September 23, 2024
CORDOVA, Tenn. — Steve Gaines, senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, announced to the congregation on Sunday that he will be transitioning out of his role of senior pastor and into the role of “itinerate preacher.”
Gaines, who has been at Bellevue for 19 years, was joined on stage by his wife, Donna, when he made the announcement.
“Many years ago, the Lord spoke to my heart that he would one day want me to serve as an itinerate preacher,” said Gaines. “That simply means that I would travel and minister at different churches instead of serving as pastor of one church.”
Referencing Ecclesiastes 3:1, Gaines said, “It’s time for a new season. While I am not retiring from ministry, I will now begin (my) transition out of the pastorate.”
Gaines, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in November of last year, said the decision had nothing to do with his health, noting that his most recent reports have all been good and that his treatments continue to go well. He said he and Donna will remain members at Bellevue.
“While Donna and I will be traveling, Lord willing, and speaking in different places, we have no intention of leaving Bellevue. This is home. This is our church,” he said.
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This story first appeared in the Baptist and Reflector.
