Shincheonji Church of Jesus Graduates Over 110,000 Students in Bible Studies Program

In a significant educational milestone, the Zion Christian Mission Center of Shincheonji Church of Jesus celebrated the graduation of 111,628 students from its comprehensive Bible study program. The 115th graduation ceremony, initially planned for a larger venue, was held at the Shincheonji Cheongju Church on October 30th, marking the fourth time since 2019 that the number of graduates has exceeded 100,000 in a single event.

The ceremony attracted a diverse audience, including approximately 10,000 international graduates and 1,000 religious figures from various denominations. Notably, 3,377 pastors were among the day's graduates, with an additional 6,203 currently enrolled in the center's courses. This substantial participation from established religious leaders underscores the program's growing influence and acceptance across different faith communities.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus emphasized the importance of biblical knowledge, particularly highlighting the graduates' mastery of the Book of Revelation. He encouraged cooperation and mutual support among religious groups, stating, "Let's not condemn or persecute each other, but rather cooperate and help each other to make our country truly shine."

The graduation event faced last-minute challenges when the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization canceled the original venue rental on the day of the ceremony. Despite this setback, organizers successfully relocated the event, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all attendees. The ceremony included a special performance promoting religious harmony and peace, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The educational quality of the Zion Christian Mission Center was evident in the graduates' performance, with an average completion exam score of 96.5 points. A preliminary survey of 1,485 youth graduates revealed overwhelming satisfaction with the program, with 99.59% expressing satisfaction with the lecture content and system. Notably, 92.66% of respondents cited "biblical teachings" as the primary reason for their satisfaction.

The impact of this educational program extends beyond individual spiritual growth. Graduate Kang, a 25-year veteran pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Korea, shared how the program transformed his ministry. After implementing the teachings in his church, he observed increased engagement in worship, evangelism, and volunteer work among his congregation. This testimony highlights the potential for Shincheonji's educational model to influence and revitalize existing religious institutions.

The success of the Zion Christian Mission Center has not gone unnoticed in the broader religious community. An official from Shincheonji Church of Jesus reported that entire denominations have requested cooperation, attracted by the center's comprehensive Bible education system. This growing interest suggests a potential shift in religious education and interfaith dialogue.

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus continues to expand its educational reach, the implications for religious studies and interfaith relations could be significant. The ability to attract and educate such a large number of students, including established religious leaders, may lead to a reevaluation of traditional biblical education methods. Furthermore, the emphasis on comprehensive biblical knowledge and peaceful coexistence among different faiths could contribute to reduced religious conflicts and increased cooperation in addressing global challenges.

The graduation of over 110,000 students from a single biblical education program represents a noteworthy development in religious education. As these graduates apply their knowledge in various religious and social contexts, the impact of this educational initiative may extend far beyond the walls of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, potentially influencing the broader landscape of religious thought and practice in the years to come.