03/20/2026
Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Steve Gaines.
For nearly two decades, Dr. Gaines faithfully served as Senior Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, leading one of the largest congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention and shepherding countless people toward Christ. He also served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, where his leadership encouraged churches across the nation to remain anchored in the Gospel and committed to prayer.
One of the defining marks of Dr. Gaines’ life and ministry was his deep commitment to prayer. Those who served alongside him often witnessed how fervently he prayed and how consistently he called others to seek the Lord first. Prayer was central to his leadership, his preaching, and his personal walk with Christ.
TouchPoint Software was founded at Bellevue during Dr. Gaines’ leadership. His vision for a church that cared deeply for people helped create the environment where innovation could serve ministry. That commitment to helping churches shepherd people well remains the heartbeat of TouchPoint today.
Dr. Gaines was a pastor, a preacher of the Gospel, and a leader who believed the local church could change lives and communities. His influence will continue through the many pastors he encouraged, the believers he discipled, and the churches he strengthened.
We are grateful for his life, his leadership, and his faithfulness to the Lord.
Our prayers are with Donna, their family, and the entire Bellevue Baptist Church family as they celebrate a life well lived and a ministry that will bear fruit for generations.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)