October 1, 2026
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (KT) – Hillvue Heights Church doesn’t apologize for its passion for the gospel. It’s embedded in the church’s DNA.
That conviction drives a relentless pursuit of the community, expressed through consistent efforts to demonstrate God’s love.
Last week was the church’s 20th annual “Reach Week,” kicking off with free oil changes for single mothers. Dozens of volunteers handled everything from oil changes and fluid top-offs to safety inspections, tire checks, and car washes.
The gesture made a clear impact.
As single mothers arrive on campus, they hand their keys to a Hillvue volunteer who guides the vehicle through each service station. Meanwhile, the mothers and their children head inside the church for a free meal, fellowship, children and youth activities, counseling services and a Bible study. Most importantly, every guest hears a presentation of the gospel.
More than 250 church members volunteered for the outreach, which serves as the opening effort of “Reach Week,” a focused time when Hillvue dedicates itself to serving Bowling Green while sharing the gospel.
“We have been doing this for over 20 years,” said Co-Lead Pastor Jamie Ward. “We are not servants because we serve. We serve because we are servants.”
While the oil change meets a practical need, the church’s deeper hope is for transformation that goes beyond the physical.
“We offer people what they think they need so that we can give them what we know they need,” Ward said.
Dr. Steve Ayers, Hillvue’s lead pastor since 1991, continues to emphasize evangelism as a central mission. The church baptized a state-leading 864 people last year and is on pace to meet or surpass that total again.
“We have learned that taking care of a physical need can begin a conversation which allows the Holy Spirit to lead someone to the gospel and fulfill the eternal need," he said.
Andrew Eaton, church planting group leader for the Kentucky Baptist Convention, observed the event and came away encouraged by Hillvue’s intentionality. He previously served on staff at the church as a student pastor early in his ministry.
“Steve's expectation and intentionality to see the gospel transform lives has forever made an impact on my life and ministry,” Eaton said. “I have never seen a church culture more intentional about gospel proclamation than Hillvue Heights. There is not an event on the calendar, in any form or fashion, that does not proclaim the gospel and, Lord willing, expect a harvest."
That emphasis has shaped Eaton’s current work with church planters across Kentucky.
"Now, when I am serving, encouraging and coaching church planters, I always challenge them to engage their community as a means to share the gospel,” he said. “This oil change event is a great model. You don't have to be a large church or an established church to take the gospel to your community in tangible and creative ways."
___
This story appeared in Kentucky Today.
Share with others
