October 5, 2026
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (BP) – Church leaders say years of building relationships with law enforcement officers provided meaningful ways to serve the Kentucky State Police during a tragic week. A KSP trooper was killed by a gunman on the side of Interstate 65 just north of Bowling Green on Sept. 28.
The suspected gunman who shot Trooper Hayden Phillips, 28, was caught hours later nearly 100 miles north in Louisville. Phillips’ unit was based in KSP Post 3 in Bowling Green.
Although Phillips’ family lives in Barren County, Ky., about 40 minutes from the post, they are receiving care from their hometown church as well as churches in Bowling Green.
Crossland Community Church Pastor Gregg Farrell will also have a part in Phillips’ funeral. Farrell is a chaplain for local law enforcement and was with the family as they learned about the tragedy, according to church leadership.
Jason Brooks serves as the church’s care pastor. He believes local law enforcement sees the church as a community partner, as they have worked to build relationships and find ways to serve together.
“Getting to know them and their families has been a blessing to many in the congregation,” Brooks told Baptist Press.
Phillips’ funeral, which is drawing statewide attention, is scheduled for noon Sunday, Oct. 4, at Diddle Arena on the campus of Western Kentucky University.
Crossland has multiple services across several sites in the region. Church leaders decided to cancel all 11 a.m. services Oct. 4 so people can attend the funeral.
“His (Phillips) life, service, and sacrifice have deeply impacted many, and we believe it is important for us, as a church, to come alongside his family, fellow law enforcement officers, and our community during this difficult time,” said a church statement on social media.
The statement acknowledges that canceling a service for a funeral is rare, but leaders believe the murder of a law enforcement officer meets the criteria.
“Thank you for your understanding and for being a church that is willing to step outside our normal rhythms to love, serve, and stand with our community when it matters most,” the statement said.
Phillips leaves behind a wife and three young children. He had served with KSP for three years.
Living Hope Baptist Church was asked to host the fallen trooper’s funeral visitation on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Mark Gilliam, Living Hope’s minister for administration and connection, has also been an active presence among local law enforcement. He and another staff pastor serve as volunteer chaplains with the Bowling Green Police Department, which has helped them build deep relationships.
“Our church is also very intentional about what it means to ‘seek the welfare of the city,’” Gilliam said. “We have also partnered with the department on beautification projects as part of our local missions outreach and have made a point of praying with and for law enforcement, particularly during seasons when law enforcement was being portrayed very negatively on a national level.”
Living Hope’s Senior Pastor Jason Pettus agreed the church is intentional about seeking the city’s welfare. That includes supporting local police.
“We remain committed to honoring and supporting the men and women of local law enforcement,” Pettus told Baptist Press.
Their efforts help the officers themselves, the church and the city as a whole.
“An affirmed and supported police force is a blessing to the entire community,” he said. “The confidence and appreciation we show them can encourage and empower them to serve to the best of their ability. That is not only good for us; it is good for them as well.”
The state police post is literally next door to Hillvue Heights Church.
The drive-off shooting on the side of the interstate left state troopers scrambling Sept. 28.
“Following the tragedy involving Trooper Phillips, we opened our church for a press conference because the State Police needed additional space,” Derek Royalty, Hillvue Heights’ church administrator, told Baptist Press.
“That response was an extension of an ongoing relationship. Our desire is for first responders to know they have a supporter they can call on, especially in difficult moments,” he said.
The “ongoing relationship” has spanned decades, Royalty said. The post has used the church’s facilities for meetings, trainings, parties and even space for counseling sessions when needed.
“This relationship gives us a tangible opportunity to live out our faith through hospitality, compassion and service,” he said.
That hospitality reminds them of the humanity involved.
“It helps us recognize the people and families behind the uniforms,” he said. “Understanding more of what they carry gives greater depth to our prayers and strengthens our commitment to care for our neighbors.”
And the devotion runs deep.
“Our commitment is to support those on the front lines of keeping our community safe in whatever ways we can, reflecting the love of Christ through practical care and faithful presence,” Royalty said.
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This story appeared in Baptist Press.
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