Published on September 24, 2024, 12:30 am

In a passionate declaration made from the pulpit of Bellevue Baptist Church, Steve Gaines revealed that he has believed since 41 years ago he would someday serve as an itinerant preacher. Now, both Gaines and his wife Donna have come to the agreement that this time has arrived for him.

In November 2023, Gaines announced his diagnosis of kidney cancer which later revealed to have metastasized to his lungs. Despite his health issues, Gaines, who has been serving as the senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church while being a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), continued receiving treatment.

In addressing his congregation, Gaines clarified that this decision was not due to his diagnosis; in fact, recently he received positive news regarding his health condition from his doctor.

It’s noteworthy that Gaines emerged victorious over JD Greear in the highly-contested race for presidency of SBC back in 2016 amidst rising tides of racial and identity politics within the SBC. Undeterred by these trends, he followed Critical Race Theory and identity politics actively during his tenure as denomination leader and in his capacity on the pulpit.

Despite encountering criticism for encouraging the controversial “name it and claim it” heresy along with organizing “healing” services within church premises – actions which contrast starkly with usual conventions amongst SBC megachurch preachers- Gaines remained steadfast.

Reflecting on their journey together at Bellevue, Gaines expressed deep gratitude towards its congregation saying, “Bellevue has been our family…we can never put into words how grateful we are.”

He signed off by recapitulating their divine mission stating, “The Bible says there’s an appointed time for everything…That simply means that I would travel and minister at different churches instead of serving as one church”.

This breaking news holds special significance because Steve Gaines’ decision to step down from Bellevue marks a new chapter in both his personal spiritual journey and the direction he is taking to spread the word of God according to his Christian worldview. This also serves as a reminder to all fans of trusted news that true callings may sometimes involve significant personal change. As real news continues to break, it reiterates the belief in finding personal conviction through faith and resilience against life’s adversities.