Tribute to Bishop Rolly Singh

The Evangelical Fellowship of India remembers with deep gratitude and sorrow Bishop Rolly Singh, a respected senior leader of the evangelical community in India and a dear brother and colleague in the ministry of the Gospel.

Bishop Rolly went to be with the Lord on the evening of 6 October 2026, at approximately 5:15 p.m.

For nearly five decades, he served the Church in North India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. His influence can be seen most clearly in the pastors and leaders whom he encouraged, nurtured and helped prepare for wider responsibility.

His years of Christian ministry included service with Bethel Church in Lucknow. In 1979, Bishop Rolly and his wife, Mrs. Salomi Singh, began serving in Barabanki. From those beginnings grew the work associated with Zion Church and Zion Sewa, bringing together the proclamation of the Gospel, the strengthening of churches and Christian workers, and practical service to people and communities.

Bishop Rolly gave considerable time and attention to younger pastors and emerging leaders. He encouraged them, made room for them and helped them grow in confidence in the calling God had placed upon their lives. Some would go on to carry significant responsibilities and to lead ministries and movements of their own. That remains an important part of his legacy.

His concern for the wider body of Christ also led him to serve beyond Zion. He served on the Executive Committee of the India Missions Association, an organisation with which EFI has shared close historical ties since its formation in 1977.

Bishop Rolly served for many years on the EFI Executive Committee and also served as Vice Chairman of the Evangelical Fellowship of India. After completing his term as Vice Chairman, he continued as a member of the Executive Committee and remained closely involved in the life and leadership of the Fellowship.

For us at EFI, therefore, we mourn not only a respected church leader but a brother, colleague and fellow servant in Christ.

Through different seasons in the life of EFI, he was a steady and gracious presence. He brought to our deliberations the experience of someone who understood the realities of ministry on the ground and who had spent decades walking alongside pastors, churches and Christian workers.

For me, this loss is also personal. Bishop Rolly and I shared a good relationship over the years, and I cannot remember coming away from a meeting or conversation with him without feeling encouraged. He had a way of listening that gave confidence. I remain grateful to God for his affection, his counsel and the fellowship we shared.

His family shared this journey with him through the years, and our hearts and prayers are especially with his beloved wife and fellow-worker, Mrs. Salomi Singh; his daughters, Hepzibah Singh and Hannah Singh; his son, Pastor Hezekiah Harshit Singh; and their respective families.

We pray that the Lord will surround them with His presence and comfort and sustain them in the days ahead.

The words of Hebrews seem especially fitting: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7

We thank God for Bishop Rolly Singh, for a life spent in the service of Christ and His Church, and for the many lives strengthened through his ministry.

We join Zion Church and Zion Sewa, his fellow pastors and leaders, friends, and the wider Church in grieving his passing.

May the Lord comfort all who mourn and give us grace to remain faithful to the calling entrusted to us.

Rev. Vijayesh Lal
General Secretary
Evangelical Fellowship of India
7 October 2026