Beyond the Screen: Shincheonji Cheonan Church Uses Community Gardening to Treat Smartphone Overdependence in Children

In an era deeply saturated with digital devices, the simple act of touching soil and nurturing a living plant has become a rare luxury for children. Today's youth are incredibly adept at swiping screens and consuming rapid-fire short-form videos, but they are increasingly estranged from the patient, natural process of planting a seed and waiting for it to bear fruit. With recent statistics revealing that a staggering 43.0% of South Korean youth are classified as at risk for smartphone overdependence , the need for tangible, real-world intervention is more pressing than ever. To address this digital fatigue, the Cheonan Church of the Matthias Tribe of Shincheonji launched a unique initiative called the "Sharing Garden" within its church grounds. Designed to replace smartphone screens with gardening trowels, the program offers children a profound, dirt-on-their-hands experience that fosters emotional health, patience, and a deep appreciation for life. A Living Classroom: ...
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[12 Tribes Series] The Busan James Tribe: Leading with Thunderous Passion and Youthful Vitality

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary, Shincheonji Church of Jesus highlights the unique characteristics of its 12 branches. Among them, the Busan James Tribe stands out for its vibrant energy, often described as possessing "thunderous passion." Located in the bustling Busan and Gyeongnam regions, this community has carved out a distinct identity as a "church where young adults are truly alive."


Thunderous Passion: The Biblical Root of Identity

The name 'James' originates from one of Jesus' disciples in the Bible. James, along with his brother John, was nicknamed 'Boanerges,' meaning 'Sons of Thunder,' symbolizing an energetic and bold personality. The Busan James Tribe embraces this legacy, defining itself as a community dedicated to sharing the gospel with "thunderous passion." This image of vitality resonates with the history and culture of the Busan and Gyeongnam areas, which have grown through dynamic maritime trade.

A Hub for Young Adults: Breaking Regional Trends

A defining characteristic of the Busan James Tribe is its demographics. Remarkably, 30% of the entire congregation consists of young adults. In an era where youth participation in religion is generally declining—especially in regional areas outside of Seoul—this high percentage is considered exceptional. This influx of youth provides constant dynamic energy, transforming the church into a busy hub of activity even after formal services.

The Power of the 'Word': The Core of Spiritual Growth

The driving force behind this youth-driven vitality is rooted in 'the Word.' Tribe Leader Lee Young-no consistently emphasizes a systematic understanding of the Bible as the foundation of faith. The church's educational curriculum is designed to deepen biblical knowledge, fostering strong convictions.

Testimonies from members reflect this focus. Ga-hyun Kim (30s), a member for seven years, shared, "Systematically learning the Bible clarified content that was once difficult to understand. Believing with an understanding of the Bible’s intent has given me certainty in my faith."

Connecting Through Culture: Open House and Talent Donations

The Busan James Tribe actively fosters community connection through cultural engagement rather than passive religious observance.

  • Youth Initiatives: Young members utilize their diverse talents to create a unique community culture through performances, social clubs, and volunteer work.

  • Open House Events: Held quarterly, these events open the church doors to local residents, offering diverse cultural programs and experiential activities.

  • Diverse Performances: Attendees can enjoy plays, musicals, vocal music, and traditional Korean music, all prepared through the talent donations of the congregation.



A "Practicing Faith" Integrated with the Community

Beyond spiritual and cultural activities, the tribe emphasizes a faith that practices love. Various ongoing initiatives receive positive local reception:

  • Kimchi Sharing: Providing essential food supplies to neighbors.

  • Elderly Support: Offering health consultations and hair-styling services.

  • Environmental Campaigns: Conducting regular street cleanups and nature preservation activities.

Busan James Tribe at a Glance

| Key Characteristics | High youth population (30%), Talent donation-based culture |

| Core Philosophy | Word-centered, systematic Bible education | 

| Regional Service | Quarterly Open Houses, Elderly health consultations, Kimchi sharing |


Source: https://vo.la/xIn6Mc8

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