See Pastor Avinger's sermons online! Go to youtube.com/stevenavinger.

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 minSeptember 10, 2008 10:41 PM>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.