Jonathan Howe

Steve Gaines was a brother in arms to me if ever there was such a thing. He was a colleague, a captain, an older brother, a friend, a mentor. He had a relentless, unflagging, inspiring fixation on evangelism. It stood at the center of everything he did, every venture he undertook, every fight he engaged in.   Many remember his and my intersection in the SBC Presidential election of 2016 in which I pulled out so he could win unopposed. What most people don’t know is that he first insisted it be him to drop out. But it was clear that he was God’s choice for that hour. Stepping aside to serve and follow him was one of the easiest decisions I’d ever made. May God give us 10,000 more like him. We certainly need more of him in this hour. You are loved and will be missed, brother.

Former SBC President Steve Gaines passed away today. The last time he preached on the SBC stage was 2024 at the @SBCPastorsConf in Indianapolis. In his sermon, he used the seven statements of Jesus on the cross to preach on being faithful to the cross. youtu.be/uvHL1vXJZyo

Steve Gaines, longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, died March 20 after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. baptistpress.com/resource-libra…

Last year at the SBC annual meeting in Dallas, @bellevuepastor walked past me. It was the end of the night after a long day of SBC business. I didn't want to be a burden of another conversation for his weak body, so I just smiled and told him goodnight. He walked over and asked where I served. He asked about my church family and my family back home. He thanked me for serving as a pastor and left. Something perhaps small for him left a lifelong impression in my heart. He will be missed, but he indeed finished strong.

It’s game day. Lance up.

The new strawberry hibiscus sprite from @ChickfilA is an absolute winner. Best new drink in years.

Great feature on the CBU men’s and women’s teams going dancing. baptistpress.com/resource-libra…

@deaninserra Gotta send Maduro back.

Welp. Hockey is more our thing anyways.

Great episode of The Road to Orlando this week with @GuideStone president @Hance_Dilbeck - youtube.com/watch?v=KRdX6H…

@deaninserra Exactly right. It’s why O Canada is the superior anthem at hockey games.

Is it a hot take to think our national anthem should be “America The Beautiful,” or “God Bless America?” Maybe something that mentions America? Am I woke? Don’t answer that, online bros. 😂

Filth.

@PastorView Ohhhh See CBU played UCLA in 24. I got mixed up.

@Jonathan_Howe I’m talking about Samford’s loss to Kansas in 2024

Friday could be a massive day. #LanceUp

@PastorView Well that’s on the girl’s side. And they get their shot again. Btw. Mad about that 16 seed for the girls. That’s trash.

@Jonathan_Howe Avenge the Baptists loss from 2024

@AnnK_MamaOnIce Death. Taxes. Leon on the peeper vs. Preds.

The Nashville Predators got Draisaitl'ed early

The 2026 SBC Annual Meeting resolution submission window opened today. You can submit resolutions through May 15. sbc.net/resources/sbc-…

One of the most fun weekends with Ethan in a long time. Make memories with your kids. They last way longer than stuff ever will. Congrats to @CBUmbb and @CBUwbb on incredible seasons. #NotDoneYet

What could happen if your church spent a weekend serving your city? 🤝 Serve Tour Salt Lake City is an opportunity to mobilize your church to live on mission together.  Sign up today at: sendrelief.org/serve-tour/sal…

One of the best performances I’ve ever seen in person. Tonight should be electric here in WACVegas.

Name one album that’s perfect from start to finish. No skips. No filler. Just pure greatness...🎶🎸