History

 

In the 1950’s, a few members of First Baptist Church of Mt. Washington saw the forthcoming need of a Baptist Mission in the Flatlick Road area, and whereas the initial work was begun by Pastor Herman Jacobs and the plans became a reality under the leadership of  Pastor L. Alfred Sparkman.

           

A Mission Committee was formed in 1959 and services began in the Shelburn home on November 1, 1959 and the mission was named Bethany on March 6, 1960, and whereas Bethany Baptist Mission became a member of the Nelson Baptist Association in March 1965 and became self-supporting.

           

The congregation wished to make its beliefs, form of organization, and other matters definite and certain, in June 1965, the constitution and bylaws were accepted and on July 4, 1965, the membership came together for the signing of the Charter, with one hundred and nine members, Bethany Baptist Mission became Bethany Baptist Church on July 25, 1965.

           

J. Neal Gish assumed the pastorate of Bethany April 2017. Prior to this, Neal had been Community Spiritual Director for the Walk to Emmaus and auxiliary minister at Little Flock Baptist Church; he has also traveled widely in his role as a corporate executive.

 

During those early days of Neal’s ministry, he pastored churches in Central Kentucky and served in numerous others in the Southeast. Since then, reestablishing a foundation on the scriptures has been the guiding influence. The Lord has blessed Bethany with a solid foundation from which to grow.

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More important than numbers, programs, and structures, however, is the foundation for the spiritual life of Bethany Baptist Church. This foundation includes sound biblical doctrine, spiritual leadership, and active service. We are convinced that God's will bless those who remain faithful to Him and His Word.