Church of Singapore (COS) was established in 1963 as an independent charismatic local church. We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Over the years, God has blessed us greatly. We presently have over 4,000 members worshipping in 15 different weekly Services. As a family church, our congregation is a diverse mix of young people and elderly folk from all walks of walks of life.
Thank God for carrying us through 2025 and bringing us into the new year of 2026. The year that has passed was a turbulent one-marked by numerous natural and man-made disasters, ongoing military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan and Thailand-Cambodia borders, and a deepening global trade war that has driven up prices, fuelled inflation, and reduced the quality of life. Yet, through all these uncertainties, we have experienced God’s protection and grace. These events also remind us that the day of the Lord’s return draws near.
The theme God gave the church for 2024 and 2025 was “The Harvest is Here, Let’s Go!”, with three key emphases: Catch the Vision, Stand in the Gap, and Make a Difference. Through theme seminars, Sunday sermons, and Life Group Bible studies over the past two years, many in the church have recognised the urgency of the harvest and the call to share the gospel and bear witness for Christ. While some have responded, many brothers and sisters have yet to step into this call.
Last August, as church leaders reviewed ministry progress, it became clear that although the themes were understood, collective action and visible fruit were still lacking. After much prayer and discussion, the leaders strongly sensed that we are standing at the threshold of an end-times harvest and that we urgently need the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to bring more lost souls into God’s Kingdom. During the leadership planning camp, the theme for 2026 was set as: “Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Repent, Revive, Reap the Harvest!”
“Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Repent, Revive, Reap the Harvest” is more than a theme-it is a journey for the entire church in 2026 to:
Return to God in sincere repentance and renewed devotion.
Experience revival through the Holy Spirit’s power, presence, and gifts.
As a church family, we respond together:
Repent before God.
Be revived by His Spirit.
Be empowered to reap His harvest.
May this theme banner lead us into a year of deep purification, overflowing revival, and fruitful mission-by the power of the Holy Spirit.
REPENT – Communicating PURITY and REPENTANCE
The dove-pure, holy, and radiant-reminds us that repentance is the starting point of spiritual renewal. As Scripture teaches, true revival begins when God’s people humble themselves, turn from their ways, and seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14). The banner calls the church to return to God wholeheartedly, preparing our hearts to be filled afresh.
REVIVE – Communicating REVIVAL and EMPOWERMENT
The wings of fire depict the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, just as in Acts 2, when tongues of fire rested upon the disciples and filled them with power. The radiating beams from the theme tagline further amplify this, visually expressing the outpouring and overflowing life of the Holy Spirit flowing into and through God’s people.
REAP – Communicating the MISSIONAL CALL
Revival leads to action. As we are filled and renewed, we are empowered to go into the harvest field. The banner reinforces that experiencing God’s presence is not an end in itself but a commissioning to bring His love and gospel to the world.
On the final night of 2025, we will gather for our Year-End Prayer Meeting. The first Sunday of 2026 (4 January) will be a day of seeking God, purifying ourselves, and offering our lives to Him. Together, we will say:
“Lord, we come before You with one heart, seeking Your face in prayer. We turn from all evil and choose to follow You alone. Forgive our sins and shortcomings. Touch us once again by Your Holy Spirit, anoint us, and make us Your soldiers in these last Days, that we may faithfully proclaim Your gospel.”
In March, the church will hold a series of revival meetings to deepen our understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. The year’s themes and focuses will also be reinforced through Sunday sermons and Life Group studies, so that we may receive from the Holy Spirit and respond in action to God’s call.
Yes-let us Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Repent, Revive, Reap the Harvest! In His service,
On behalf of the Elder Board,
Chao Tian Kong Chairman, Elder Board
1st January 2026
By 2007, our congregation size has grown to over 3,000 members. And in 2013, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with a series of celebratory events – an Open House, a Combined Church Camp, High Praise and a Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner. As we continue to grow and expand, construction works started for the building of a new hall, Zion Hall, and it was completed in 2019.
2007 - PRESENT
1996 - 2006
By the late 1980s, the church membership has grown to approximately 1,000. Our leaders started engaging the owners of 145 Marine Parade Road to purchase the property. In 1987, the owner finally agreed to sell the freehold property to us. Praise the Lord!
In 1989, the old building was demolished and construction of the new building began. During this time, our services were held in Odeon Katong Theatre and 41 Koon Seng Road. The new building was finally completed in 1992.
To better serve our community, we joined hands with three other churches and para-church organisations to found St Luke’s Hospital in 1991. Tung Ling Student Care Centre was also set up in 1995.
1985 - 1995
As the church grew, there was a pressing need for more space. In 1977, the chief tenant offered us the chief tenancy of 145 Marine Parade Road on the condition that we continued to operate a school under the name “Tung Ling”. With that, “Tung Ling Bible School” was established in 1978.
We also branched out into Church of Singapore (Balestier) in 1979, Church of Singapore (Bukit Timah) in 1981, Church of Singapore (Woodlands) in 1987 and eventually, Church of Singapore (Harvest) in 1996.
Apart from branching out, we also sent our first missionaries for church planting work in 1977.
1974 - 1984
Our first meeting place was under a canvas roof at 8 Siglap Plain. As the number of believers increased, a new meeting place was urgently needed and we started meeting in an old bungalow at Mt Sophia that was due for demolition. At this time, the number of English-speaking members increased and the service language was changed to English and Mandarin.
In 1965, a church member learnt that the rooftop of a pre-war control building was available for rental. After successful negotiations, we moved into 145 Marine Parade Road.
1963 - 1973
Church of Singapore was founded by the late Bro Goh Ewe Kheng, the late Bro Cheng Kai Ho, and the late Bro Huang Jen Shen. In 1963, there was a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Singapore and Malaysia. Many Christians, including our 3 founding elders, were baptised in the Holy Spirit. Church of Singapore was founded in December 1963 to take care of these newly Spirit-filled Christians who were hungry for the Word of God and knowledge of the Holy Spirit.
DECEMBER 1963