Dr. Philip Martin Steyne

Philip Steyne—known as Phil, Dr. Steyne, Uncle Phil, Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, BopBop, PopPop, and Great-Grandpa —finished his earthly race on November 11, 2025, at age 94. True to a lifetime of devotion, he entered his Savior’s presence from his knees.

Born in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Phil was raised in a missionary home and began ministry early—teaching, preaching, and pastoring youth before adulthood. In 1952 he married his beloved Jeanne McDonald, beginning a 60-year partnership of love and global ministry. Though she preceded him to Glory in 2011, his love for her never faded.

Phil is survived by his four children and their spouses, Paul Steyne (Michelle), Marilyn Rinkel (Dan), Danny Steyne (Karen), and Linda Steyne; 16 grandchildren (and 11 spouses); 34 great-grandchildren (and 3 spouses); and one great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his nephew and his spouse, Willie Crew (Lydia); his younger brother, Johann Steyn (88) of Pretoria, South Africa; and many spiritual sons and daughters around the world.

A Life of Mission and Ministry

Phil pastored in South Africa before studying in Chicago, where he worked multiple jobs to support his young family. Over the years he served as pastor, youth minister, teacher, missionary, principal, counselor, and mentor. With The Evangelical Alliance Mission, he and Jeanne ministered in South Africa and Swaziland, training leaders, building up local churches, guiding schools, and often crossing racial boundaries during apartheid to model Christlike love.

Denied reentry to South Africa in the 1970s, Phil turned to teaching and missionary training in the U.S., serving at Philadelphia College of the Bible, PA, and later at Columbia International University, SC, where he shaped generations of missionaries. He interim pastored at several churches, wrote influential books on missions, served on numerous international mission boards, and taught around the world—eventually in more than 145 nations. Even in his 80s and 90s, he continued to travel and teach wherever God opened a door.

Phil’s ministry was anchored in Scripture—especially Psalm 48:14, the life-verse he and Jeanne shared. His daily exhortation was simple: “Keep short accounts.” His constant refrain: “It’s all His grace.”

A Faithful Finish

In his final written reflections on the morning of his homegoing, he reminded his family that God had led him faithfully “through all time, beyond death, and into eternity,” and he urged them to know Jesus and share their stories of His grace.

Phil Steyne lived an amazing life marked by service, prayer, and obedience. He is now reunited with his sweetheart and the great cloud of witnesses, cheering us onward.

To God be the glory.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Columbia, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow the service at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia.