Dr. Bishop Dheeraj Shinde, born in 1972, was raised in a Christian family with a deep spiritual heritage. He came to the born-again faith in 1989 while studying at Wilson College, Mumbai. His ministry journey began as a gospel singer, where the Lord used him mightily to lead praise and worship sessions at large crusades in India alongside renowned men of God such as Benny Hinn, Morris Cerullo, and Yonggi Cho. During this time, he composed numerous worship songs inspired by God, which are now sung in churches across India.

Since 2014, he has been pastoring a church in the bustling city of Mumbai, ministering to slum dwellers and underprivileged communities. This church is a branch of the WEMI (World Evangelical Mission International) ministry.

Family Background

Dr. Shinde’s family roots in the Christian faith trace back nearly 200 years, thanks to American missionaries who brought the gospel to his native place, Ahmednagar. These missionaries served, preached, and even gave their lives in India, leaving behind a legacy of faith that still bears fruit. Dr. Shinde honors their sacrifice, continuing the mission they began by working tirelessly to bring souls into God’s Kingdom.

His father served faithfully with the YMCA in Mumbai for nearly 40 years, while his mother, a retired principal of a school for the handicapped, passed away in 2022. She was a prayer warrior who instilled Christian values in her son and served as the spiritual backbone of his ministry. His parents’ contributions to social work, including orphanages, homes for the aged, and church planting, have left an enduring impact.

Ministry Work

With over 30 years of ministry experience, Dr. Shinde’s journey has been marked by steadfast dedication and growth. He began his ministry with the Gospel Literature Service and was spiritually nurtured in the New Life Fellowship Church. In 2004, he joined WEMI, the World Evangelical Mission International—a ministry of Namseoul Central Church in South Korea—as the South Asia Coordinator. Over the past 20 years, he has worked diligently to build a network of independent churches across India and South Asia, including countries like Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Dr. Shinde’s ministry emphasizes collaboration, outreach, and Kingdom expansion, focusing on bringing hope and salvation to the unreached. His work continues to be a testament to his unwavering faith, spiritual leadership, and vision for a transformed world through Christ.