Steps to thrive

Purpose: Steps To Thrive empowers young Christians to live with purpose and lead with courage for God's glory.

Foundation: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52).

Framework: ​How Jesus grew - and how we can imitate Him to live a life of purpose.

  • Wisdom — developing the mind and learning to think biblically

  • Stature — stewarding the body through discipline and physical training

  • Favor with God — cultivating a deep and consistent walk with Christ

  • Favor with Man — strengthening relationships, communication, and leadership

Method: Provide practical, biblically grounded content through the podcast, writing, speaking engagements, and personal conversations to encourage and equip young Christians take small steps to build discipline, form habits, make wise decisions, and thrive for God's glory.

about matthew

Newton's words summarize my life. I am first and foremost an undeserving recipient of God's amazing grace. God sent Christ to live perfectly and die on the cross in my place to give me new life. Each day is a new opportunity to praise Him and share His abundant grace with others. As long as He gives me strength, I desire to honor Christ, reflects His love to others, and shares His truth in love. I am passionate about helping young people take steps to thrive and fulfill their God-given potential.
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I am married to Fleur (a native New Zealander) and have three young boys. I earned my PhD in Intercultural Studies and MA in Cross-Cultural studies and lived in Asia for six years teaching and leading a multinational outreach center with over 1,000 student members; and I have served in Christian higher education for nearly 20 years with a focus on leadership development.

My hobbies include being with family, reading, traveling, officiating college soccer, competing in IRONMAN triathlons, and eating my wife's amazing cooking. But I haven't always been so active. The journey has been long and hard, yet full of grace. I have learned - through many ups and downs - that growth happens one step at a time.

What about you? The past describes you but does not define you. Transformation happens one step at a time. Perhaps now is the time for you to take action. Perhaps today is the day for you to stop drifting and start taking Steps To Thrive.