The Zion Christian Mission Center, affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, celebrated its 115th graduation ceremony on October 30, 2024, at the Shincheonji Church in Cheongju, South Korea.
This landmark event welcomed 111,628 graduates, setting a new global record for the largest single-denomination graduation. Among the graduates were 3,377 pastors, reflecting the growing influence of Shincheonji’s educational programs across religious communities.
Originally planned for Paju Imjingak Peace Nuri Park, the event faced unexpected challenges when the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization canceled the venue booking just a day before. Despite this, the ceremony proceeded seamlessly at the Cheongju location, attracting participants from Korea and around the globe.
A Historic Achievement
This is the fourth time Shincheonji Church has surpassed 100,000 graduates, following similar milestones in 2019, 2022 and 2023. The event also included approximately 10,000 international graduates and 1,000 religious leaders from diverse denominations.
For those unable to attend in person, Shincheonji churches across Korea and international locations provided online access, ensuring full participation.
Chairman Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, addressed the graduates with a message of unity and gratitude. Emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation, Chairman Lee said, “Let us not condemn or persecute one another but work together to make our country a shining example of harmony and peace.”
Educational Excellence and Global Appeal
Graduates of the Zion Christian Mission Center undergo a rigorous curriculum, studying the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. A recent pre-graduation survey among 1,485 young graduates revealed a 99.59% satisfaction rate with the content and system of the Mission Center’s lectures. The average score for the graduation exam reached an impressive 96.5%, underscoring the effectiveness of the program.
The spokesperson for the Shincheonji Church noted, “The depth of biblical education provided at our Mission Center has not only fostered rapid growth within the church but has also attracted cooperation requests from domestic and international churches and even entire denominations.”
Inspiring Stories from the Graduates
One of the ceremony’s highlights was a speech by Kang, a graduate and long-time Presbyterian pastor. Kang shared his transformative journey through the Zion Christian Mission Center, saying, “Within three days of taking the courses, I was captivated by the Word of Truth. His newfound understanding rejuvenated his congregation, leading to increased participation in worship and volunteer activities. Following this success, Kang’s church made the significant decision to rebrand under the name of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.”
A Vision for Peace and Unity
The event featured a special performance emphasizing the role of religious leaders in ending conflict and promoting peace. This resonated deeply with the audience, aligning with the church’s broader vision of fostering global unity through faith.
In his closing remarks, Chairman Lee encouraged graduates to freely share their knowledge without expecting anything in return, saying, “Even in the face of persecution, continue to do good deeds. Let us spread the Word with grace and gratitude.”
Looking Ahead
The unprecedented success of the 115th graduation ceremony reaffirms the Shincheonji Church’s position as a leading institution for religious education and unity. With over 6,200 pastors currently enrolled in its programs, the Zion Christian Mission Center continues to inspire individuals and communities worldwide, laying a foundation for a future of faith-driven collaboration and peace.