CITIZEN: Let the Church be the Church—why we must ensure KY Churches are free to focus on ministry.

I love the local church. I love the local church as much as anything in this world, except God and my family. Everything good that God has ever given me, I received through the local church. I met my wife at a local church. I received my calling to ministry at a local church. The local church is the greatest force for good the world has ever known.

I serve at Burlington Baptist Church in Northern Kentucky. We have a large Upward Ministry that has seen thousands of participants over the years, and many have come to know Christ through it. An unnecessary sales tax imposed on churches would directly harm ministries like this. Why would we limit the church’s ability to minister in local communities for their good and for the glory of God?

This is why HB 101 is so important. This legislation already has tremendous support from faith leaders across the Commonwealth. In November 2025, messengers at the Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Cold Spring unanimously approved a resolution stating: “RESOLVED, that we urge the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly to pass legislation eliminating the sales and use tax burden on churches, protecting religious liberty, and ensuring that the church can reach as many people as possible with the good news of Christ free of government interference.”

I am thankful for the numerous legislators who listened to the voice of the largest Protestant denomination in the state and worked tirelessly to protect the local church and her mission by already signing on to cosponsor this important bill. Pastors, church leaders, and lay members, I encourage you to reach out to your local legislators and ask them to support the local church. Let them know about the
ministries that are being harmed by this unnecessary sales tax. Tell them about all the good God is doing in your community through your local church. Supporting HB 101 helps ensure that local churches can continue serving their communities, meeting real needs, and sharing hope without unnecessary government interference.