Steve Gaines, who once led the Southern Baptist Convention as its president, has now entered hospice care. This follows his 2023 announcement of a kidney cancer diagnosis while serving as the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Tennessee. The news was shared with church members through a letter reported by Baptist Press.

Bellevue Baptist Church Pastor Ben Mandrell paid tribute to Gaines in the announcement, stating, “Bro. Steve has faithfully served the Lord and shepherded so many people through the years. He’s been a great pastor, mentor, and friend. Let’s honor him and his family by lifting them up before the Lord.”

In 2024, Gaines had revealed his intentions to gradually step back from his pastoral duties. In a letter to his congregation, he clarified that this decision was unrelated to his cancer diagnosis, indicating a thoughtful and planned transition out of the pastorate.

Prior to his tenure at Bellevue Baptist, Gaines served as pastor at Gardendale First Baptist Church in Alabama, where his leadership and dedication were equally cherished.

His presence was notable at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting on June 12, 2018, in Dallas, Texas, where he presided as president. This is captured in a photograph by Rodger Mallison for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, highlighting his influential role within the community.

Recently, Gardendale First Baptist Church shared on their Facebook page, “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.