In 1998, at the insistent request of an African seminary classmate, Dr. Steve Van Horn took his first trip to Africa to teach at the Nairobi International School of Theology for two weeks. Steve described this experience as "a hand-in-glove" fit, feeling deeply called to the work of teaching. What began as a one-time trip soon turned into an annual journey to Nairobi, where he taught students from across Africa.

As his impact grew, students began to invite Steve to their villages, expressing the need for biblical training in their home regions. This overwhelming demand for pastoral training outside the classroom sparked a new calling in Steve’s heart. In 2003, he founded International Training and Equipping Ministries (ITEM) to formally respond to this need.

“Steve devoted himself to equipping African pastors, building a vast network of alumni across the continent. He became a spiritual mentor to thousands, deeply respected for his teaching and dedication.”

At the end of 2023, Steve transitioned into a new role, focusing on equipping the next generation through apologetics, passing the torch of ITEM's leadership to Dr. Chris McMillan to continue the mission. Upon assuming leadership, Chris laid out his vision for ITEM called Project Accelerate.