Shincheonji Church’s Secret to Growth: Bible-Centred Education [Matthew Tribe]
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| Exterior view of Shincheonji Bupyeong Church, dedicated in 1994. |
Incheon, the birthplace of Christianity in Korea, is once again at the forefront of faith’s evolution. Over 140 years ago, the first Christian missionaries arrived in Incheon, planting the seeds of faith that would later spread throughout the nation. However, as recent data from the Pastoral Data Research Institute suggests, the number of Christians in Korea is projected to decline significantly by 2050. Despite this trend, Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to experience remarkable growth, welcoming over 100,000 new graduates annually. Among the 12 tribes of Shincheonji, the Matthew Tribe in Incheon stands out as a beacon of faith, demonstrating the power of dedicated Bible study and spiritual discipline.
◆ The Power of Consistent Bible Study
What fuels the continuous growth of Shincheonji’s Matthew Tribe? The answer lies in unwavering dedication to the Word of God. Unlike traditional churches, where faith can sometimes become stagnant, Shincheonji emphasises deep and consistent Bible study. Each week, members undergo scripture-based examinations, ensuring their understanding of God’s Word remains sharp and practical. In October 2023, the Matthew Tribe introduced an internal Bible test programme, reinforcing the importance of scripture in daily life. Even elderly members, such as 86-year-old Choon-sook Park, actively participate in these exams, finding renewed strength and enlightenment in the process.
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| Tribe Leader Seok-gu Lee delivering a lecture on the topic of "The Meaning of the Book of Revelation, the Final Puzzle of the Bible" at the "Shincheonji Bible Seminar: Testimony on the Fulfilled Reality of Revelation" held at Shincheonji Incheon Church last September. |
◆ A Lifeline for Working Believers
For many working professionals, maintaining a strong faith while balancing daily responsibilities can be challenging. Recognising this struggle, Shincheonji’s Matthew Tribe has implemented a structured Bible education programme tailored specifically for working believers. Twice a week, over 230 working professionals gather after hours to delve into God’s 6000-year history and deepen their understanding of His will. One such member, 28-year-old Jae-heon Jo, shared that these sessions have transformed his daily life, allowing him to keep God at the centre of his thoughts and actions.
◆ Raising Confident Messengers of the Word
In Shincheonji’s Matthew Tribe, learning goes beyond simply listening to sermons. Every believer is encouraged to confidently share and teach the Word. During weekly services, members deliver scripture-based speeches, refining their ability to articulate and convey biblical truths effectively. This initiative ensures that all members are well-equipped to spread God’s message, making them active participants in fulfilling His will. One believer, Hyun-jung Jo, expressed gratitude for this method, emphasising how peer discussions and structured study materials have enhanced her understanding of the Bible.
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| Members of Shincheonji Matthew Tribe engaging in environmental clean-up activities in April 2018 to mark the 'All-Saints Service Day.' |
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| Volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Western Incheon Branch working on a mural on the wall of Sancasia Temple in Seo District, Incheon, last May |
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| Shincheonji Matthew Tribe members engaging in plogging with students near Seokbawi Intersection last May. |
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| Mongolian believers participating in Yutnori in the courtyard of Shincheonji Incheon Church last November. |
◆ True Faith Rooted in Action
Faith is more than just belief—it is about knowing, understanding, and living according to God’s Word. Shincheonji Church of Jesus firmly upholds the principle that true believers must not only listen to the Word but also put it into practice. The Matthew Tribe continues to cultivate a community of dedicated, knowledgeable, and active believers who are committed to God’s work. Their structured and systematic approach to Bible education serves as a model for true faith, ensuring that every member grows into a capable messenger of the gospel.
Source: vo.la/Oiw5chX
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