In a significant religious gathering, more than 70,000 people attended the Busan Crusade of the Word, an event organized by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. The crusade, held at the Andre Training Center, marks a pivotal moment in the church’s ongoing national traveling crusade series, which has been uniting believers across South Korea since 1984.
Chairman Man-hee Lee, serving as the main lecturer, emphasized the importance of aligning faith with biblical teachings, particularly focusing on the Book of Revelation. ‘Faith must align with the Bible. We must grasp the true meaning of the Word and embody it in our lives,’ Lee stated during the event. His teachings centered on the fulfillment of biblical prophecies and the importance of understanding revealed words.
The crusade’s impact extended beyond its immediate attendees, with live broadcasts on YouTube garnering over 73,300 views. This wide-reaching engagement underscores the growing interest in Shincheonji’s teachings and its ability to connect with a global audience.
The event’s success is particularly noteworthy in the context of declining church attendance in South Korea. Pastor Hwang from an independent denomination pointed out, ‘Currently, 70% of churches in Korea lack Sunday schools. For the Korean church to flourish, the truth of God’s Word must come alive.’ He highlighted Shincheonji’s remarkable growth amid a declining Protestant world as a source of hope through revealed words.
The Busan Crusade has also fostered inter-denominational dialogue and unity. As of last month, 727 domestic churches have signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Internationally, the church’s influence has expanded significantly, with 13,053 churches across 84 countries joining in its mission. Moreover, 1,671 churches in 43 countries have aligned their signage with Shincheonji, indicating a growing acceptance and integration of its teachings.
The event’s impact on religious unity was further emphasized by an official from Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who stated, ‘This Crusade of the Word has fostered an invaluable space for connection among pastors. When we communicate and unite based on biblical teachings, it positively impacts both civil society and religious harmony.’
The crusade’s success was not limited to its religious aspects. The event featured a vibrant parade that included traditional Korean performing arts, military bands, and lively music, engaging the local community and drawing positive reactions from Busan citizens. One local remarked on the orderly and well-managed nature of the gathering, noting the impressive organization even in details such as garbage disposal.
As Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to grow and influence religious discourse in South Korea and beyond, events like the Busan Crusade serve as important milestones. They not only demonstrate the church’s ability to mobilize large numbers of believers but also highlight its potential to foster inter-denominational dialogue and unity in an increasingly fragmented religious landscape.
The success of the Busan Crusade and the expanding influence of Shincheonji Church of Jesus raise important questions about the future of religious practice and unity in South Korea and globally. As traditional churches face declining attendance, Shincheonji’s growth model and focus on biblical revelation offer a contrasting trajectory that warrants further observation and study.
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