Cheongju, South Korea: The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has marked its 42nd anniversary, highlighting its rapid global expansion and attributing its growth to a doctrine centred on the “Word.”
The commemorative service, held on Sunday, March 15, at Cheongju Church, drew over 2,000 in-person attendees, with thousands more joining via livestream from around the world.
Founded on March 14, 1984, by Lee Man-hee, the church traces its origins to small gatherings in informal settings, including mountain worship services and apartment basements.
Over four decades, it has grown into a global religious movement attracting tens of thousands of new adherents annually.
Church leaders say this growth is rooted in a consistent emphasis on scripture-based teaching. “There can be no faith apart from the Word”
In his address, Chairman Lee underscored the centrality of scripture in the church’s doctrine. “Just as John 1:1 declares that the Word itself is God, there can be no faith apart from the Word,” he said, urging believers to pursue faith grounded in biblical teachings.
He also emphasized the importance of the Book of Revelation, calling on followers to remain faithful to its teachings without alteration.
Early believers reflect on growth
Long-time members credited the church’s expansion to what they described as a deep and distinctive understanding of scripture.
Bak Bok-yeong, a first-generation believer, said the teachings provided clarity and spiritual fulfillment. “Seeing tens of thousands of believers flock here every year, I realise it is the power of the Word that has moved people’s hearts,” she said.
Another member, Jo Myeong-suk, said many followers are drawn by a desire for deeper biblical understanding.
The church’s growth is also reflected in its education arm, the Zion Christian Mission Center, which has trained large numbers of believers globally.
In 2019, the center recorded over 100,000 graduates in a single year, while recent classes have included tens of thousands of participants from multiple countries.
Shincheonji reports partnerships with thousands of churches worldwide through doctrinal exchange agreements and affiliations across dozens of countries.
Beyond evangelism, the church highlighted its involvement in humanitarian efforts, including Plasma donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Large-scale blood donation drives, Disaster response efforts in South Korea, and Community outreach programmes for vulnerable groups.
Church officials say these activities reflect their commitment to practising faith through service.
As it enters its fifth decade, Shincheonji says it will continue expanding globally while maintaining its focus on what it describes as “unwavering truth rooted in the Word.”
“The past 42 years have been a remarkable journey… we will continue to spread the value of truth and faith,” the church said in a statement.
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