From Nigeria to Winnipeg: Pastor Alex Adegboye’s Global Journey of Faith

Nigerian Pastor Alex Adegboye shares how he transitioned from architecture to global ministry, spreading the gospel from Nigeria to Canada and beyond.

Pastor Alex Adegboye, the senior pastor of Word Alive Ministries International, oversees a network of churches across the globe — but becoming a minister was never part of his original plan.

“I always say I stumbled into ministry,” he shared. “I trained as an architect at the University of Lagos, but along the way, I felt a strong desire to serve God wholeheartedly.”

After completing his studies, he immersed himself in ministry work, seeking opportunities to serve in any way he could. “I got involved with lay ministries like the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International. It was very outreach-focused — we led people to Christ and then helped connect them to local churches.”

Today, Pastor Adegboye leads Word Alive Ministries and supervises its many branches, including The Stone Church in Winnipeg, Canada. “It’s a whole new experience,” he explained. “I’m not just pastoring one group of people. I’m ministering to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.”

He admits the role comes with its share of challenges. “Many of the people I work with, I don’t know personally. So, I need to listen — hear their language, their needs — and figure out how best to minister to them.”

His time at The Stone Church in Winnipeg has been a joyful and refreshing experience. “I love it. Meeting people I haven’t seen in a while excites me. It reminds me that the Word of God is powerful and effective everywhere. No matter what the issue is, the answer is still Jesus.”

Reflecting on his years in ministry, Pastor Adegboye says he has witnessed God’s hand repeatedly, especially when it comes to finances. “Ministry is expensive. When funds are low, that’s when I’ve learned to trust God. I’ve had to wait on Him and remain patient.”

One scripture that has deeply anchored him over the years is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” He shared, “It’s a simple verse, but not easy to live out. Being still — especially in moments of uncertainty — is something God has taught me through experience.”

Though he’s approaching his 70th birthday, slowing down is not on his agenda. He’s embracing new challenges with renewed energy. “I thought I’d reduce my workload, but now I find myself planning church plants in places we’ve never been — thinking of Asia, even Australia. It’s exciting.”

“I’ve handed over local church pastoring,” he concluded, “and now I’m on the move, trusting God to show us where to go next.”