Chiang Mai Ministry Center Proposal (revised from 2008)

Baptism Service in Chiang Mai

Brief Summary

The goal of this project is to develop a multi-purpose ministry center in Chiang Mai, Thailand that will provide for a worship hall, a ministry training centre, a center for outreach, and space for holistic ministries.

The project is being developed by The Mission Thailand Annual Conference of the Free Methodist Church in Thailand, led by Superintendent, Rev. Art Chutong. This conference represents 5 local churches and 2 Church Planting Projects found in Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Lampun.

The long-term goal of the Conference is to see Free Methodist churches planted in each of the 63 Amphoes (districts) of Thailand with special concentration in gateway cities, especially Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The development of a multi-purpose facility in Chiang Mai, the second largest city of Thailand, is a key component in the achievement of these long-term goals.

Purpose of the Project

Vision Statement:

Our desire is to establish Free Methodist churches in each of the 63 Amphoes (districts) of Thailand with special concentration in gateway cities, especially Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

To help achieve the intention of this vision statement there is a need to develop several facilities throughout Thailand.  Currently, Bangkok has two very good centers; Chiang Mai has a very small inadequate, rented facility.  Chiang Mai is in serious need of a center:

• which will serve congregations as worship and training centers
• which will allow for visible impact in the North Chiang Mai area.
• which will provide special services for outreach to social needs
• which will be income-generating and self-maintaining
• which will enable the support of various outreach ministries

The first step, which is a work in progress, is for the Chiang Mai FMC is to cast vision to its current members, mobilize prayer, take ownership through giving and start working toward the vision of having a multi-purpose center for holistic ministry.

The second step will be for the Board of Administration (BOA) of Mission Thailand to develop attainable plans for the physical and spiritual aspects of the ministry in Chiang Mai.  Architectural plans have been presented to the BOA and approved.  Careful attention is being given to location, cultural aspects, sustainability, and both short and long term goals.  

The third step will be to find partners to pray about and give toward this project outside church members, who will also be asked to partner, pray and give. 

The fourth step will be to purchase a suitable property or building on which to develop a multi-purpose facility.

The fifth step will be to provide accountability and continue partnerships for long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

Background Information

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand (Lanna) and is the cultural, and arts and crafts center for Thailand. Approximately 1.6 million people live in Chiang Mai.  The area is an important center for outreach to all of Northern Thailand, Laos, China and Burma.  Many missionaries live in Chaing Mai.  It is also a major hub for tourism. 

The Free Methodist Church began work in Chiang Mai in 2003.  Pastor Joshua and his wife Onn oversee the work.  In the past two years alone they have led to Christ, discipled, and baptized 25 people.  Additionally, there are approximately 50 members who attend the church regularly. 

The meeting space only accommodates around 30, has poor lighting and poor air ventilation.  Also, the church is located on a road with no public transportation and no place for parking.  

Desired Outcomes from the Project

The first centre to be located in Tambon Pha-Tan will seek to achieve the following outcomes:

• identifiable location for Christian worship
• space for a Ministry Training Centre
• space for holistic ministries
• space for income-generating enterprises

1. Identifiable location for Christian worship

            - a well-located property to establish Free Methodist presence

            - located in Tambon Pha-Tan area to serve established congregation

            - size suitable for congregation up to 300 persons

2. Space for a Ministry Training Centre

            - Several classrooms for 30 students each.

            - kitchen suitable for food preparation for church and training events

3. Space for holistic ministries: Children’s ministries, reach out to the poor families.

4. Space for income-generating enterprises

Currently there is one property under consideration.  Joshua looked at this property recently.  It is in a great location, which would achieve all the goals, mentioned above.  The price for the land would be around 2 million baht (US $60,000).  The building will be another 1 1/3 million baht (US $40,000).