Members of the Shincheonji Thomas Tribe testify that engaging in Bible education and actively practicing its teachings have led to meaningful personal transformations.
Shin Eun-young (48, Susong-dong, Gunsan), a member of the Thomas Tribe, described her experience: “The more education I received, the more I realized that my heart and mind were changing, unlike the simple fellowship-based church life I had before.”
She further explained, “Over the years—10 or 15 years later—I found myself living out the faith Jesus taught: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Kim Anna (26, Sindong, Iksan), another member, emphasized the importance of putting biblical teachings into action. “The more Bible education I receive, the more I understand that for the teachings to hold value, I must practice them. That is why I make a conscious effort to apply love, blessings, and forgiveness in my workplace and home.”
Shincheonji Church of Jesus stresses that Bible education should go beyond knowledge acquisition; it should inspire believers to positively influence their communities and become beacons of light in society.
Oh Hyun-min (43, Iksan), a member of the Iksan Church, expressed his faith goal: “Becoming a walking Bible is what I strive for. I want to be someone who can explain the Bible to anyone who asks while also embodying its teachings in my life.” He added, “Though I have much to learn, I am committed to attending all the church’s education programs this year.”
A representative from the Shincheonji Thomas Tribe commented on the growing enthusiasm among believers to live by the Bible’s teachings. “We see an increasing desire among our members to transform their lives through Bible education. By maintaining open communication and conducting regular surveys, we will continue developing engaging and systematic programs to support their spiritual growth.”
Shincheonji Church of Jesus remains committed to providing consistent Bible education, including an annual focus on the Book of Revelation. This approach is seen as a key driver of faith growth, benefiting both the church and its believers. The emphasis is not merely on acquiring knowledge but on applying biblical teachings in daily life.
According to the 2015 Census by the National Statistical Office, North Jeolla Province has the highest percentage of Protestant Christians in South Korea, with 26.9% of its population identifying as Protestant. This makes it a region abundant with churches and theological institutions.
Despite this, the Church Data Research Institute reports that the percentage of Protestants in South Korea dropped from 22.5% in 2012 to 16.6% in 2023, leading to an increasing number of church closures. Christian scholars attribute this decline to a lack of qualitative growth within Protestantism. Additionally, the ongoing migration of young adults in their 20s and 30s to metropolitan areas is expected to further reduce the proportion of young Protestant believers.
Amid this trend, the Thomas Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, led by Tribe Leader Choi Joong-il, has maintained steady growth since its establishment in 1992. Notably, young people make up 22.25% of its congregation, a significant figure in contrast to the broader decline of young believers in the region.
Over the past 30 years, the rapid growth of the Shincheonji Thomas Tribe can be attributed to its strong emphasis on Bible education.
In North Jeolla Province, where numerous churches and theological institutions exist across different denominations, it is common for believers to move between churches in search of sermons that resonate with them. However, Shincheonji’s structured Bible education program—spanning six to eight months—has drawn increasing interest from believers and even non-believers seeking a deeper understanding of scripture.
Many who complete the program describe it as a transformative experience. Yuk Sun-deok (67, Jinbuk-dong, Jeonju) recalled her first encounter with Shincheonji teachings 30 years ago after noticing a banner promoting a Book of Revelation seminar. At the time, she was deeply involved in five ministries at a traditional church, focusing on pastoral testimonies, revival services, speaking in tongues, and prayer.
“However, I found Shincheonji’s Bible teachings to be systematic and deeply rooted in practical realities. It was revolutionary,” she said. “The more I learned about Revelation, the deeper my understanding became, and I realized it brought true inner transformation.”
Over the years, Shincheonji has continually refined its educational approach, curriculum, and content. Today, its program covers multiple aspects of the Bible, including Old Testament history, the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and Revelation.
Those who complete the program often form study groups or create personalized plans to integrate their learning into daily life. This culture of continuous application fosters ongoing spiritual growth within the church. In this way, the Shincheonji Thomas Tribe has established a self-sustaining cycle of education-driven expansion.
Since its humble beginnings with 78 members in 1994, the Thomas Tribe has grown significantly, reaching 16,191 believers as of February 2025.
