Why do people gather here at Church of Praise? Church of Praise is more than just a building. It is a community. Let me tell you a story.
Church of Praise has a rich history. It began with a vision. Four pastors and a few lay people shared this vision in 1985.
The first worship service took place on July 13, 1986. It was held at a member’s home. Twenty-three Christians attended. Later, on August 3, 1986, the first public worship service occurred at the Hyatt Hotel. One hundred sixty-eight people were present.
By December 1986, Church of Praise was thriving. They commenced Chinese services. Bible classes and home cell groups started. Also, youth and children’s ministries began. Praise Power Night became a regular event.
Church of Praise officially registered as a society on February 6, 1987. On March 31, 1987, the Assemblies of God of Singapore recognized it. One hundred eleven people became Chartered Members. An office was secured. Sunday service attendance grew to 1,500. Fifteen pastors and ten staff served full-time.
In May 1992, the East Coast Branch became independent. It is now known as Bethesda Cathedral. The congregation consolidated services. They met at the Singapore Power Auditorium.
The West Branch rejoined the services in July 1994. They had been meeting at the Concorde Hotel.
August 1995 marked a significant step. The Filipino fellowship became self-supporting. They formed a new church called Living Word Fellowship.
In June 1996, Church of Praise in Johor Bahru became self-supporting.
December 1997 was a milestone. Church of Praise finalized its first property purchase. It was located at Roxy Square.
A Corporate Fast and Sacred Assembly was held on May 2, 1997. It culminated in a Holy Spirit visitation. Revival broke out.
In January 2000, the Stepping Stone Student Care Centre opened. It served the community.
Community Concern Services registered in September 2005. It provided community-based services. They reached out to the needy.
All services moved to Lavender Street on January 1, 2007. These new rental facilities were at Carepoint.
Ne-Xus Global (Private) Limited was incorporated on March 1, 2011. It was for owning Nexus Auditorium.
The purchase of Nexus Auditorium completed on February 15, 2012. The first service was held there on February 19, 2012.
In 2012, Church of Praise’s Thailand mission branch bought land. It was for a Children’s Home.
The church prepared to transition to a cell church in February 2013.
Ground was broken for the Children’s Home in May 2013.
The first Singing Christmas Tree in Thailand was staged in December 2015.
Church of Praise adheres to the Assemblies of God’s 16 Fundamental Truths. These truths guide their beliefs. They believe in the Trinity. They believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. Also, they believe in salvation through Christ.
The Church of Praise is a caring community. They witness and pray together. They ground themselves in the Bible. They seek God’s glory.
Church of Praise continues to serve. It continues to spread its message of faith. It is a beacon of hope in Singapore.