Issue: Spring 2016 | Posted: April 25, 2016
Steve Gaines
Distinguished Achievement in Church Ministry
Steve Gaines, senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, says God has guided him on the path to where he serves today.
After receiving his bachelor鈥檚 degree from Union, Gaines pursued his doctorate in preaching from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the next 30 years, he served as senior pastor in four different churches.
鈥淕od has sovereignly led me to each church where I鈥檝e served,鈥 Gaines says. 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
Gaines says his time at Union played a part in his preparation to serve in full-time ministry. He gained treasured relationships and experience while studying at the university.
鈥淚 made valuable friendships that have lasted a lifetime,鈥 Gaines says. 鈥淭he ministry opportunities to preach, witness and sing helped prepare me for ministry.鈥
Gaines has published a musical worship CD and several books, including 鈥淧ray Like it Matters鈥 and 鈥淪hare Jesus Like it Matters.鈥 He and his wife, Donna, have four children and nine grandchildren.
Gaines says 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.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen many people get saved,鈥 he says. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen God answer many prayers. I鈥檝e seen people get healed and set free from sinful strongholds.鈥