"The teachings that explain the Book of Revelation were truly profound and amazing. I want to learn more about the Bible, and if invited to Korea, I will start preparing my ticket (airfare) right away." These were the words of Pastor Delly Delphin Matondo of the Full Gospel denomination, who attended the Bible Seminar organized by Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, in Paris, France on June 15.
Many other pastors who attended the European Bible Seminar also expressed a strong desire to hear more about Shincheonji Church's teachings on the Book of Revelation.
This seminar came at a crucial time for Europe's Christian community, which is witnessing a decline in influence. Recently, numerous churches have been repurposed as restaurants, bars, and clubs. The Bible Seminar was part of the "2024 Continental Bible Seminar" series that began in the Philippines on April 20, organized in response to requests from pastors eager for a revival in Europe.
With over 7,000 participants, including 1,000 European pastors, the event garnered significant attention. Prior to the seminar, a discussion on "The Role of Pastors for the Spiritual Enlightenment of Christians Today" was held.
Attendees also viewed a video lecture by Chairman Lee Man-hee from the "Shincheonji Bible Seminar: Testimony on the Fulfillment of Revelation" held in Korea on June 8. Chairman Lee emphasized, "God's work is fulfilled according to the unalterable Book of Revelation. Everyone listening to this lecture must know who is being referred to in Revelation." He urged pastors to teach their congregants without adding or subtracting from the Book of Revelation.
Following Chairman Lee's lecture, Simon Tribe Leader Lee Seung-joo explained biblical prophecies and their fulfillment, appealing to European pastors. Tribe Leader Lee stated, "The fulfilled words of Revelation have life in them, and as more people are re-created in God's image and likeness through these words, European churches will also experience revival." He encouraged pastors to learn and testify from Revelation chapters 1 to 22 through Shincheonji Church's Zion Christian Mission Center, which has produced over 100,000 graduates annually in recent years.
During subsequent exchanges among pastors, a pastor from Austria commented, "I was impressed that Shincheonji Church focuses on the prophetic words written in the Bible. I want to work with enthusiastic and bright people for God's kingdom and work. I would like to know how to collaborate and learn more about Revelation." A pastor from Poland added, "Seeing European pastors and believers united brought tears to my eyes. I want to share these words with more people. Please tell me how I can spread this message to many others."
According to data from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Europe's Christian population has stagnated and is expected to decrease from 560 million in the 2000s to 490 million by 2050. Modernization, industrialization, the rise of liberal theology, atheism, and religious pluralism, along with various clergy scandals, have all contributed to Christianity's decline. The Shincheonji Bible Seminar is hoped to be a catalyst for the revival of European churches.
A representative from Shincheonji Church stated, "After this Bible Seminar, many European pastors have inquired about how they can learn Revelation from Shincheonji Church. We are preparing places and programs where they can learn, and we will further activate Zion Christian Mission Centers across Europe to expand platforms for their education."
Additionally, pastors worldwide have requested additional Bible Seminars to learn more about Revelation. Plans are underway for a Bible Seminar at the end of this year to invite pastors from around the world to Korea, aiming to create a platform for unity within God and His word.
Meanwhile, Shincheonji Church of Jesus reports that as of June 5th this year, MOUs have been signed with a total of 12,538 churches in 83 countries overseas. Furthermore, 1,341 churches in 41 countries have joined Shincheonji Church of Jesus, changing their signage, and as of the end of May, 5,614 pastors are currently taking Bible education courses at Zion Christian Mission Center.
Related Link: http://zionchristianseminary.org
