You’ve probably heard the name Trevor Barton in London, KY, and wondered if he’s just another guy behind a pulpit. Honestly, the answer depends on who you ask. If you're talking to one of the 70 inmates at a local jail who once stood in a parking lot for a mass baptism, he’s a lifeline. If you’re a politician in Washington D.C., he’s the guest chaplain who once opened the U.S. Senate with prayer.
But for most folks in Laurel County, he’s simply the lead pastor of The Creek Church.
The thing about Barton is that he doesn't really fit the "small-town preacher" stereotype. Since 2005, he has taken a tiny fellowship of 45 people and turned it into a multi-campus engine that basically reshaped how ministry looks in Southeastern Kentucky. It wasn't through luck. It was through a very specific, sometimes controversial, "come as you are" philosophy that ruffled feathers while filling seats.
Why Everyone in Laurel County Knows Trevor Barton
London isn’t a huge place. In a town where word of mouth is faster than a fiber-optic connection, Barton’s reputation was built on radical outreach. People still talk about the Hawk Creek days—before the church rebranded simply as The Creek—when the focus shifted from traditional pews to the local jail.
Barton’s sermons are actually piped into the local jail every Sunday. It’s live. It’s raw.
And it's weirdly effective.
In 2014, Senator Mitch McConnell even took notice. He invited Barton to the U.S. Senate to serve as the Guest Chaplain. It was a massive moment for a guy from Kentucky. McConnell highlighted Barton’s work with the Appalachian Children’s Home and his partnership with the Laurel County jail. That specific event put Barton on the national radar, but in London, he was already the guy who believed that "whether you’ve messed up in the past, present, or future, you are welcome."
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The Multi-Campus Expansion
Growth happened fast. Maybe too fast for some traditionalists.
Barton didn't stop at one building. Under his leadership, The Creek Church expanded into:
- London (the home base)
- Somerset
- Williamsburg
He leads with a "we is greater than me" mentality. It sounds like a corporate slogan, sure, but in practice, it meant decentralizing the church. He isn't trying to be the "celebrity" pastor; he’s trying to build a system where the "campus pastor" model carries the weight.
The Philosophy of "Bridges over Barriers"
Most rural churches are, well, traditional. You wear your Sunday best, you sing the hymns, and you follow the rules. Barton basically flipped the script. He advocates for "bridges over barriers."
What does that actually mean?
It means the church proactively targets people who feel marginalized by religion. The "unchurched." The discouraged. The people who think they’re too "messy" for a sanctuary.
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Community Impact and Social Projects
It isn't just about Sunday morning. Barton has a hand in several regional initiatives.
- The Appalachian Children’s Home: A consistent partner for the church.
- International Missions: Collecting shoes for places like Haiti, Uganda, and India.
- Addiction Recovery: A massive issue in Kentucky. Barton has been vocal about breaking the cycle of addiction through community-focused support rather than just judgment.
He often writes about "The Beloved Community." He’s a regular contributor to Good Faith Media, where he tackles deep, often uncomfortable topics like repentance, forgiveness, and even building relationships with the LGBT community—a topic that isn't always warmly received in deep-red Kentucky.
What People Often Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that The Creek is just a "mega-church" trying to take over the region.
Actually, the data shows something different. It started with 45 people. It grew because the demographic it serves—the people the "traditional" church often ignored—finally found a place to go.
Barton’s style is conversational. He’s a communicator. He doesn't use the "fire and brimstone" approach that dominated the area for decades. Instead, he focuses on generosity. He literally wrote the book (or at least the sermon series) on how "Generosity Changes Lives."
The Real Trevor Barton Beyond the Pulpit
He’s a family man. He’s a Kentuckian through and through.
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In recent years, he’s been through the same life cycles as anyone else. In 2023, he presided over the funeral of his grandmother, Delores Jean Barton. These personal moments matter because they ground a public figure. He isn't just a voice on a podcast or a figurehead at a large church; he’s part of the local fabric.
Trevor Barton London KY: The 2026 Perspective
Looking at where he stands today, Barton remains one of the most influential religious figures in the region. The Creek Church isn't slowing down. Their "vision to see lives changed" is basically baked into the Laurel County infrastructure now.
If you’re looking to get involved or just want to see what the hype is about, here’s how to navigate his work:
- Check out The Creek Church App: This is where the sermons live. If you want to understand his communication style, start here.
- Listen to the "Generosity Changes Lives" Podcast: It’s a deep dive into the philosophy that built the church.
- Read his Opinion pieces on Good Faith Media: This is where you see his intellectual side. It’s a different vibe than the Sunday morning energy.
Trevor Barton in London, KY, is more than a name on a sign. He’s a case study in how to evolve a rural community's spiritual life without losing the "neighborly" feel that defines Kentucky. Whether you agree with his methods or not, you can't argue with the footprint he's left on Laurel County.
Next Steps for Engagement
If you want to understand the impact of Barton's work firsthand, visiting the London campus is the most direct route. They hold multiple services on Sundays that are designed for newcomers. For those interested in the social outreach aspect, the church frequently hosts volunteer drives for the Appalachian Children’s Home, which is a great way to see the "bridge-building" in action without needing to commit to a sermon. You can also follow his written work on platforms like Good Faith Media to get a sense of his broader theological perspectives on social issues in 2026.