Year-End Events: Shincheonji Churches Engage Local Communities Through Culture and Dialogue
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| On 13th December, the "Shincheonji John Tribe Open House" was held at the Shincheonji Seongnam Church in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province |
Shincheonji churches across South Korea hosted a number of events for local residents, from Christmas cultural events to open-house dialogues, to mark the conclusion of 2025.
As the year draws to a close, many communities look for moments of connection, reflection, and warmth. In mid-December 2025, several Shincheonji churches across many regions of Korea hosted open, community-focused events that brought together local residents, families, and visitors through culture, conversation, and shared experiences.
According to local news reports, these events were not limited to worship services. Instead, they were designed as open invitations - spaces where neighbours could freely walk in, participate, and engage without pressure.
✦ Culture as a Bridge: Year-End Community Events in Gunsan and Iksan
In Gunsan, a local Shincheonji church organised a Christmas-themed cultural event that welcomed residents into a festive indoor space filled with music, interactive programs, and seasonal decorations. Visitors were greeted by costumed performers, enjoyed carol performances, and took part in quizzes, photo zones, and small gift exchanges.
Reports noted that families and individuals who had previously only passed by the church building chose to step inside for the first time, drawn by the open atmosphere and holiday setting. Short talks and storytelling sessions were included, focusing on reflection and personal value rather than formal religious instruction.
A similar approach was seen in Iksan, where another Shincheonji church hosted a year-end invitation event for local residents, including multicultural neighbors who often spend the holidays away from extended family. The programme combined orchestral and carol performances with interactive booths that encouraged participants to look back on the year and share light-hearted moments.
Local coverage described the events as opportunities for residents to spend time together in a relaxed environment, emphasising human connection over formality. Organisers explained that the intention was to close the year with neighbours in a warm and welcoming way.
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| Christmas carol performance prepared by the Shincheonji Iksan Church on the 13th December. |
✦ Open Dialogue and Transparency: John Tribe’s Open House in Seongnam
While the Gunsan and Iksan events centred on culture and celebration, a different form of community engagement took place in Seongnam. There, the Shincheonji John Tribe hosted an open house, opening church facilities to the public and inviting citizens to explore the space freely.
According to reports, approximately 250 people attended, including members of other Christian denominations. Visitors were able to tour the building, attend explanatory sessions, and ask questions directly through consultation booths set up throughout the venue.
Church leaders used the opportunity to explain the church’s beliefs and educational focus, particularly its emphasis on biblical study. Attendees interviewed by local media said the event provided a chance to better understand the church beyond common assumptions, with some noting that the open format encouraged curiosity rather than confrontation.
Organisers clarified that the purpose of the open house was not targeted outreach, but transparency - allowing visitors to see, ask, and decide for themselves.
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| On 13th December, the "Shincheonji John's Tribe Open House" was held at the Shincheonji Seongnam Church in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. |
✦ Community Access, Experience, and Conversation
Although the formats differed - festive events in Gunsan and Iksan, and an open house in Seongnam - the underlying direction was consistent. Each event focused on lowering barriers, creating accessible spaces, and engaging the local community through shared experiences.
Rather than limiting activities to internal members, the churches positioned themselves as places for conversation, cultural exchange, and reflection at the end of the year. Performances, interactive programmes, guided tours, and open discussions all served as entry points for dialogue.
Taken together, these events illustrate how some Shincheonji churches are experimenting with open, community-based engagement - moving beyond closed gatherings and towards formats that invite understanding, participation, and communication.
As communities look ahead to a new year, these year-end initiatives highlight one approach to connecting with neighbours: opening doors, creating shared moments, and allowing conversation to begin naturally.
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