MEET THE PASTOR

Pastor Michael Gaines has been called, anointed, and favored to serve as the fourth pastor in 60 years of this great church with great people. With 28 years in ministry, Pastor Gaines brings experience, spiritual maturity, and a deep love for God’s people.

Although he felt the call to ministry at just 13 years old, he did not fully understand what he was experiencing at the time—he simply knew that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him to preach.

On May 2, 1998, under the leadership of Dr. Marvin S. Hall Sr., he preached his first gospel sermon, officially beginning his public ministry journey. Before becoming pastor, he faithfully served as Assistant Minister at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in Covington, Tennessee, under the leadership of Pastor L.D. McGarity. Throughout the years, Pastor Gaines has remained committed to sound doctrine, prayerful leadership, and walking in the Spirit of love.

His heart for ministry is to encourage, uplift, and challenge the people of God to seek Him while time allows. He is especially passionate about seeing people grow in their relationship with God and inspiring both the church as a whole and the next generation—the youth and future leaders—to live purpose-driven lives in Christ. Those who know him describe his preaching and leadership style as encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring.

Pastor Gaines is excited about the rich and profound history of the church and sees tremendous potential for what God will continue to do. He looks forward to leading the ministry alongside his wife, Regina Gaines, believing that God has prepared him through life lessons and experiences under great leaders for such a time as this. His prayer is that God will continue to give him a relevant and timely word—one that reaches every age group at their level of understanding.

He stands firmly on the promises of God, declaring with confidence:

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

“I will look to the hills from which comes my help, for all my help comes from the Lord.”

“Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”