In the heart of Winnipeg, Canada, a pastor’s enduring commitment to biblical truth and transformative ministry has left a permanent mark on his church and community. Pastor Deyi Wei, a Southern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate, has faithfully served the Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church (WCAC) for 22 years, transitioning recently to lead a thriving church plant, Winnipeg Chinese Bible Church.
A Ministry of Transition and Transformation
Since he graduated from Southern Seminary in 2002, Wei has dedicated his life to shepherding a church in a city defined by rapid change. Winnipeg is a gateway for immigrants, where families often settle temporarily before moving to larger Canadian cities. This dynamic reality has shaped the WCAC as a training ground for discipleship.
“We are like a training center, leading newcomers to Christ and equipping them as disciples to serve wherever they go,” Wei said.
Over the past two decades, his leadership has guided countless new immigrants from China, helping them embrace their faith and grow in their walk with Christ.
From Bangkok to Southern: A Journey of Faith
Wei’s path to ministry was unconventional. Born in China and later living in Bangkok, he first encountered Christ at Grace Baptist Church, a congregation started by Southern Baptist missionaries. Struggling with a debilitating battle with epilepsy and a sense of purposelessness despite a successful academic career, Wei experienced a transformative encounter with Christ that brought healing and a new sense of direction.
“One day, the Holy Spirit revealed to me, ‘I have healed you of epilepsy. Why are you still in fear?’ That moment changed everything,” he said.
Free from seizures for over 30 years, Wei attributes his healing to God’s providence, which prepared him for ministry. Encouraged by his pastor and church community, he dedicated his life to serving the local church and sought theological training. Through prayerful discernment, he chose Southern Seminary, where he studied under esteemed professors and developed a strong biblical foundation that has undergirded his ministry.
Challenges and Perseverance in Ministry
Wei served as the Mandarin pastor at WCAC for 14 years before assuming the lead pastor role, guiding a complex church with three culturally and theologically distinct congregations: Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.
“The English congregation leaned liberal, the Cantonese congregation was open to liberalism, and only the Mandarin congregation was under my leadership,” he said.
Navigating theological differences required courage and steadfast commitment to biblical convictions.
Wei also faced challenges within his denomination.
“The Christian and Missionary Alliance, in my view, has shifted theologically to the left regarding church leadership and social advocacy,” Wei said. “While I respect differing views, I chose to stand firm in my theological convictions, even if it meant being sidelined. God has called me to be a faithful loner.”
Despite conflicts and personal sacrifices, Wei’s perseverance bore fruit. Under his leadership, WCAC planted a new church, a long-awaited vision realized.
Winnipeg Chinese Bible Church: A New Chapter
In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, Wei led WCAC in planting the Winnipeg Chinese Bible Church (WCBC), a reformed, conservative, and complementarian congregation.
“We walk by faith, not by sight,” he said. “God has put this burden to build a church firmly founded on the Word. My ministry commitment and call is to build up one church. So even though I met many conflicts at the former board and met with many ignorant and harmful gossips, by God’s grace, I persevered to see the fruit of my ministry. I did not quit.”
The new church multiplied, drawing middle-aged couples, many of whom were house church leaders fleeing persecution in China. Since its inception, WCBC has witnessed God’s hand at work. In 2023 alone, the church welcomed 470 newcomers, led 57 individuals to Christ, and baptized 21 people in a lakeside service. With a weekly attendance of 200, including 50 children and teenagers, WCBC is a testament to Wei’s vision of a church grounded in Scripture.
A Southern Seminary Legacy
Wei attributes much of his ministry’s success to his theological training at Southern Seminary.
“Southern laid the foundation for my ministry and strengthened my convictions,” he said. “From maintaining regular contact with Dr. Robert Plummer to drawing inspiration from Dr. Albert Mohler’s books and podcasts, the seminary’s influence remains evident.”
As a pastor committed to raising up leaders, Wei requires WCBC’s elders to undergo three years of theological training, ensuring the church’s leadership is well-equipped to face cultural challenges with biblical integrity.
“We honor Christ by following His Word,” Wei said.
Looking Ahead
Through trials and triumphs, Wei has remained steadfast in his calling. His ministry exemplifies the fruit of faithful perseverance and a life wholly surrendered to God. As he continues to lead WCBC, his story inspires Southern Seminary alumni and students, demonstrating what it means to stand firm in faith while navigating an ever-changing world.
“God has prepared me for this ongoing spiritual battle for truth. By His grace, I will persevere.”