It was a heartfelt farewell.
Former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines has announced that he will step down as senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. However, he made it clear that this decision is not linked to his ongoing battle with kidney cancer. Gaines emphasized that his health and external pressures were not factors in his choice, as he and his wife had been contemplating this transition for several years. He believes that the timing is right for this change, regardless of his medical condition.
Gaines has been receiving treatment for kidney cancer over the past 10 months and recently shared positive news from a PET scan. Although the cancer had spread to his lungs, the latest scans revealed no evidence of cancerous polyps. Despite these challenges, Gaines expressed his unwavering faith, stating that while he acknowledges the reality of death, it will not come from this illness, and he remains optimistic about his recovery.
After nearly two decades at Bellevue Baptist, Gaines feels called to enter a new season of ministry as an itinerant preacher, serving various congregations rather than leading a single church. While he has not provided an exact date for his departure, he assured the congregation that he will stay in his position until a successor is chosen, with a transition period expected to last several months once the new pastor is in place.
Throughout his career, Gaines has been known for his dedication to prayer and has led churches in Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama since 1983. His tenure at Bellevue Baptist has been particularly impactful, and his decision marks the conclusion of a long and influential ministry. Reflecting on his health, Gaines expressed deep appreciation for both the medical care he has received and the prayers from his congregation, crediting his faith and medical treatment for his improved condition.