8 in 10 Students Have a Teacher to Confide In: Shincheonji Gwangju Church Youth Ministry Nurtures Next-Generation Growth

In a fast-paced society where teenagers often struggle with academic pressure and emotional isolation, finding trusted mentors to share personal concerns can make all the difference. A recent internal survey conducted among 512 middle and high school students at Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Peter Tribe (Gwangju Church) , revealed remarkable results: 80% of students responded that they have a teacher they can confide in regarding school life and daily challenges. Furthermore, 76% shared that they experienced personal growth through church life and youth ministry activities. Equipping Teachers Through Empathy and Dialogue Training Behind this high rate of trust is Gwangju Church's continuous focus on empowering its educators. The youth ministry regularly conducts counseling and communication training for teachers. Rather than offering generic advice, teachers review real-life student case studies, practicing how to step into a teenager's shoes and adopt empathetic language and...
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Faith and Care in an Era of Religious Decline: Shincheonji Jeonju Church Women’s Department Builds a Supportive Community

At 8:00 AM on Sunday, in the main chapel of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Thomas Tribe (Jeonju Church), the front rows are filled with active members of the Women's Department. Having attended the earliest service, these women depart for their workplaces and families, recharged for the week ahead.

According to Gallup Korea’s 'Religiosity in Korea (1983–2025)' report, the proportion of adults identifying with a religion dropped from 54% in 2004 to 40% in 2025. Furthermore, research by Korea Research shows that women make up 53% of the religious population.

Amid this nationwide decline, Shincheonji Jeonju Church’s Women’s Department—where approximately 90% of its 1,903 members are aged 40 to 60—is pioneering a resilient model of shared faith, flexible worship, and practical co-parenting care.


Flexible Worship Schedules Tailored to Daily Life

To help members balance employment, housework, and faith, Jeonju Church restructured its worship times. Rather than forcing a rigid schedule, Sunday worship is offered in four flexible time slots (8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM), while Wednesday services run twice daily (12:00 PM and 7:00 PM).

Working mothers can attend after dropping children off at school or after work shifts, while shift workers receive personalized home or workplace visit services when needed.

Co-Parenting Groups: Boosting Worship Attendance by 20%

For young mothers, the Women’s Department created specialized co-parenting groups. Members take turns watching each other’s toddlers during service hours, share parenting advice, and assist during emergencies.

By alleviating individual childcare burdens through communal "poomasi" (traditional mutual aid), worship attendance among mothers in these groups increased by nearly 20% as of January 2026 compared to the previous year.

"After years of full-time parenting, I felt isolated and socially disconnected," shared Han Hee-jin (42). "Through faith, I found peace of mind, but even more, I gained true friends and sisters who walk in the same direction. I am so grateful to have a community where we can lean on each other." 

Grassroots Dialogue: 'Neighborhood Walk' Meetings

To maintain open communication following the pandemic, Jeonju Church launched "A Walk Around the Neighborhood" (Dongne Han-bap-gui). Members gather in local neighborhood cafes to share life updates, discuss parenting challenges, explore Biblical history, and provide direct feedback on church operations.

Attracting over 100 participants per monthly session, these informal gatherings serve as a vital bridge for everyday communication outside Sunday services.

Practical Sharing for Isolated Neighbors

This spirit of mutual care extends directly into community service. Ahead of major holidays, Women’s Department members gather to cook fresh savory pancakes (jeon) and hand-deliver them to elderly or low-income single members. They also voluntarily lead annual kimchi-sharing drives and senior appreciation banquets.


A Safe Haven Where No One Walks Alone

A representative from Shincheonji Jeonju Church stated: "We will continue to strengthen a culture where members look out for one another so no one feels lonely. We will refine worship schedules and community care to fit real lives while maintaining our sharing initiatives."

By pairing spiritual growth with real-world empathy, Shincheonji Jeonju Church offers a compelling blueprint for how faith communities can thrive in modern times.


Source: https://vo.la/FpAU1Qv


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Shincheonji Netherlands Church and Class 116 Graduates Carry Out Environmental Cleanup in Rotterdam

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Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

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