The Church of Philadelphia has a rich history dating back to 1977. We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions of both the living and the departed to the growth of our church, which operates under the mission “Preach the Word & Save the World.”

In 1977, Chaplain Stan and his wife, Jerry, from the United States of America, initiated a praise and prayer fellowship in Juffair Chapel with six worshippers. They also conducted a Bible study in their residence in Mina Salman. In 1978, when Chaplain Stan was transferred, they left Bahrain. Charles Tanner and his wife, Kathy Tanner, from the United States of America, took over the praise and prayer fellowship for one year.

In 1979, Pastor Victor Rosado assumed full charge of the Praise and Prayer fellowship. By 1985, the prayer fellowship was registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, giving birth to the Church of Philadelphia, meaning ‘brotherly love.’ Under the inspiring leadership of Pastor Victor Rosado, the congregation renewed their understanding of worship through music rooted in God’s Love. The Music Ministry began to take shape, and the efforts of musicians led by Lali Matthew, Errol D’Souza, and Sarah were of great benefit. This group performed faithfully and commendably for church services.

Brother Lonen George, an elder of the Church, was ordained to succeed Pastor Victor Rosado when he left Bahrain. He was followed by the late Pastor Bony Periera, who came with a mission of saving souls and spreading the good news. He was an energetic and humble servant of the Lord. He left for Canada, and Pastor Victor Rosado took over again when he returned to Bahrain and served as the Pastor of the Church from 1991-1996.

The Church grew, and many were added from the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, USA, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The need for worship services in language groups was much felt at this time for the growth of the Church. The Council of Elders decided to formally appoint leaders to each language group to minister to them in their own languages.

Pastor Ron Grayson served the Church as the President and Senior Pastor from 1997-2004. He was a great humanitarian and a dynamic speaker. He had a kind and understanding attitude towards the people and lent a helping hand to the poor and the needy. His sermons appealed to the people, and the church membership grew. Pastor Ron and his wife, Pauline Grayson, worked tirelessly to meet the needs of those they served. They left for the United Kingdom in 2004.After him, Rev. Koshy P Mathew took over the leadership served the church till year. Rev. Dr. Koshy P Mathew, has been with the Church since 1984. He has served the Church in various capacities as a spiritual leader and as an administrator before he took over the Church as the Senior Pastor in 2004. He is conscientious and is driven by a passionate commitment to see people succeed in their spiritual growth

The current President and the Senior Pastor, Rev. Jacob Chandy, has been with the Church since inception. He has served the Church in various capacities as a spiritual leader and as an administrator before he took over the Church as the Senior Pastor in 2015.

Rev. Jacob Chandy is a humble man of God having heart of Father with full of God’s Love and with great conviction and much prayer leads the church. He is passionate to the “Tagline “Preach the Word, Save the World” and “My house will be called a House of Prayer” according to Isaiah 56:7 – “..these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

The Church grew in the last two decade to 13 different language groups from 11 different nationalities by the relentless work of 18 Pastors of the Presbytery. The current fellowship has the benefit of a varied and victorious past to act as an encouragement towards new victories in Christ. One of the striking features of the ‘Full Gospel Church of Philadelphia’ is the multi-racial congregation, a shadow of the glorious day when “every nation, every tribe, and every language will be standing before the throne.” Over the past thirty-eight years, the Church of Philadelphia has seen brothers and sisters from different countries and cultures worshipping together as one family. This milestone could not have been reached if it were not for God’s unending mercy and grace and the dedicated efforts and prayers of the Pastors who have strived so diligently for the best interests of this Church.