Katie McKown

Katie has been serving as Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church since May 2023. Before joining Immanuel, she served as Pastor of Scottsville Baptist Church in Scottsville, Virginia, and as Associate Pastor at Memorial Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. 

What’s one thing people might not know about you?

I love baseball. I grew up going to St. Louis Cardinals’ games watching back-flipping Ozzie Smith play shortstop at Busch Stadium. Much to my family’s chagrin, I became a Washington Nationals fan in 2006 when I moved to Virginia.  The Nationals’ fledgling team had just begun its journey in 2005 and had about 10 fans. I chose to be the 11th, and in 2019 the Nationals won the World Series on my birthday. 

What are you up to when you’re not at work?

My family lives in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and Georgetown, Kentucky, so I’m often traveling to my nieces’ ballgames and activities. I love seeing the world, and experiencing new people, cultures, and cuisines. Two of my favorite trips:  Visiting Israel with my dad and adventuring throughout Scotland with strangers.

I’m a foodie, and I’m proud of Paducah’s foodie footprint! Chef Sara Bradley’s Freight House is a culinary delight. Live performances are my jam (theater, music, and sports). I attend Carson Center events as often as possible. I also love good coffee, good books, and good friends.   

What is your favorite part about serving at Immanuel Baptist Church?

Immanuel has grafted me into our community of faith. Not a week goes by without someone welcoming me to their table, restaurant, or home. When the position of pastor opened at Immanuel, the church said “We seek a pastor who is a servant-leader, relatable, and authentic.” That sentence made me smile, and nearly two years later I understand why Immanuel desired these qualities: It’s because they are these qualities! What a gift to serve alongside relatable, authentic, servant-leaders who take life seriously, but not themselves. 

That’s not to say we’re perfect. We’re not. The pastor isn’t either. Ministry is challenging (and beautiful!) no matter the church. We’re not perfect, but the culture is joyful, and I feel abundantly grateful to serve here.

Here’s my cheesy testimonial: I knew right away Immanuel would be a fit for me. When I met the church during the interview process, I was invited to stand at the Immanuel pulpit to “see how it felt.” I could hardly see over the giant lectern, and when I returned a month later to preach in view of a call, Immanuel had switched out the big pulpit for a Katie-sized one.  I could’ve wept on the spot. That is Immanuel—being hospitable, seeing people, and making room.