[12 Tribes Series] The Philip Tribe: Standing Tall as Gangwon’s Largest Church Through Service and the "Light of the Word"

As Shincheonji Church of Jesus celebrates its 42nd anniversary, the Philip Tribe emerges as a remarkable success story in the Gangwon region. Despite the challenging geographical landscape and a strong traditional Buddhist presence, the Philip Tribe has grown into a spiritual landmark, bridging the Gap between local hearts and global missions.

From a Family of Four to a Regional Powerhouse

The history of the Philip Tribe is a journey of "small beginnings and grand expansions."

  • The Starting Point (1989): The tribe began in July 1989 as a humble gathering of only four members in a residential home in Cheongok-dong, Donghae.

  • Strategic Expansion: From those four seeds, the community blossomed across Gangwon. In 2004, the tribe established its headquarters in Wonju, and today it oversees 10 domestic churches in cities like Gangneung, Chuncheon, Sokcho, and even parts of Gyeonggi and Chungbuk provinces (Chungju, Jecheon, Namyangju).



A Heart for the "Roof of Korea": 9 Fields of Dedicated Service

Gangwon-do’s lower population density has never hindered the Philip Tribe’s passion for service. In the past year alone, 4,800 volunteers dedicated 306 days to community outreach, receiving 17 formal commendations.

  • Senior Care (Baekse Manse): Providing emotional support and cultural activities for the elderly, including a massive "Hyo (Filial Piety) Festival" at nursing homes.

  • Honoring Veterans (Dong-haeng): Offering grooming services and cultural experiences for war veterans and their families.

  • Disaster Relief: When record-breaking floods hit Gapyeong in July 2025, 150 volunteers immediately joined recovery efforts to restore the community.

"Sky Culture Hub": A Bridge to the Public

Since opening its first Sky Culture Information Center in Wonju in October 2023, the Philip Tribe has revolutionized community engagement.

  • Cultural Space: These centers, now in Chuncheon, Gangneung, and Donghae, offer docent tours and diverse programs like the "Loyalty and Filial Piety Festival."

  • Public Outreach: With over 10,000 visitors to date, the centers host unique events such as "Open Seminars for Taxi Drivers," turning the church into a welcoming space for all.



Leading the Global Charge in Africa and Europe

The Philip Tribe’s influence now spans continents, with a particularly powerful presence in Africa:

  • African Success: Starting in South Africa in 2012, the mission has expanded to 12 regions (including Namibia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe), growing to a scale of 6,700 members. The tribe even received the South African Heroes Award (SAHA) for outstanding community service.

  • European & Global MOUs: In London, UK, the tribe has opened a culture center to facilitate inter-religious dialogue. Globally, the Philip Tribe maintains 277 MOUs across 10 nations, connecting with approximately 58,000 believers worldwide.



Philip Tribe at a Glance

| Primary Region | Wonju, Gangwon-do & Northern Gyeonggi, South Korea | 

| Growth Milestone | Expanded from 4 members (1989) to Gangwon's largest church | 

| Global Network | Active in 10 nations (South Africa, UK, Switzerland, etc.); 277 MOUs | 

| Key Achievement | Winner of the South African Heroes Award (SAHA) for Service |

Source: https://vo.la/nJ6HBQ4


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