ABOUT US

We’re building a faith-filled movement in Thailand—raising leaders, reaching every sphere, and awakening a nation beyond 1%.

We see a thriving, faith-filled church in the heart of Thailand—raising servant leaders, building a generation of passionate Jesus followers, and creating a Spirit-empowered movement that carries the gospel into every sphere of society. From city to village, classroom to boardroom, we believe God is growing His Church beyond 1% and awakening a nation through a movement of faith, leadership, and revival.

We are a multicultural Thai church focused on helping the people of Thailand encounter Jesus, find community, discover purpose and make a difference.

Pastor Shan Mahawon is the founding and senior pastor of Victory Church Chiang Mai. Since it began towards the end of Covid in June 2021, Victory Church has grown from a few individuals into a thriving community believing the best is yet to come for the church and Chiang Mai. Victory Church Chiang Mai is known for our life-giving culture and welcoming atmosphere. We are dedicated to lead those far from Jesus into a life-giving relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Shan grew up in the countryside of Chiang Mai, Thailand. He has a deep passion to develop leaders in Thailand that can be relatable and bold to has a deep passion for developing leaders and helping the church as a whole be innovative to reach their communities.

Shan and his wife Lindsey have two children and live in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where Victory Church Chiang Mai is currently planted.

OUR values

COMMUNITY

We’re a place to belong—before you believe. We focus on people, not programs. Relationships are our priority because everyone matters to God. No one should do life alone, and everyone deserves a seat at the table—no matter where they’re at on their journey. Romans 15:7 – “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

SERVING

We don’t just attend—we contribute. We serve to add value, not just meet needs. We show up ready to build, bless, and carry the weight together. If something needs to be done—we do it. Servanthood isn’t what we do; it’s who we are. Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”

GENEROSTY

We lead the way with irrational generosity. Giving is what we do—but generous is who we are. We give more than what is required because we believe it’s more blessed to give than to receive. Whether it’s our time, talent, or treasure—we go first, give freely, and give with joy. We plan to live generously and stand firm in our giving because God has given richly to us. Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Isaiah 32:8 – “Generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”

HONOR

We speak honor and live honor. Honor starts with God’s perspective—we choose to see people not just for who they are, but for who they can become in Christ. We’re vocal with encouragement, not stingy with our words. We joyfully submit to those God has placed over us and care deeply for those He’s placed under us. Honor is more than a feeling—it’s expressed in how we serve, speak, and show up. We honor up, down, and all around. Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

OUR BELIEFS

Every church has primary beliefs, and secondary beliefs they hold, but have room for differing view points. Primary beliefs are close handed issues, they are not the kind of beliefs where for the sake of community or charity, we flex the line. Secondary beliefs however, are beliefs where we can accept subtle differences and walk together in love and unity because we agree on the major, primary truths of Christian doctrine. It is on these Non-Negotiable Beliefs, or closed handed theological statements, we derive our deep sense of unity and commitment to each other and the mission God has given us.

OUR STANDARD - The Scriptures

We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, infallible Word of God and the product of God-appointed men who spoke and wrote as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, as recorded in the New Testament, we accept as our infallible guide in matters pertaining to conduct.

OUR NEED - Man's Fall And Redemption

We believe man is a created being; made in the likeness and image of God. Through Adam's transgression and fall, sin came into the world, and death was the result. Therefore, man is spiritually dead and separated from God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was sent to give His life and shed His blood to redeem and restore man back to God by providing us with salvation. Salvation is the gift of God to man, separate from works and the law, and it is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Him. (Romans 5:14, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, 1 John 3:8, Ephesians 2:8, John 14:6)

ETERNAL LIFE - Being Born of the Spirit

We believe man's first step toward salvation is genuine repentance. In order to be saved and receive eternal life, Jesus said every person must be born again. The New Birth is necessary to all men, and when experienced, produces eternal life. For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. (2 Corinthians 7:10, 1 John 5:12, John 3:3-5, John 3:16)

DIVINE POWER - Being Filled with the Spirit

We believe every believer should be "born of" the Spirit and subsequently "filled with" the Holy Spirit. This is also known as: the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, receiving the Spirit or being filled with the Spirit. This is a gift from God as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ to all believers and is received by faith, subsequent to the New Birth. Being filled with the Spirit gives a believer power to be a witness for Christ, and is the entry point for the supernatural, victorious life. The Bible teaches that this experience is received by faith and is often evidenced by the accompanying supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues. (Matt. 3:11, John 14:16,17, Acts 1:8, 2:4,38, 19:1-7, Eph 5:18)

GOING PUBLIC - Water Baptism

We believe Jesus commanded all believers to go public with their faith through water baptism, by immersion. Water baptism is a public declaration of the internal work of God in the heart and life of a believer. This is a symbol of the Christian's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39)

THE CHILDREN'S BREAD - Divine Healing

We believe that Jesus desires the abundant life for all believers who walk in the light of His Word. This includes many blessings - spirit, soul and body. God promises to forgive all our sins and to heal all our diseases. Therefore, we believe that health and healing for the mental, emotional and physical ills of the human mind and body is available by the power of God. The Bible teaches us several pathways by which to access God's divine help and healing power and this includes: the prayer of faith, the laying on of hands, being led by the Spirit and/or by the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. Healing has been provided for in the atonement of Christ, and is the privilege of every member of the Church today. (John 10:10, Psalm 103:3, Mark 16:18, James 5:14-25, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:17, Isaiah 53:4-5)

REAL GROWTH - Sanctification

We believe the true Christian life is evidenced by the godly fruit of the Spirit that is developed and produced in the life of a believer. This process of sanctification leads to a genuine, holy, Christ-like life and is a definite, yet progressive work of grace. This process begins at the time of the new birth and continues throughout our Christian life. (Hebrews 12:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:12-14, 1 Corinthians 1:30)

THINGS TO COME - The Return Of Our Lord

We believe in the physical, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe His coming is imminent. When He comes, the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds (what we refer to as the Rapture), to meet the Lord in the air. After this rapture event, we believe the Tribulation, a period of 7 years, will take place on earth. Following the Tribulation, Jesus shall return to the Earth as King of kings, the Lord of lords. Believers will return with Him and will reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years during what is known as the Millennial Reign of Christ. (Acts 1:11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17, Revelation 20:6)

FINAL DESTINATION - Hell And Eternal Retribution

We believe that a person who physically dies without accepting and confessing Jesus Christ as Lord is hopelessly and eternally lost. This person will spend eternity in hell and the Lake of Fire, and therefore, has no further opportunity of hearing the Gospel and repenting. (Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 19:20)

the legends who make it all run smoothly

Shan and Lindsey

Shan has a vision for the local church of Thailand to make a huge impact on this nation. Shan grew up in Thailand and has been serving in church as long as he can remember. Being both Shan and American, he has a unique ability to lead from multiple cultural perspectives. He loves God and his family first, and then of course Manchester United.

Lindsey has served in Thailand since she was 21, and never looked back. She loves teaching and discipling kids, and wants to help the next generation of young Thai people reach their own for Christ. Just under love of God and her family is her love for coffee and a good book.

Sai

Sai is a gifted musician who gathers members and coordinates the amazing worship of the church. His smile and humility make him the easiest person to get along with, even though he can play every instrument better than you can.

Michael

Michael oversees the media production of the church, doing everything from videos to photography to sound. He has a servants heart that is evident in the way he serves faithfully behind the scenes every week. Michael is good at everything he does, which makes him the most satisfying to beat in ping-pong.

Miriam

Miriam is the church’s social media manager and also helps lead worship. She can speak 4 languages better than some of us can speak 1! She has a passion for singing, fashion, art, and above else, for God and His people.