Living Hope Baptist Church of Bowling Green, Ky began on June 20, 1976 when 26 believers attending Forest Park Baptist Church felt God’s call to leadership. A few days later, on July 4, they held the first worship service at the Heady-Johnson Funeral Home. Rev. Kelly Harris was called as the very first pastor of Living Hope in August 1976.
 
On August 28, 1977, ground was broken for the current location at 1805 Westen Avenue in Bowling Green under the leadership of Dr. Roy Boatwright, Living Hope’s second pastor. The first service was held on September 10, 1978.
 
In July 1980 Living Hope called its third pastor, Rev. Billy Compton, and under his leadership opened a 7,000-square-foot educational building.
 
In August 1989 Dr. Brad Johnson was called as the fourth pastor of Living Hope. In March 1992, the church broke ground for a new worship center as well as office and music suites. On February 7, 1993 worship service was held in the new building. During 1997 the worship center expanded to include a balcony that seated an additional 400 people, offices for pastors and staff, library and workspace, a second level of educational space, and the Fellowship Hall. Seven adjoining acres were purchased for additional parking for 200-plus vehicles, completed in 2000.
 
   

 

Jason Pettus was called as Living Hope’s fifth Senior Pastor in July 2001.

 

On August 10, 2003, a new 30,000-square-foot Children’s Building was dedicated to reach the children of the community.

 

New land consisting of 86 acres on Lovers Lane was purchased on September 28, 2003 to help facilitate the church’s continued growth. On October 31, 2004, the church voted to begin relocation and building, and selected multiple committees to direct the process. In the Spring of 2006 the “More Hope for More People” Capital Campaign launched to challenge the church to raise finances necessary for relocation as well as reach out to the community in fulfilling the church’s mission of helping people Get to God, Grow in Christ, and Give to Others.

 

In January 2008 the church voted overwhelmingly to purchase adjacent properties of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church to expand Living Hope’s current campus. In June 2009 construction began on the new Connection Center which would include a gymnasium, walking track, and support spaces.

 

Renovation of the Children’s Wing and Fellowship Hall began in January 2010 and was opened one year later and included first- and second-floor classrooms, activity space, and kitchens.

 

In April 2010 the High School Ministry moved to the renovated Student Center.

 

Living Hope’s Connection Center opened in the Spring of 2011.