• Consistent focus on comprehensive Bible education and the Book of Revelation each year… The secret to the growth of faith among the church and its members.
• Educational effectiveness that leads not only to knowledge but also to practical application.
According to the 2015 census by the National Statistical Office, North Jeolla Province, which has the highest percentage of Protestant Christians in the country, accounts for 26.9% of the population. This means that in North Jeolla, it is not difficult to find churches or theological institutions in any area you visit.
According to the Church Data Research Institute, the percentage of Protestants has decreased from 22.5% in 2012 to 16.6% in 2023. As a result, there is a growing trend of church closures. Experts in the religious community attribute this to the qualitative stagnation of Protestantism.
Moreover, the outflow of young people in their 20s and 30s to metropolitan areas is expected to further lower the proportion of young Protestant Christians.
In this context, the Thomas Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus (led by Chief Elder Choi Joong-il) has steadily increased its number of members since its establishment in 1992. Notably, young people make up 22.25% of its congregation, indicating significant implications for the local religious community.
The Secret to Thomas Tribe’s Annual Development: Education
The rapid growth of Shincheonji Thomas Tribe over the past 30 years can be attributed to ‘Bible education.’
With many churches and theological institutions of various denominations in the region, it is common to encounter Christians who move between churches in search of sermons that resonate with them.
Among these, Shincheonji Church’s Bible education program, which allows participants to understand the entirety of the Bible over a period of 6 to 8 months, has garnered consistent interest from many congregants. The trend shows increasing interest from both believers and non-believers alike.
Those who have completed the Bible education program state that it has provided them with keys to resolve long-standing questions.
Yook Soon-deok (female, 67, from Jinbuk-dong, Jeonju) shared, “I first heard the teachings of Shincheonji Church after seeing a seminar advertisement for the Book of Revelation on a banner hanging on the street 30 years ago.”
She explained, “At that time, I was involved in five ministries at my traditional church and was focused on the pastor’s testimonies and revival meetings or primarily engaged in speaking in tongues. I found that the teachings of Shincheonji Church were more systematic and revolutionary in their comprehensive approach.”
She added, “I realized that as I learn more about the revealed word, my understanding deepens and brings about true inner transformation.”
The church has actively responded to its members’ needs by continuously developing its educational methods, curriculum, and content over the past 30 years. Currently, it offers opportunities to understand the Bible from various angles, covering Old Testament history, the four Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and the Book of Revelation.
Additionally, educated members are becoming agents of change by organizing their own study groups or creating personal plans for practice. Their efforts to apply what they have learned go beyond merely accumulating knowledge and serve as a foundation for the growth of Shincheonji Thomas Tribe. Thus, Shincheonji Thomas Tribe is achieving a virtuous cycle of growth centered on ‘education.’
The number of Thomas Tribe members has grown from 78 in 1994 to 16,191 as of February 2025.
Significant Contributions to Faith, Education, and Personal Growth
Members of Shincheonji Thomas Tribe report experiencing positive personal changes as they strive to practice what they learn through Bible education.
Shin Sun-young (female, 48, from Susong-dong, Gunsan) stated, “I realized that as I received more education, my heart and mind changed significantly compared to a simple fellowship-oriented church life.”
She explained, “After ten or fifteen years, I discovered that I was practicing the faith described by Jesus: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Another member, Kim Anna (female, 26, from Sin-dong, Iksan), shared, “The more Bible education I receive, the more I feel that if I value what I have learned, I must put it into practice. Therefore, I continuously strive to embody love, blessings, and forgiveness as recorded in the Bible in both my workplace and home.”
Thomas Tribe: “May Each Member Be a Light in Society”
The church emphasizes that through Bible education, members should not only accumulate biblical knowledge but also exert a positive influence and serve as lights in society.
Oh Hyun-min (male, 43) from Iksan Church expressed his ambition: “My goal in faith is to become a ‘walking Bible.’ I want to be someone who can explain the Bible whenever asked and embody its teachings.” He added, “Although I still have much to improve upon, this year I plan to consistently participate in church education.”
A representative from Thomas Tribe remarked, “We feel that the desire among our members to change and practice according to the Bible is growing stronger. We will continue to prepare fun and systematic educational programs through surveys and ongoing communication to fulfill this desire.”
