CORDOVA, Tenn. (BP) – Former Southern Baptist Convention president and pastor emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church Steve Gaines has entered hospice care, the church announced in a letter to members this week.
Gaines revealed in November 2023 he’d been diagnosed with kidney cancer. At the time, he was still pastoring Bellevue Baptist in Cordova, Tenn., where he’d been since 2005. He served as president of the SBC from 2016-2018.
Gaines announced in September 2024 he would transition out of pastoral ministry. Former Lifeway Christian Resources President Ben Mandrell took over the Bellevue pastorate last summer. It fell to Mandrell to inform members of Gaines’ declining health.
“What [the Gaines family] have specifically requested is prayer,” Mandrell wrote. “Please join us in faithfully praying for Steve, for Donna, and for their entire family – that the Lord would surround them with His peace, comfort, and strength. …”
Before coming to Bellevue, Gaines served as pastor of First Baptist Gardendale, Ala., from 1991-2005, preached the convention sermon at the 2004 SBC Annual Meeting and served as president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in 2005.
“Bro. Steve has faithfully served the Lord and shepherded so many people through the years,” Mandrell wrote. “He’s been a great pastor, mentor, and friend. Let’s honor him and his family by lifting them up before the Lord.”
Related posts:
North Carolina pastor arrested on sexual exploitation charges 
YEAR IN REVIEW: Top 12 most-read stories in 2024 
1% Challenge Cooperative Program 
SBC entity leaders respond to Guidepost report 
CAMPUS DIGEST: Dozens of salvations on Shorter football team; Samford opens $85M health facility 
Charles Stanley, pivotal SBC president, TV preacher, dies 
SBC DIGEST: Litton to address UM graduation; Ohio Baptists to sell Seneca Lake facility 
ERLC’s Graham: Work will not end if Roe reversed
