The Central Burnaby Evangelical Free Church was established by the Evangelical Free Church of Canada in 1966. A church building was constructed at 6112 Rumble Street, Burnaby, where the congregation faithfully proclaimed the gospel and shepherded the local community for many years. Through the devoted ministry of more than one hundred members, the church became an important gospel witness in Burnaby, bearing testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness within the community.
As the demographics of the neighbourhood gradually changed and new ministry opportunities emerged, God began leading the church into a new chapter. After years of prayer, discernment, and careful consideration, the congregation of Central Burnaby Evangelical Free Church became convinced that God was calling them to entrust this gospel ministry to a new generation. In 1991, the congregation prayerfully concluded its ministry and transferred the church property to the Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church, trusting that this church building would continue to be used for proclaiming the gospel of Christ and serving the surrounding community.
Responding to God’s leading, the Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church commissioned Rev. Tsang Chiu Sui, then Associate Pastor, together with more than fifty brothers and sisters, to plant a new church in Burnaby. As a result, the Burnaby Chinese Evangelical Free Church (BCEFC) was officially established in June 1991.
Following the Dedication Service on June 23, 1991, BCEFC held its first Sunday worship service on August 4, 1991. From its earliest days, the church established Cantonese and English worship services, Sunday School, children’s and youth ministries, and community outreach. In the years that followed, Mandarin ministry was also launched. As the needs of the community continued to evolve, BCEFC expanded its ministries while remaining firmly committed to the authority of Scripture, the proclamation of the gospel, and the making of disciples.
Looking back over more than three decades, we recognize that BCEFC is not simply a church that “started over.” Rather, we have been entrusted with continuing the gospel ministry that God had already established in this community. Through the faithful service of pastors, ministry staff, Deacons, and brothers and sisters across different generations, the church has experienced many seasons of growth and development. From church planting, ministry expansion, and the renovation and expansion of our facilities, to the development of our Mandarin and English ministries, youth ministry, overseas short-term missions, and community outreach, God has remained faithful through every challenge, including leadership transitions and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout every season, His faithfulness and grace have never departed from His church.
To this day, God continues to lead Burnaby Chinese Evangelical Free Church (BCEFC). Building upon the foundation laid by generations of faithful believers, we remain committed to the mission of proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and glorifying God, as we seek to be a church that is a blessing to Burnaby and the Chinese communities throughout Greater Vancouver.