prohibited activity. One count of unlawful transaction with a minor with a victim under 18. One count of third degree rape. One count of third degree sodomy. One count of first degree sexual abuse.
(WHAS11 8/15/24) Read More>>>>>
A former Kentucky pastor who police say admitted to having sex with a child is facing numerous felony charges related to sexual abuse. Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Thursday 47-year-old Zachary King, former executive pastor of LexCity Church in Lexington, was indicted this week on seven felony counts, including rape. A Fayette County Grand Jury indicted him on the following charges: One count of first degree rape.
One count of first degree sodomy. One count of unlawful use of electronic means to induce a minor to engage in a sexual or prohibited activity. One count of unlawful transaction with a minor with a victim under 18. One count of third degree rape. One count of third degree sodomy. One count of first degree sexual abuse.
(WHAS11 8/15/24) Read More>>>>>
Ben Mandrell should take humility lessons from Bart Barber
I thought I had seen arrogance in Southern Baptist Convention agency heads in my 62 years of living, but I had not heard from Ben Mandrell until today. His cold-hearted arrogance speaking before the SBC annual meeting today is in a class all by itself. Honestly, I was stunned hearing him speak from the floor of the convention in Indianapolis where a motion was under consideration to censure him and Bart Barber and Al Mohler for signing an amicus brief in a Kentucky case that had nothing to do with the SBC but pitted them and the SBC against an abuse survivor seeking justice. According to Ecclesiastes, there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. This Kentucky case was, at best, a time to remain silent. Because in filing the controversial brief they did, these three SBC leaders gave the appearance of putting the SBC on record seeking to cut off justice for a known abuse survivor. (Baptist News Global 6/12/24) Read More>>>>>
I thought I had seen arrogance in Southern Baptist Convention agency heads in my 62 years of living, but I had not heard from Ben Mandrell until today. His cold-hearted arrogance speaking before the SBC annual meeting today is in a class all by itself. Honestly, I was stunned hearing him speak from the floor of the convention in Indianapolis where a motion was under consideration to censure him and Bart Barber and Al Mohler for signing an amicus brief in a Kentucky case that had nothing to do with the SBC but pitted them and the SBC against an abuse survivor seeking justice. According to Ecclesiastes, there is a time to be silent and a time to speak. This Kentucky case was, at best, a time to remain silent. Because in filing the controversial brief they did, these three SBC leaders gave the appearance of putting the SBC on record seeking to cut off justice for a known abuse survivor. (Baptist News Global 6/12/24) Read More>>>>>
Kentucky bishop dismisses priests who derided novus ordo Mass as ‘irrelevant’
A Kentucky bishop this month announced the dismissal of two priests who he said had repeatedly denigrated the modern form of the holy sacrifice of the Mass in their parish. Covington Bishop John Iffert said in a letter to members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Park Hills, Kentucky, that he had requested the resignation of parish pastor Father Shannon Collins while ordering the removal of parochial vicar Father Sean Kopczynski.
(Daniel Paynes/Catholic News Agency 1/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
A Kentucky bishop this month announced the dismissal of two priests who he said had repeatedly denigrated the modern form of the holy sacrifice of the Mass in their parish. Covington Bishop John Iffert said in a letter to members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Park Hills, Kentucky, that he had requested the resignation of parish pastor Father Shannon Collins while ordering the removal of parochial vicar Father Sean Kopczynski.
(Daniel Paynes/Catholic News Agency 1/25/24) READ MORE>>>>>
2023 REWIND: Ky. Baptists remained faithful to the Bible, made disciples, baptized believers
The gospel was moving as Kentucky Baptists worked to remain faithful to the Bible in 2023.
Professions of faith, baptisms and attendance were all on the rise seemingly shaking the lingering effects of the 2020 pandemic. Pastors reported larger numbers of baptisms as gospel conversations gained momentum.
Several Kentucky Baptist Convention sponsored events — including the REACH evangelism conference, EQUIP training, the YES Youth Evangelism Summit and Student Worship Camp —recorded record attendance.
(Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today 1/4/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
The gospel was moving as Kentucky Baptists worked to remain faithful to the Bible in 2023.
Professions of faith, baptisms and attendance were all on the rise seemingly shaking the lingering effects of the 2020 pandemic. Pastors reported larger numbers of baptisms as gospel conversations gained momentum.
Several Kentucky Baptist Convention sponsored events — including the REACH evangelism conference, EQUIP training, the YES Youth Evangelism Summit and Student Worship Camp —recorded record attendance.
(Mark Maynard/Kentucky Today 1/4/24)
READ MORE>>>>>
State Baptist leaders describe success in convention remarks
SOMERSET — Kentucky Baptists celebrated their 186th year of working together to advance the gospel during 2023 annual meeting Tuesday at First Baptist Church Somerset. During his report, KBC Executive Director Todd Gray noted that means there have been 186 years of gospel preaching from pulpits of KBC churches, 186 years of community impact by those churches and 186 years of sending missionaries, raising up pastors, starting churches and souls being saved. (Chip Hutcheson/The News Enterprise 11/16/23)
Read More>>>>>
SOMERSET — Kentucky Baptists celebrated their 186th year of working together to advance the gospel during 2023 annual meeting Tuesday at First Baptist Church Somerset. During his report, KBC Executive Director Todd Gray noted that means there have been 186 years of gospel preaching from pulpits of KBC churches, 186 years of community impact by those churches and 186 years of sending missionaries, raising up pastors, starting churches and souls being saved. (Chip Hutcheson/The News Enterprise 11/16/23)
Read More>>>>>
KBC votes to disaffiliate with Fern Creek church
SOMERSET — Messengers representing more than 2,300 churches affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention affirmed a recommendation of the KBC Committee on Credentials to disaffiliate Fern Creek Baptist Church. Fern Creek Baptist was deemed to be not in “friendly cooperation” with the convention in accordance with Article VI of its constitution and bylaws. (Chip Hutcheson/The News Enterprise 11/16/23)
Read More>>>>>
SOMERSET — Messengers representing more than 2,300 churches affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention affirmed a recommendation of the KBC Committee on Credentials to disaffiliate Fern Creek Baptist Church. Fern Creek Baptist was deemed to be not in “friendly cooperation” with the convention in accordance with Article VI of its constitution and bylaws. (Chip Hutcheson/The News Enterprise 11/16/23)
Read More>>>>>
1 in 3 “evangelical” or “born again” Christians supported a right to abortion in Ohio; pro-choice governor wins in red Kentucky
An NBC news exit poll shows that 32% of white “evangelical” or “born again” Christians voted to enshrine the right to an abortion in the Ohio constitution. As expected, 68% of white evangelicals opposed the measure, but I was surprised at just how many evangelicals supported it. The measure passed. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, moderate Democrat and pro-choice Andy Beshear won a second term as governor.
(John Fea/Current 11/7/23)
Read More>>>>>
An NBC news exit poll shows that 32% of white “evangelical” or “born again” Christians voted to enshrine the right to an abortion in the Ohio constitution. As expected, 68% of white evangelicals opposed the measure, but I was surprised at just how many evangelicals supported it. The measure passed. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, moderate Democrat and pro-choice Andy Beshear won a second term as governor.
(John Fea/Current 11/7/23)
Read More>>>>>
Ouster of Saddleback and Fern Creek from SBC over women pastors is affirmed
Delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting affirmed a decision to expel two Southern Baptist churches, including Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Orange County, California, because they employed women as pastors. The churches had appealed to the meeting, the denomination’s ruling body, to be allowed to remain. Both churches were denied by a strong majority of the delegates, known as messengers, in vote outcomes announced Wednesday (June 14). The body affirmed the ouster of Saddleback by a vote of 9,437 to 1,212. The vote went against Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, by 9,700 to 806.
(Religion News 6/4/23) Read More>>>>>
Delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting affirmed a decision to expel two Southern Baptist churches, including Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Orange County, California, because they employed women as pastors. The churches had appealed to the meeting, the denomination’s ruling body, to be allowed to remain. Both churches were denied by a strong majority of the delegates, known as messengers, in vote outcomes announced Wednesday (June 14). The body affirmed the ouster of Saddleback by a vote of 9,437 to 1,212. The vote went against Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, by 9,700 to 806.
(Religion News 6/4/23) Read More>>>>>
June 4, 2023: Kentucky Today: Randy McPheron to be nominated as next KBC president
Randy McPheron, an associational mission strategist who also serves as an itinerant evangelist and has pastored for 25 years, will be nominated as the next president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Randy McPheron, an associational mission strategist who also serves as an itinerant evangelist and has pastored for 25 years, will be nominated as the next president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Feb 28, 2023: Religion News: The Asbury revival is over. What happens now?
On Sunday (Feb. 26), Minneapolis-based evangelist Nick Hall brought an Asbury-inspired revival event to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, about half an hour from the Christian school’s campus.
Hall is the leader of Pulse, a ministry that aims to bring “Jesus to the next generation” by hosting big events. He attended the Asbury revival in its first week and said he was overwhelmed by what God was doing.
On Sunday (Feb. 26), Minneapolis-based evangelist Nick Hall brought an Asbury-inspired revival event to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, about half an hour from the Christian school’s campus.
Hall is the leader of Pulse, a ministry that aims to bring “Jesus to the next generation” by hosting big events. He attended the Asbury revival in its first week and said he was overwhelmed by what God was doing.
Feb 23, 2023: Baptist Press: Churches respond to action of Executive Committee
New Faith Mission Ministry in Griffin, Ga.; St. Timothy’s Christian Church in Baltimore, Md.; Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss.; and Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., were deemed to be not in friendly cooperation because of female senior pastors.
New Faith Mission Ministry in Griffin, Ga.; St. Timothy’s Christian Church in Baltimore, Md.; Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss.; and Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., were deemed to be not in friendly cooperation because of female senior pastors.
Feb 23, 2023: Gospel Coalition: Hearts Strangely Warmed at Asbury
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, some students at Asbury University lingered after the usual morning chapel service to pray a little longer, worship together, and bask in the felt presence of God’s peace and love. More students joined in. Hundreds of hours later they were still meeting, and thousands of pilgrims were on their way to Wilmore, Kentucky, to experience a remarkable, ongoing season of spiritual renewal. The university has called it an “outpouring”; the seminary across the street has referred to it as an “awakening”; the internet has picked it up and called it a “revival.”
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, some students at Asbury University lingered after the usual morning chapel service to pray a little longer, worship together, and bask in the felt presence of God’s peace and love. More students joined in. Hundreds of hours later they were still meeting, and thousands of pilgrims were on their way to Wilmore, Kentucky, to experience a remarkable, ongoing season of spiritual renewal. The university has called it an “outpouring”; the seminary across the street has referred to it as an “awakening”; the internet has picked it up and called it a “revival.”
Feb 17, 2023: Alabama Baptist: ‘God is moving’: 10 observations from Asbury revival
Most of you are aware the Feb. 8, 2023, chapel service at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, has yet to end … seven days later. Night and day, people gather for worship and prayer.
As a boy, my dad was a seminary student in Louisville and pastored a church in Frankfort, around 30 miles from Asbury. In 1970 revival broke out at this small Christian college. In that chapel service 53 years ago, students began pouring to the altar.
Revival broke out.
Most of you are aware the Feb. 8, 2023, chapel service at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, has yet to end … seven days later. Night and day, people gather for worship and prayer.
As a boy, my dad was a seminary student in Louisville and pastored a church in Frankfort, around 30 miles from Asbury. In 1970 revival broke out at this small Christian college. In that chapel service 53 years ago, students began pouring to the altar.
Revival broke out.