More info. Steve and Donna have four children and 16 grandchildren. We have had to place a minister on a paid leave of absence due to a past moral failure. [24] In response to the site's accusations, Gaines said that the church is not leaving its traditional roots, is not a part of the church growth movement, and that the website is creating confusion. In December 2005, when he retired as senior minister of music, 5,000 adults and children were enrolled in Bellevue's vocal and instrumental programs. [16] It gets worse. "Women of Prayer" is the theme for next year's Abide, Feb. 23-24, with plenary speakers Donna Gaines, Bible teacher and wife of Steve Gaines, senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tennessee; Andrea Lennon, Women's Ministry Specialist for the Arkansas Baptist Convention; Heather Johnson, Bible teacher and wife of Dr. Mark . Richardson, Cyndi(2003); Adams, Paul(Historian). Impact Baptist Church (now called Bellevue Frayser), in the Frayser community, is the largest and fastest growing African-American Southern Baptist Church in Tennessee. He matters, a lot. Mrs. Pollard founded the Tennessee Ministers' Wives Association. When you are a member of a church and are not allowed to see a complete line item of the budget including all expenditures and salaries of staff then it is time to find a church where you can. My heart goes out to Janet Doe. The center cross is 150 feet (46m) tall, flanked by two 120-foot (37m) crosses.[3]. Mess in Memphis: Bellevue Baptist, Another Mega-church in Trouble! Bellevue Baptist is a flagship megachurch for Southern Baptists. Beautiful! Oh, its not subtle at all. Bethany Gaines Golding: stay-at-home mom. [7] That morning after he preached, the congregation unanimously voted for Rogers as the next pastor. Bellevue Baptist Church - Theology | Missions | Bible Studies On September 28, 2009, the State of Tennessee House of Representatives issued a proclamation recognizing Bellevue as an institution that has demonstrated unflagging capacity for love, dedication of spirit, and faith in God and for enriching the lives of people in their community. John Steven Gaines (born December 31, 1957) is an American Southern Baptist pastor, and the 61st President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Church, get on the right side against predation, against church as a hunting ground. Steves wife, Donna, is also a vital part of the Gaines ministry at Bellevue as she teaches in Bellevue Women, Serves Out with missions projects, and leads younger women in discipleship. Bellevue, based in Cordova and a prominent Southern Baptist church pastored by Steve Gaines, a former Southern Baptist Convention president, has faced criticism in lawsuits and a recent investigative report for how leaders have handled sexual abuse allegations in the past. We'll fix this as soon as possible. [4] To accommodate the crowds that came to hear Lee preach the hour-long sermon each year on the first Sunday in May, Bellevue moved services to Ellis Auditorium in Memphis. Cant be bought. [29] The next day, December 18, Gaines released a statement that acknowledged that he had been aware of the allegation since June 2006 but that he did not address it for several months because Williams had been attending professional counseling, because of confidentiality concerns, and out of compassion for the staffer.[. Calvinistas? I have paid for some tech support and Im glad my husband supports any expenses I have on the blog. According to the Commercial Appeal in Bellevue Baptist Church sued after paid volunteer coordinator sexually abuses teenagerby Katherine Burgess: The parents of a 15-year-old sexual abuse victim are suing Bellevue Baptist Church, saying the flagship church in the Southern Baptist Convention provided a space for her abuser to groom and abuse her, and that church officials failed to remove her abuser from working with children after being warned. On Sunday, November 19, 1989, overflow crowds attended back-to-back morning worship services at 2000 Appling Road in Cordova. He was listed in her phone as daddy and she would go to him for advice, police said. A bit ambiguous, I cant deny. With a small $1,000 gift from member Fannie Jobe, Pastor . Why dont they ever see the problem with that? The church completed a 3,000 seat building located at 70 N. Bellevue in 1952, which was one of the first air-conditioned churches in Memphis. It has been an education, one I could not have imagined. The idea is that they should have known everything that their daughter was doing, and if they didnt, then thats purely on them and the churchs hands are clean. The Baja peninsula and the Sea of Cortez are plainly visible. Davis-Bushey, Connie(June 24, 2009). [15] For Easter 2005, First Baptist Gardendale held community-wide services at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex with more 10,000 attending. Pastor Steve Gaines focuses on how to deflect the attacks of Satan and the benefits of denying ourselves. [38] The proclamation noted that on six workdays, 5,300 volunteers have contributed between 30,000-35,000 hours through yard work, painting, construction, and more to benefit 40 schools, two post-secondary schools, 44 churches, 55 family homes, 14 parks, nine city/government buildings, 16 hospitals, 47 ministries, and ten Memphis City School football fields. On November 15, 2005, Rogers died of complications following colon cancer treatment at age 74. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - An independent investigation commissioned by the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in America, showed that sexual abuse allegations were ignored or covered up by church elders for nearly 20 years.. That scathing report named Steve Gaines, the senior pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church, as one of the SBC leaders who "protected or even . Christian talk radio with Steve Gaines. [4] When Lee retired in 1960 after serving as pastor for 32 years, Bellevue's membership had grown to 9,200, making it the largest Baptist church east of the Mississippi River and the second largest church in the Southern Baptist Convention. Gaines later said he should have immediately disclosed the information to church leadership. ), First of all, we know that Hook is a predator. And he would leave with her in the presence of people who are there to monitor and would see him leave with her and nobody ever stopped him, Smith said. Headless Unicorn Guy: Whats your take of the collection?. Williams, who had served at Bellevue for 34 years, told investigators he was sexually abused as a child. Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., said Sunday that Paul Williams, a minister of prayer and special projects . There will be showers of blessing.". All of those courses on *How to witness to an atheist* will not get far when your witness is sticking up for a predator. Three children. Some people have questioned why I waited for several months, Gaines acknowledged. They just want to give us a little more time and "context" to receive the brilliance. Bellevue Baptist Church with Steve Gaines on Bott Radio Married: June 14, 1980, to Donna Dodds GainesWomens Ministry, Speaker, Founder of ARISE2Read, Author of Theres Gotta Be More, Leaving Ordinary, Choose Wisely, Live Fully, and SEATED: Living From our Position in Christ. Download Ebook Disciple Making At Bellevue Baptist Church Read . It was not well received. Maybe this church will be sued out of existence. Bellevue's goals are to "Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples." True Faith Works! | Pastor Steve Gaines - Bellevue Baptist Church The complaint says that Janet Does father warned Bellevue Baptist that Hook should not be allowed to interact with children. Open Discussion Page. Steve is a manipulative and controlling person. ), Union University, Jackson, Tennessee (1979), Dyersburg High School, Dyersburg, Tennessee (1975), SBC Baptist Faith and Message Study Committee (19992000), SBC Committee on Nominations (1991, 1999). I completely agree Unfortunately, marketing Christianity is a BIG DEAL in the good old USA. They always go to the sentencing to defend a predator. https://images.nasa.gov/details-from-a-million-miles-away-nasa-camera-shows-moon-crossing-face-of-earth_20129140980_o.html. Association of Related Churches No thoughtful Christian should go to a court trial and deliberately, in possible view of the victim and parents, sit on the side of a pervert and defend him or ask for leniency. Greear withdrew from the race and moved that the convention elect Gaines by acclamation during the annual meeting of the SBC at America's Center in St. Louis on Wednesday, June 15. YOu can read about it here. During the Spring 2023 semester, we will be walking through the book "Secrets of the Secret Place" by Bob Sorge. Gaines elected Southern Baptist president | AP News Let us go back a ways and see the pattern. Pastor Robert G. Lee preached in Japan and Korea in 1955. they were trained this way. Her life will never be the same. Pollard received the top achievement award for evangelism from the Tennessee Baptist Convention in 1962, and he was president of the board of World Evangelism Foundation of Dallas, Texas. Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee - StopBaptistPredators.org Paul Williams engaged in egregious, perverse, sexual activity with his adolescent son over a period of 12 to 18 months, the report said. [18], Gaines was the only Southwestern Seminary graduate to receive both awards. He is currently serving at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova (a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee), one of the largest congregations in the Southern Baptist Convention and has visited Israel 16 times. Related. "Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead." "I will bless my people & their homes around my holy hill. According to police, officers were called to the 8000 block of Dexter Road on Sunday and found a 2018 Toyota backed into a parking spot. Oops! [32], In July 2007, Bellevue Baptist was named one of the top 50 most influential churches in the country, coming in 38th. If Steve Gaines found out that a child had been sexually molested by one of his ministers and if he did nothing to address it, then he needs to step down immediately, the newspaper quoted Spradlin as saying in a Dec. 20 article. On January 5, 1958, Bellevue became the first church in the world to broadcast worship services using its own television equipment. [11] Before Steve Gaines preached his first sermon as Bellevue's seventh pastor on September 11, 2005, Rogers demonstrated his support for his successor in the morning worship services by washing Gaines' feet and placing a cloth mantel across his shoulders to symbolize the transfer of leadership. At first i was like yes, reach out to freshman who are having a hard time early and get them some helpoh wait. And, Satan quoted Scripture of all things, to get there. The first service was held on July 12, 1903 with Bellevue's first pastor, Henry Hurt. At the time, there were some calls for Gaines to resign after this incident but the investigation committee, foolishly in my opinion, said all was well. Bellevue: Clergy sex-abuse and cover-up scandal-hit Southern Baptist flagship. [8] In 2000, he headed a SBC committee charged with revising the denomination's statement of faith, The Baptist Faith and Message. [20] The new campus would be closer to 60 percent of the members' residences. They are visible from several miles away. [4] In September 2008, the three crosses became the central image in the church logo.[37]. Hope for Your Future. If you agree with him, youre right and if you disagree, youre wrong. [4] Lee authored 56 books, written primarily from his sermons. Former Bellevue Baptist pastor arrested in Arkansas on abuse of minor Bellevue Baptist Church on Apple Podcasts The ground floor of the 1952 sanctuary was designed for Christian theatre presentations like The Robe (1957, 1959) and Ben Hur (1961). sending her sexually explicit photos of her mother taken during an extramarital affair seven years earlier. Anyone???? Worship is one way we praise God, celebrate our new brothers and sisters in Christ, and grow our intimacy with Jesus. Baptist Press reported that Williams had abused his own son. As the clock ticked down the final moments of the millennium, the Bellevue family worshipped at the foot of the cross. Presiding at the 1951 meeting in San Francisco, he introduced a young Billy Graham to the SBC. Groups at Bellevue are small gatherings of people who meet together and encourage one another to Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples. No more kids were molested. [4] Bellevue financed and constructed a branch church, first known as Lauderdale Heights Baptist Church and later as City View Baptist Church. He even *bravely* said that Paige Pattersons statements were improper. Steve Gaines is the pastor of thousands of people at Bellevue Baptist Church. You lost me thereI am not a minister and I dont get a take of any collection. Bellevue continues to broadcast services locally. So. Baptist Head Steve Gaines Asks for 'Forgiveness' Over Paige To this observer, itseems like the church is making this all about them. Grave sins and crimes are humiliating, scarring, and costly to all involved. Guests and prospective new members can learn about church membership. Week Five | Men of Memphis | Spring 2023 Bellevue Media He also served on the building committee for Baptist Memorial Hospital and as commissioner for the Memphis Housing Authority. This situation was truly shocking. [31] In 2009 the congregation began meeting in a facility formerly occupied by Georgian Hills Baptist Church at 3759 N. Dedication for the new building was March 16, 1924. At Bellevue, we offer a variety of ways for you to get involved in service opportunities within the church, throughout our city, and around the world. Unfortunately both cases were dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Bellevue Baptist Church fired Paul Williams, minister of prayer and special projects who served at the church 34 years, in January 2007 after an investigation into a "moral failure" he had confessed to Gaines six months earlier. Upon his retirement in 2005, Rogers was named Pastor Emeritus. The tradition continues today, with an annual offering taken before Thanksgiving. [29] The next day, December 18, Gaines released a statement that acknowledged that he had been aware of the allegation since June 2006 but that he did not address it for several months because Williams had been attending professional counseling, because of confidentiality concerns, and out of compassion for the staffer.[29]. Who Is Steve Gaines's Wife? - Ourhairstyle They are at risk of a similar failure. So the dividend checks or the blog re-planting funding checks arent in the mail? Missions Week 2023 Bellevue Media. Bellevue Baptist Church on LinkedIn: Do Not Dwell on Fearful Thoughts Fred Swank was the legendary pastor of Sagamore Hill Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. How to Resign from a Church [4] During Pollard's twelve years at Bellevue, the church hosted an annual Medical Professional Day. Daniel Harris brings the final message in our "It's Not About Me, Vol. Bellevue is ranked 80th in the largest and fasting growing churches in America by LifeWay Research for Outreach Magazine. Bellevue has been led by only four pastors since 1927. That's why Pulpit & Pen published a critical article about his statement on prayer today. With international television and radio broadcasts . Rufus_1611 New Member. History. Bellevue Baptist Church | 935 . They were warned by this teens father yet they continued to dole out his paycheck. Bless you, Dee, for shining the light in the dark corners of a decrepit Church. You can also fill out our general contact form by clicking the button. Groups at Bellevue are small gatherings of people who meet together and encourage one another to Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples. "[22] The group, "Integrity Does Count" disbanded within a year, after submitting request to obtain financial documents to which they were entitled under state law from the church and being denied the right to review any financial information. [4] In 1948, Bellevue called Thomas P. Lane to build a comprehensive music program for children through adults. Also, Im going to apply what I learned about Steve Gaines and Belleview Baptist from way back when I started blogging. Luther claimed that Hook was serving time: Hook is currently serving a five-year sentence. During Missions Week, missionary Steve Hyde talks about his experiences in serving in Cambodia. Did anyone from the church go to sit on the side of the victim or ask for a tougher sentence for a man who abused a teen from their church? Bellevue is the largest church in Memphis. During his Father's Day sermon, Pastor Steve Gaines taught on "The Need for Christian Men." Speaking from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, he focuses on what makes a Christian man and how we should live as people of God. Share Jesus. Five children. I am now an independent Baptist. it is entirely self-centered. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Texas-pastor-who-leads-Baptist-search-didn-t-13724813.php. Four children. Gaines kept the secret for six months until details of the incident appeared in a blog. Why do churches like this one ignore victims? Dr. Steve Gaines took the pulpit at Bellevue on Sept. 11, 2005 after serving as pastor for 14 years at Gardendale First Baptist Church, in Birmingham, Ala. Gaines became one of the leading conservative voices in the SBC. He lost his job, and the cuddly bunnies he wanted to cull lived on. At Bellevue Baptist Church, we believe God is calling us to be a catalyst for spiritual awakening in Memphis, TN and beyond. Muff Potter: theyre everything TWW is not. The report stated that the election of Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, to the SBC presidency in 2016 "conveyed the message that a clergy sex abuse cover-up was considered 'no big deal' in the SBC." In 2006 Gaines went months before reporting a staff minister's prior sexual assault of a child, the report says. . June 20, 2022. BELLEVUE'S STEVE GAINES ELECTED TO LEAD SBC - Baptist & Reflector Specific details of the case, allegedly involving sodomy with a minor 17 years ago, have not been released to the public, although . Dr. Steve Gaines, Bellevue's Senior Pastor, is known as a man of prayer and a preacher of God's Word. While he was pastor of Bellevue, Lee served three consecutive terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention: 1949, 1950, and 1951. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Bellevue Baptist Church is a Baptist megachurch in the Cordova area of Memphis, Tennessee, United States. At the stroke of midnight, the crosses were illuminated. The members of the group wishing to follow biblical guidelines and convinced that they would be forced to pursue their request through the secular court system, decided to no longer pursue their quest.