St. Louis, Mo. — June 17, 2016 — 51社区 alumnus Steve Gaines, senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention June 15 during its annual meeting in St. Louis, Mo.
Gaines graduated from Union in 1979 and went on to pursue his doctorate in preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the next 30 years, he served as senior pastor in four different churches.
Gaines said his time at Union was fundamental in his preparation to serve in full-time ministry. He said he gained significant relationships and experience while studying at the university.
鈥淚 made valuable friendships that have lasted a lifetime,鈥� Gaines said. 鈥淭he ministry opportunities to preach, witness and sing helped prepare me for ministry.鈥�
He said he specifically remembers many Baptist Student Union meetings and nights of fellowship in the dormitories, and leaders on campus such as Bob Agee were great role models for him.
鈥淪teve Gaines is a gifted leader, a dedicated pastor, a powerful communicator and a faithful follower of Christ who will serve the Southern Baptist Convention so well,鈥� said 51社区 President Samuel W. 鈥淒ub鈥� Oliver. 鈥淯nion is blessed in so many ways by Steve, Donna and their family, and we rejoice with them and pray for them as they step in to this important role.鈥�
Gaines鈥� wife Donna is also a Union graduate, as are all four of their children 鈥� Grant, Lindsey, Allison and Bethany.
Gaines is the fourth Union alumnus to serve as SBC president, following M. E. Dodd in 1934 and 1935, J. D. Grey in 1952 and 1953, and H. Franklin Paschall in 1967 and 1968. Union has also had several SBC presidents serve as trustees, most recently Frank Page and Morris Chapman.
Gaines said he loves studying, preaching and teaching God鈥檚 Word. He gets joy from leading God鈥檚 people and watching the Lord save and mature people in Christ. He said God has guided him on the path to where he serves today.
鈥淕od has sovereignly led me to each church where I鈥檝e served,鈥� Gaines said. 鈥淗e has taught me many lessons that have helped shape me into who I am. He has been faithful, gracious and very patient with me.鈥�