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Steve Gaines, who once led the Southern Baptist Convention as its president and disclosed his struggle with kidney cancer in 2023, is now under hospice care. This update was shared with members through a letter, according to a report by Baptist Press.
“Brother Steve has been a devoted servant of the Lord, guiding countless individuals over the years,” wrote Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Ben Mandrell, as cited by the source. “He has been an exceptional pastor, mentor, and friend. We should honor him and his family by keeping them in our prayers.”
In 2024, Gaines revealed his intention to gradually step down from his pastoral role, clarifying that this decision was made independently of his cancer diagnosis.
Prior to his tenure at Bellevue Baptist Church in Tennessee, Gaines served as the pastor of Gardendale First Baptist Church in Alabama.
Dr. Steve Gaines, as the Southern Baptist Convention president, led the annual meeting on June 12, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
A post last week on that church’s Facebook page noted, “It is with heavy hearts we share with you that our dear former Pastor and friend Bro. Steve Gaines has been placed on hospice care as he continues his battle with cancer. The family has requested no visitors at this time.
Dr. Steve Gaines, the current president of the Southern Baptist Convention, center, preaches a sermon on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the 2018 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, Texas. (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“Bro. Steve and Donna served the Lord faithfully at GFBC for 14 years (1991-2005). Our lives will never be the same because of their anointed ministry! Please join with us as we pray for the entire family that God would surround them with His comforting presence, sustaining grace and divine peace,” the message, attributed to Pastor Kevin Hamm, his wife Kim, and GFBC staff notes.
Past convention presidents are honored at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Gaines was tapped to serve as SBC president in June 2016 and then re-elected in 2017, according to Baptist Press.