The Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky

---

Though the word “missional” may be new to some people in the presbytery, it is an old concept. Mid-Kentucky has a history of missional outreach. As early as 1830 twelve members of the First Presbyterian Church of Louisville formed a new congregation, Second Presbyterian, which today is the oldest continually active congregation in Kentucky. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Bellewood Children’s Home, Presbyterian Community Center, and Cabbage Patch Settlement and Community Center are other missions begun by congregations and members of what was then the Louisville Presbytery. All are still active today.

Mid-Kentucky has always supported global mission through the national church. However, global concerns took on new meaning for its members in 1995 when they formed a presbytery partnership with Asante Akyem Presbytery in Ghana, West Africa. They also joined the other presbyteries of the Synod of Living Waters to support Living Waters for the World, a mission to provide clean drinking water for communities in need worldwide. Today, members of congregations travel and work side by side with other Christians and hear their stories of faith in the midst of struggle.

As they look to the future, the Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky is responding to God’s call to reach out both locally and globally with a bold initiative. In 2004 members approved a vision for church development that includes a new congregation, a Spanish-speaking outreach ministry, support for African American congregations, and a contribution to Worldwide Ministries for mission overseas. These missional ventures challenge them both financially and faithfully. Nevertheless, they strongly feel that God is leading them into the future—going before them and walking with them. As they journey with God into the world, they are continually formed and transformed into the likeness and image of Christ.