Ben Mandrell, the current president of Lifeway Christian Resources, was approved Sunday as the next senior pastor of Tennessee’s Bellevue Baptist Church, marking a major leadership shift for the prominent congregation.

According to The Christian Post, Mandrell replaces longtime pastor and former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines, who is stepping down after nearly two decades to begin itinerant ministry.

The 48-year-old Mandrell preached at Bellevue’s July 13 service ahead of the vote, which followed an eight-month search process led by the church’s Pastor Search Committee. After his sermon, Mandrell and his family stepped out while members cast their votes on the committee’s recommendation.

Mandrell brings broad ministry experience to pulpit

Committee Chairman Chad Hall asked members of the congregation to show support by standing. Nearly all in attendance rose in favor, signifying a strong majority backing Mandrell’s leadership. Hall later said the committee had unanimously agreed on Mandrell as the individual they believed God had called to lead.

Mandrell has led Lifeway since 2019, overseeing major developments including the organization’s relocation to Brentwood, Tennessee, and financial improvements coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before his executive role, he pastored churches in Tennessee and Colorado.

He and his wife, Lynley, have been married since 2001 and have four children. The family participated in Sunday’s worship service before leaving the sanctuary to allow for the congregation’s vote.

Search committee emphasizes unity and prayer

Hall told attendees that the only goal during the months-long process was to find the man they felt God had already chosen. He said that through “prayer and unity,” their team was confident Mandrell was the right fit. The committee’s decision was shared with the church earlier that week.

The Baptist Press had also reported in the week leading up to July 13 that Mandrell had emerged as the top candidate. Congregants were informed that a vote would follow Sunday’s service based on the committee's recommendation.

As part of the same business meeting, the church conferred the honorary title of "pastor emeritus" on Steve Gaines, who has been Bellevue's pastor since 2005. Gaines had previously announced that he would transition away from local church leadership to focus on broader preaching ministry.

Steve Gaines transitions amid health journey

Though Gaines revealed a kidney cancer diagnosis in November 2023, he clarified months earlier, in September, that his decision to step down was not due to health issues. He said he felt led to shift into a preaching role that would allow him to serve more broadly.

Since the diagnosis, Gaines has shared positive updates with the congregation, including a good scan results and confidence in his recovery. He pointed to his deep reliance on faith and scriptures, referencing a verse from Psalm 118 to express his hope.

“I just want to tell you, firsthand,” Gaines said when first informing the church of his condition, emphasizing transparency and trust. Despite facing cancer, he expressed peace, saying, “We’ve got the best doctor.”

Lifeway begins leadership search

With Mandrell now set to transition into local church leadership, the Lifeway Board of Trustees has begun the process of identifying his replacement. According to Board Chair James Carroll, the search is beginning “right away.”

A formal committee will be named before the next board meeting in late August. That group will oversee the search and selection of the next president of the Christian publishing and ministry-supported organization.

During his tenure at Lifeway, Mandrell helped stabilize the organization financially and led efforts to adapt post-pandemic. His impact positioning the ministry for long-term growth was widely regarded as significant by ministry observers.

Closing a chapter, beginning another

Sunday’s developments mark both continuity and transition for Bellevue Baptist, which has long played a significant role in Southern Baptist life. The leadership handoff was framed not only as a change in personnel but also a spiritual milestone for both families and the congregation.

Gaines, reflecting humorously on the moment after Mandrell’s confirmation, remarked, “You’re the first pastor I’ve had in 42 years.” The congregation responded with warmth as one season concluded and another began.

Now with a new leader officially in place, Bellevue looks ahead to a new era guided by Mandrell’s vision, while remaining anchored in its long-standing ministry foundation.