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About Us

Step Forward Global Ministries, Inc.

A Non-Profit Christian Ministry

Founder and President of Step Forward Global Ministries, Michel (pronounced "me-shell") Khalil, followed The Lord’s call in 2017 to build Step Forward. Michel wanted this Christian Non-Profit to directly minister to the suffering and persecuted churches in the Middle East.

Born and raised in Egypt, Michel came to Christ at the age of 6 when he heard a missionary preach the gospel. Michel is a graduate of Cairo University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Agribusiness Management, Marketing, and Agricultural Economy Cooperation. He later completed diplomas in communications, management, leadership, frontier missions, and evangelism from the University of the Nations.

In 2016, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Christian leadership from Ohio Christian University for his effort to train Christian leaders for more than 25 years.

Throughout his career, Michel has worked in executive leadership roles with YWAM, Haggai Institute, and EQUIP Leadership a John C. Maxwell global non-profit organization. He speaks regularly to churches, Christian organizations, and missions in the United States and Canada on the current realities of the Middle East culture and the Islamic religion.

Through Step Forward Global Ministries, Michel leads a growing team of 25 staff and volunteers whose focus is To Empower Leaders to Serve Others.

Step Forward’s vision is to train and mobilize effective leaders and strong churches to impact their nations for Christ. Their mission is to empower the persecuted church through leadership seminars, evangelism courses, and discipleship training.

The ministry targets attendees who are high caliber leaders that can be empowered through the training to return home to make a difference in their communities. This strategy multiplies Step Forward’s efforts by starting at the top and working from within with nationals reaching nationals.

Step Forward is also changing lives by bringing hope to refugees. Michel Khalil positions Step Forward to work in unity with like-minded organizations, local churches, faith communities and passionate workers to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the lives of the Iraqis, Syrian, and Kurd refugees. Churches offer the best vehicle for assisting those who arrive in foreign communities seeking life’s basic necessities, but they need support to answer this enormous crisis. Step Forward is passionate about supporting these churches as they follow Biblical principles by caring for the refugees’ physical needs as an access to their spiritual need.

Michel is married to his wonderful wife and best friend, Roula Khalil. They live just outside of Atlanta in Duluth, Georgia with their two beautiful girls, Christie and Caitlyn.

Our Board & Team

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

Dr. Michel Khalil

Founder & President

Michel Khalil founded Step Forward Global Ministries, to focus on directly ministering to the suffering and persecuted churches in the Middle East. Click to read more...

Doug Carter is an internationally recognized authority on Christian leadership, Biblical stewardship and Kingdom partnership. Click to read more...

Ms. Nancy Carlson

Board Member

Nancy is a small business owner in South Central Nebraska. She holds licensure as an Independent Mental Health Provider, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Professional Counselor. On Sundays she has the privilege of providing Chapel services to, Christian Homes, a local nursing facility. Click to read more...

Quentin Davisson is a devoted family man and a Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, and Software Developer. Quentin and his family are active members in Discover Life Church with a passion for missions.  Quentin has a heart for youth and serves in many ways including their local Royal Rangers Outpost. Click to read more...

Ms. Marj Kelly

Board Member

God has given Marj Kelly a heart for the Middle East and the people there. It is her special burden to see the lost having hope in Jesus alone. Marj is a key supporter of Step Forward and is a dedicated financial donor. Click to read more...

Rev. Jim Kubic

Board Member

After committing his life to Christ, Jim Kubic was called from a career in law enforcement to pastoral ministry. Jim received a Masters of Divinity Degree and currently, Jim serves as the Lead Pastor of Launchpoint Church in Lebanon, TN. He is also employed as a facilitator for Religion courses at Bethel University. Click to read more...

Mr. Bobby Peed

Board Member

Bobby Peed is the Co-Owner and President of Peed Bros., Inc. in Butler, Georgia. Bobby is very active in his home church, Bethel Congregational Methodist Church. Bobby also serves on the board of directors of both Taylor County Camp Meeting and World Gospel Mission. He has served on The Congregational Methodist Church Denominational Mission Board since 2001. Click to read more...

Steve Schellin is the Pastor of Southland Community Church in Greenwood, Indiana, USA.Before starting Southland, Steve served in many church leadership positions including Ministry Development, Young Adults, Youth and Missions. He also served on the staff of a United States Congressman and as an administrator for Ohio Christian University. Click to read more...

Rev. Durwood Snead

Board Member

Durwood Snead's 26 years experience in the business world at the executive level and the 16 years of experience in leadership, serving with Great Commission minded ministries, adds immense value to our Board. Click to read more...

Mrs. Sawsan Haddad

Special Assistant to Michel Khalil

Sawsan "Sue" Haddad lives in Lebanon and has been a key player assisting Michel Khalil with his projects and training in the Middle East region for over 15 years. Administratively and bi-lingually gifted, Sue has worked for a private school for the past 17 years and serves as EA to senior pastor of a local church. Click to read more...

Mrs. Paige Humphreys

Dir. of Marketing & Advancement

With a background of working with The Coca-Cola Company and John Maxwell's non-profit ministry; EQUIP Leadership, Paige Humphreys has joined our team as a way to serve the Lord through her gifts and strengths in marketing and design. Click to read more...

Mrs. Roula Khalil

Dir. of Operations & Finance

As Michel's spouse, Roula Khalil has trusted and supported his dream to launch Step Forward from its conception when The Lord gave the vision and mission to Michel. Roula's Associate Degree in Accounting and Finance as well as experience in both the non-profit and corporate worlds helps her run our Operation and Financial departments. Click to read more...

Mrs. Colette Rizk

Dir. of Events

Colette Rizk has been volunteering with Michel Khalil since 2008. She has been working with World Vision International in Lebanon since 1993 as an Administration & Fleet Manager. In her role with Step Forward, Colette provides critical support on the administration work before the HUB conferences. Click to read more...