On March 20, 2026, the evangelical community lost a towering figure of faith. Dr. Steve Gaines, the longtime senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), passed away at the age of 68. Following a courageous, two-year battle with kidney cancer, Gaines stepped into eternity, leaving behind a profound legacy defined by his unwavering devotion to prayer, evangelism, and pastoral care. Known affectionately as a “pastor to pastors,” he shepherded one of the nation’s most prominent congregations with a rare blend of prophetic boldness and deep personal warmth.
Early Life & Education
Born on December 31, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi, and raised in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Steve Gaines’s path to ministry was marked by an early and profound conviction. He initially attended the University of Tennessee at Martin on a football scholarship, but soon felt a distinct call to ministry that forever altered the trajectory of his life. In 1977, he transferred to Union University to formally prepare for his vocation and was licensed to preach that same year.
After earning his undergraduate degree from Union in 1979, Gaines pursued rigorous theological training at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS). He earned a Master of Divinity in 1984, followed by a doctorate in preaching and evangelism in 1991. His academic excellence and natural gifting were recognized early on; while at SWBTS, he was awarded both the H.C. Brown Jr. Preaching Award and the W. Fred Swank Evangelism Award—honors that foreshadowed his lifelong commitment to sharing the gospel.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Dr. Gaines’s ministry spanned more than four decades, characterized by remarkable church growth and a passionate advocacy for spiritual revival. He began his service as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Milan, Tennessee, and later pastored congregations in Texas, as well as West Jackson Baptist Church in Tennessee.
His leadership first gained national attention during his 14-year tenure at Gardendale First Baptist Church in Alabama (1991–2005). Under his guidance, the church experienced explosive growth, expanding its membership from 4,000 to 8,500, witnessing over 3,500 baptisms, and significantly increasing its community outreach capabilities.
In 2005, Gaines was called to Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, stepping into the pulpit following the retirement of the legendary pastor Adrian Rogers. Leading a megachurch of Bellevue’s stature was a monumental task, yet Gaines guided the congregation with steady, prayerful hands for nearly two decades. He emphasized evangelism and community service, ensuring the church remained a beacon of hope in Shelby County. In 2024 and 2025, as he navigated his health challenges, he gracefully transitioned to a pastor emeritus role and an itinerant preaching ministry, eventually passing the baton to his successor, Ben Mandrell.
Beyond the pulpit, Gaines contributed significantly to Christian literature, distilling his theological insights into impactful books such as Share Jesus Like It Matters, Pray Like It Matters, When God Comes to Church, and the widely read devotional Morning Manna.
Leadership & Affiliations
Dr. Gaines was a recognized statesman within the Southern Baptist Convention. He served two terms as the president of the SBC from 2016 to 2018, a period during which he tirelessly emphasized spiritual awakening, intentional prayer, and denominational unity. Prior to his presidency, he served as the president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in 2005, delivered the convention sermon in 2004, and held influential roles on the SBC Committee on Nominations and as chairman of the SBC Resolutions Committee.
His expertise in homiletics was further cemented in 2017 when he was named the Herschel H. Hobbs Visiting Professor of Christian Preaching at his alma mater, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Across these prestigious roles, Gaines earned the deep respect of his peers, never losing his approachable, pastoral heart amidst his national leadership responsibilities.
Legacy & Impact
Dr. Steve Gaines’s life was a testament to the power of a deeply rooted faith. When he publicly announced his cancer diagnosis in late 2023, he faced his illness with the same grace, transparency, and trust in God that he had preached from the pulpit for forty years. As he entered hospice care in March 2026, his successor, Ben Mandrell, shared that Gaines possessed a profound peace, looking forward to being reunited with his parents and being “fully healed and more joyful than he’s ever been in the presence of God”.
He is survived by his beloved wife and devoted ministry partner, Donna Gaines, their children, and a deeply impacted community of faith. Randy C. Davis, president of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, aptly summarized his impact: “He was an anointed preacher, a soul winner, and an encourager of pastors. He spoke boldly, but always kindly and compassionately”.
Dr. Gaines leaves behind a legacy of institutional strength at Bellevue Baptist Church, a revitalized spirit of prayer within the Southern Baptist Convention, and thousands of lives touched by his earnest, heartfelt ministry. His prophetic voice and gentle spirit will be remembered for generations to come.