“Will David Bring Down Goliath?”… Senior Leader of an Established Denomination Confesses, “My Pastoral Life Changed After the MOU with Shincheonji”

┃ Following Yeongdeungpo, Busan, Incheon, and Daegu, the Shincheonji Word Grand Seminar successfully held in Hanam on the 25th

Chairman Lee Man-hee stands at the podium during the 2026 Shincheonji Word Grand Seminar held in Hanam on the 25th.

A small shepherd boy, David, brought down the giant Goliath with a single sling stone. Could a small denomination—long overshadowed by the stigma of being labeled a “cult”—bring about a revolution in the Korean Christian community that has prided itself on being “orthodox”? The momentum that began with Shincheonji Church of Jesus appears far from ordinary.

On the 25th, the “2026 Shincheonji Word Grand Seminar” was held in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. A large number of believers from the southern metropolitan area attended, including around 200 pastors from established churches. In a religious landscape where overall church growth has stagnated, the continued gathering of large crowds at a single-denomination Word event is being regarded as an unusual phenomenon.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has been hosting a series of grand seminars across Korea in 2026, including in Seoul (Yeongdeungpo), Busan, Incheon, and Daegu. At this event as well, Chairman Lee personally delivered a lecture on the prophecies and fulfillment of the Book of Revelation.

Chairman Lee Man-hee: “Most Christians add to or subtract from Revelation… Shepherds must lead believers on the right path”

At the seminar on the 25th, Chairman Lee emphasized the importance of the Book of Revelation in this era.

Taking the stage, he began by outlining the flow of the Bible and Revelation. He stated, “In Revelation 22:18–19, Jesus said that if one adds to or subtracts from the words of this book, they cannot enter heaven and will receive curses (plagues). The majority of Christians around the world have altered Revelation,” underscoring its significance.

He continued, “When Jesus returns and fulfills the words of Revelation promised at the First Coming, will people truly believe it when they see it? Just as those who long awaited the Messiah ended up arresting and crucifying Jesus when He came, we must consider how it will be today,” adding emphatically, “If someone says the reality has appeared, shouldn’t we go—even in the middle of the night—to verify it?”

Addressing pastors in particular, he asked, “Have I truly mastered Revelation? Am I creating something false in my heart? We must be honest believers. Let us stop falsehoods now.” He also stressed responsibility, saying, “If, as shepherds, we have done wrong before God, we must repent and move toward the truth. If we have taught our congregations incorrectly, we must also repent.”

He added, “Revelation chapter 7 records the appearance of the twelve tribes, and that God’s throne comes where the twelve tribes are. Where do I belong now? Leaders must take the lead,” emphasizing the need to belong to the twelve tribes of Shincheonji as they appear according to the Bible.

Not just individual pastors, but senior denominational leaders: “We signed MOUs with Shincheonji”

About 200 pastors from established denominations, along with many believers, attended the event.

Testimonies were shared from pastors who crossed denominational boundaries and joined hands with Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Pastor A, who had served in major leadership roles such as denominational chairman and auditor, confessed the remarkable changes following an MOU with Shincheonji.

He recalled, “When we signed the MOU in June 2023, I had many concerns and was cautious, but the sincere service and love shown by Shincheonji members deeply moved both the denomination and the congregation.” He highlighted “studying the Word” as the turning point of his life, stating, 

Before the revealed Word grounded entirely in the Bible, the framework of my previous faith was broken, and I experienced a spiritual awakening.

This change did not remain emotional but led to tangible church revival. His church saw a rapid increase in membership, expanded its main sanctuary, and added a café space, transforming into a vibrant community where 50–60 members now gather weekly for worship.

Pastor A stated, “When we go beyond denominational walls and become one in the truth, God is pleased, and it manifests as real revival and the work of life. I am grateful to Chairman Lee Man-hee for showing the path, and I will continue to learn humbly and lead more souls to life,” receiving great applause from attendees.

This seminar demonstrated that even senior leaders in established denominations are opening their hearts to the wave of change initiated by Shincheonji Church of Jesus. According to Shincheonji, over the past four years, 13,500 graduates have come from established church pastoral backgrounds, and 15,348 MOUs for Word exchange have been signed.

Like David’s sling stone, the surge of Shincheonji Church of Jesus is breaking long-standing conventions in Korean Christianity. Attention is now focused on what kind of transformative results this movement may bring to a Christian landscape that has been facing an inescapable decline.