Baptisms are seeing a resurgence across Kentucky, according to Rob Patterson, leader of the Evangelism team at the Kentucky Baptist Convention. After reaching a low point in 2018 and facing further declines during the COVID pandemic, baptisms have been rising since 2023, even surpassing pre-pandemic numbers.
Patterson attributes this growth to renewed evangelistic efforts within local churches, which have focused on the Great Commission to spread the Christian message.
One notable example is First Baptist Church of Somerset, where lead pastor Ryan Coffey has witnessed nearly 500 baptisms over three and a half years.
Coffey highlights that while their message remains the same, their evangelism strategies have evolved, placing a strong emphasis on personal evangelism among church members.
This grassroots approach has encouraged new believers to share their faith, resulting in a ripple effect of conversions and baptisms.
The Warren Association of Baptists in western Kentucky also recorded an impressive number of baptisms this year, indicating this trend extends beyond individual congregations.
Patterson emphasizes that successful evangelism starts with personal prayer for the lost and individual outreach, advising churches to prioritize these practices and prepare for more baptisms by “cleaning out the baptistry and getting it ready.