Associations are largely geographically defined. Each church is self-governing under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The messengers determine the course of many programs, ministries and institutions of the convention and its staff as guided by the KBC Constitution and Bylaws . When the annual convention is not in session, the convention's Executive Board provides leadership for the convention and its staff. Board members are members of Kentucky Baptist churches and serve three-year terms as nominated by their respective associations.
Some board members serve at-large term.
The convention staff operates out of the Kentucky Baptist Building located on Shelbyville Road in Middletown, Kentucky. In addition to the convention staff, there are twelve Kentucky Baptist agencies and institutions. While these institutions and agencies relate to and cooperate with the state convention, they operate under the direction of separate boards.