Planting seeds of faith: Kentucky Baptist Foundation launches ‘The Seed Project’

French Harmon
French Harmon President, Chief Executive Officer & Treasurer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) — A powerful new initiative from the Kentucky Baptist Foundation is launching this summer — and it’s all about the power of Bible.

Called The Seed Project, the new ministry’s mission is to distribute Bibles to children and youth attending Vacation Bible Schools, church camps, and other outreach events through Kentucky Baptist Convention churches. With Lifeway Christian Resources coming alongside the KBF, the project is poised to equip the next generation with the truth of God’s Word — one Bible at a time.

“The Great Commission has always been at the heart of Kentucky Baptists,” said Dr. French Harmon, president and CEO of the Kentucky Baptist Foundation. “We want every child to leave VBS and camp not only having heard the truth but holding it in their hands.”

Through this initiative, churches can request free Bibles for upcoming outreach events — an invaluable resource as summer ministries ramp up.

Lifeway’s invaluable assistance

Lifeway, one of the nation’s leading Christian resource providers, is playing a vital role in supplying the Bibles.

“We are honored to help support the Kentucky Baptist Foundation in this effort to get God’s Word into the hands of kids and students,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. “We believe in the power of the Living Word to work in the lives of individuals of all ages. Bible reading helps us to know God, equips us for everyday life and changes us to become more like Christ. We pray for God to use this project to empower local churches for ministry in mighty ways.” 

Why now?

A recent Lifeway Research study shows a growing interest in the Bible across the United States. More Americans are describing Scripture as “life-changing,” “true,” and “helpful” — with 44% saying it’s a book to read repeatedly. Yet only 9% report having read the entire Bible more than once.

Meanwhile, Bible sales are climbing — a hopeful sign that engagement is following suit.

“Sales are up, but more importantly, we’re seeing an increased hunger to engage with God’s Word,” said Andy McLean, publisher of Bibles and reference materials at Lifeway.

The Seed Project is meeting that need at the local level in Kentucky — especially among the next generation.

An invitation to sow eternal seeds

As summer approaches and churches prepare for outreach, Harmon encourages leaders to take advantage of the opportunity.

“We want every child who walks through the doors of VBS, camp or a community event to walk out with a Bible,” he said. “These Bibles don’t just go home — they go into hearts, shaping lives for eternity.”

The urgency is real. With many Vacation Bible Schools just weeks away, churches are urged to place requests soon. Once processed, Bibles will be shipped directly to churches at no cost.

“This is more than a distribution effort,” Harmon said. “It’s an opportunity to plant the seeds of the gospel in young hearts across our state. And with God’s help, those seeds will grow into lasting faith.”

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French Harmon

French Harmon

French Harmon is a native Kentuckian. He was born in Ashland and graduated from Paul G. Blazer High School. Harmon holds educational degrees from Marshall University, University of Louisville, University of the Cumberlands and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has earned an executive education certificate in non-profit leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. He has pastored three congregations in Kentucky—Allen Baptist Church, Fort Mitchell Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Somerset. He has been a professor in leadership studies at the University of the Cumberlands and was team leader for church development at the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He is married to Rachael and together they have three children—Trae, Madison and Jack. Harmon has written one book God’s Ordinary Giants (2020). He enjoys sports, photography, travel and presidential history.

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