Dr. Steve Gaines, the longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova (Memphis area), Tennessee, and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), passed away on March 20, 2026, at age 68 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Gaines served as senior pastor of Bellevue—one of the largest congregations in the SBC—from 2005 until transitioning to pastor emeritus in 2025. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in November 2023, which later spread to his lungs. In September 2024, he announced his decision to step down from the senior pastor role—not due to health concerns at the time, but to pursue a new season of itinerant preaching. Ben Mandrell, previously CEO and president of Lifeway Christian Resources, succeeded him and assumed the pastorate in August 2025. Gaines continued to preach occasionally at Bellevue, including as recently as September 2025.
He entered hospice care earlier in March 2026, as announced by the church. Bellevue Baptist shared the news of his passing on social media, noting he “stepped into eternity” and is now “fully healed in the presence of the Lord.” His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the church.
Gaines also served as SBC president from 2016 to 2018 and was remembered for his passion for evangelism, revival, and preaching.
Southern Baptist leaders expressed grief and tributes on social media:
- Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called him a “powerful preacher, devoted pastor, servant of the living God” and a dear friend, praying for Gaines’ wife Donna and family. He added, “I will greatly miss Steve Gaines, who has now finished his race.”
- Clint Pressley, current SBC president, described him as an “outstanding husband, father, and pastor,” gracious, humble, and fun, urging prayers for the family.
- J.D. Greear, former SBC president, remembered Gaines as a “brother in arms,” mentor, and friend with a “relentless fixation on evangelism.” He recalled stepping aside in the 2016 SBC election to let Gaines win unopposed, saying it was one of his easiest decisions, and prayed for “10,000 more like him.”
Gaines leaves a lasting legacy in Southern Baptist life through his faithful ministry and commitment to the gospel.
