After an extensive eight-month search, the pastor search committee at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, has proposed Ben Mandrell as the next senior pastor. The announcement was made on July 8, with Mandrell slated to deliver a sermon for the congregation on July 13, followed by a vote on his appointment.
Chad Hall, Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee, expressed that the committee’s mission was to find the individual that they believe God has chosen to lead the church. The committee unanimously feels that Mandrell fits this role perfectly.
Mandrell, 48, has been the CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources since 2019. His leadership has seen the organization through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a physical relocation to a new building in Brentwood. Under his guidance, Lifeway has achieved four consecutive years of financial growth post-pandemic.
Expressing his feelings about the transition, Mandrell emphasized, “Our entire family is deeply grateful for these years in Nashville with Lifeway… Even so, the Lord has made it crystal clear that it’s time for us to return to the pastorate and to join the Bellevue family.” He articulated a strong sense of excitement about the move and his aspirations for ministry in Memphis.
The current senior pastor, Steve Gaines, has announced his intention to step down in 2024 to pursue a traveling ministry, paving the way for Mandrell’s potential leadership.
In preparation for Mandrell’s departure, Lifeway’s Board of Trustees will begin the search for his successor immediately. Mandrell holds a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Union University. He and his wife Lynley are dedicated to outreach, aspiring to connect with non-religious individuals and those distanced from faith, a mission he intends to carry forward in his new role in Memphis.
This news marks a hopeful new chapter for both Bellevue Baptist Church and Mandrell, symbolizing the ongoing commitment to community engagement and spiritual growth within the Southern Baptist Convention.