There is an appointed time for everything,’ Pastor Steve Gaines once shared with his congregation, echoing the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. On March 20, 2026, that appointed time led him into the presence of the Savior he served for decades. After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, the former SBC President and beloved pastor emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church has finished his race at age 68.
While the world sees a loss, the faith community remembers a man who viewed his final years not as a defeat, but as a ‘fourth quarter’ dedicated to handing off the baton. Even amidst aggressive health challenges, his focus remained on the sovereignty of God. As his church family beautifully noted upon his passing, Bro. Steve is now ‘fully healed in the presence of the Lord.’
His legacy is defined by a simple, profound commitment: ‘I just want to keep running with all my strength.’ Today, we reflect on a life that modeled how to walk with God until the very moment He calls you home. We stand with Donna and the Gaines family in prayer, trusting in the ‘sustaining grace and divine peace’ that only Christ provides.
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