Steve Gaines, who served as Southern Baptist Convention president from 2016-18, first accepted the pastorate at Bellevue Baptist Church in 2005.

Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church since 2005, announced he is stepping down from the leadership role at the Memphis megachurch. “The Bible says there’s an appointed time for everything,” Gaines said in a statement to the church Sunday.

Months after announcing his battle with kidney cancer, former Southern Baptist Convention President Steven Gaines, says he s stepping down as senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis,

Pastor Steve Gaines of Bellevue Baptist Church announced his departure during Sunday's service, not due to his health but for a "new season" for himself and the church.

Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Steve Gaines has announced that he will be stepping down from his pastoral role.This news comes after Pastor Gaines publicly disclosed his battle with cancer a few months prior;

Steve Gaines, who has served as senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church for 19 years, is stepping down from the role to travel and minister as an itinerant preacher.

Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church and former SBC president, has begun a transition out of the pastorate, he announced Sunday.