Joseph Prince
Here is a detailed profile of Joseph Prince:
Joseph Prince – Life, Ministry, and Thought
Explore the life and teachings of Joseph Prince, Singaporean pastor and advocate of grace-centered Christianity. Learn about his ministry, influence, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Joseph Prince (born May 15, 1963) is a prominent Singaporean evangelist, pastor, and author best known for emphasizing the doctrine of grace. As senior pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore, and through his international ministry, he has influenced Christian thought—especially within charismatic and evangelical circles—by focusing on divine favor, forgiveness, and the believer’s identity in Christ.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Prince was born in Singapore on 15 May 1963.
His father was of Sikh Indian descent (a Sikh priest originally) and his mother was Chinese.
He spent part of his early schooling in Perak, Malaysia during his primary years.
Prince studied at Commonwealth Secondary School and later completed A-levels at Our Lady of Lourdes (a private school).
Before fully entering full-time ministry, he worked as an IT consultant. Around that time, he adopted the name “Joseph Prince” (from his original name, Xenonamandar Jegahusiee Singh).
He became senior pastor of New Creation Church in 1990, after previously serving as an elder or associate pastor.
Under his leadership, the church’s membership expanded dramatically—from about 150 to tens of thousands.
Ministry, Theology & Influence
New Creation Church & Global Reach
New Creation Church (NCC) is a non-denominational charismatic megachurch in Singapore.
Under Prince’s leadership, the church also developed associated ministries, conferences, media broadcasts, and publishing outlets to disseminate his teachings broadly.
He preaches not only in Singapore but internationally—Australia, the U.S., Europe, Africa, and more.
Emphasis on Grace & Identity
One of Prince’s central theological emphases is grace: the idea that believers are accepted by God not on the basis of works or law, but by the finished work of Christ.
Related to this, he stresses that a Christian’s identity is rooted in being “righteous” by faith in Christ—not by performance or repeated confession.
He often contrasts the old covenant of law with the new covenant of grace, asserting that grace is a stronger foundation than legalistic approaches.
Books, Media & Teachings
Prince is the author of multiple bestselling Christian books that propagate his grace-centered teachings.
He also uses television, radio, live conferences, and digital media to reach audiences globally.
His ministry organizations (New Creation Church, Joseph Prince Ministries) run on a non-profit basis.
Controversies & Criticisms
Because of his strong emphasis on grace, some critics accuse him or his followers of promoting a “hyper-grace” theology—where grace is taken to extremes and moral accountability is downplayed.
Concerns have been raised that his teachings sometimes minimize the role of repentance, law, or holiness in Christian life.
There has also been public scrutiny over his remuneration and financial transparency. In past media reports, his salary was reported as high; the church responded by asserting that after a certain date he no longer draws a salary from the church.
Personal Life
Joseph Prince is married to Wendy Prince, and they have two children (a daughter and a son).
He reportedly does not draw a salary from New Creation Church since about 2009, according to church statements.
Notable Quotes
Here are some of his more impactful statements:
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“Under the law, even the best failed. Under grace, even the worst can be saved!”
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“God doesn’t want us to have rigid rituals with Him. In the new covenant, He is more interested in having a relationship with us.”
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“One day in God’s grace is equivalent to a thousand days of striving by your own efforts.”
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“His grace is cheapened when you think that He has only forgiven you of your sins up to the time you got saved … God’s forgiveness is not given in installments.”
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“The law condemns the best of us; but grace saves the worst of us.”
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“What we need today are not more laws to govern believers. What we need is a greater revelation and appreciation of Jesus and everything that He has done for us!”
Legacy & Influence
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Joseph Prince is widely regarded as one of the most influential grace-teachers in contemporary Christian circles, particularly in Asia and among charismatic Christians globally.
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His teachings have shaped many believers’ understanding of identity, assurance, and freedom in faith.
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Through his church, broadcasts, conferences, and books, his ministry continues to expand and impact new audiences.