Faith Community Baptist Church
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Faith Community Baptist Church, or FCBC, is a megachurch in Singapore, founded by Pastor Lawrence Khong.[1] As of 2009, almost 9,000 people attend its weekly services.
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[edit] History and leadership
FCBC was founded as a cell church, but since 2002 has become a 'G12 cell church' which follows the G12 Vision of César Castellanos. It is a Charismatic church that moves, teaches and believes in the power of the Holy Spirit. The word "Baptist" in the name is from the church's historic Baptist position.
Following the pattern in G12 churches, FCBC is led by Apostle Lawrence Khong and Rev Nina Khong. Apostle Lawrence Khong is the head of the Men’s Network, whereas Rev Nina Khong heads the Women’s Network.
[edit] Ministries
FCBC conducts many services in various languages including English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese (since 2008) and Sign Language. Since 2005, the English-language meetings have been held in the 7,000-seater MAX Pavilion at Singapore Expo. The Hokkien, Cantonese and Disabled congregations meet at FCBC's own TOUCHCENTRE building at 3 Marine Parade Central. The Mandarin-language meetings were held at the MAX Pavilion from 2005, but moved back to TOUCHCENTRE & TOUCH Community Theatre Auditoriums, both owned by the church, in 2009. Starting August 2009, a new English service will commence at TOUCH Community Theatre.
FCBC has a community arm, TOUCH Community Services (TCS). TCS serves the local community in Singapore in a variety of ways, including providing various services and help to troubled youth, children, senior citizens, the visually challenged, mentally challenged, physically disabled, family services and in character development. TCS also has an international arm, TOUCH Community Services International, that provides aid and relief to disaster spots and areas that need help around the world. TCSI also supports long-term involvement in global communities and is deeply involved in the rebuilding process in the tsunami stricken areas and others. TCS is a non-profit, non-religious community organization, which has served over 100,000 individuals since its establishment.[2] In 2007, TCS won the Outstanding Non-Profit Organisation Award.[specify]
FCBC also has a media branch known as Gateway Entertainment that produces various movies and stage productions which teach moral values and Christianity. Its flagship show, The Magic of Love (MOL), toured the United States. As of 2007, over 208,000 people worldwide had watched the show.[3] The Christmas version, MOL@Christmas, was performed at The MAX Pavilion in December 2005 and December 2006. "Magic of Love" was used for both commercial and evangelistic purposes, but it was replaced by "MAGICBOX" at The Esplanade Theatre from July 2008, which is staged solely for the commercial audience.
Reverend Lawrence Khong, together with FCBC, started the LOVESingapore Movement, a Unity movement among the churches in Singapore, in 1994. As of today, there are over 150 churches in this movement united in prayer for Singapore. Other major churches involved include Victory Family Centre and Covenant Evangelical Free Church.
[edit] See also
Other megachurches in Singapore:
[edit] References
- ^ Ong Sor Fern (2002-07-21). "Rise of new churches - New-style churches are run like businesses and boast big congregations and buildings. They say they are only keeping up with the times and meeting aspirations". Sunday Times (Singapore).
- ^ http://www.tcs.org.sg/corp_info/index.html
- ^ http://magicoflawrence.com/shows_mol.asp
