Before COC Thailand

Before COC Thailand, ministers, missionaries, or Christian organizations wanting to work in Thailand had to join one of five recognized groups working under the Religious Affairs department of the Thai government.  Thirty five years ago these groups joined together and decided that no new groups would be needed in Thailand.  If anyone came to Thailand to minister, they would now have to do it through one of the five already established groups.  This create a powerful monopoly that controlled the direction and emphasis of the church in Thailand, that is, until Christian Outreach Centre fought for a new position as a Christian organization and was granted full permission and rights to operate outside of this model by the Thai government.

COC Thailand Foundation is not regulated by the Office of Religious Affairs (EFT, CCT, Baptists, Catholics etc) in Thailand, but rather by the Ministry of the Interior.  Yet we have full rights to operate as a Christian purposed foundation including the right to engage in the planting of churches, evangelism, as well as relief and compassion ministries such as children’s homes.  Yet we are not subject to the same rules and restrictions imposed by the Dept of Religious Affairs.

We consider these above named groups our brothers and sisters in Christ and we bless and support their efforts in the Gospel as far as they are maintained within Biblical grounds, yet we are happy to have opened up a new avenue for Gospel work to proceed apart from their organizations.  At COC Thailand, we operate through relationships and common vision with freedom to obey what God may be speaking to you personally about His how He wants to accomplish His purposes in Thailand and beyond.

Granted a Position of Strength in Thailand

Our National Chairman and founder, Jonathan Vickers, received a mandate from God to fight for this position in the country many years ago with the hope that it would be a blessing and help for others just like yourself.  He succeeded in his quest and it has opened the door to many other wonderful ministries that are bringing a fresh perspective and emphasis to ministry work in Thailand.

Our solid position in Thailand has great advantages for you personally and for your ministry.  We are interested in helping you succeed in your ministry calling and not taking you through a bureaucratic nightmare of red tape.  You have complete freedom to do your ministry through COC Thailand within ethical, moral, and theological parameters.  We have a Thai legal team on staff who handle all of our correspondence and compliance with the Thai government as well as continue to ensure our strength as a movement within Thailand for the future.

You are able to operate businesses that help fund your ministry here in country as well as purchase land and buildings in the foundation’s name for ministry purposes.  We give you a 30 year renewable lease and ensure that your properties are used for ministry and not personal use.  If you ever have to leave the country and are unable to continue the ministry, your property continues to be used for the purposes it was designated.  If that is not possible for any reason, we can use the property to fund other ministries that were of the same purpose and heart.  Boundaries are set up so that no one has the ability to use these assets for their own personal kingdom building.

We are a Spirit filled network and believe in the present day operation of the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit.  We are unashamedly believing God in faith for a great Revival and Awakening to come to Thailand and South East Asia.  As we minister by the Spirit of God, we also believe in extending His hand to the poor and needy.

See our Why COC Thailand? page to learn more about what makes us different.