When vision meets passion, heritage comes alive.
At Wesley Methodist Church, Vision 2035’s call to “Create an Open Church of Welcome and Hospitality” is more than a slogan—it’s a lived reality.
The church is opening its doors every day of the week, offering locals and travellers alike a sanctuary for prayer, reflection and divine encounter.
But this initiative is not only about open doors. It is about open stories—inviting visitors to experience God’s love through hospitality and to witness His faithfulness through the living testimony of heritage tours.
Together, staff and docents weave history and faith into a sacred journey. Visitors encounter not only the pioneers of Wesley’s past but also the everyday members whose lives continue to shape the church’s story.
But this initiative is not only about open doors. It is about open stories—inviting visitors to experience God’s love through hospitality and to witness His faithfulness through the living testimony of heritage tours.
THE HANDS BEHIND THE VISION
This inaugural docent training programme is more than collaboration—it is a sacred synergy.
Kevyn Lai, Pastoral Team Member, Organisational Learning and Development, and Archives and Heritage, shares:
“We are reminded that how we live our lives become part of our shared heritage of the church. While the church archives may lead us to know of the ministry and work of the pioneers in history, our heritage is alive in our lives as members of the church, telling a story of God’s love and faithfulness.”
Ho Yong Min (or Yong, in short), curator of the trail and trainer of the docents shares: “This project is all about faith, service, and memory. As a believer, what made it meaningful was that it wasn’t just about bricks and dates, it was about people who served with humility and left a spiritual and social legacy.”
DELIVERING THE VISION
From October to November 2025, some 48 Wesleyans from across ministries and staff joined a docent training programme designed to “bring Singapore’s history to life through personal stories.”
This project is all about faith, service, and memory. As a believer, what made it meaningful was that it wasn’t just about bricks and dates, it was about people who served with humility and left a spiritual and social legacy.
THE HERITAGE TRAIL
The curated 12‑station trail, Humble Beginnings, Lasting Legacy, traces Wesley’s growth alongside Singapore’s own development. Framed as an “exploration through history, faith, and community,” it begins at the church atrium and links Fort Canning, Bras Basah and Wesley into one coherent narrative—showing how the church’s story is inseparable from the island’s wider heritage.
THE TRAINING
Members of the three cohorts underwent a 4‑hour docent training, beginning with Pastor‑in‑Charge Rev Raymond Fong’s charge to be “captivated by the vision of a weekday sanctuary”—inviting visitors to encounter God through history.
Yong then guided the docents through the 12 tour stations, balancing sweeping narratives with practical skills: reading audience cues, pacing breaks and positioning for impact.
Finally, docents tackled a fast‑paced cram session, learning their stations through paired and solo practice. Nervous but inspired, they stepped into their first dry run—tentative yet eager to turn stories into living encounters.
Yong sums up the docents’ attempt thus: “The docents have been incredible: curious, committed and full of heart. During training, I noticed how earnestly they tried to be ambassadors of the church. Many of them already have strong empathy skills, which are essential for guiding. What they need is to trust their own voice, to tell stories naturally and authentically. Good guiding isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.”
Good guiding isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.
The reflections of several docents echo Yong’s impressions of their professionalism, enthusiasm and deepening sense of purpose as they prepare for the heritage trail:
“My main challenge lies in my limited familiarity with the church, its surrounding area, and some of the historical details such as names and dates. I have been reading reference materials to make my presentation more comprehensive and credible”. — Paul Sham
“I discovered where the rear courtyard of Wesley is. A place I had never been to! The night before the tour, I revised to remember more of the events. It is important to be mentally prepared with both the facts and with the attitude of being a fellow discoverer together with the participants”. — Lily Woo Li Chun
“Being entrusted with sharing the story of the tour is an honour. I sought an opportunity for meaningful service and found it in this ministry of storytelling and stewardship of history. Knowing that I will be sharing a story of faith, perseverance, and legacy—all to the glory of God—fills me with excited anticipation”. — Stephen Tay
Taken together, these glimpses reveal a spirit of humility, curiosity and commitment—qualities that bode well for the success and heart of the project.
Lyn Tan from Wesley Archives and Heritage has this fond wish: “The programme gives history a new face. I hope that the back stories, whether of inspiring individuals or of salvaged and preserved artefacts, will give fresh perspectives to all who take part in the heritage tour.”
Lyn and her fellow docents understand that these tours are not simply about revisiting the past. Rather, they serve as living bridges—connecting the island’s story, the church’s journey and their own call to stewardship. In guiding participants through the narratives of founding fathers, community leaders and everyday laypersons, they are passing on values that continue to shape both heritage and hope.
PUTTING TRAINING INTO PRACTICE, AND LOOKING AHEAD
The trail has come alive!
Docents from Wesley Glowing Years Ministry, Archives & Heritage and staff have already stepped into their new roles, conducting their first ‘real’ tours with grace and growing confidence.
Church staff were among the first to experience the journey—walking in small groups, pausing at each station and seeing familiar spaces through fresh eyes.
Additionally, the docents put their training to further use, leading delegates of the TRAC Conference (held at Wesley from 24 to 27 November 2025), on a specially curated version of the tour, offering a glimpse into the ministry’s heart. Some 46 delegates went on three tours.
Some have this to say:
“The stories are all very encouraging and deeply inspiring to me. The example of this church has inspired and encouraged me to return and strengthen the ministries in Thailand so they may grow and flourish by the grace of God”. [Translated by Rev Vincent Lim] — Rev Chinnakorn Saengkasa, Chairman of Mettakij Church Association (MCA), Thailand.
“It was good to hear of individuals whose stories told us how they practised their faith. One story that comes to mind is that of Mrs T [Mrs Thevathasan of the Wesley Floral Fellowship]. Ours is a faith that is passed down so it is encouraging to listen to stories of how individuals inspire the coming generations and why they are a precious memory to the church.” —Rev Poh Zhi-Hui, Kampong Kapor Methodist Church
“I was ministered by the tour! The cornerstone stop spoke especially to me because our life being so short, we would want to leave a lasting legacy. At the last stop, we were asked to reflect on how we are responding to God. The questions that were asked here were meaningful. We weren’t just listening to history being told.” —Cynthia Ang, Faith Methodist Church, Christian Ministry Staff
“The tour helps visitors see beyond the surface and allows them to understand some of the things close to the heart of the church. What is powerful is that I get to hear these stories from members, not just from the staff. Some docents shared not like something they were scripted to say. It’s like I am coming not to a professional group of people, but I’m coming to a family.” —Rev Chan Siew Chye, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church
But this is just the beginning.
What might the future hold? Imagine:
Partnerships with even more ministries, equipping their members to become docents and storytellers of their own lives in the ministries.
It is hoped that during and after the tours, believers might develop the posture of prayer, walking the trail not just to learn, but to intercede – turning each stop into a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal.
Scheduled tours for walk-in visitors, led by trained docents who welcome them with warmth and insight, transforming casual curiosity into meaningful encounters, are in the works.
The trail is more than a path— it’s a living invitation. And with each step, our docents are helping others discover the stories, prayers and presence woven into every corner.
Docent Stephen Tay sums it up thus: “Focusing on how Kunnuck Mistree arrived in Singapore from India as a convict and yet made good the opportunities given to him offered a powerful and moving illustration of transformation and resilience—a theme perfectly suited to the heritage trail’s message.”
Humble Beginnings, Lasting Legacy finds its true foundation in the words of Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” The same assurance given to Zerubbabel speaks to us today, reminding us that as we share His and our stories, it is the Spirit who empowers and sustains our work.
(Photos courtesy of Wesley Docent Ministry)
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