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The Reverend Dr. Steven Avinger Sr. was born and raised in North Philadelphia
, the fourth of eleven children. His spiritual journey began as a child at the East Bethel
Baptist Church , where he began a life of service to the Lord. In August of 1983, Reverend
Avinger was licensed to preach the gospel. In 1984, Pastor Avinger was ordained to the office
of Assistant Pastor under Reverend James McIntosh, and the New Covenant Baptist Church of
Germantown.
Over the last 16 years, Pastor Avinger has accomplished many things as Senior
Pastor of Greater Saint Mathew Baptist Church. In response to the Lord's leading and the
church's growth, Reverend Avinger has licensed nine ministers, sixteen evangelists, ordained
sixteen deacons and three pastors. In addition to numerous ministries and Bible studies, Pastor
Avinger has started the Greater Saint Matthew Evangelism Institute in September 1995. The
institute has since graduated over six classes. In October 1995, Pastor Avinger was awarded an
honorary doctorate of divinity degree, and has attained a B.A. and a M.A. in Public Policy from
Villanova University . Pastor Avinger also attended the Master's of Divinity Program at the
Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia , PA.
In January 1999, Pastor Avinger heeded God's call to full-time ministry,
leading the flock in full obedience to God's Word. The approach of a new century brought forth
a fresh challenge to the min [JAVASCRIPT+1048862547 ] September 10, 2008 10:41
PM[JAVASCRIPT-630258617 c] >g body. The challenge was met, and Pastor Avinger was able to
lead the church as they marched into a new edifice on October 15, 2000. The congregation has
continued to grow and prosper since its move; since moving to its present location southwest of
Center City, and in response to the need for further outreach, Pastor Avinger began the
Greater Saint Matthew Community
Development Corporation (CDC) where he serves as President and CEO. The CDC has obtained
several contracts to deal with youth development for the city and the Board of Education.
Recently, the CDC purchased and closed a large nuisance bar in the community, and has
secured a $460,000 grant to convert the facility to a state-of-the-art child-development
center scheduled to open in the Winter of 2005. The CDC has also raised and additional $3
million in public and private monies for the construction and rehabilitation of 26
properties around the church that will be available for home ownership. These projects are
the first phase of a comprehensive community revitalization plan.
A well-known, God-fearing, Bible-believing, teaching and preaching man, Pastor
Avinger is often sought after to deliver God's Word.
Pastor Avinger is the father of two children, Stephanie and Steven Jr., the
grandfather of one grandson, Justin, and has been married to the former Valeria Bowles for over
30 years.
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