The Church of God in Korea

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The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea
The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea

The Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as Korea) is the country where the Church of God was re-established by Second Coming Christ Ahnsahnghong. The Church of God preached the gospel of the new covenant throughout the country, starting in Busan, Korea, in the 1960s. In the 1990s, the church’s growth accelerated, and over 400 local churches were established in Korea. Through overseas missions, which began in earnest at the beginning of the 2000s, they have been preaching the truth and love of God to all nations.[1]

In Korea, there are about 400 local churches throughout the country, five training institutes,[2] and the headquarters. They take the lead in bringing happiness to their neighbors and society by sharing the love of Christ contained in the new covenant through volunteer efforts.

Overview of the Church of God in Korea

 
The meeting for nationwide position and title holders held at the Go&Come Training Institute

The Church of God was established in Korea in 1964. In difficult times when the scars of the Korean War were still present, Second Coming Christ Ahnsahnghong established the church in Busan and preached the truth of the new covenant, the good news of salvation, throughout the country. He laid the foundation of the church by giving hope for the kingdom of heaven to His neighbors and society.

Thanks to the love and sacrifice of Christ, more people realized the truth of the new covenant. By 1988, there were around 10,000 members in Korea. Since the late 1990s[3] when Christianity had entered the stage of decline in Korea, the Church of God grew drastically. In 1996, it expanded to 107 churches with around 100,000 members. The church made efforts to share hope with many people even during difficult times due to the foreign exchange crisis.[4]

In order to preach the gospel of the kingdom to people around the world, the church began overseas missionary work in the late 1990s. Through their efforts, three local churches were established abroad, including in the United States, in 1997. As the new covenant was preached throughout the world, there were requests to send missionaries to their countries and establish churches there. This also included continents such as Europe and North America, the places where it is said that Christianity originated. Within 20 years of overseas missionary work, over 7,800 local churches have been established in 175 countries and 3.3 million members are now following the truth of the new covenant. Since 2001, members from different countries have been visiting Korea to experience the love of God the Father and God the Mother through the Overseas Visiting Group program.

In Korea, about 400 churches have been established in all six metropolitan cities, including Seoul,[5] Sejong Special Self-Governing City, and even in small towns in all nine provinces. The headquarters, which plays a leading role in the worldwide gospel, and the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, which is the representative church, are located in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.

The Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute in Okcheon, the Elohim Training Institute in Yeongdong, the Dongbaek Training Institute in Yongin, Jeonyisan Training Institute in Sejong, and the WMC Training Institute in Jeju contribute to the education and gatherings of both Korean and overseas members, and also promote good communication and harmony with local communities. The Church of God puts love into practice by carrying out various volunteer services such as helping underprivileged groups, hosting blood drives, providing disaster relief and recovery efforts, leading environmental protection, and helping farmers in their communities. When national disasters took place such as the Daegu subway tragedy, the sinking of the Sewol ferry, and the earthquake in Pohang, the members visited the scenes and organized free meal camps to deliver warm meals and comfort to the victims.[6][7][8]

Such activities set an example for society as well as for the church members around the world. The Church of God in Korea practices filial piety, family harmony, respect for the elderly, and love for neighbors, and spread love for humanity throughout the world, regarding all people as one family living in the global village.

Features

Hub of the Gospel of the New Covenant

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

It was not until the end of the 19th century that Christianity (Protestantism) was preached in Korea by American missionaries.[9] Since then, Christianity has become one of the major religions in Korean society, going through modern and contemporary history. The Church of God, which appeared in such an environment, sparked the religious world’s interest. As they restored the truth and faith of the early Church where Jesus Christ and the apostles attended 2,000 years ago, based on their firm faith in God the Father and God the Mother, all walks of life have been coming to the Church of God. The Church of God continued to grow by keeping the teachings of the new covenant which Jesus taught and set as an example, such as the Passover, the Sabbath, and the seven feasts in three times, and it established churches throughout the country. Through the Church of God, Korea became known as the country where God the Father and God the Mother appeared in accordance with the prophecies of the Bible, and a sacred birthplace for the gospel of the new covenant.[10]

All the activities of the Church of God, including pastoral staff sermons, education for the members, and volunteer services, are based on the words of the Bible.[11] The church also takes the lead in helping families, neighbors, and communities, based on love which is the core value of Christianity.[12] Many media outlets reported on the Bible-centered faith and exemplary deeds of the members, witnessing the deeds of the Church of God, which has continued to take consistent steps with the truth and love since its establishment.[13] In terms of its continuous growth and activities for communities, they are evaluated as “quiet but powerful,”[14] and “setting a good example as believers.” The number of people who come to the Church of God is increasing day by day. As Christian media outlets continue to share about the church, established Christians come to show their interest in the Church of God. Even title and position holders of the established denominations, who were tired of the corruption of the Protestant churches, are entering the Church of God, being moved by the church’s pure faith and practical love based on the Bible.[15]

The Church of God is well known for following the teachings of the Bible and keeping the pure faith of the early Church. They believe in God the Father and God the Mother and are preaching the gospel of the new covenant to people around the world. Behind the remarkable growth of establishing local churches in 175 countries within 50 years of establishment, there seems to have been the sincere consideration and sacrifice of the members, whose volunteer services touched the hearts of people around the world.
From Kyunghyang Shinmun, June 23, 2015

The Basis of the Worldwide Gospel

 
The Church of God teaches and preaches the truth of the new covenant, based on the Bible.

The Church of God in Korea serves as a good example for all the local Churches of God around the world when it comes to preaching the gospel. “Go and make disciples of all nations, . . . teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19–20).[16] Following Christ’s command, the members are flying all over the world to preach the truth of the new covenant. Starting with the establishment of three overseas churches in 1997, they earnestly began overseas mission in the 2000s. The seed of life has been sown not only in North America, but also in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

As the members who received the truth actively preached the gospel to their families and neighbors, churches have been established even in remote areas as well as in major cities. The new covenant has been spread throughout the world, including the Himalayas in Nepal, the alpine villages in the Andes in Peru, the Amazon rainforest, Alaska in the U.S., which is close to the North Pole, and Ushuaia in Argentina, which is close to the Antarctic.[5] Recently, the news of salvation started spreading, not being limited by time and space, through various media outlets such as YouTube channels and official websites.

In accordance with God’s will for the happiness and salvation of mankind, the Headquarters of the Church of God supports all the local churches around the world and helps them put God’s teachings and love into practice. It is in charge of training and dispatching pastoral staff out into the world, supporting the establishment and operation of the churches, educating members and organizing events, and planning and supporting social contribution activities around the world.

The New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea, which is the representative church of the Church of God, has become a haven for all people with the water of life God the Mother gives. Not only the members in Korea, but also the members who visit Korea from all over the world learn the Bible and experience God’s love at local churches and training institutes around the country.[10]

Major Work

Truth and Character Education

 
Elohist, the Church of God monthly magazine

The Bible emphasizes that Christians should have the divine nature such as love, consideration, humility, and gentleness.[17] The Headquarters of the Church of God has regularly educated the pastoral staff and members at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute and the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they conducted contact-free online education. They also produce and distribute various publications for the members. Elohist, a monthly magazine that contains lessons from the Bible and realizations members get in their daily lives, and Happy Home, a monthly family magazine that contains essays about family love, activities to promote family happiness, and ways to communicate effectively within a family, are available in various languages such as English, Spanish, Hindi, and Nepalese and distributed overseas.[18] The members have said, “Reading, listening to music, and talking together as a family has helped us understand each other’s thoughts better.” The Church of God also publishes age-based publications such as I Want to Be a Beautiful Angel (a textbook for toddlers), I Like God (a textbook for elementary school students), and Soul (a monthly magazine for teenagers), to help children and adolescents cultivate etiquettes and upright character based on God’s teachings. During summer and winter vacations, student camps and character education are held so that youths can grow as good members in society.[19]

Support for Family Unity

Family conflict due to lack of communication and confrontation about values is a problem that has been continuously raised in the modern world.[20] The Church of God conducts various educational programs, seminars, and events so that the family, a haven for all, can function through each member’s humble and warm character, beautiful deeds, and warm words. The “Happy Family Seminar”[21][22] where male adult members from all over the country gathered and the “Global Conference on Happy Family”[23] which pastoral staff members joined were held to discuss ways for the members to have a happy family life as the head of the family and the leader of the church. At the “New Jerusalem Festival for Families” held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, the members invited their family members and enjoyed the performances presented by the orchestra and the children’s choir. They also had time to break down barriers between generations and learn more about harmony, enjoying traditional Korean games such as the yut nori and the jegichagi.[24][25][26] The Church of God’s activities, which emphasizes the importance of family and sharing love, have spread to the Churches of God overseas and made a positive influence on the social atmosphere where individualism is prevalent.

Taking Initiative in Community Service

 
The Messiah Orchestra Charity Concert to help Chilean earthquake victims

The Church of God consistently carries out volunteer services to promote living a healthy and happy lifestyle, protect the environment, and build unity according to Christ’s teaching, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and the Teachings of Mother,[27] which emphasize the importance of giving love and having a heart to serve. In order to fulfill their role as members of society and as the salt and light of the world,[28] members always volunteer where help and support are needed. They carry out activities such as emergency relief efforts, poverty and hunger alleviation, water and sanitation guarantee, health, well-being, and welfare promotion, education support, environmental preservation, and cultural communication.

The Church of God is welcomed wherever its temple is built, because of its social contribution. They have carried out volunteer services more than 20,000 times as of last year, including the prevention of COVID-19, support for underprivileged neighbors, educational support, disaster relief efforts, blood drives, and environmental cleanups. This is equivalent to doing volunteer service every single day for 55 years.
Kyeonggi Ilbo, July 5, 2021
  • Disaster Relief Efforts
 
The Church of God members clean up the 2007 oil spill at Hagampo Beach in Taean, Chungnam, Korea

The Church of God supported Korean society in various ways to help residents suffering from the pandemic, complying with COVID-19 prevention guidelines. It delivered 30,000 face masks (KF94) to Daegu, which was announced as a special disaster area for infectious diseases, and donated 230 million KRW to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to help neighbors in the welfare dead zone with daily necessities and medical expenses.[29] ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group, and ASEZ WAO, the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, supported healthcare workers who were at the forefront of the pandemic through the Cheer Up Project and Heart-to-Heart Project. Ever since the young adults expressed their gratitude and support through handwritten letters and snack gifts, they continuously received touching stories from the medical teams and officials of the hospitals, public health centers, and COVID-19 screening clinics.[30] Members of the Church of God in Korea also took the lead in relief efforts whenever there were national disasters, including volunteer service for the collapse of the Sampoong Department Store in 1995. Members from all over the country participate in the recovery efforts from natural disasters that occur every year such as torrential rains, typhoons,[31] and heavy snowfalls,[32][33] and relief activities for disaster victims. They also comforted the victims with a heart full of love and helped them get back to their normal lives. During the 2003 Daegu subway tragedy, the members worked together to run a free meal camp for 55 days (24 hours a day) and provided meals for an average of 3,000 people a day to bereaved families, condolers, and officials.[34][35] In 2007, when there was an oil spill off the coast of Taean, Chungnam Province, they ran to the site and took the lead in cleaning up and supporting fishermen, enduring the odor that pricked their noses.[36][37] When the sinking of the Sewol ferry occurred in 2016, members of the Jeonnam Province provided free meal service for 44 days, serving the people there day and night. A hearty meal was provided with freshly cooked rice, delicious side dishes, and nourishing porridges so that the bereaved families could cheer up even a little. The members comforted them by providing meals for 15,000 people, including rescuers, transport workers, and related public officials.[38][39][40] They also took the time to listen to the bereaved families’ stories so that they could have the space to grieve. A bereaved family member said, “I was happy to receive sincere love. It wasn’t just a meal. The volunteers, with love like that of a mother, gave us hope.”[30] In 2017, when about 1,800 displaced people had to live in shelters due to a 5.4-magnitude earthquake in Pohang, Gyeongbuk Province, about 1,400 members from Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, and Gyeongsan provided free meal service for more than 60 days. The church also donated 100 million KRW to Pohang municipality for the health and recovery of the victims.[41][42][43] A nearby resident who visited the free meal camp said, “Because they kept the meal camp open until late at night, even my husband, who had to come to the shelter late after work, was able to have dinner every day.[44] They really made it easier for us to stay in the shelter.” In 2019, when there was a massive wildfire in Gangwon Province, they donated 50 million KRW to the Community Chest of Gangwon, Korea, to help the victims recover and stay warm during the winter.[45] At the beginning of January 2021, when heavy snowfall struck the whole country and caused a lot of damage, the church carried out urgent snow removal in more than 230 regions to help the residents commute safely.[32]

  • Public Welfare Promotion
 
The Church of God’s blood drive in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do

In Korea, the Church of God shares love with its neighbors, making every effort to protect the environment, respect the elderly, and promote the welfare of vulnerable groups. They provide senior citizens who are living alone, single parents, and low-income families with food and living necessities such as coal briquettes, blankets, noodles, kimchi, and gifts on national holidays.[46][47][48][49] They also provide a helping hand to farmers, who are struggling more during the busy farming season due to aging and population decline.[50][51] The cleanups to keep communities clean, save the global environment, and help prevent crimes are long-lasting volunteer services carried out by the Church of God. The members have also been taking the lead in preserving the ecosystems by cleaning up their neighborhoods, streets, streams, rivers, seas, and mountains.[52][53][54] As the church grows in size, the scope of volunteer services has expanded, and the members in each country are carrying out Worldwide Environmental Cleanup Campaigns to protect the global village, the home of mankind.[55][56] They are also carrying out the Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover.[57] The blood drive was started by Korean members to help patients in urgent need of blood, and it has expanded to the whole world and lasted for more than 15 years. In 2021, the church reached its 1,000th time hosting this blood drive.[58]

  • Support to Build Communication and Harmony with Local Communities

The Church of God has prepared various events to build communication and harmony with families, neighbors, and local communities, sharing comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. Various concerts and exhibitions, such as the Messiah Orchestra Concert,[59] “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition, and ‘Father’s True Heart’ Exhibition, have been held nationwide to open a place for family reconciliation,[60] and to present a gift of rest and joy to local residents. The “Happy Seminar for Workers” was also held in various regions, comforting and encouraging those who are exhausted from their busy lives. Amid the growing concern about the lack of connection between family members and between generations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and about the importance of communication, the Church of God is also making efforts for online communication. The Flower Letter Campaign to send letters with pictures of flowers to family, friends, and acquaintances via mobile devices has received a great response with more than 700,000 copies being sent. About 30,000 people have participated in the “Bible Webinar for Happy Families” and the “Happy Webinar for Workers.” The Church of God publishes various content through its YouTube channels, and adds warmth and vitality to the daily life of others, and awakens the virtues of love, consideration, and humility. The Church of God Media Cast provides videos on various themes such as Exhibition ON, Happy Room, Children’s Playground, Church of God Tube, and Facts+ in 69 languages, supporting communication across languages and borders.[61]

Major Awards

 
The Church of God’s Korean Presidential Group Citation, Medal of Merit, Presidential Citation

The Church of God has received Presidential Group Citation, Order of Merit, Presidential Citation from three governments of Korea in recognition of its contribution to national development, harmony, and public welfare through continuous and devoted service. In addition, it received the Citations from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Administration and Security, the Minister of Environment, the Minister of Health and Welfare, and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City, mayors of six metropolitan cities, and eight provincial governors.[62][63][64][65][66][67][68]

The Church of God has become the mental pillar in the painful site, representing Korea. It is appropriate to give a presidential citation to the church for the message they showed to all Korean people with dedication and enthusiasm. I am thankful for their hard work.
— Kim Young-seok, former Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries[69]

See also

Further reading

  • 《INCHEON YEAR BOOK Vol.1》, IncheonIlbo, 2021.

Related videos

  • Church of God in Korea

References

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  2. Go&Come Training Institute, Elohim Training Institute, Dongbaek Training Institute, Jounyisan Training Institute, WMC Institute
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  5. 5.0 5.1 "3.3 Million Church of God Members Talks About the 'Path of Hope in Our Global Village'". Shindonga. January 3, 2022.
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  66. "Seoul Mayor's Excellence Award". WATV Awards. December 19, 2019.
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  68. "Gyeonggi-do Governer's Citation". WATV Awards. December 31, 2017.
  69. "Church of God Presidential Award". The JoongAng. July 9, 2015.