Click on any of the icons to follow us on socials!
The Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship International (FGBMFI) was birthed in 1952 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Founded by Demos Shakarian, the fellowship quickly grew into a global movement in the 1960s and 70s. In the 1970s, the FGBMFI made landfall in Singapore in the wake of the Charismatic revival.
Khoo Oon Theam (left) with Demos Shakarian at the first FGBMFI Banquet at Shangri-la Hotel.
GENESIS
1970s
"God has worked mightily through the FGBMFI(S)… the sincere witnesses and testimonies of…enthusiastic and Spirit-filled businessmen touched their colleagues in West and East Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and beyond. The growth of the FGBMFI chapters and the renewal movement in Singapore and Malaysia also helped to accelerate the growth of a number of Pentecostal and independent Charismatic churches. In Singapore, it has made a positive contribution and has given birth to many independent churches.”
LATE CANON JAMES WONG
CHARISMATIC SEASON
In 1974, a group of Christian marketplace leaders took steps to formally establish FGBMFI as an interdenominational fellowship in Singapore, and FGBMFI Singapore was formally registered in September 1975. During this season of Charismatic revival, FGBMFI Singapore facilitated the acceptance and understanding of the move of the Holy Spirit, fanning the flames in Singapore and in the region. The primary goal was to reach men for Christ, and bring them into Christian fellowship.
CHURCH GROWTH
1980s-1990s
The Charismatic revival propelled the church into a season of exponential growth. As many of our leaders and members followed this move of the Holy Spirit, their focus shifted from FGBMFI(S) to growing their churches.
RE-ENVISIONING THE FUTURE
2000s
In 2003, Khoo Oon Theam took over the leadership of FGBMFI(S). With a renewed vision from the Lord and a fresh understanding of 'Vision Intensifies' which Demos Shakarian wrote before his passing, he began to chart a new direction for the fellowship.
The ministry began to focus on living out the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the call to disciple nations, as captured by the 5 E's; Evangelise, Empower, Equip, Enlarge and Extend.
CARRYING ON THE VISION
2010s
As part of the strategy to transform the culture of nations, the Making Disciples in all Nations (MDN) School was launched to equip believers in and beyond Singapore. The school attracted thousands of men and women from five continents. A process for personal discipleship was also introduced.
EKKLESIA
In 2016, Georgie Lee was elected as National President to carry on the vision and lead the fellowship to another season. To ensure continuity, Khoo Oon Theam was appointed Emeritus President and Advisor.
NEW IDENTITY,
SAME VISION
2020s
This new season placed the ministry at the cusp of a new wave of revival in the marketplace.
In a Babylonian world where deep darkness has covered the earth, God desires still to see His Kingdom reign throughout the earth. Increasingly, the Church recognised the need to engage in impacting the culture of the nations, for the sake of human flourishing and so that His name be glorified.
To reflect this shift in strategic intent towards restoring the biblical narrative to a depraved world, FGB's name was changed in 2021 to GATEKEEPERS (SINGAPORE).
COVID
We emerged from the pandemic in 2022 to resume programmes and meetings with the flexibility of formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid). The rapid digitisation and technological innovations accelerated by COVID led to Digital Babylon gaining dominance, even among believers.
The post-COVID world had become increasingly anti-Christian, driven by a humanistic gospel and moral relativism. Given that a nation's culture is predicated on its dominant worldview, the mission to counter the world's culture and confront Digital Babylon was ever more urgent.
NEW & YOUNGER LEADERSHIP
In 2023, Georgie Lee and his wife, Evelyn, stepped up to chair the Council of Elders, making way for the next generation of young gatekeepers. Sherman Ng was elected as the President to lead the charge and continue the vision of discipling the nations through transforming lives and impacting culture.
