Over 140 years ago, the first Christian missionaries arrived in Incheon, planting the seeds of faith that would later spread throughout the nation of South Korea. 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. What fuels such growth? The unwavering dedication to the Word of God.

In Daejeon, the Matthias Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus established its Promotional Relations Centre at New Cielo in order to grow its contact points with the local community. The name “Cielo” means “heaven” in Spanish, and “New Cielo” signifies “a new heaven” — reflecting Shincheonji's mission to help citizens directly experience and understand the Bible's message of life and salvation.

Designed as an interactive exhibition space, New Cielo features sections displaying the history of the church, visual media, Bible consultation and experience booths, and a café-style lounge, inviting visitors to explore the faith in a comfortable, open environment.

Since its opening in March 2025, New Cielo has hosted numerous seminars and cultural programmes. Two seminars inviting tribe leaders and 24 regular seminars were held, centred on topics of interest to secular people as well, such as biblical history and the role of religion.

During that same period, 32 cultural performances in the form of string performances, vocal ensemble performances, and vocal ensembles put on freely by members of the Shincheonji Daejeon Church, were held at New Cielo.

A resident of Yongmun-dong (neighbourhood) said, “At first, it felt unfamiliar because it was a space run by a church, but I was satisfied because the performances were high-quality and the space was comfortable,” adding, “Since then, I have started using it as a place to drink coffee or stop by with friends to relax.”

Shincheonji Daejeon Church stated that the purpose behind the PR Centre is to “expand faith-based and cultural exchanges with the local community.”

Going forward, New Cielo plans to hold more Bible seminars, exhibitions, and educational programmes, positioning itself as a spiritual and cultural hub for Daejeon and beyond.

Meanwhile, according to Shincheonji Daejeon Church, the promotional centre recorded approximately 15,000 visitors since its opening in March last year.

Source: vo.la/mh2PZJg