The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple

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The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple
The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple
The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple
CategoryChurch
PurposeWorship, Preaching the Gospel, Community Service
LocationBundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Belong toWorld Mission Society Church of God
WebsiteChurch of God Official Website

The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple (hereinafter referred to as the “Pangyo Temple”) is the representative church of the World Mission Society Church of God. It was established in Pangyo New Town, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, where Pangyo Techno Valley, a high-tech industrial complex, is located. On January 10, 2016, a *dedication service was held for the Pangyo Temple. The Pangyo Temple is a place for worship and education to build the faith of members, communicate with neighbors through various volunteer services and events, and promote harmony within the community. Overseas members who visit the Pangyo Temple and other Church of God’s institutions and facilities gain diverse experiences and a better understanding of the Bible. When they return to their home countries, they share God’s teachings and the Korean culture with their families and communities.

  • A dedication service is a special service that is held when a new temple is established. The purpose of the service is to give thanks to God for a new location and dedicate the temple to God as an offering.

Overview of the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple

  • Date of Dedication Service: January 10, 2016
  • Scale: 7 stories above ground, 5 stories below ground, a total floor area of 25,902 ㎡
  • Facilities: 3,000-seat main worship hall, conference hall, fellowship hall, translation room, multi-purpose room, audio-visual rooms, study rooms, choir room
  • Location: Pangyo New Town, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

The Hall of Faith to Put the Teachings of Christ Into Practice

The temple dedication worship service at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea
The temple dedication worship service at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea

The Church of God started in the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as “Korea”) and grew rapidly to 7,800 churches in 175 countries within half a century. The New Jerusalem Temple (established in 2000 and now known as the New Jerusalem Imae Temple) served as the representative church until the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple was established. The Pangyo Temple was built to welcome not only members in Korea, but also visiting members from around the world. At the dedication service, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized the meaning and importance of the world mission. He said, “We have received the great gift of salvation from God. Let’s share this joy and happiness with 7 billion people.”[1] The Church of God also proclaimed the worldwide vision of leading all mankind to salvation.[2]

Worship

The Sacred Assembly of the Passover at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple
The Sacred Assembly of the Passover at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple

In the Pangyo Temple, the Sabbath day and Third-day worship services are held weekly, and the seven feasts in three times are held annually. Sermons are delivered by General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol and translated into tens of languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Mongolian, Hindi, Arabic, and Russian. The various translations are provided through the Church of God’s official website and YouTube channel.

Mission and Education

The Pangyo Temple plays an important role in the church’s global mission and biblical education for members. Regular meetings for Bible studies and gatherings are held for each age group to strengthen the members’ faith. Various events are held such as “Meetings for Pastoral Staff Around the World,” “Resolution Rally for World Evangelism,” “Global Conference on Happy Families,” and “Global Leadership Conference for the Female Pastoral Staff.” These events serve as a foundation for unity and discussion among the members to share the love of Christ and preach the gospel of the new covenant. 

The female pastoral staff from around the world attend the “Happy Church” Global Conference.
The female pastoral staff from around the world attend the “Happy Church” Global Conference.
  • The General Assembly were held at the Pangyo Temple in 2016, 2017, and 2019. The 2018 General Assembly was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, and in 2020 and 2021 the General Assembly was held virtually. The pastors around the world gathered to discuss the gospel results from the previous year and set a vision for the new year.[3][4][5][6]
  • The New Jerusalem Preaching Festival Launching Ceremony was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Christ Ahnsahnghong's birth, and spurred the movement to preach to 7 billion people (November 20, 2018).[7]
  • The Global Conference on Happy Families was held on April 6, 2019. At this meeting, the pastoral staff of the Church of God from around the world discussed how members and citizens can live and maintain a happy family life.[8]
  • The Global Leadership Conference for the Female Pastoral Staff was held from April 27 to May 1, 2019. The female pastoral staff takes care of the church and members alongside the pastoral staff. The female pastoral staff from 52 countries gathered at the conference to remind themselves of the virtues of a prophet and the goals of the gospel.[9] On April 28, the Global Conference on Happy Churches was held in the seminar room of the Pangyo Temple to discuss the role of the female pastoral staff and how they can work together with members to make the church a place filled with happiness.[10]
  • The Semester Opening Service for University Students was held to help university students establish correct values prior to starting the academic term (February 21, 2016, March 5, 2017, March 4, 2018). This service was attended by university students in Korea, the pastoral staff, teachers in charge of young adults, and new students.[11][12][13][14]
  • Young adult workers in Korea gathered for a Regular Meeting for International Worker Bible Academy [IWBA] (April 10, 2016). The Church of God encourages young adult workers to build their faith through regular educational gatherings, so that they can lead a sincere and faithful work life as a member of society.[15]
  • The New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony was held on December 10, 2017, and December 2, 2018. This is an integrated awards ceremony for the Melchizedek Literary Contest, Elohim Video Festival, Bible Seminar Presentation Content Contest, and Preaching Content Contest. The winners contribute to the production of biblical content through publications, videos, and presentations.[16][17][18]
  • The Regular Meeting for Work Mission was held for the Work Mission members of the Church of God (September 8, 2019). At this meeting, the members not only examined their faith through the words of the Bible, but also shared the gospel vision by discussing about how they set an example for others through their good deeds at work.[19]

A Place for Citizen Diplomacy to Achieve Harmony in the Global Village

The Pangyo Temple serves as the representative church for the 7,800 locations throughout 175 countries. Serving as a center for the gospel work, it is visited by members from all over the world. It is also a place where international events are held. Global youth leaders and experts from all walks of life gather to promote the sustainable development of the global environment and discuss current issues in the international community. Experts from various fields, including futurist Jerome Glenn, have visited from around the world to talk with young adults and students.[20]

Overseas Visiting Groups

Members from all over the world visit Korea through the Overseas Visiting Group program. Through this program, they learn about Korean history and culture while spending a meaningful time at the Pangyo Temple. They not only participate in worship services, but also attend events such as the Global Bible Seminar, Global Conferences, and other events. Through these events, they learn the truth of the Bible, feel the love of Heavenly Mother, and engage with members from different countries.[21][22]

Seminars

A member from the U.S. presents at the 2019 Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar.
A member from the U.S. presents at the 2019 Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar.
  • A seminar for international students was held in the seminar room at the Pangyo Temple with the theme of “Our Mother” (July 23, 2017). Korean students prepared this event to encourage international students, who are studying far away from their home countries. International students from 43 countries, including the U.K., Colombia, Ghana, Romania, Mongolia, and Vietnam, looked around the exhibition and participated in the seminar with the theme of mothers’ love. They also learned how to wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), played traditional Korean games, and took Hangeul (Korean language) classes.[23][24]
  • The 2018 Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar was held on November 1, 2018. Members who work in various fields such as education, medical care, and electronic engineering in the U.S., Spain, Peru, the Philippines, Mexico, and South Africa testified about God the Mother in the Bible through their expertise.[25][26]
  • The 2019 Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar was held three times (April 4, April 29, and May 24, 2019). The pastoral staff, the female pastoral staff, and young adult workers from around the world visited Korea and gave TED-style talks about God the Mother and the truth of the new covenant through their expertise and academic knowledge.[27][28][29]
  • The 2019 Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar for University Students was held on July 12, 2019. University students from 8 countries testified to the existence of God Elohim through their majors such as mathematics, accounting, and social science.[30]

Raising Awareness About Issues Impacting the International Community

College student members from around the world participate in the Global ASEZ Summit 2019 at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple.
College student members from around the world participate in the Global ASEZ Summit 2019 at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple.
  • The 2017 ASEZ Global Forum for the Implementation of UN SDGs was held at the Pangyo Temple on December 7, 2017. This event was hosted by the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ]. More than 3,000 university student members in Korea, international students, embassy officials, university professors, and journalists participated and sought after the role of university students to implement the SDGs.[31][32]
  • The 2018 ASEZ Climate Change Response Conference was held in the seminar room under the subject, “Climate Change Response and the Role of Universities” (November 22, 2018). Duberlí Rodríguez Tineo, the Supreme Court Judge of the Judicial Power of Peru, gave a lecture to conference participants. ASEZ members from the United States, South Africa, and Peru shared about climate disasters that occurred in their countries and the activities citizens can do to increase environmental awareness.[33]
  • The 2019 Worldwide University Student Leadership Conference was held from July 10-17 in 2019. Members from 207 universities in 41 countries and members from 228 universities in Korea participated in the University Student Global Forum for Invigoration of Campus Mission that was held during the conference. University students learned the Bible’s teachings about the virtues of a global leader and developed their competencies as future leaders.[34][35]
  • The ASEZ Conference With Futurist Jerome Glenn, Director of the Millennium Project, was held at the Pangyo Temple and attracted public attention (June 26, 2019). Through the topic, “Seeking the Role of University Students for a Sustainable Future,” Glenn answered questions from ASEZ members. He spoke highly of the ASEZ’s activities, saying that the students were acting right now, and hoped to discuss more in the future with them.[20]
  • The 2019 Global ASEZ Summit was held on July 15, 2019. This event was attended by journalists, ASEZ members and university professors from 42 countries, including the Seoul National University in Korea, Harvard University in the U.S., the University of Western Australia, and the Technical University of Munich in Germany. They discussed how to effectively implement the ASEZ’s “Reduce Crime Together” project in their communities. The administrator of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Judicial Power of Peru gave a lecture to participants, and the Rector of the National Pedagogical Dragomanov University in Ukraine gave a video lecture. The participants from all six continents completed the “Change Makers’ Resolution” with a united goal to reduce crime together through education, practice, and solidarity.[36][37][38]

A Place for Communication and Building Harmony With Local Communities

Following God’s word, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39)[39], the members of the Pangyo Temple practice love through diverse volunteer services such as support for underprivileged neighbors, environmental cleanups, and blood drives. They hold events such as “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition and the Seminars for Workers. They also make efforts to connect with the local residents through cultural exchange experiences and intercultural communication.

Volunteer Service

Sharing Love with Neighbors for Chuseok 2022
Sharing Love with Neighbors for Chuseok 2022
  • The members of the Pangyo Temple visited Seongnam City Hall, Bundang-gu Office, and Baekhyeon-dong Administrative Welfare Center to deliver 80 bags of healthy groceries to help their neighbors in need before the Lunar New Year (February 4, 2021).[40][41]
  • The members of the Pangyo Temple delivered 100 gift sets to the Bundang-gu Office as part of the event, Sharing Love With Neighbors During Chuseok (which is traditional Korean feast) (September 19, 2017).[42]
  • The members cleaned the streets in Baekhyeon-dong as part of “Mother’s Street” campaign (November 30, 2017). The purpose of the campaign was to create clean and pleasant environments for local communities by cleaning 40,000 km (the circumference of the earth) of debris with people from all over the world. This campaign was held throughout Korea and in roughly 80 countries.[43]
  • The members collected garbage at the Baekhyeon-dong Cafe Street and Naksaengdae Park on March 14, 2016. These cleanups were to remind themselves about the meaning of the Passover and put God’s love into practice.[44]
  • In celebration of the Passover, the 907th Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover was held at the Pangyo Temple on April 26, 2018.[45] About 700 people, including members of the Church of God in Seongnam, neighbors, and local government officials, participated in the event.[46]

Educational Support and Intercultural Communication

Character Education for the Youth Summer 2017
Character Education for the Youth Summer 2017
  • Character Education for the Youth was held at the Pangyo Temple (July 16, 2017 and August 27, 2019). Middle and high school students from Gyeonggi Province attended and learned about good character, etiquette, service, etc.[47][48]
  • A special initiative of the “Our Mother” Writing & Photo Exhibition that attracted over 600,000 visitors was held (May 19, 2017). The exhibition was originally scheduled to end on July 23; however, it was extended until September 3 thanks to the support of local citizens.[49][50]
  • On October 3, 2018, the 2nd Happy Seminar for Workers was held to encourage workers who have become weary from their busy lives.[51][52]

References

  1. ↑ "Consecration of New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, Becoming the Flare of 7 Billion Mankind's Salvation". Kyeongin Ilbo. January 18, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Resolution Rally for the World Evangelism 2016". English WATV. January 3, 2016.
  3. ↑ "General Assembly 2016". English WATV.
  4. ↑ "General Assembly 2017". English WATV.
  5. ↑ "2019 Global Pastoral Forum". WATV.org.
  6. ↑ "General Assembly 2018". English WATV.
  7. ↑ "New Jerusalem Preaching Festival Launching Ceremony in Celebration of the 100th Birth Anniversary of Christ Ahnsahnghong". English WATV.
  8. ↑ "Global Conference on Happy Family". WATV.org.
  9. ↑ "Global Leadership Conference for the Women Pastoral Staff". WATV.org.
  10. ↑ "Global Conference on Happy Church". WATV.org.
  11. ↑ "2016 New Semester Opening Service". WATV News.
  12. ↑ "2017 New Semester Opening Service for University Students". English WATV.
  13. ↑ "Semester Opening Service for University Students 2018". English WATV.
  14. ↑ "Church of God Beginning Service for University Students Nationwide". Kyeonggi Ilbo. March 5, 2018.
  15. ↑ "IWBA Regular Meeting". WATV News. April 10, 2016.
  16. ↑ "New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony 2017". English WATV. December 10, 2017.
  17. ↑ "'New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony 2017' in Pangyo Temple". Kyeonggi Ilbo. December 11, 2017.
  18. ↑ "The New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony 2018". English WATV.
  19. ↑ "Work Mission Regular Gathering for the Second Half of 2019". WATV.org.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "ASEZ Conference with Jerome C. Glenn". WATV.org.
  21. ↑ "Believers All Over the World, Take the 'Pilgrimage Route' of New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple". Kyeonggin Ilbo. June 1, 2016.
  22. ↑ "70th Overseas Visiting Group Come to Pangyo Techno Valley". Joongboo Ilbo. November 9, 2016.
  23. ↑ "2017 'Our Mother' Seminar For Foreign Students". English WATV. July 23, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Church of God Invite Foreign Students for Traditional Culture Experience". Joongboo Ilbo. July 25, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Arise & Shine 2018 Global Bible Seminar". English WATV.
  26. ↑ "Church of God Held Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar 2018". Shina Ilbo. November 1, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar 2019". English WATV.
  28. ↑ "Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar 2019(II)". WATV.org.
  29. ↑ "Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar 2019(Ⅲ)". WATV.org. May 24, 2019.
  30. ↑ "Arise & Shine Global Bible Seminar for University Students 2019". WATV.org.
  31. ↑ "ASEZ Global Forum 2017 on the Implementation of UN SDGs". English WATV.
  32. ↑ "3,000 Attended ASEZ Global Forum 2017 on the Implementation of UN SDGs". NDN News. December 7, 2017.
  33. ↑ "ASEZ Talk Concert on Confronting Climate Change 2018". WATV.org.
  34. ↑ "[Church of God] University Students from 42 Countries Shared Borderless Humanity". Kyeongin Ilbo. July 22, 2019.
  35. ↑ "Worldwide University Student Leadership Conference 2019". WATV.org.
  36. ↑ "ASEZ Global Summit 2019". WATV.org.
  37. ↑ "ASEZ Held "Global Summit 2019"". Gukje News. July 17, 2019.
  38. ↑ "Taking the Lead in International Cooperation to Solve a Global Cooperation Task". Donga Ilbo. August 28, 2019.
  39. ↑ "Matthew 22:39".
  40. ↑ "Delivering 4000 Set of Groceries to 200 Vulnerable Members of Society from Seoul to Jeju". JoongAng Magazine. January 17, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Church of God, Share Love with Neighbor Nationwide for the New Year". Shina Ilbo. February 8, 2021.
  42. ↑ "Church of God Share Love with Neighbor for a "Generous Chuseok"". Kyeonggi Ilbo. September 24, 2017.
  43. ↑ "It Will Be Overflowing with Love and Hope If the Whole World Becomes a 'Mother's Street'". Aju News. December 5, 2017.
  44. ↑ "Neighbors Said "Good Riddance" as 600 Church of God Pangyo Temple Members Clean up the Street". Segye Ilbo. March 14, 2016.
  45. ↑ "World Mission Society Church of God Blood Donation Relay". Hankook Ilbo. April 26, 2018.
  46. ↑ "700 New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple Members Participate in Blood Donation, Sharing Lives, Celebrating the Passover". Joongboo Ilbo. April 26, 2018.
  47. ↑ "2017 Summer Youth Character Education". English WATV.
  48. ↑ "Church of God New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple Held a Special Lecture, Nurturing Future Generation Youth Competency with Character Education". Joongboo Ilbo. August 27, 2019.
  49. ↑ "[Celebrating '600,000 Viewers' of New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple's Special Exhibition] Delivering 'Mother's Love' Dashing Across 56 Regions". Kyeongin Ilbo. May 24, 2017.
  50. ↑ "Seongnam Pangyo Church of God's "Out Mother" Writing and Photo Exhibition is Held Until September 3rd". Kyeonggi Ilbo. July 30, 2017.
  51. ↑ "Healing Seminar for Workers Held in Pangyo and Daejeon". WATV News.
  52. ↑ "Healing Seminar for Workers Held Recently by World Mission Society Church of God". Kyeonggi Ilbo. October 4, 2018.
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