Rev. Dr. Stephen Lee (李思敬) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Haven of Hope Hospital in Hong Kong at noon on Sunday, July 19, at the age of 70. It is reported that Rev. Lee was found to have pleural effusion in late May and was subsequently diagnosed with peritoneal cellular lesions, for which he underwent chemotherapy.
Throughout his life, Rev. Lee was committed to Old Testament studies, pastoral care, and theological education. He served across Hong Kong and Canada and taught for many years at the China Graduate School of Theology (CGST). Deeply beloved by believers and seminary students for his rigorous exegesis and profound biblical teaching, he was widely regarded as one of the most influential biblical scholars and pastors in the global Chinese Church.
The China Graduate School of Theology, where Rev. Lee ministered for 20 years, issued a statement honoring him as an "outstanding contemporary Old Testament scholar who nurtured generations of talent throughout his career. His preaching and writings possessed exceptional insight, earning him high acclaim across global Chinese churches and inspiring countless souls with a passion for studying the Old Testament."
Called at Age 6, Dedicated to Ministry at 16
Born into a pastoral family, Rev. Lee’s father, the late Rev. Lee Feiwu (李非吾), served as pastor of the Hebron Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) in Hong Kong. As a child, Rev. Lee faced physical adversity due to a congenital leg condition that required multiple surgeries.
His Christian home laid the foundation for his faith. His mother, Mrs. Lee Chan Wing-tin (李陳永鈿), once recalled how they deliberately cultivated their children's love for the Lord's Day: "We gave them pocket money every Sunday, reserved their finest clothes for Sunday, and went out after church for sizzling teppanyaki—which the kids called the 'sizzle meal.' The children grew up loving Sundays."
Raised in this faith-filled environment, Rev. Lee responded to God's calling at an early age. "That summer, the C&MA hosted a youth camp at school, and Pastor Wong Yee-chiu (王義超) was preaching," Rev. Lee once recalled. "After the sermon, he asked those who were willing to dedicate their lives to God to stand up. I stood up—I was six years old that year."
A decade later, at age 16, he reaffirmed his dedication during a dedication service led by his father. He recalled: "My father said, 'Do not stand up if you are merely willing to serve God; stand up if you know God is calling you to be used by Him.' I knew clearly that God wanted me in full-time ministry!" This decision marked a pivotal starting point for his lifelong commitment to pastoral ministry and theological education.
Advanced Studies in the UK and US, Serving Across Continents
In 1977, after earning his Bachelor of Arts from The University of Hong Kong, the young Lee traveled to the United Kingdom and the United States for advanced studies specializing in Old Testament and systematic theology. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity with First Class Honors from the University of Edinburgh around 1980, followed by a Master of Theology (Th.M.) from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1983.
Upon completing his Master's degree, Lee began ministering in both Hong Kong and Canada. In 1984, he was commissioned by the Hebron Church of the C&MA to plant a church in Sha Kok Estate, Shatin, while simultaneously serving as an adjunct lecturer at Alliance Bible Seminary and CGST.
In 1993, after receiving his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Lee joined CGST in Hong Kong as Academic Dean, embarking on a long-term commitment to theological education.
In 2005, Dr. Lee relocated with his family to Canada, serving as advisory pastor at Richmond Hill Christian Community Church in Toronto and contributing to the Old Testament translation of the Chinese New Version of the Bible. Though he originally planned to retire after pastoring in the United States, he felt led by God to return to Hong Kong in 2012. The following year, he assumed office as the fourth President of CGST while serving as Professor of Biblical Studies.
In 2014, Dr. Lee was officially ordained as a minister by the C&MA Church Union Hong Kong and Shatin Alliance Church. During his ordination service, Rev. Lee reflected on his unwavering calling using Joshua 24:15 ("As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"): "This was a calligraphy banner my father hung on our living room wall when I was a child, and it remains my prayer of resolve today as I kneel before the throne of grace."
Rev. Lee specialized in Old Testament exegesis, Old Testament biblical theology, and Hebrew biblical literature. Known for his rigorous scholarship and profound teaching, his published works include A Layman's Guide to the Old Testament (1997), 16 Questions We Dare Not Ask at Church (2017), and Alone with Moses: Finding Life Wisdom in Torah (2018). He also left behind a library of over 250 audio recordings of online sermons, serving as a vital resource for Chinese believers studying the Scriptures.
Outpouring of Tributes Across the Global Church
Following news of Rev. Dr. Lee's passing, tributes poured in from church communities around the world:
"Just received news from CGST on Sunday morning that Rev. Dr. Stephen Lee has entered eternal rest with the Lord. Though grieved by the departure of the Lord's faithful servant, we know the fruits of his labor will be remembered by God. Rev. Lee traveled to Los Angeles twice to preach at joint revival meetings, profoundly blessing the brothers and sisters of churches across LA. May the Lord comfort Rev. Lee's family; in the Lord, we hold the hope of reunion in our heavenly home."
— Rebecca O. Chiu (with Morson Chiu)
"Dr. Lee, thank you for your unwavering support and teaching. We are deeply grateful that our generation had a shepherd like you, and we thank God for allowing us to meet and share fellowship with you!"
— Macau Christian Graduates Fellowship (GCF Macau)
