If you’re looking for an LGBTQ-affirming, vibrant Christian faith community, Highland Baptist Church may be for you. Located on the corner of Grinstead Drive and Cherokee Road in the eclectic Highlands community, the church has a mission based on creating a world where justice, love, and respect for differences are abundant.

Situated on land gifted by Norton heiress Juliette Norton Marvin, parts of the current church have been serving the area since 1908. During the Great Depression of the 1930s the church was able to reach out to those facing financial ruin. Then, as the neighborhood evolved throughout the 1960s from a suburban area to an urban center, the congregation continued to empower the community through their various urban ministries. Today, work continues to help alleviate systemic causes of poverty, planting urban gardens, and caring for refugees locally and around the world. Perry Dixon, Associate Pastor to youth and their families says the church’s mission with the LGBTQ+ community has grown in the last 15 years. Gay deacons are now ordained, pastors are working with the Louisville Youth Group, and a free Pride breakfast is held around Pride for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Nomad’s Class, a bible study group for those re-entering church life seeks to help those who have been harmed in the past by Conversion Therapy and other negative church experiences.

The church makes clear on their website that they are a welcoming and affirming community by declaring “We value all people, not in spite of, but precisely because of all that makes each one unique.” The design of their logo, found around the Sanctuary and on the doors, symbolizes that the doors are open to everyone.

Online Worship Services are currently held Fridays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 10 AM, although church leadership is working on a plan to return to in-person gatherings. A video service is also available at 10:00 AM. on Sundays on their YouTube Channel. The weekly bulletin is available on the website by Friday afternoon so that you may join in prayers, hymns, scripture reading and view the planned service.

Street Address: 1101 Cherokee Road, Louisville, KY 40204-1201

Phone: (502) 451-3735

Website: https://hbclouisville.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY7dObZSxKl_X5h4DGqE_5w

Daniel Denhart-Lillard is a volunteer with the Louisville Pride Foundation.