In a remarkable display of religious fervor, more than 80,000 members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus convened in Cheongju, South Korea, on September 8, 2024, for a Sunday service led by Chairman Lee Man-hee. The event, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Cheongju Church’s founding, drew attendees from across the country, including local residents, visitors from various cities, and over 100 Protestant-based pastors.
The gathering, representing approximately one-tenth of Cheongju’s population, underscores the significant growth and influence of the Shincheonji Church in recent years. Attendees lined up along a 4-kilometer route from Cheongju IC to the church, eagerly awaiting Chairman Lee’s sermon, which is known for its clear explanations of biblical prophecies, particularly the Book of Revelation.
Chairman Lee’s sermon emphasized the importance of faith aligning completely with the Word, stating, ‘How thankful are we that God gave us the understanding of this Book of Revelation, that no one knew for 6,000 years.’ He highlighted the church’s unique ability to provide ‘physical fulfillment’ of the prophecies in Revelation, distinguishing Shincheonji from other religious organizations.
The event reflects a growing trend in South Korea’s religious landscape. A survey conducted by the Pastoral Data Research Institute in September 2023 revealed that 65% of churchgoers in South Korea feel spiritually unsatisfied, with 55% expressing a desire for more structured biblical education from their pastors. This sentiment aligns with Shincheonji’s approach, which focuses on scripture-based teachings and what they describe as the ‘uniqueness of the revealed Word.’
Notably, while many Korean Christian churches are experiencing a decline in youth membership, Shincheonji Church has seen an increase in young adult members. The church attributes this growth to its ‘word-centered faith’ and its interpretation of biblical prophecies. Each year, over 100,000 people complete an eight-month educational course offered by the church, indicating a strong interest in their teachings both in Korea and worldwide.
A staff member from Shincheonji Church of Jesus explained, ‘The main takeaways from Chairman Lee’s revealed word is that the Book of Revelation that we thought as a fairytale is actually being fulfilled with its reality. In regards to this, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has strong evidential proof and a structured curriculum, which becomes the reason why many people despite their background are accepting this.’
The church’s growth comes at a time when traditional religious institutions in South Korea are facing challenges. The ability of Shincheonji to attract large numbers of followers, especially young adults, suggests a shift in religious preferences towards more structured and prophecy-focused teachings.
As the Shincheonji Church continues to expand its influence, its impact on the religious landscape of South Korea and potentially beyond remains a subject of interest. The church’s emphasis on biblical prophecy and its claim to provide clear interpretations of complex scriptural passages appear to resonate with a growing number of individuals seeking deeper spiritual understanding.
This massive gathering in Cheongju not only demonstrates the church’s organizational capabilities but also highlights the ongoing changes in religious practices and preferences in South Korea. As traditional churches grapple with declining attendance, particularly among younger generations, the success of Shincheonji in attracting and retaining members may prompt broader discussions about the future of religious institutions and the evolving spiritual needs of modern society.
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