The Methodist Church in Singapore
The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is the largest Protestant denomination in the country.
Rooted in Wesleyan tradition, MCS comprises three Annual Conferences—Chinese, Tamil, and English—serving Singapore’s multi-ethnic and multilingual communities.
Its vision is to “Love God by Loving our Neighbour,” expressed through evangelism, education, social outreach, and ecumenical engagement.
MCS is deeply committed to holistic ministry. It operates 15 schools and a junior college, contributing significantly to Singapore’s educational landscape.
Through Methodist Welfare Services, it runs 20 service hubs supporting the elderly, families, children, and the chronically ill. Missionary work is coordinated by the Methodist Missions Society, which sends missionaries across Asia.
The Church also works with other Christian denominations and with theological institutions, such as Trinity Theological College, to strengthen its witness in a multi-religious society.
Singapore Factfile
1976
Founded
46
Churches
15
Schools
46,000
Members
The Methodist Church in Singapore traces its origins to 1885, when American missionary William F. Oldham arrived to establish the first Methodist mission.
Evangelistic efforts quickly expanded into education, healthcare, and multilingual congregational work. Initially part of the South India Conference, the mission evolved into the Malaysia Annual Conference in 1902.
Over time, distinct Annual Conferences were formed to serve Chinese, Tamil, and English-speaking communities.
Following political changes in Southeast Asia, the Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore gained autonomy from the United Methodist Church in 1968.
In 1976, the Methodist Church in Singapore was formally constituted as a separate entity, comprising three Annual Conferences. It adopted its own Constitution and Discipline, reflecting local needs while maintaining Methodist doctrine and structure.