Massive Gathering at Shincheonji Church Signals Shift in South Korean Religious Landscape

In a significant 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 gathering, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Cheongju Church's founding, drew attendees from across the country, including over 100 Protestant-based pastors.

The event's scale, representing approximately one-tenth of Cheongju's population, underscores a notable shift in South Korea's religious landscape. Attendees lined up along a 4-kilometer route to welcome Chairman Lee, eager to hear his explanations of biblical prophecies, particularly from the Book of Revelation.

Chairman Lee's sermon emphasized the importance of faith aligning with scripture, 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 stressed the significance of becoming unified with God through a deep understanding of biblical texts.

The Shincheonji Church's growth comes at a time when traditional Christian denominations in South Korea are facing challenges. A September 2023 survey by the Pastoral Data Research Institute revealed that 65% of churchgoers in the country feel spiritually unfulfilled, with 55% desiring more structured biblical education from their pastors.

Moreover, the church's appeal to younger demographics is particularly noteworthy. While many Korean Christian churches are experiencing a decline in youth attendance, Shincheonji reports an increase in young adult members. The church attributes this growth to its "word-centered faith" and "uniqueness of the revealed Word."

The church's educational program, which sees over 100,000 people completing an eight-month course annually, further illustrates its expanding influence. This growth is not limited to South Korea but extends globally, with many international followers sharing similar sentiments about the church's teachings.

A Shincheonji Church staff member explained the appeal: "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."

The church's approach to biblical interpretation and prophecy fulfillment sets it apart from traditional denominations. Chairman Lee's consistent emphasis on scripture-based teachings, evidenced by his visits to over 40 churches domestically and internationally in 2024, appears to resonate with those seeking a deeper understanding of biblical texts.

As religious landscapes continue to evolve, the Shincheonji Church's growth and its ability to attract and retain members, particularly young adults, may prompt broader discussions about the future of religious practice and biblical education in South Korea and beyond. The church's focus on providing clear explanations of complex biblical prophecies seems to address a growing desire for more in-depth spiritual guidance among believers.