In recent years, a cultural trend known as “Text Hip” has emerged among younger generations, turning the reading and sharing of meaningful, thought-provoking texts into a fashionable and rewarding lifestyle. According to the 2025 National Reading Survey conducted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, reading rates among people in their 20s have shown a noticeable recovery.

Yet, as young people increasingly seek opportunities for quiet reflection and shared reading, many traditional churches are experiencing the opposite trend: declining engagement with the Bible among younger members. This growing disconnect has raised concerns about the future of faith transmission to the next generation.

Against this backdrop, the Gwangju Church of the Peter Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus is attracting attention for fostering a distinctive, youth-led culture centred on “Reading Together,” creating a space where young people can explore Scripture, exchange ideas, and grow in faith together.

A survey on young adults’ perceptions of the church, published by the Cultural Mission Institute, found that many young people are seeking churches that provide “faithful scriptural guidance that offers genuine comfort and direction in life.”

Responding to these spiritual needs, Shincheonji Gwangju Church has developed a diverse range of structured Bible programmes, including full-text Scripture reading, daily devotionals (QT), verse transcription, and Scripture memorisation.

One of its flagship initiatives is “Revelation Morning Meditation and Memorisation.” Originally launched online in December 2021, the programme is now held every Thursday in both online and offline formats, attracting an average of 4500 young adults each week. Rather than approaching Scripture as abstract doctrine, participants are encouraged to memorise the Book of Revelation and apply its teachings to their everyday lives.

For more than two and a half years, the church has also provided all members with curated meditation guides every Monday. These resources aim to bridge the gap between biblical context and contemporary life, helping participants reflect on how Scripture can inform and respond to the challenges they encounter in their daily lives.

Beyond encouraging Bible reading, the initiative’s deeper impact lies in its ability to foster genuine human connection among young believers.

Sang-min Kim (35), a regular participant, shared: “Reading the Bible alone was always difficult to sustain. But reading it together made it a natural and enjoyable habit. Hearing how others apply the Word to their everyday struggles also gives me an opportunity to reflect on my own life.”

Another young member, Bo-hyun Park (29), emphasised the emotional support the programme provides: “Through sharing Scripture, I found an authentic community where I can comfortably open up about my life. Reading the text is important, but having people to process and share it with has given me tremendous strength.”

According to representatives of the Gwangju Church, the ultimate purpose of these gatherings goes beyond simply measuring how many pages participants read. Instead, the goal is to cultivate a healthy environment in which faith can grow alongside meaningful fellowship and genuine relationships.

By connecting the younger generation’s growing interest in “Text Hip” with the long-standing tradition of communal Bible study, Shincheonji is presenting a model in which Scripture serves as a shared foundation for connection and reflection. The initiative suggests that when young people are given opportunities to engage with Scripture in a supportive community, they can find not only spiritual direction but also meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.