CHRISTIAN BREAKING NEWS: It’s Official! Dr. Ben Mandrell Chosen as Bellevue’s New Senior Pastor | Lifeway CEO Steps In [#BenMandrell]
Dr. Ben Mandrell has been officially nominated as the 8th senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, following Steve Gaines’ retirement. This major transition marks a new era for one of the SBC’s most influential churches.
Hi everyone,
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, TN officially nominated Dr. Ben Mandrell—current President & CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources—as its 8th Senior Pastor.
Dr. Mandrell preached “in view of a call” during the Sunday morning service.
Following his message, the congregation voted to confirm appointment, marking a new chapter for one of the largest and most influential churches in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Dr. Mandrell has been the CEO of Lifeway since August 2019, leading the organization through major milestones including post-pandemic strategies and relocating to Brentwood, TN.
Prior to joining Lifeway, he planted and led Storyline Fellowship in Arvada, Colorado and previously served as senior pastor at Englewood Baptist Church, Jackson, TN.
Dr. Mandrell is married to Lynley and the couple have four children.
Dr. Mandrell is stepping into the role previously held by Dr. Steve Gaines, a former SBC president who transitioned to itinerant preaching in September 2024 following his kidney cancer diagnosis.
Bellevue Baptist is one of the largest Southern Baptist megachurches in the US, with a 7,000-seat sanctuary and a congregation of around 30,000.
This leadership change marks a significant moment for both the congregation and the wider Southern Baptist Convention.
What are your thoughts on Dr. Ben Mandrell becoming Bellevue’s new senior pastor? Let us know in the Comments section.
https://www.facebook.com/bellevuememphis/posts/1168858611937537
Source: Bellevue Baptist Church Facebook Account, @bellevuememphis
This morning we had an amazing time worshiping together in one combined worship service, and we voted to approve Ben Mandrell as our new Senior Pastor. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us today, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for the future! See you next week!
🕊️ Bellevue Baptist Names Dr. Ben Mandrell as 8th Senior Pastor
📅 When & Where:
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the 10 a.m. service in Cordova (Memphis), TN, Bellevue Baptist Church officially nominated Dr. Ben Mandrell—President & CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources—to become its eighth senior pastor
🎤 In View of a Call:
Mandrell delivered his first sermon “in view of a call,” after which the congregation cast a vote to confirm his pastoral leadership
🌟 About Dr. Ben Mandrell
Age: 48
Current Role: CEO of Lifeway since August 2019—led the organization through major milestones including post-pandemic strategies and relocating to Brentwood, TN
Previous Ministry:
Planted and led Storyline Fellowship in Arvada, Colorado.
Served as senior pastor at Englewood Baptist Church, Jackson, TN (2006–2013)
Education:
B.A., Anderson University (Indiana)
M.Div., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kentucky)
Doctor of Ministry, Union University (Tennessee)
Family: Married since 2001 to Lynley; they have four children
🕊️ Transition of Leadership
He is stepping into the role previously held by Dr. Steve Gaines, a former SBC president who transitioned to itinerant preaching in September 2024 following his kidney cancer diagnosis
🌐 Why It Matters
Bellevue Baptist is one of the largest Southern Baptist megachurches in the U.S., with a 7,000-seat sanctuary and a congregation of around 30,000
This leadership change marks a significant epoch for both the congregation and the wider Southern Baptist Convention.
✅ Takeaways for Your Audience
Who: Dr. Ben Mandrell—longtime Lifeway leader & experienced pastor
What: Official selection as Bellevue’s 8th senior pastor
When: July 13, 2025 (10 a.m. service)
Why It Matters: Pivotal moment for a megachurch with SBC-wide influence
IT’S OFFICIAL! Dr. Ben Mandrell Chosen as Bellevue’s NEW SENIOR PASTOR | Lifeway CEO Steps In | Christian Breaking News!
IT’S OFFICIAL! Dr. Ben Mandrell Chosen as Bellevue’s NEW SENIOR PASTOR | Lifeway CEO Steps In | Christian Breaking News!