The Shincheonji Church of Jesus held its 116th Zion Christian Mission Center Graduation Ceremony at its Cheongju Church on November 2, celebrating what it described as “qualitative growth and recovery of the essence of the Word.”
The event highlighted the growing reach and reported personal impact of the church’s intensive Bible education program, which has drawn not only Christians but also individuals with no prior religious affiliation.
According to data released by Shincheonji Church of Jesus on November 4, a recent internal survey conducted between October 17 and 25 among 1,285 soon-to-be graduates found that 97.9% were satisfied with changes in their lives after completing the course. The church reported that 99% of respondents described positive life changes, with “increased inner peace and emotional stability” cited by more than half (50.7%).
The program’s influence appears to extend across generations. One participant in their 20s shared, “I used to live with uncertainty and fear of death, but through this course, I found peace and came to understand God more deeply.” A male graduate in his 70s added that he had developed “a sense of peace and attachment to life.”
Beyond spiritual growth, many reported broader personal development. About 42% of respondents said they had “found a purpose in life,” while others cited improvements such as developing a positive mindset (41.2%), learning forgiveness and love (38.3%), improving relationships (25.8%), managing stress better (20.4%), and gaining a new outlook on work and society (16.5%).
Notably, 57% of the graduates said they had no prior religious background, suggesting that the program’s appeal extends beyond traditional churchgoers. Several participants described the experience as transformative on both spiritual and personal levels, saying it offered an opportunity to reflect on life and establish principles that transcend religion.
Nearly all respondents (99.6%) said the course helped them better understand the Bible and strengthen their faith, while 94.5% expressed satisfaction with the instructors and curriculum.
A representative from Shincheonji Church of Jesus commented, “The Zion Christian Mission Center provides not only accurate biblical knowledge but also a path for individuals to rediscover meaning and direction in their lives.”
The church reports that more than 13,500 pastors have completed the program over the past four years. This year’s graduation ceremony was held under the theme “Love and Blessing, the Light That Shines on the World,” with Shincheonji expressing its intention to continue fostering what it describes as “positive influence on both individuals and society.”