About Us

about us true words baptist church louisville ky

An Independent Fundamental Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky

Welcome to True Words Baptist Church, where we stand firmly on the King James Bible and preach the uncompromised truth of God’s Word.

We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church dedicated to turning believers into bold disciples of Jesus Christ — people who know the Word, live the Word, preach the Word, and are unashamed of the Gospel.

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Our calling is clear:

  • Glorify God
  • Reach the lost
  • Build a strong, faithful church
  • Shine the light of truth in Louisville and beyond

Come visit us and see what True Words Baptist Church is all about. You’ll see the difference immediately.


Our Story

How God Built a Church Out of Faith and Fire

Every great work of God begins with obedience — a simple yes to His call.

True Words Baptist Church was not born from convenience, but conviction. It began with two families — Joshua and Pamela Tapp, and Nathan and Milana Holmes — who prayed for months that God would open the right doors and close the wrong ones. They didn’t know where He would send them, only that they were willing to go.

Gary and Beverly Tapp and Goddard and Jane Holmes also prayed for the right path for their children. And God answered all of those prayers.

By mid-2024, that prayer led them to Louisville, Kentucky — a city with need, hunger, and souls ready for truth. With the help and blessing of Pastor Tim DeVries and Vision Valley Baptist Church, God made the vision clear: plant a soul-winning Baptist church in the heart of Louisville.

Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Months of prayer and preparation followed. Outreach began before the first service. Streets were walked, doors were knocked, and the Gospel was preached to hundreds before a single chair was ever set up. When the doors finally opened in October 2024, seventy-seven people came, and multiple souls were saved that very day.

From that first Sunday, one truth was clear — this church was not man-made. It was God-built.

Psalm 127:1
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.

What began as a handful of believers has grown into a thriving congregation standing boldly on the King James Bible, reaching the lost, and strengthening the faithful in the heart of West Louisville and beyond.

Every step of this story — every answered prayer, every salvation, every sermon — is a testimony that God still plants churches through ordinary people who simply believe His Word.

Learn More About Our Story


Our Mission

pastor joshua tapp and chris k out preaching the gospel to a youn glady named decatur who was saved by Jesus Christ that day

Our mission is simple and Scriptural:

Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ – We obey the Great Commission by preaching daily and in every house.

Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Baptize Saved Believers – Baptism is the first act of obedience after salvation.

Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Teach All Things – We disciple believers through the Word of God.

Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Our mission is more than a statement — it’s our lifestyle. We preach truth, we live holiness, and we reach the lost.

True Words Baptist Church exists to turn believers into bold disciples of Jesus Christ.

We believe doctrine must lead to devotion and truth must produce transformation. Every believer is called to live out God’s Word and make it known.

Our Rally Cry

Know the Word.
Live the Word.
Preach the Word.
Be Bold.

This is the heartbeat of everything we do — from the pulpit to the streets, from children’s classes to city outreach. We don’t just talk about faith; we live it.

Learn More About Our Mission


Church Leadership

Church leadership at True Words Baptist Church. Pastor Nathan Holmes, Pastor Joshua Tapp, Deacon Gary Tapp.

At True Words Baptist Church, we are blessed with dedicated leadership that upholds the principles of biblical authority, soul-winning, and discipleship. Our leadership team is committed to shepherding the church according to God’s Word and ensuring that every member grows in faith and service.

Meet All of Our Church Leaders

Pastor Joshua Tapp

Pastor Joshua Tapp leads True Words Baptist Church with conviction and clarity, preaching the King James Bible as the final authority. His passion is to win souls, train believers, and equip families to walk boldly with God in a dark world.

Meet Pastor Joshua Tapp

1 Corinthians 9:16
Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Pastor Nathan Holmes

Pastor Nathan Holmes serves faithfully in leadership, discipleship, and outreach. His commitment to preaching the Gospel and strengthening believers helps keep the mission of our church alive in the community.

Meet Pastor Nathan Holmes

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Deacon Gary Tapp

Deacon Gary Tapp serves with steadfast faith and humility, supporting the ministry and strengthening the foundation of True Words Baptist Church. His dedication to God’s Word, his love for people, and his example of servant leadership reflect the spirit of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Deacon Tapp works faithfully behind the scenes to ensure the church operates with excellence, helping guide new believers, assist in outreach, and maintain order and integrity within the house of God.

Meet Deacon Gary Tapp

1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.


What We Believe

pastor joshua tapp baptizing chris white at true words baptist church while the congregation of believers cheer on chris

We believe that the Bible defines truth, not culture, tradition, or personal opinion.

As an Independent Fundamental Baptist church, we hold to these essential doctrines:

  • The Bible – The King James Version is the inspired, preserved, and inerrant Word of God.
  • Salvation – Salvation is by grace through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9).
  • Eternal Security – Once saved, always saved. Every believer is sealed by God’s Spirit forever (John 10:28–29).
  • The Church – The local church is God’s chosen institution to carry out the Great Commission.
  • Separation – We reject worldliness, compromise, and modern corruption of Scripture.
  • Soul Winning – We actively preach the Gospel door to door in obedience to Christ’s command (Mark 16:15).
  • Visitation – We continue to go back and visit believers and care for them.

Read Our Doctrinal Beliefs – Statement of Faith

2 Timothy 3:16–17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.


Service Times and Location

pastor nathan holmes out preaching the gospel of jesus christ to the community kids in west louisville

Find us in the heart of Louisville, KY! We are happy to serve the Park Hill, Algonquin, Beechmont, California, Chickasaw, Limerick, Park DuValle, Parkland, Portland, Russell, Shawnee, Taylor Berry, PRP, Fairdale, Valley Station, and Shively neighborhoods in Louisville, KY.

True Words Baptist Church
1377 S. 20th St.
Louisville, KY 40210

We also welcome people from Jeffersontown, Middletown, Okolona, Clarksville Indiana, Jeffersonville Indiana, St. Matthews, Shepherdsville, and New Albany Indiana. We even have members from Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Weekly Church Schedule

We have 4 church services every week.

Free parking is available on-site, including handicap access.

We joyfully serve the entire Louisville area and surrounding communities in both Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Plan Your Visit


Our Ministries

pastor joshua tapp preaching the gospel and praying with a saved man in west louisville kentucky

Our mission doesn’t end inside the church walls. We are called to go, teach, and serve.

  • Children’s Ministry – Training the next generation to love God’s Word.
  • Youth & Adult Discipleship – Building faith, courage, and conviction.
  • Soul-Winning Outreach – Reaching Louisville weekly with the Gospel.
  • Men’s & Women’s Ministries – Growing together in faith and service.
  • Community Outreach – Feeding, clothing, and witnessing to those in need.

Explore Our Ministries and Outreach

Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.


Community Outreach

pastor joshua tapp taking a picture with a mother and daughter who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ

We believe every city needs a church that tells the truth and is bold when preaching that truth.

Through weekly door-to-door evangelism, food distribution, and neighborhood outreach, True Words Baptist Church shines the light of Jesus Christ in West Louisville and beyond.

Our outreach is fueled by one mission — turning believers into bold disciples who take the Gospel everywhere they go.

See How We Serve Louisville

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


What People Are Saying

All we focus on is doing what God has asked us to do. We do the work through the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And God will have a huge impact on the local community and beyond.

I wanted to let you all know the church is having a big impact on the neighborhood.” – Devin J, Saved 11/30/2024

“True Words Baptist Church has helped me so much in my life. I am so thankful and grateful for the church. I love you all.” – Ike K, Saved 10/13/2024

We see you all over the city preaching and helping people. This church is real.”  – Shanae, Saved 7/29/2024

I love the preaching. I learn something every time.” – Shelia W, Saved 9/7/2024

“Hello, my name is Caleb and I was saved on January, 26th 2025. The church I go to isn’t sufficient for my new found truth. I subscribe to KJV Only but they want me to use the ESV. I believe in OSAS and they believe in Loss of Salvation. I want to soul-win. I want to be Baptized in a Church that speaks biblical doctrine and I see that you guys do!” – Caleb C, Saved 1/26/2025

“We believe your church is having a huge impact on the crime in the Park Hill Community of Louisville. Crime has decreased since your church opened in October.” – Alexandra Goldberg, WHAS 11 News

“If you didn’t stop me that day and preach the Gospel, I was going to kill that man I was talking with.” – Anonymous, Park Hill Community Center


How To Get Involved

pastor joshua tapp of true words baptist church in louisville ky with the congregation on a special Thursday night service

Becoming part of True Words Baptist Church is easy! Here’s how:

  • Visit us for a service and experience our welcoming church family.
  • Join a ministry or small group to grow in faith and fellowship.
  • Participate in our evangelism efforts and help share the Gospel.
  • Support our missions through prayer and giving.

It’s time to come and be a part of a great church that shows the love of God.

Find Your Place in Our Church Family

Church Events and Monthly Challenges

At True Words Baptist Church, we believe the Christian life should be active, exciting, and purposeful.

Our church family stays engaged through a full calendar of events, fellowships, and outreach opportunities that help believers grow stronger in faith and unity.

Every month, we host special activities designed to build our church, strengthen families, and keep our focus on the Great Commission. From soul-winning marathons and community meals to family fun days and outreach challenges, there’s always something happening at True Words Baptist Church.

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We also encourage our members to take part in our Monthly Challenges — practical ways to live out our rally cry:

Know the Word. Live the Word. Preach the Word. Be Bold.

These challenges help every believer turn doctrine into action — whether it’s sharing the Gospel with a neighbor, reading through a Bible book, or serving someone in need.

You can see our full calendar of upcoming events, services, and challenges on our events page.

View Upcoming Events and Monthly Challenges

Don’t Wait Any Longer to Get Into the Church of Your Dreams

pastor joshua tapp, chris k, josh p out preaching the gospel during a soul winning marathon. georgia was saved that day when she changed her mind.

A good church is like a pearl of great price — rare, pure, and worth everything to find. In a world filled with noise, compromise, and confusion, it’s priceless to discover a church that still stands on the unchanging Word of God.

At True Words Baptist Church, we’re not trying to entertain you — we’re trying to equip you. We’re not here to blend in with the world — we’re here to stand apart from it. Life is short. We only get one chance at life. Let’s make it great!

We’re building a church where families grow strong, believers walk boldly, and the Gospel is preached without apology.

If you’ve been searching for a place that still believes the Bible means what it says — this is it.

If you’re ready to grow, to serve, and to be part of something eternal — we’re ready to welcome you.

Don’t settle for a church that plays games with God’s truth. Come be part of one that lives it, loves it, and preaches it.

Matthew 13:46
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

A true church is a treasure — rare, steadfast, and pure.
Come stand with those who still believe every Word of God.
Your place in His work is waiting.

Come Visit Us!

We are an Independent, Fundamental, Soul Winning, KJV Only, Baptist Church located in Louisville, Kentucky. Our mission is to preach the true words of the gospel to every creature, win souls to Jesus Christ, baptize, teach all things, and make disciples.