Hello Friends!

Will you partner with me as I continue my education?

I'M LOOKING FOR 100 PEOPLE WHO WILL INVEST $10/MONTH OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS. BUT A DONATION OF ANY SIZE IS APPRECIATED.

BEFORE GIVING, PLEASE CHECK OUT INFORMATION ON GIVING OPTIONS AT THE END OF THIS POST.

FUNDRAISING UPDATE!!!!!

Thanks to the generous support of 27 donors (including churches and individuals) giving between $100 and $3,000, year 1 (2026) is fully funded and we've already raised $4,150 of the $12,000 needed for year two (2027). Thank you so much!

Those who know me know that I love learning and teaching. My passion for education has led me to earn a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry, graduate degrees in Divinity and Theological Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry degree, all between 2000-2021.

During those years, I served in pastoral ministry, helped develop an online undergraduate Bible college to train Christian leaders, and worked as a civilian chaplain with the US Navy. The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed for people serving in such roles with a primary focus on the local church. It's a professional doctorate designed for working in the field, similar to how someone would earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) to work as a doctor.

But the Doctor of Ministry degree is not designed specifically for those researching and teaching in the Christian academy. Rather, those who are dedicated to research, publication, and academic teaching can serve best by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a discipline such as theology or biblical studies.

In 2022, I began serving as Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Practical Theology at The Bible Seminary, an independent, non-denominational seminary in Katy, TX. In this role, I have the privilege of teaching women and men from around the world, training them for various leadership, ministry, and educational roles. I teach courses in Bible, theology, and Christian ministry.

As I teach, I'm reminded of how much more I have to learn and how much more I could impart to my students by continuing my own education. This is especially important as The Bible Seminary hopes to develop doctoral programs in the near future.

My best contribution to the kingdom of God right now requires me to continue my own education and earn a PhD. And starting January 1, 2026, that's exactly what I'm doing!

I've begun my degree with the Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies at Bangor University, Wales. I'm working under the supervision of Dr. Frank Macchia, one of the foremost Pentecostal theologians in the world. My research focuses on the letters of 1 & 2 Corinthians and what they tell us about the Holy Spirit and the mission of God and his people in the world. I will complete the program online over the next six years (2026-2032) with two residency weeks each year in Tennessee, while continuing to serve at The Bible Seminary.

Up to this point, we’ve funded my tuition for previous degrees debt-free through our family income and scholarships. However, after scholarships, to earn this degree, we still need $12,000/year for the next six years. On our own, this seems impossible, but with support from family and friends, we know it can be done.

If 100 people give just $10/month for the next six years, we can finish debt-free! That’s a total investment of $720 over the next six years.

I'm asking you to consider being one of those 100 people!

If you can partner with me in this next chapter of life, it would mean so much to me and those I serve. You can give a one-time donation of any amount, donate several times, or even set up a monthly recurring donation.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! Thanks so much!

Israel Steinmetz

GIVING OPTIONS

1. Give via credit or debit card to this Go Fund Me fundraiser. Go Fund Me deducts 2.9% + $.30 from each donation. If you set up a recurring donation they will also charge 5% on top of the regular transaction fee. If you want to give without fees, please consider one of the options below.

2. Give via Zelle or Venmo. Venmo is the best option for recurring donations. When giving via Venmo make sure to mark the box showing you are giving to a "FRIEND" rather than a "BUSINESS" to avoid transaction fees. You'll need my phone number for this option, so if you don't have it already (ends in 4917), please contact me.

3. Give via personal check made out to Israel Steinmetz with "Bangor PhD" in the memo line (contact me for mailing information if you don't have our current address in Brookshire, TX).