“Transformational Church Transforming Our Community.” That’s the motto of Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church. It encapsulates their mission perfectly. Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church is more than just a building. It is a community.
Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church has a fascinating history. Its roots trace back to the mid-19th century. Philip Robinson arrived from Bristol in 1857. He later opened “Mission Rooms” for worship in 1864. This was at 103 Bencoolen Street. In 1866, it was renamed Bethesda Chapel. It then moved to 77 Bras Basah Road. The congregation was small with only 10 believers.
Fifty years later in 1936, Bethesda Chapel planted Bethesda Katong Church. In 1964, Bethesda Katong Church planted Bethesda Frankel Estate Church.
In 1973, leaders and youths from Bethesda Frankel Estate Church wanted to spread the gospel. They targeted the newly developed Chai Chee and Bedok housing estates. A small Bible study group began in Madam Leonie Tay’s home. In 1974, it moved to the home of Elder Francis Lim and his wife. Twenty people attended the first worship service. Sunday School began with fifteen children. Elder Chia Hong Hoe helped form what is now Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church.
The growing church moved to Sennett Road in 1976. It was named Bethesda Bedok Mission Home. It later became Bethesda Bedok Mission Church. This happened when it gained autonomy from its mother-church.
In 1996, Bethesda Bedok Mission Church moved to Pasir Ris New Town. The church was renamed Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church. The first combined English-Mandarin-Filipino worship service was held on July 21, 1996.
Today, Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church has three congregations. They have four worship services. Almost 800 adults youths and children attend.
Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church is committed to mission and evangelism. It aims to be a loving vibrant worshipful community. This multi-ethnic and multi-generational church shows Christ’s love. It teaches God’s Word and nurtures relationships. This helps them reach people for Christ. They focus on their communities and focus countries.
The church’s beliefs are rooted in scripture. They believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible. They believe in one eternal God. This God exists in three persons. These are the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. They believe in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. They also believe in His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. He empowers believers for witness and service. He also unites the church in fellowship. The church believes that man was created in God’s image. They also believe that all mankind is sinful since the Fall.
Salvation is a key tenet. It comes through grace and faith in Christ. The church values growth in grace knowledge and good works. They believe in eternal life for believers. They also believe in the final resurrection and redemption.
Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church sees itself as a community of Christ followers. It is a spiritual family of God. The church ministers to God through worship. It ministers to believers through encouragement and discipleship. It ministers to the world through evangelism and mission.
Senior Pastor Kenny Fam leads Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church. He and the elders provide spiritual and fiduciary oversight. They ensure the church remains true to its mission.
Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church also runs Bethesda Kindergarten. It provides quality early childhood education to the Pasir Ris community. The kindergarten has become a trusted brand name since its establishment in 1997.