Steve Gaines Pastor Obituary MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Steve Gaines, longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, has passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer.
Steve Gaines died on March 20, 2026, following a prolonged fight with kidney cancer, a diagnosis he publicly shared in recent years.
Gaines was widely known as one of the most influential evangelical leaders in the United States, serving as senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church from 2005 until stepping down in 2024. During his tenure, he led one of the largest congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention, guiding thousands of members through decades of growth, outreach, and ministry.
In addition to his pastoral leadership, Gaines served as the 61st president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2016 to 2018, where he became a prominent voice within the denomination, emphasizing evangelism, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
Born on December 31, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi, Gaines devoted his life to ministry, beginning his pastoral journey in Texas and Tennessee before ultimately leading Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. He was also an author and speaker, known for his teachings on faith, revival, and Christian living.
In the months leading up to his death, Gaines had entered hospice care as his condition declined, prompting an outpouring of prayers and support from across the Christian community.
Colleagues, church members, and fellow leaders have remembered him as a passionate preacher, devoted husband, and spiritual mentor whose influence extended far beyond the pulpit. Many have highlighted his commitment to sharing the Gospel and his ability to connect with people on a personal level.
Gaines is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children, along with countless individuals whose lives were shaped by his ministry.
Funeral arrangements and memorial service details are expected to be announced in the coming days as the faith community gathers to honor his life and legacy.
Steve Gaines leaves behind a lasting imprint on the Southern Baptist Convention and the broader evangelical world, remembered for his unwavering faith, leadership, and dedication to ministry.