Written by: Victor Malone

Kong Hee: The Controversial Founder of City Harvest Church

Kong Hee is a Chinese pastor and founder of City Harvest Church, one of the largest churches in Singapore. He is known for his charismatic leadership and his involvement in the City Harvest Church Criminal Breach of Trust Case, which led to his conviction and imprisonment in 2015.

Early Life and Ministry

Kong Hee was born on August 23, 1964, to Kong Leng, a professional engineer, and Toh Poh Eng, a diamond trader. He was the fifth child of a Christian family and grew up in a devout Christian household. Kong's early life was marked by his involvement in the Marine Parade Christian Centre, an Anglican church in eastern Singapore, where he was a member from 1975 to 1988.

Rise to Prominence

In the late 1980s, Kong began his ministry as a staff evangelist with Christ For Asia, a missions organization in the Philippines. During this time, he was approached by senior pastors in Singapore to pioneer a new church in the city. With their support, Kong returned to Singapore and founded City Harvest Church in 1989.

Philosophy of Ministry

Kong Hee's ministry is characterized by his emphasis on the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, and the Cultural Mandate. He believes in empowering individuals to fulfill their God-given purposes and making a positive impact on society. His philosophy has attracted thousands of followers and has made City Harvest Church one of the largest churches in Singapore.

Conviction and Imprisonment

In 2015, Kong Hee was convicted of being involved in the City Harvest Church Criminal Breach of Trust Case, which involved the misuse of $50 million in church funds. He was found guilty of three charges of criminal breach of trust and sentenced to eight years in prison. Kong served his sentence at Changi Prison Complex from 2017 to 2019.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his controversial past, Kong Hee's legacy continues to inspire thousands of Christians around the world. His ministry has emphasized the importance of community service and social justice, and City Harvest Church has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives over the years. Kong's story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find redemption and continue to make a positive impact on society.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

Some of Kong Hee's most notable quotes include:

• "The greatest enemy of our faith is not the devil, but our own unbelief."
• "God is not looking for people who are qualified, but people who are willing."
• "The church is not a place to attend, but a people to belong to."

Influence on Modern Society

Kong Hee's ministry has had a significant impact on modern society, particularly in Singapore. City Harvest Church has been involved in numerous community service projects, including disaster relief efforts and charity drives. Kong's emphasis on social justice and community service has inspired a new generation of Christians to get involved in making a positive difference in their communities.