An electric 80,000 people attend Sunday services at Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea.
An electric 80,000 people attend Sunday services at Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea.
On the morning of the 8th, an extraordinary event took place in the small city of Cheongju, South Korea, where approximately 80,000 people gathered for a worship service. Among the crowd were over 100 Protestant pastors, all convening to hear a sermon from Lee Man-hee, the chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Despite Cheongju being a city with a population of around 850,000, the gathering marked a significant moment not only for the local community but also for the broader religious landscape. The large attendance highlighted the influence of Chairman Lee and the growing interest in his teachings, particularly regarding the Book of Revelation, which many find challenging to interpret.
The immense draw of the gathering can be attributed to Chairman Lee’s unique approach to explaining the Book of Revelation, a biblical text known for its complex symbolism and prophetic messages. Even seasoned pastors and theology experts often struggle to decipher the deeper meanings of Revelation, but Chairman Lee has gained recognition for offering clear and detailed explanations. His teachings delve into not only the Book of Revelation but also the hidden secrets embedded within the Bible’s 6,000-year history, making his sermons an attraction for those seeking a deeper understanding of the scriptures.
During the worship service, Chairman Lee expressed his gratitude for what he perceives as a divine revelation of the Book of Revelation. He remarked, “We are so grateful that God has revealed to us the words of Revelation, which no one knew for 6,000 years. We can now present the reality (of the prophecies in Revelation), and that’s what sets us apart. However, we were once in the same position as those who didn’t understand. So, we must now humble ourselves before everyone, explain what is right, and help others understand.”
His words encapsulated the core message of his ministry: that the mysteries of the Bible, particularly those within Revelation, have remained hidden for millennia, and it is only now that the true meaning is being revealed. This sense of uncovering long-concealed truths has sparked significant interest among followers, both within South Korea and internationally. Chairman Lee’s emphasis on humility is also central to his teachings, as he encourages his followers to approach others with the intention of sharing knowledge, not from a position of superiority, but with a genuine desire to help them understand the Bible’s deeper messages.
Chairman Lee’s teachings are rooted in his interpretation of the Bible as a document that contains prophecies that have now begun to unfold. Since the founding of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, he has consistently stressed the importance of the Book of Revelation and its relevance to modern-day faith. According to him, understanding the events described in Revelation is crucial to developing a true, Bible-centered faith. He believes that by presenting the reality of the prophecies, his church stands apart from others.
This focus on Revelation has led to an extensive outreach effort on Chairman Lee’s part. In the year leading up to the worship service in Cheongju, he had visited over 40 regions, sharing his message of Revelation with both followers and Protestant pastors alike. Using the “5W1H” method—an approach that asks “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How”—Chairman Lee has been able to explain the prophecies in a systematic and accessible manner. His visits have not only drawn large crowds but have also begun to bridge the gap between his church and more mainstream Protestant congregations, as many pastors have shown interest in learning more about his interpretations.
As the second half of the year progresses, it is expected that Chairman Lee’s teachings will continue to spread beyond South Korea. According to reports, pastors from around the world are planning to visit South Korea to learn about the Book of Revelation directly from Chairman Lee and his church. This growing international interest indicates that Shincheonji Church of Jesus is poised to expand its influence globally, particularly in religious communities that seek a clearer understanding of biblical prophecy.
The gathering in Cheongju marked not only a significant moment for the followers of Shincheonji but also a larger shift in how biblical teachings, particularly the Book of Revelation, are being interpreted and shared. As Chairman Lee continues his mission to spread what he believes to be the true understanding of the Bible’s hidden messages, it is likely that his influence will grow, drawing more believers who are eager to grasp the deeper meanings of scripture.