MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The senior pastor of Memphis' largest church announced after his sermon on Sunday he will be stepping down from the position, instead focusing on traveling ministry.
Pastor Steve Gaines made the announcement alongside his wife, Donna, to the congregation at Memphis' Bellevue Baptist Church Sunday, Sept. 22.
He's been the church's senior pastor since 2005.
While Gaines was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2023, he said the reason for his stepping down was not health related, saying treatments were going well. He also said no one "pressured" him into the decision.
"19 years ago, the Lord began a season for us at Bellevue and now it’s time for a new season," Gaines said to his congregation.
Gaines said he will instead focus on itinerant ministry; traveling around the country speaking at different churches. While he'll be away, he said Bellevue would always be his "home base."
Gaines told the church that Bellevue will begin the process of forming a team to find the next senior pastor, and when one is found, he will work with them for "several months" in a transition period.
"My commitment to you is to keep running with all my strength and hand off my baton to the next senior pastor," Gaines said.
Gaines said the next few months at Bellevue are his "fourth quarter," and he will continue charging ahead as Bellevue's senior pastor until it's time to step down.
"The future may contain unknowns, but we know the Lord Jesus Christ will never leave us or forsake us," Gaines said. "The greatest days for Bellevue Baptist Church are yet to come."
Gaines said he's committed to spending time with his children and his 18 grandchildren.
