From the above space usage calculations, we have the issue of the three large mega churches City Harvest, New Creation, and FCBC using the same available commercial spaces and venues thus potentially resulting in the breach of the guidelines. The future remains even more uncertain with the new CHC venue at Suntec expected to be much larger than their current 10,000 sq metre usage at Expo (if not much bigger, why move?). Although the new venue for NCC at One North is for mixed usage, the space usage for the 5,000 seater and other rooms will likely to be very close to the limit. 

However, what is considered a religious activity remains unclear and whether it includes not only prayer and worship, but children's ministry, bible study groups, Sunday book store, church offices, etc. There is also weekday bible studies and seminars held regularly which appears to contradict the holding of services only for 2 days per week.

The new regulations are obviously referring to City Harvest Church with the space guidelines not arbitrary but almost fitting exactly to their current usage at Expo and no more. We are all part of the body of Christ, and the new guidelines will likely impact the smaller churches and not the CHC and NCC in the short term. Consider for example, a church holding a service at Woodlands in a commercial shop house. Under the new guidelines, this can be considered exclusive use, and occupying 100% of the space although a very small area. Many are small churches with less than 100, and could not afford to rent multi-purpose commercial spaces just for the service on Sunday. We may all suffer as a result of the actions of a few.

The protection of the secular space is a reminder of the strong push into the secular marketplace that the mega churches in Singapore has been engaged in. It is an attempt to restrict religious entities to the religious mountain rather than be another major player in business, politics, media, arts, etc. disturbing the status quo.

If the letter of the law or guidelines are followed strictly, we are often liable to be guilty. We are reminded of how we apply the OT biblical laws so strictly to gays and far more leniently for us within the church. May we be shown mercy and grace even though we have shown very little to the gay community. For example, NCC Rock Auditorium is far less than 10,000 sqm but after including the very large overflow rooms, and the meeting rooms at the convention centre, the total space usage is arguable. How can NCC have regular bible studies during week day if this means that they are using the venue more than 2 days per week. For smaller churches, the 20% total floor usage and non dedicated use would be a major issue if they are leveraging on the commercial spaces.

The question remains whether CHC can indeed move to the much larger spaces at Suntec and stay within the guidelines, when they only just meet it in their current location at Expo.