Three Decisions for 2027

On Sunday, November 15, the members of First Baptist Church of Kenova will gather for our annual meeting and make three decisions together. We’ll vote to confirm a new shepherd, elect the men and women who will serve on our boards and committees, and adopt a budget for 2027.

Why does the whole church weigh in? Because Jesus builds his church through his people. When the apostles needed servants to care for the church, they asked the congregation to “pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Your vote is an act of ministry, and it deserves your prayer and your attention.

Here are the highlights.

A new shepherd. Zach Botkins is our candidate for the Council of Shepherds. He’s been a member since 2019, has served as a deacon and on the worship team, and brings twenty years of local church ministry. Zach, his wife Laura Lea, and their four children live in Louisa, Kentucky. You can meet him at a Q&A on Sunday, November 8, at 5:30 pm in the Old Fellowship Hall.

Our 2027 nominees. The guidebook lists the officers, boards, and standing committees for next year. That’s more than a hundred places of service, filled by members who love this church. Take a few minutes to read through the names and thank God for them.

The 2027 budget. The proposed budget is $1,197,128, a 15.1% increase over 2026, and most of that growth goes to people. For several years we’ve asked a small staff to carry the load of a much bigger church. This budget adds a full-time Director of Facilities and proposes moving our two pastoral assistants to full-time, with each of those hires coming before the church in its own vote. Our missions and outreach giving grows to $185,200. And we can take these steps on solid ground, because the Lord has blessed us with healthy reserves.
So how can you help? Start by praying. Pray for Zach, Laura Lea, Titus, Landry, Olivia, and Uriah as the church considers this call. Pray for our nominees as they prepare to serve. And pray that we would make these decisions with wisdom and in unity. Then read the guidebook, and bring any questions to a member of the Council of Shepherds before the vote.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Let’s ask him to build it.