From childhood pen-pal letters and morning runs to collecting nostalgic telecoms memorabilia and building custom mechanical keyboards, Pastor Rufus’ journey is defined by a quiet, intentional love for people. Step inside his story to see how faith, family and a shepherd’s heart come together as he begins a new season at Wesley Methodist Church on 1 August 2026.
Every calling has a story, and behind every full-time minister is a series of defining moments, pivotal mentors and deep convictions.
For Rev Rufus Chan, the latest addition to the Wesley pastors’ family, his journey of following Christ is marked by grace in times of crisis, rich lessons from church history and a passion for living out a dynamic, hands-on faith.
At 44 years old, Pastor Rufus brings 14 years of full-time ministry experience to Wesley, having previously served 11 years on staff at Aldersgate Methodist Church and the last three years as a pastor at Covenant Community Methodist Church (CCMC). Before answering God’s call to full-time ministry, Pastor Rufus worked in the banking industry.
A PASTOR ON THE MOVE
Apart from his ministry work, Pastor Rufus has varied interests, including building mechanical keyboards from scratch, collecting telephones and other nostalgic memorabilia, going for long runs and playing football.
Echoing Olympic runner Eric Liddell’s iconic reflection in the film Chariots of Fire , “When I run, I feel His pleasure”, Pastor Rufus finds a similar spiritual cadence on the pavement. For him, running is more than physical exercise; it is a sacred space for quiet communion and unwinding in God’s presence.
Sharing a memorable moment from his training, Pastor Rufus recalled a spiritually dry week when he was preparing a sermon and prayed for a fresh encounter with God: “That evening, I went for a run around Marina Bay. Normally, I would turn back at Marina Barrage, but for some reason I felt prompted to keep going across the barrage onto a breakwater that I had never run on before,” he said.
“To my surprise, at the end of the breakwater was what looked like a large cross on the ground, which was actually a helipad.”
“But, in that moment, it felt as though God was speaking directly to me: ‘When you come to the end of yourself, know that Christ is there for you. Don’t give up.’”
“As I stood there taking it all in, I received a text message telling me that a prayer I had been waiting on had just been answered,” he recounted.
Pastor Rufus is an avid athlete. Beyond running, he has also signed up for a triathlon in September and is keen to join the Wesley Run Club if time permits, noting, “I think it’s going to be a great way to build friendships, encourage one another and stay active together.”
“But, in that moment, it felt as though God was speaking directly to me: ‘When you come to the end of yourself, know that Christ is there for you. Don’t give up.’”
FROM HEAD KNOWLEDGE TO LIFE-ON-LIFE INVESTMENT
Raised as a third-generation Christian, Pastor Rufus spent his earliest years at Telok Ayer Methodist Church before joining Aldersgate Methodist Church at age 12 alongside his officers from the Boys’ Brigade (BB).
A proud alumnus of Fairfield Methodist Primary and Secondary Schools, Pastor Rufus grew up in an interesting household: “My Taiwanese-born mother spoke only Mandarin, my Singaporean father spoke only English and the two communicated with each other in Hokkien,” he chuckled. Pastor Rufus is the youngest of three children, with two older sisters.
In his early years, his faith grew primarily as head knowledge rather than a deep personal relationship. That changed in 1997.
Facing a major family crisis that coincided with a personal mistake at school, Pastor Rufus experienced a firsthand encounter with God’s profound forgiveness. It proved to be a life-defining turning point as he stepped out of routine tradition and into a personal, living faith.
At the heart of many turning points in serious Christian journeys lies a salutary catalyst, be it a faithful mentor, a transformative experience or an inspiring message that leaves a lasting imprint.
For Pastor Rufus, spiritual growth in his younger days was profoundly shaped by the Boys’ Brigade, where he later served as an officer and assistant chaplain. He stated that his biggest takeaway from the Boys’ Brigade is “the importance of life-on-life investment”.
Reflecting on his formative years, Pastor Rufus credits his former BB captain, Mr Wee Tat Chuen, with showing him the heart of true leadership. Recalling a home visit when he was sick as a teenager, Pastor Rufus noted: “Mr Wee simply came, spent time with me and made me feel remembered.”
That care extended to personal encouragement, as his BB captain urged him to play the guitar and lead worship.
“What I got from Mr Wee was that he believed in me and was willing to invest in me,” he added.
It was his BB captain’s relentless commitment to people that left a deep impression. Pastor Rufus shared how his mentor always carried an organiser packed with appointments to check on his boys.
“Watching him taught me that shepherding isn’t just about leading people well; it’s also about caring for them well.”
Ultimately, it is those “seemingly ordinary acts of presence, encouragement and consistency” that Pastor Rufus has carried into his own ministry.
Another significant influence has been Mr David Chan, a missionary and principal of St Paul Methodist School in Timor-Leste.
“Through his example, I learned the importance of giving my best in every task, not just the ones I naturally enjoy. His simple yet memorable reminders to ‘just do it’ and ‘keep on keeping on’ have shaped my attitude towards ministry, teaching me to persevere faithfully even when the road is difficult.”
“Watching him (Mr Wee Tat Chuen) taught me that shepherding isn’t just about leading people well; it’s also about caring for them well.”
STUDYING THE PAST, TRUSTING THE PROMISE
From 2017 to 2020, Pastor Rufus completed his theological education at Trinity Theological College (TTC).
“One of my favourite subjects was Church History,” said Pastor Rufus.
“Learning about human ambition, corruption and schisms throughout history often sent me to the campus prayer garden to intercede for the Church.”
Yet through those heavy moments came a profound realisation: despite human failings, the Church will always stand because it belongs to God, who faithfully sustains it by His grace.
Reflecting on his historical curiosity, Pastor Rufus said:
“If I could sit down for coffee with any historical figure, I’d probably choose Constantine. He’s one of the most influential, enigmatic and controversial figures in Church History. I’d love to ask him about his conversion. What was really happening in his heart and how did he come to faith in Christ?”
A SHARED CALLING: LIFE, MINISTRY AND FAMILY GROUNDED TOGETHER
Married for 17 years to his wife, Gracia Chiang, who serves as an editor at Salt&Light, ministry is a shared calling in their family. The couple first met while serving together in the youth ministry at Aldersgate Methodist Church. Together, they are raising two daughters: Inez, 13, and Zoey, 10.
When asked how they balance ministry and family life, Pastor Rufus shared:
“We integrate them. Ministry isn’t just a job for us; it’s part of our lives and something we’re both passionate about.”
To keep their household grounded amid busy schedules, they prioritise family prayer and devotion times alongside weekly movie or game nights.
Out of “pastor mode”, Pastor Rufus’ family describes him as fun, funny and punny, complete with gentle sermon critiques from his daughters. Inez advises him to “use fewer words, limit yourself to two jokes per sermon and speak more to the younger generation”, while Zoey adds, “It’s good. Just don’t be any more punny than you are now.”
WHOLEHEARTED IN MINISTRY AND FRIENDSHIP
To those who have known Pastor Rufus across different seasons of life, the continuity is striking. Whether as a childhood friend, youth chaplain or parish minister, his genuine warmth makes people feel seen, remembered and valued.
A Wesleyan and primary school classmate, Janice Lee, remembers Pastor Rufus as exceptionally thoughtful, a pen pal since Primary Two who once put together a generous collection of farewell gifts when a classmate moved overseas. Years later, when he served as a school chaplain to Janice’s daughter, their paths crossed again.
“And now, I am happy that he is coming to be my pastor at Wesley,” added Janice.
Rev Dr William Sam described Pastor Rufus as determined and persevering: “Once he is convinced that something is worth pursuing, he commits himself to it wholeheartedly.”
“And that includes his determination in football,” Pastor William quipped.
“It has been a joy to witness Pastor Rufus’ journey from a youth leader to a fellow pastor and now a colleague in ministry. I am especially thankful that God has brought our paths together again and I look forward to serving alongside Pastor Rufus at Wesley Methodist Church,” said Pastor William.
Another Wesleyan, Benedict Tay, who served with Pastor Rufus at the TRAC Young Adults Taskforce from 2021 to 2024 before his ordination, highlighted Pastor Rufus’ pastoral heart.
“What I remember most about Rufus was his pastoral heart to always listen first. He is always present with whoever he is with and always gives wise counsel and care.”
A NEW CHAPTER AT WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH
Now stepping into his new role at Wesley Methodist Church, Pastor Rufus brings a wealth of experience serving youth, young adults, cell groups and boards.
“As I leave CCMC and begin serving at Wesley, I’m reminded that ministry has never been about me. It has always been God’s work.
The Lord is the one who began the work of His people and He is the one who will bring it to completion. That gives me great peace. I can leave one ministry knowing that God will continue His work there and I can begin another with confidence that He has already gone before me.
Ultimately, I’m just called to be faithful. God is the one who completes the work.”
“Ultimately, I’m just called to be faithful. God is the one who completes the work.”
KYP – KNOW YOUR PASTOR
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF: Learn to play the piano
FAVOURITE
- BIBLE VERSES: John 10:10 and Hebrews 12:1–3
- HYMN: O God Beyond All Praising
- SCHOOL SUBJECT: History
- MOVIE: A Walk to Remember
- LOCAL FOOD: Wanton Mee
FUN FACTS: Collect things connected to Singapore’s history; ultra Liverpool fan.
KOPI OR TEH: Kopi
Known for his warm presence, heart for discipleship, fondness for long runs and unique hobbies such as collecting old telephones and telecom memorabilia, Pastor Rufus is ready to journey alongside the Wesley community. So be sure to give him a warm welcome, chat about Liverpool FC or say hello when you see him around Wesley!
(Photos courtesy of Rev Rufus Chan)
Read also: Walking and Praying: Learning to Notice God Along the Way
