01/01/07
The Church of the Nazarene exists to serve as an instrument for advancing the kingdom of God through the preaching and teaching of the gospel throughout the world.
The Eastern Kentucky District (The District) is one of two districts in
Kentucky , and is part of the East Central Region (
Mount Vernon
Nazarene
University ). The District is bordered by the Kentucky District, generally to the west of Interstate I-75, and also bordered by the states of
Indiana ,
Ohio ,
Tennessee ,
Virginia , and
West Virginia . The District’s diverse geography includes rugged mountains of the Eastern Coal Fields, rolling hills, farms, forests, river valleys, small towns, and suburbs of several cities. The District was established in 1952, and is home to 58 organized churches, one compassionate ministry (CTM), two NewStarts, and a campground. It is an active District, and promotes various events and opportunities for children, youth, adults, and Work & Witness throughout the year.
Most of the churches on the District are in small or rural towns, though a number of churches are in suburbs of
Cincinnati, OH ;
Lexington, KY ; and
Huntington, WV . There are no urban areas on the District. In morning worship attendance, three churches average greater than 200; 12 churches average between 100 to 199; 17 churches average between 50 to 99; and 26 churches average below 50. There are 22 full-time pastors, and 36 bi-vocational pastors (some by choice). The ethnicity of the District is 90% white, 7% African-American, and 3% other. Two NewStarts were registered in the past year, and ten other NewStart locations are being targeted in demographically growing areas. Though not presently in a position to fully underwrite the costs of NewStarts, the District and some established churches are cooperating and partnering to assist as much as possible. In 2005-06, the District showed increases in S.S. Responsibility List, S.S. Attendance, Morning Worship, New Nazarenes, Total Membership, and Raised for All Purposes. That same year, the largest and smallest churches in morning worship attendance were 345 and 7 respectively.
The people in our District churches are spiritually sincere, hard-working, and loving. Generally, our churches are traditional in worship style and accept change when it comes gradually; however, it’s not uncommon to find some churches blended or contemporary in worship and comfortable with more rapid change. Most Kentuckians were born in the state and remain here, so immediate and extended family units are close and provide great opportunities for outreach. Pastors that do well on this District are generally strong preachers, down-to-earth, personable, and willing to visit or call on present and prospective members. Kentuckians enjoy a pastor that wants to be a part of their lives. Kentuckians also respond best when persuaded rather than pushed, and if treated with love and respect, Kentuckians will be a pastor’s friend for life. Though not required, becoming a “Kentucky Wildcat” fan never hurts. Go
UK !
Other helpful information:
- District Website – www.ekynazarene.org
- Chamber of Commerce – www.kychamber.com
- Demographics – http://map.nazarene.org/
- Employment Opportunities – www.oet.ky.gov
- Facts About the State – www.thinkkentucky.com/kyedc/pdfs/kyfactsbk.pdf
- Realtors – www.kar.com
- Tourism – www.kentuckytourism.com
Thank you for stopping by. Please take time to look around our site. Find a ministry opportunity that interests you. Read about the latest news from our district. Utilize our resources to learn more about who we are. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us here at the district office.
