Building God’s People
With God’s help, we endeavour to build the lives of all Bethelites across various life stages. In addition to studying the Word of God and deepening our relationship with Him, we challenge ourselves to live Spirit-empowered lives at our workplace, schools and homes; that we may be effective witnesses of God in the marketplace.
Bethel’s Milestones
1956
The church began as Bethel Revival Centre in a small, semi-detached house at 1011A Jansen Road (corner of Jansen & Lange Road) off Upper Serangoon Road.
Bethel was founded by Reverend Fred & Margaret Seaward. About 8 people, including the Seawards, attended the first Sunday service on 31 December 1956.
Reverend Fred Seaward has gone home to be with the Lord since 6 October 2019.
1960s
The Church was moved to 4 Palm Grove Avenue in February 1960 and acquired the property in 1964.
Pastor Pang Ek Kwan, while working as a school teacher, led many students to become Christians and started a student fellowship called TYCM. In early 1970s, he took over the baton and pastored the Church till April 2001.
Reverend Pang Ek Kwan has gone home to be with the Lord since 7 December 2022.
Early 1980s
Due to a rapid increase in attendance, Palm Grove Avenue became insufficient to accommodate the growing congregation by the early 1980s. As a result, on April 1, 1984, the Church made a significant move to the Zenith Theatre, located on Tampines Road, where approximately 500 members gathered for worship. Recognizing the need for continued expansion, the Church later relocated to the New City Theatre in the middle of 1985.
1986
1986
The Church finally purchased New City Theatre at Geylang East Town Centre and transformed it from a “house of pictures” to a “house of prayer”.
2001
In April 2001, Pastor Chia Beng Hock took up the mantle as Senior Pastor from Pastor Pang, who retired after decades of dedicated service. Pastor Chia has been a full-time ministerial staff since March 1982.
2010
2010
In April 2010, the Church at Geylang East Town Centre was torn down to make way for a new multi-functional building dedicated to serve the Church and the community.
2012
In 2012, the Church embarked on a transformative journey as it transitioned into a new building, marking the commencement of a fresh chapter in the life of both the Church and the community.
2023
2023
A momentous occasion unfolds in Bethel as Reverend Dr. Chia Beng Hock gracefully transitions the senior leadership of the Church to Pastor Wong Yew Keong, culminating 22 years of dedicated service. With this significant milestone, Pastor Chia will embark on a new season as Pastor Emeritus, offering his wisdom and guidance to the congregation.
Pastor Wong Yew Keong was installed as our 4th Senior Pastor on 4 June 2023 after receiving a strong vote of confidence in our Annual General Meeting in April the same year. He was a banker for 33 years and following his retirement in Dec 2020, Pastor Chia invited him to join our staff team.