General Association of Baptists in Kentucky Announces Rev. Dr. Nathl Moore as New State Moderator

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Official News Release:

Historic Black Baptist organization enters a new chapter of statewide leadership rooted in faith, service, and community.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 30, 2026) – The General Association of Baptists in Kentucky (GABKY), one of Kentucky’s historic African American faith institutions, announces Rev. Dr. Nathl Moore as its new moderator, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for an association representing more than 500 predominantly African American Baptist churches across the Commonwealth, comprising of approximately 175,000 members.

Dr. Moore serves as pastor of First African Baptist Church in Lexington. Before assuming the moderator’s office, he served as GABKY’s First Vice Moderator under Dr. Michael Rice.

In his message to the Association following the leadership transition, Dr. Moore emphasized a commitment to strengthening churches, serving communities, and working collectively across generations. “During my tenure we will be working from the theme ‘Breaking Barriers Building Bridges’ as we grow African American Baptists across the Commonwealth and beyond.”

The transition is especially significant for Lexington because the city occupies a key place in GABKY history.

A Legacy Dating to 1865
The roots of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky reach back to August 1865, when messengers representing twelve churches assembled at Fifth Street Baptist Church in Louisville and organized the State Convention of Colored Baptists in Kentucky. Rev. H. Adams, pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church, served as president. At that first session, approximately 5,000 members were reported.

Education was part of the organization’s mission from its earliest days. GABKY’s historical record states that one of the convention’s first acts was to begin establishing a school for higher education, which led to the birth of what is today’s Simmons College of Kentucky.

The organization’s connection to Lexington dates to its formative years. The 1867 convention convened at First Baptist Church Lexington. In 1868, the organization met at Fifth Street Baptist Church in Louisville and determined its name would become the

General Association of Colored Baptists in Kentucky, and in 1869 the General Association convened under its new name in Lexington at First Baptist Church, with Rev. H. Adams serving as moderator.

Today, GABKY continues its statewide ministry through hundreds of churches and supports three longstanding objectives: Simmons College of Kentucky, the State Mission Board and The American Baptist Newspaper.

Against that historic backdrop, the elevation of a Lexington pastor to lead the statewide body connects GABKY’s present leadership with a city that helped shape the Association during its earliest years.

Statewide Leadership Through GABKY District Associations
Working alongside the state moderator is a network of district associations and moderators serving churches throughout Kentucky. GABKY district leadership roster is as follows:

  • Central District Association: Rev. Robert Drake, Moderator
  • Consolidated District Association: Rev. Rodney Bennett, Moderator
  • First District Association: Rev. Dr. Timothy Collazo, Moderator
  • Zion District Association: Rev. Dr. John Chowning, Moderator
  • Union District Association: Rev. Timothy Glover, Moderator
  • Howard’s Creek District Association: Rev. Robert Morton, Moderator
  • Liberty District Association: Rev. Warner Fishback, Moderator
  • South District Association: Rev. David McPherson Moderator
  • Mt. Pleasant District Association: Rev. Robert Blythe, Moderator
  • Mt. Calvary District Association: Rev. Richard Lockette, Moderator
  • London District Association: Rev. Terry Jackson, Moderator
  • West Ky Green Valley Association: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Ragland, Moderator
  • Elkhorn Sandy Valley Association: Rev. Steve Peake, Moderator
  • Little River Cumberland Valley Association: Rev. James Dunbar Jr., Moderator

Together, the state and district leadership structure provides a network through which GABKY member churches connect and carry out ministry across Kentucky.

Continuing the Mission
Dr. Moore succeeds Dr. Michael Rice, whose concluding message as Moderator encouraged the Association to support the incoming leadership. Dr. Rice specifically pointed members toward Dr. Moore as GABKY prepared for its next chapter.

Dr. Moore has framed that next chapter around collective service and the responsibility to minister to children, teenagers, adults, families, and older generations while strengthening communities.

His elevation marks another chapter in an institution whose history stretches from the organization of Black Baptists shortly after the Civil War to a contemporary statewide network of predominantly African American churches.

About General Association of Baptists in Kentucky
The General Association of Baptists in Kentucky is a statewide association of predominantly African American Baptist churches. Its roots date to 1865, when messengers from twelve churches gathered in Louisville to establish the State Convention of Colored Baptists in Kentucky. The organization developed into the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky and today serves churches throughout the Commonwealth while supporting Simmons College of Kentucky, the State Mission Board and The American Baptist Newspaper.

General Association of Baptists in Kentucky is located at 1715 West Chestnut Street in Louisville, Kentucky.

To learn more about the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky visit our website at www.gabky.com.

To setup an interview with Rev. Dr. Nathl Moore and/or any of GABKY regional directors, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. We appreciate any consideration for a feature, faith, and/or community related story to introduce new leadership and to share what we have planned to strengthen the organization which in turn will support the 120 communities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

MEDIA CONTACT
VIPP Communications. Email: info at vippcommunications dot com. Website: www.vippcommunications.com.

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Media note: Please consider the following names as faith-based/community leaders in their perspective districts. We can assist in setting up interviews when news takes place in their area. Dr. Moore is available for faith-based, community involvement and leadership-related interviews. Please save our contact information for future stories via in-person, zoom and/or phone interviews.

VIPP Communications is a full-service public relations, marketing, branding, and event management firm.

One of Smoketown’s Oldest Congregations Celebrates Their Pastor & First Lady’s First Anniversary

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Their move to Mt. Olive was ‘Approved by God.’

(Louisville, KY) The Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating the first year of Rev. Jeremiah Johns Sr. and First Lady Michelle Johns as pastor of our historic church. On Sunday, August 25th, the anniversary committee have planned a day of appreciation and thanks for Pastor Johns’ spiritual leadership. 

The committee centered the program around the theme “Approved by God.’  Inspired by the bible scripture found in 1 Thessalonians 2:4. 

We invite you to Sunday School at 9:30 am followed by morning service at 11 am.  Our special guest will be Rev. Dr. Jeremiah L. Parks of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Owensboro, Ky.   

Please announce and/or post on your calendars.  If you would like to setup an interview with Pastor Johns, please contact us at 502-585-2022 and/or the information below.  Rev. Johns can talk about his plans, the church’s rich history and the Smoketown neighborhood where the church is located.

Mt. Olive has a rich history which dates back 124 years.  The founders of this great church wanted to worship together so they gathered in a small house.  Today, Mt. Olive is located on several acres on East Kentucky which also houses our family life center. 

Come worship and fellowship with us on Sunday, August 25th starting at 9:30 am. Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church is located at 443 E. Kentucky Street, Louisville, Ky 40203. 

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***Proclaiming and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ***

WHO:              Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church

WHAT:             Celebrating Rev. Jeremiah Johns and First Lady Michelle Johns

WHEN:             Sunday, August 25, 2024

WHERE:           443 E. Kentucky Street, Louisville, KY 40203

WHY:               One year anniversary for the Johns’ ministry at the church

TIME:               9:30 am Sunday School & 11 am morning service

Media Inquiries: Andrea Breckenridge andreabreckenridge5969@gmail.com or Sherlene Shanklin sshanklin@vippcommunications.com 

The VIPP Report: A Louisville church bouncing back after unrest in the city due to Breonna Taylor and pandemic

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Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church uses their faith to motivate its members and the community they serve

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television, ABC Louisville

In Today’s ‘Your Story’ organizations and churches are starting to help get the COVID-19 vaccines to those in need. Even though, Little Flock Baptist Church has faced some setbacks due to their unwavering faith they press on.

In the Smoketown community sits the church on South Hancock. It’s pastor Rev. Bernard Crayton tells me of their beginnings which dates back to 1867. 

Rev. Bernard Crayton “By newly freed slaves.  The church was originally on Ormsby back in that time. They actually put the building on trees and rolled it here to the site on Hancock Street. It’s been a fixture in this community every since. It has a rich, rich, history.”  

Growing up in Cleveland Ohio.  Being a part of a family of ministers.   Rev. Crayton in April 1999 moved to Louisville in hopes of becoming a pastor of his own church. 

Crayton says “I never been to Louisville, I’ve been through Louisville but applied for the church Little Flock Baptist Church and when I got here, I knew this was the place I was supposed to be. It’s been a great blessing for the past 22 years.”

With COVID-19, he tells me how he’s been keeping up with his members to see how they are doing? Crayton: “People call in on the prayer line.  I have anywhere from 60 something people that will call in.  It’s not only my members but people from all over. I mean all over the United States.”     

Dealing with the pandemic and protests in the city last summer.  The pastor takes a call in the middle of the night that tried to break his spirit.  He tells me what was said, “Well, that was just unbelievable. One our members passed by the church and said the church doors had been shot out and I was going, WHAT!. That was right during the time when tensions were high in the city. I just couldn’t believe, I don’t know  why but I just couldn’t believe it happened to our church. When I saw where the front door windows had been shot out and bullet holes in the foyer. It really took me back.  I had a lot of people not only the black community but the white community in this city. That came and wanted to do whatever they could.”   

Turning to his faith, the pastor took a call from a company that wanted to fix their doors free of charge. Whichh renewed his faith.  Crayton said, “Even in spite of that there are still a lot of good people in this world.” 

So even though the doors of the church remain closed for services.  Little Flock wanted to find a way to help. So, they will open their doors  Saturday to help its members and the community.  Crayton says, “Saturday we are having our own pop up clinic. We have partnered with Norton Healthcare. We have been talking reservations but walk ins will be available.  Anyone who wants to come.”

Rev Crayton is trying to reassure people of color to get vaccinated.   He says “It comes from those who are just not trusting the govt. Historical things that have happened. It comes from misinformation. It comes from lies. It comes from conspiracy. And we’re trying to break all that down to make sure that people of color understand how important it is especially African Americans understand how important it is to get your shot.”

People of faith have been asking for a sign and the pastor believes this is it. “If you’ve been praying to God about a healing praying this will go away. God has given us the answer.  Its right there in front of us.  And what you need to do is just trust him. Call in and get your shot. That’s how I see it.  That’s how I really see it.”  

The church is working on renewed faith that you should never give up regardless of your situation. 

Crayton says “What I have tried to preach every single Sunday is HOPE.”

Ending Covid-19 ONE SHOT at a time vaccine clinic“ will be on Saturday, March 20th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church located at 1030 S. Hancock Street.  Walk ups are welcomed but if you would like to schedule an appointment call Delane at 502-381-2354 or Charlotte at 502-494-8411. 

►Contact Your Story with Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

To see the story click the link ->

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/outreach/vaccine-clinic-at-little-flock-missionary-baptist-church-louisville-your-story/417-ffbdf381-6cd5-4266-96ab-9dbb57b0c81a

The VIPP Report: A retired pastor talks about two things many places of worship are dealing with during COVID-19 which are ‘faith’ and ‘finance’

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Did you ever wonder what it takes to keep a place of worship open?  From services, events to meetings from both its members and the community.

In times of uncertainty many depend on their faith to get them through difficult times.   It’s the one place we were taught in this generation that the church is the one institution you could depend to be open.

Many understand that extreme measures were needed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, but many religious organizations will need to turn to more than their faith but now finances or should I say the lack of finances.

Congregations across Kentucky were already struggling with the increase in expenses and the decline in membership and visitors. Now, in these times will many survive the shutdown?

Without the constant of tithes, offering and donations many across the Commonwealth they must seek funding just to keep their doors open.

With so much on everyone’s plate churches are missing the collection plate being passed. I’m sure anything you can give will help them in ways you have no idea.  Many are still trying to assist members and many of the church’s leadership are reaching into their own pockets to keep some programs going.

Whether you go to your place of worship once a week, once a month and/or once a year bills still need to be paid.

IMG_6666Rev. Alex C. Shanklin, retired pastor as pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church located in the Smoketown neighborhood in Louisville, KY.  Prior to retiring Shanklin and members of the congregation paid off their mortgage and held a mortgage burning ceremony on February 28, 2016.   Shanklin served as pastor for 35 years.

 

The VIPP Report: Louisville church surpasses the silver and gold anniversaries and now Mount Olive hits a historic number of 119 years

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Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church 

(Louisville, KY) There’s only been three pastors who’ve served at the helm of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.  On Sunday, February 24, 2019 the church will celebrate it’s 119th anniversary.

The anniversary will begin at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday School, followed by morning worship at 11:00 a.m. featuring the Anniversary Reunion Choir and Rev. Chris Hagan, pastor of Second Baptist Church of Owenton, Ky.

Dinner will be served. Following dinner, members and guests will return to the sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. for a special tribute for our retiring pastor Rev. Shanklin.

Shanklin, only the third pastor after 119 years has served 35 years as pastor and on Easter Sunday he will preach his last sermon at Mt. Olive.

The church along with our family life center is located on several acres on East Kentucky Street.

Please post and/or announce Mount Olive’s 119th Church Anniversary.  We also invite you to come worship and fellowship with us on Sunday, February 24th.

We will also update you closer to Easter Sunday plans for Rev. Alex Shanklin’s retirement.  If you would like to setup an interview with Rev. Shanklin and/or some of their members, please contact Sis. Barbara Leavell and/or Sherlene Shanklin at VIPP Communications by email at info@vippcommunications.com.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  Follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm and Instagram @vippcommunications.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  http://vippcommunications.com/

 

The VIPP Report: A Louisville church with a rich history celebrates their pastor’s 34th anniversary

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By Sherlene Shanklin

(Louisville, KY) The Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church made the decision some 34 years ago that Rev. Alex Shanklin would serve as the pastor of the congregation.  On Sunday, October 14, 2018 we are requesting your presence as we celebrate during our 11:00 am service.

It’s been a good year for Mt. Olive, from their humble beginnings, as the founders of the church wanted to worship together gathered in a small house to presently in 2018, Mt. Olive is located on several acres on East Kentucky Street. They built the church and family life center.  Then doing the impossible during difficult economic times, this congregation burned their mortgage when the loan was paid off.  Mt. Olive has proven to be a leader in the growth of the community under the guidance of Rev. Shanklin.

There will be a mid-week service if you are unable to attend Sunday’s service.  It will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

Please post and/or announce Mount Olive’s 34th Pastor’s Anniversary celebrating service not only for the church but the community, especially the Smoketown neighborhood where the church is located.  If you would like to setup an interview with Rev. Shanklin and/or some of their members, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.  We will try and accommodate your requests.

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VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see if we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  

Follow us on social media.  Twitter: @vippcomm  Instagram & Facebook: @vippcommunications

 

The VIPP Report: Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church celebrates their 118th church anniversary

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As they extend their “olive” branch to the community to come be a part of their celebration

(Louisville, KY) Mt. Olive has been a vital and a stable entity in the Smoketown neighborhood.  On Sunday, February 25th, Rev. Alex C. Shanklin and its members will celebrate their 118th Church Anniversary.

From their humble beginnings, as the founders of the church wanted to worship together gathered in a small house to presently in 2018, Mt. Olive is located on several acres on East Kentucky Street. They built the church and family life center.  Then doing the impossible during difficult economic times, this congregation burned their mortgage when the loan was paid off.  Mt. Olive has proven to be a leader in the growth of the community.

So, on Sunday, February 25th, we invite you to celebrate the history of the church, its deep roots in the Smoketown community and their compassion to give back.  This year’s theme says it all, “Love One Another,” from the scripture, I John 4:20-21.

Rev. Samuel L. Whitlow Jr., Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Louisville will be the guest minister and will preach the 11:00 am service. Jackell Jackson and Natasha Rudolph will serve as the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies for the morning service.

We would love for you to come out as we set the example of loving one another. It’s not always about the gift of money, but of time and love.  You will feel welcomed as soon as you walk through the doors of our church.

Please post and/or announce Mount Olive’s 118th Church Anniversary.  If you would like to setup an interview with Rev. Shanklin and/or some of their members, please contact Sherlene Shanklin at VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. We will try and accommodate all your requests.

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