On September 8, 2024, the city of Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province was a scene of activity as over 80,000 people gathered for a Sunday service at the Cheongju Church of the Matthias Tribe, Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
This massive gathering, equivalent to one-tenth of Cheongju’s population, assembled to hear a sermon by Chairman Lee Man-hee. Attendees included members from various regions, such as the John Tribe from southern Gyeonggi and Seoul, as well as key figures from churches across the country.
The event was particularly significant as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Cheongju Church’s founding. Over 100 pastors from various Protestant churches attended, eager to hear Chairman Lee’s teachings. Crowds of Shincheonji members lined up along a 4-kilometer route to welcome Chairman Lee, expressing their deep appreciation for his clear interpretations of biblical prophecies, particularly the Book of Revelation.
Chairman Lee addressed the congregation by emphasizing, “How thankful are we that God gave us the understanding of the Book of Revelation that no one knew for 6,000 years,” and described the Word as “life.” He highlighted the importance of a faith that aligns fully with the scriptures, stating, “We must become humble before all people and help them understand what is right.”
Lee’s teachings have consistently focused on scriptural interpretations since the founding of the Shincheonji Church. In 2024 alone, he visited over 40 churches domestically and internationally, sharing his insights on the Bible and the Book of Revelation. Many individuals, previously spiritually dissatisfied, have found clarity in his teachings.
For example, one individual who had spent over 30 years in a Presbyterian church shared that they never found spiritual understanding until they attended one of Chairman Lee’s two-hour lectures on the Book of Revelation. “I felt like the question marks of the Bible that used to frustrate me were being solved one by one,” the individual stated.
Data supports this growing trend, as a survey conducted in September 2023 by the Pastoral Data Research Institute revealed that 65% of churchgoers in South Korea feel spiritually unfulfilled, and 55% desire more structured biblical education from their pastors. This dissatisfaction has led to increasing numbers of young adults joining Shincheonji Church, where over 100,000 people complete an eight-month educational course each year.
A staff member of Shincheonji Church of Jesus explained that the growth in membership is due to a “Word-centered faith” and the “Uniqueness of the revealed Word.” He further noted, “The Book of Revelation, which we once thought of as a fairytale, is being fulfilled in reality, and Shincheonji Church of Jesus has the evidential proof and structured curriculum to support this claim.”
The Shincheonji Church continues to attract believers seeking deeper spiritual guidance and understanding, solidifying its place in Korea’s religious landscape.
