World Mission Society Church of God: Difference between revisions
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|Logo=[[file:하나님의교회_세계복음선교협회_World_Mission_Society_Logo.jpg|thumb|center|260px|World Mission Society Church of God Logo]] | |Logo=[[file:하나님의교회_세계복음선교협회_World_Mission_Society_Logo.jpg|thumb|center|260px|World Mission Society Church of God Logo]] | ||
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The '''World Mission Society Church of God''' (hereinafter referred to as the “'''Church of God'''”) was established in 1964 by [[Ahnsahnghong|Christ Ahnsahnghong]]. The church believes in [[God the Father]] and [[God the Mother]] according to the Bible and follows Their teachings. The church follows the original teachings of the early Church of God that [[Jesus Christ]] and the apostles such as Peter, John, and Paul attended 2,000 years ago. It has flourished into a worldwide church with about 7,500 churches in 175 countries in only 50 years of its establishment. The number of registered members was 3.3 million as of January, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/3114766/1 |title=3.3 Million Church of God Members Talks About the Path of Hope in Our Global Village |website= |publisher= | The '''World Mission Society Church of God''' (hereinafter referred to as the “'''Church of God'''”) was established in 1964 by [[Ahnsahnghong|Christ Ahnsahnghong]]. The church believes in [[God the Father]] and [[God the Mother]] according to the Bible and follows Their teachings. The church follows the original teachings of the early Church of God that [[Jesus Christ]] and the apostles such as Peter, John, and Paul attended 2,000 years ago. It has flourished into a worldwide church with about 7,500 churches in 175 countries in only 50 years of its establishment. The number of registered members was 3.3 million as of January, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/3114766/1 |title=3.3 Million Church of God Members Talks About the Path of Hope in Our Global Village |website=Shindonga |publisher=|date= January 3, 2022 |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>The Church of God carries out missionary work and volunteer activities with the goal of preaching the truth of salvation and happiness to all people around the world with the love of God the Father and God the Mother. This is accomplished by restoring the faith of the early Church and the truth of the [[new covenant]] established by Jesus. As God’s children, church members do their utmost to make positive contributions to their families, neighbors, communities, and nations while striving to cultivate their character to participate in the divine nature of Christ. In recognition of their efforts and contributions, the Church of God has received nearly 3,300 awards from various governments and organizations, including the Presidential Group Citation from Korea<ref name="대통령상">{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/world/index.asp |title=Korean Presidential Citation |website=WATV AWARD |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> , the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from the U.K.<ref name="영국여왕상">{{Cite web |url=https://ukzion.watv.org/queens-award/ |title=The U.K. Queen's Award for Voluntary Service |website=World Mission Society Church of God in UK |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> , and the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the U.S.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |url=https://watvaward.org/index.asp#awardUSAAnchor/ |title=U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award |website=WATV AWARD |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
==Present Status of World Mission Society Church of God== | ==Present Status of World Mission Society Church of God== | ||
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The Church of God has various versatile training facilities. The Jeonyisan Training Institute is the first institute to be established, where gatherings for pastoral staff and education for church members are actively carried out. The Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute is equipped with a large-scale facility that can accommodate more than 10,000 people. The Elohim Training Institute has various educational facilities on site which are embraced by the beautiful natural scenery of Korea as its backdrop. There is no wonder why overseas visiting groups never miss a chance to visit this institute. The Dongbaek Training Institute, which is adjacent to the Headquarters, is useful for small-scale educational gatherings for the members. The WMC Training Institute in Seogwipo, which is the newest training institute among all, is expected to be used as an educational place to spread the gospel of the new covenant to people visiting Jeju from all around the world. | The Church of God has various versatile training facilities. The Jeonyisan Training Institute is the first institute to be established, where gatherings for pastoral staff and education for church members are actively carried out. The Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute is equipped with a large-scale facility that can accommodate more than 10,000 people. The Elohim Training Institute has various educational facilities on site which are embraced by the beautiful natural scenery of Korea as its backdrop. There is no wonder why overseas visiting groups never miss a chance to visit this institute. The Dongbaek Training Institute, which is adjacent to the Headquarters, is useful for small-scale educational gatherings for the members. The WMC Training Institute in Seogwipo, which is the newest training institute among all, is expected to be used as an educational place to spread the gospel of the new covenant to people visiting Jeju from all around the world. | ||
*[[Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.okinews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=28301 |title=Opening of Church of God Institute | | *[[Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.okinews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=28301 |title=Opening of Church of God Institute |website=Okcheon News |date=November 11, 2005}}</ref> | ||
*[[Elohim Training Institute]]<ref>[https://elohim.watv.org/index.asp Elohim Institute Website]</ref> | *[[Elohim Training Institute]]<ref>[https://elohim.watv.org/index.asp Elohim Institute Website]</ref> | ||
*[[Dongbaek Training Institute]] | *[[Dongbaek Training Institute]] | ||
*[[Jeonyisan Training Institute]] | *[[Jeonyisan Training Institute]] | ||
*[[WMC Institute|WMC Training Institute]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kyeonggi.com/news/articleView.html?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=1219174 |title=Church of God, Establishes New Training Facilities and Temple in Jeju | | *[[WMC Institute|WMC Training Institute]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kyeonggi.com/news/articleView.html?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=1219174 |title=Church of God, Establishes New Training Facilities and Temple in Jeju |website=Kyeonggi Ilbo |date=August 8, 2016}}</ref> | ||
===Theological Seminary=== | ===Theological Seminary=== | ||
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===History Museum=== | ===History Museum=== | ||
The Church of God History Museum, which opened in 2006, demonstrates a three-dimensional representation of biblical history. It begins with the inception of mankind, the history and the future recorded in the Bible, the principle of salvation, and the development of the Church of God at a glance, on the basis of the Bible. The audience can see, hear, and experience the stories and records of the 66 books of the Bible through miniatures, videos, and real historical objects. The History Museum consists of eight halls: the Hall of Heaven, the Hall of the Old Testament, the Hall of the New Testament, the Hall of the Dark Ages, the Hall of Heavenly Father, the Hall of Heavenly Mother, the Hall of the Church of God, and the Hall of Future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kyeonggi.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=733778 |title=Mankind’s Past, Present, and Future at a Glance | | The Church of God History Museum, which opened in 2006, demonstrates a three-dimensional representation of biblical history. It begins with the inception of mankind, the history and the future recorded in the Bible, the principle of salvation, and the development of the Church of God at a glance, on the basis of the Bible. The audience can see, hear, and experience the stories and records of the 66 books of the Bible through miniatures, videos, and real historical objects. The History Museum consists of eight halls: the Hall of Heaven, the Hall of the Old Testament, the Hall of the New Testament, the Hall of the Dark Ages, the Hall of Heavenly Father, the Hall of Heavenly Mother, the Hall of the Church of God, and the Hall of Future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kyeonggi.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=733778 |title=Mankind’s Past, Present, and Future at a Glance |website=Kyeonggi Ilbo |date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> | ||
==History of the World Mission Society Church of God== | ==History of the World Mission Society Church of God== | ||
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The Church of God believes that [[God the Father and God the Mother]] have come in human form to save all humankind in the Age of the Holy Spirit, not only existing as spirits. The church believes that God is omniscient and omnipotent, so He can come to this earth as a human at anytime He desires, and that we must believe in God who has come in human form according to the prophecies of the Bible. | The Church of God believes that [[God the Father and God the Mother]] have come in human form to save all humankind in the Age of the Holy Spirit, not only existing as spirits. The church believes that God is omniscient and omnipotent, so He can come to this earth as a human at anytime He desires, and that we must believe in God who has come in human form according to the prophecies of the Bible. | ||
Christianity is a religion that believes in God who has come in the flesh to give mankind salvation. The Bible testifies about Jesus Christ who was born as a baby 2,000 years ago: “God, the Word in the beginning, became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-14+&version=NIV |title=John 1:1–14 |quote=}}</ref> The Christian doctrine that God came as a human being provoked great animosity among the followers of Judaism, which was a mainstream religion in those days. The Jews attempted to kill Jesus Christ, accusing Him, saying, “You, a mere man, claim to be God.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A33+&version=NIV |title=John 10:33 |quote=}}</ref> Eventually, they crucified Him under the false charges that were hurled against him.<br>However, after the [[resurrection]] and [[Ascension of Jesus|ascension of Christ]], His disciples strongly testified about the “man Christ Jesus,” emphasizing their faith in God who came in the flesh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A5&version=NIV |title=1 Timothy 2:5 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A5-8&version=NIV |title=Philippians 2:5–8 |quote=}}</ref> Since that time, Jesus Christ has been proclaimed throughout the world as the Savior of mankind, and is worshiped by people all around the world. The Bible prophesies that Christ will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.<ref name="히9" /> The prophecy of His second coming indicates His appearing in the flesh in the same manner as His first coming. God the Father and God the Mother are to come to this earth in the flesh as the Spirit and the Bride, saying, “Come and take the water of life,” just as God, who is the Word, did when He came as a man 2,000 years ago.<ref name=":0" /> The Church of God believes that the Spirit and the Bride are to come in the flesh to give the water of life in this age as prophesied in the Bible, just as Christ came as a man 2,000 years ago as prophesied in the Bible.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=&nNewsNumb=202003100052 |title=[Religious Tour Interview] World Mission Sociey Church of God General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim | | Christianity is a religion that believes in God who has come in the flesh to give mankind salvation. The Bible testifies about Jesus Christ who was born as a baby 2,000 years ago: “God, the Word in the beginning, became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1-14+&version=NIV |title=John 1:1–14 |quote=}}</ref> The Christian doctrine that God came as a human being provoked great animosity among the followers of Judaism, which was a mainstream religion in those days. The Jews attempted to kill Jesus Christ, accusing Him, saying, “You, a mere man, claim to be God.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A33+&version=NIV |title=John 10:33 |quote=}}</ref> Eventually, they crucified Him under the false charges that were hurled against him.<br>However, after the [[resurrection]] and [[Ascension of Jesus|ascension of Christ]], His disciples strongly testified about the “man Christ Jesus,” emphasizing their faith in God who came in the flesh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A5&version=NIV |title=1 Timothy 2:5 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A5-8&version=NIV |title=Philippians 2:5–8 |quote=}}</ref> Since that time, Jesus Christ has been proclaimed throughout the world as the Savior of mankind, and is worshiped by people all around the world. The Bible prophesies that Christ will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.<ref name="히9" /> The prophecy of His second coming indicates His appearing in the flesh in the same manner as His first coming. God the Father and God the Mother are to come to this earth in the flesh as the Spirit and the Bride, saying, “Come and take the water of life,” just as God, who is the Word, did when He came as a man 2,000 years ago.<ref name=":0" /> The Church of God believes that the Spirit and the Bride are to come in the flesh to give the water of life in this age as prophesied in the Bible, just as Christ came as a man 2,000 years ago as prophesied in the Bible.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=&nNewsNumb=202003100052 |title=[Religious Tour Interview] World Mission Sociey Church of God General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim |website=Chosun News Press |quote=}}</ref> | ||
=== Heavenly Family and Earthly Family === | === Heavenly Family and Earthly Family === | ||
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===Feasts and Worship=== | ===Feasts and Worship=== | ||
[[file:하나님의교회 유월절.jpg|thumb|350px|The Sacred Assembly of the Passover of the Church of God]] | [[file:하나님의교회 유월절.jpg|thumb|350px|The Sacred Assembly of the Passover of the Church of God]] | ||
The Church of God keeps the feasts of the new covenant according to the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/318952 |title=[Special Feature ● Luther's 500 Years of Religious Reformation—Church of God and Truth in the Bible] 2.7 Million World Mission Society Church of God Saints' 'Grand Chorus' | | The Church of God keeps the feasts of the new covenant according to the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/318952 |title=[Special Feature ● Luther's 500 Years of Religious Reformation—Church of God and Truth in the Bible] 2.7 Million World Mission Society Church of God Saints' 'Grand Chorus' |website=Monthly JoongAng |date=November 17, 2017|quote=}}</ref> The most important celebrations observed by the Church include the weekly [[Sabbath]] and seven annual feasts in three times, including the Passover. Each of these feasts is based on the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. They all contain the blessings of God, which are closely related to the salvation of mankind, such as the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the hope of the resurrection, and holiness. The Church of God keeps the feasts according to the laws of the new covenant just as they are recorded in the Bible. The members give thanks to God for His grace and love through godly worship, and by giving glory to God with prayer and praise. | ||
==== Sabbath ==== | ==== Sabbath ==== | ||
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===The Meaning of the Name of the Church and the History of the Early Church=== | ===The Meaning of the Name of the Church and the History of the Early Church=== | ||
The name “Church of God” means the church established by God, and the church of which the owner is God.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="신동아6">{{Cite web|url=https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/1752139/1 |title=World Mission Society Church of God Opens the Age of 3 Million Saints on Golden Jubilee| | The name “Church of God” means the church established by God, and the church of which the owner is God.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="신동아6">{{Cite web|url=https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/1752139/1 |title=World Mission Society Church of God Opens the Age of 3 Million Saints on Golden Jubilee|website=Monthly Shindonga |date=June 2019}}</ref> In the Bible, the early Church that Jesus Christ established, and which the apostles Peter, John, and Paul all attended, was called the “Church of God.”<ref name="고린도전서1장">{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A2&version=NIV |title=1 Corinthians 1:2 |quote=}}</ref> The Bible described it as the “church bought with God’s own blood.”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A28&version=NIV |title=Acts 20:28 |quote=}}</ref><br>The new covenant that Jesus kept and which He taught as an example for us is the complete truth of the early Church and the “[[Gospel of the Kingdom|gospel of the kingdom]].” The saints of the early Church kept all of the precious truths that Jesus taught during His ministry, including the Passover of the new covenant established by the sacrifice of His blood shed on the cross. After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, the apostles and the saints of the early Church of God received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and boldly preached the gospel; this led the number of people who received Jesus as Savior to exponentially increase. The fact that the gospel was rapidly preached to Gentile nations and cities beyond [[Jerusalem]] and Judea is evident in the record of Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Churches were established in Ephesus,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A17&version=NIV |title=Acts 20:17 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Corinth,<ref name="고린도전서1장"></ref> Antioch<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13%3A1+&version=NIV |title=Acts 13:1 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> etc., and the gospel was preached in many European regions, including Thessalonica,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A1-2&version=NIV |title=Acts 17:1–2 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Athens,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A16-17&version=NIV |title=Acts 17:16–17 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Malta,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+28%3A1-8&version=NIV |title=Acts 28:1–8 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Perga,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+14%3A20-25+&version=NIV |title=Acts 14:20–25 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> Cyprus,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+13%3A4-5&version=NIV |title=Acts 13:4–5 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> and Rome.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A7&version=NIV |title=Romans 1:7 |publisher= |quote=}}</ref> | ||
===Restoration of the Truth and Succession of the Early Church of God=== | ===Restoration of the Truth and Succession of the Early Church of God=== | ||
As the church became secularized, the truth of salvation, including the new covenant Passover, gradually changed and polytheism flowed into the church.<ref name="월간중앙">{{Cite web |url=https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/318953 |title=[Special Feature ● Luther's 500 Years of Religious Reformation—Church of God and Truth in the Bible] What Do They Believe and What Do They Practice? |website= |publisher= | As the church became secularized, the truth of salvation, including the new covenant Passover, gradually changed and polytheism flowed into the church.<ref name="월간중앙">{{Cite web |url=https://jmagazine.joins.com/monthly/view/318953 |title=[Special Feature ● Luther's 500 Years of Religious Reformation—Church of God and Truth in the Bible] What Do They Believe and What Do They Practice? |website=Monthly JoongAng |publisher= |date= November 17, 2017|year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> Eventually, the Church of God disappeared into history. In the 16th century, reformers such as Martin Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli held up the banner of the Reformation, criticizing the nature of the church and trying to restore correct faith, but they were unable to find the truth of the Bible taught by Jesus. | ||
It wasn’t until 1,600 years since the truth of the early Church disappeared that the Church of God was rebuilt. According to the [[Timing of Jesus’ Second Coming|parable of the fig tree]], Christ Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Christ, began His gospel ministry in 1948 and restored the truth of the new covenant that had disappeared, including the Passover, the seven feast in three times, and the Sabbath. Furthermore, He re-established the Church of God in 1964. Currently, the Church of God is preaching the gospel in 175 countries as more and more people realize the truth of salvation and come from all over the world.<small>{{참고|Church of God History|l1=Church of God History|설명=For more information}}</small> | It wasn’t until 1,600 years since the truth of the early Church disappeared that the Church of God was rebuilt. According to the [[Timing of Jesus’ Second Coming|parable of the fig tree]], Christ Ahnsahnghong, the Second Coming Christ, began His gospel ministry in 1948 and restored the truth of the new covenant that had disappeared, including the Passover, the seven feast in three times, and the Sabbath. Furthermore, He re-established the Church of God in 1964. Currently, the Church of God is preaching the gospel in 175 countries as more and more people realize the truth of salvation and come from all over the world.<small>{{참고|Church of God History|l1=Church of God History|설명=For more information}}</small> | ||
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===Present State of Missionary Work=== | ===Present State of Missionary Work=== | ||
The Church of God began its overseas mission work in 1997 in accordance with God’s teaching to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+16%3A15&version=NIV |title=Mark 16:15 |quote=}}</ref> The missionary work in North America, which began in Los Angeles, California, has spread so rapidly that the church is now established in all 50 states as well as several major cities in Canada. Through the missionary work in Central and South America, which began in Peru in 1998, the gospel has been preached even to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and the valleys of the Andes in Peru as well. Today, there are over 7,500 churches in 175 countries around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. More than 80% of the members in these churches are from the local area and are all diligently carrying out their lives of faith.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/1752128/1 |title=General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim of the World Mission Society Church of God |website= |publisher= | The Church of God began its overseas mission work in 1997 in accordance with God’s teaching to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+16%3A15&version=NIV |title=Mark 16:15 |quote=}}</ref> The missionary work in North America, which began in Los Angeles, California, has spread so rapidly that the church is now established in all 50 states as well as several major cities in Canada. Through the missionary work in Central and South America, which began in Peru in 1998, the gospel has been preached even to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and the valleys of the Andes in Peru as well. Today, there are over 7,500 churches in 175 countries around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. More than 80% of the members in these churches are from the local area and are all diligently carrying out their lives of faith.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://shindonga.donga.com/3/all/13/1752128/1 |title=General Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim of the World Mission Society Church of God |website=Monthly Shindonga |publisher= |date=June 7, 2019|year= |quote= }}</ref><br>The Church of God preaches the truth through various types of media such as brochures, videos, and the Internet so that people can hear God’s voice anywhere in the world. The Church of God produces and supplies various publications such as the Truth Books written by Christ Ahnsahnghong, sermon books that deliver the teachings of God, collections of essays containing the realization of the church members, collections of children’s stories, and other printed materials necessary for cultivating good faith and character. The news of salvation is being delivered even to the regions with poor communication as publications are translated into more than 60 languages. This includes languages that are spoken by large populations such as English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, and even local languages such as Khasis, Bengali, Croatian, and Gujarati. | ||
Various videos such as the Church of God introduction video, news from local churches around the world, video sermons, and animations, are also translated into each language, touching and enlightening the hearts of people around the world. They are accessible to everyone through the Church of God official website, Media Cast, YouTube channel, etc. The church also provides opportunities to share love online such as the “Flower Letter Campaign” and “Happy Webinars for Workers”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watv.org/healing-webinar-for-worker/ |title=The Church of God Holds ‘Happy Webinar for Workers’ |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> to promote harmony among family members, friends, and neighbors who are hard to meet due to the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.<small>{{참고|Church of God Missionary Work|l1=Church of God Missionary Work|설명=For more information}}</small>Overseas Visiting Group | Various videos such as the Church of God introduction video, news from local churches around the world, video sermons, and animations, are also translated into each language, touching and enlightening the hearts of people around the world. They are accessible to everyone through the Church of God official website, Media Cast, YouTube channel, etc. The church also provides opportunities to share love online such as the “Flower Letter Campaign” and “Happy Webinars for Workers”<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watv.org/healing-webinar-for-worker/ |title=The Church of God Holds ‘Happy Webinar for Workers’ |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> to promote harmony among family members, friends, and neighbors who are hard to meet due to the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.<small>{{참고|Church of God Missionary Work|l1=Church of God Missionary Work|설명=For more information}}</small>Overseas Visiting Group | ||
Korea is where God the Father and God the Mother came from, and where the gospel of the new covenant was restored according to the prophecies of the Bible. For this reason, it is regarded as a holy land by the Church of God members around the world. As the number of overseas members who wanted to visit Korea to learn the love of Mother and to study the truth of the Bible increased, the Church of God started the [[Church of God Overseas Visiting Group|Overseas Visiting Group]] program in 2001. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas members visited Korea a total of 75 times.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://watv.org/history/ |title=Church of God History |publisher= |website=WATV.org |date= |first= |quote= 2001 The 1st Overseas Visiting Group (U.S.) }}</ref><br>The church provides various programs for experiencing Korean culture and Bible study. Overseas members stay in Korea for about one or two weeks to deepen their faith and learn about the warmheartedness of a mother contained in Korean culture. After returning to their home countries, their faith grows even more and they also contribute to civilian diplomacy linking Korea and the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=7579&NewsNumb=2019087579 |title=75th Overseas Visiting Group Consisted of University Students Worldwide | | Korea is where God the Father and God the Mother came from, and where the gospel of the new covenant was restored according to the prophecies of the Bible. For this reason, it is regarded as a holy land by the Church of God members around the world. As the number of overseas members who wanted to visit Korea to learn the love of Mother and to study the truth of the Bible increased, the Church of God started the [[Church of God Overseas Visiting Group|Overseas Visiting Group]] program in 2001. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas members visited Korea a total of 75 times.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://watv.org/history/ |title=Church of God History |publisher= |website=WATV.org |date= |first= |quote= 2001 The 1st Overseas Visiting Group (U.S.) }}</ref><br>The church provides various programs for experiencing Korean culture and Bible study. Overseas members stay in Korea for about one or two weeks to deepen their faith and learn about the warmheartedness of a mother contained in Korean culture. After returning to their home countries, their faith grows even more and they also contribute to civilian diplomacy linking Korea and the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/mdaily/daily_view.asp?idx=7579&NewsNumb=2019087579 |title=75th Overseas Visiting Group Consisted of University Students Worldwide |website=Monthly Chosun |date=August 2019}}</ref> | ||
==Members' Life of Faith== | ==Members' Life of Faith== | ||
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The members of the Church of God, who believe in God the Father and God the Mother, as testified in the Bible, are constantly and meticulously learning the truth and reflecting on God’s teachings, believing the words of the Bible as the “[[Water of Life|water of life]].” The Church of God conducts numerous educations tailored to various age groups and positions so that the members can understand the truths in the Bible correctly and cultivate their faith. | The members of the Church of God, who believe in God the Father and God the Mother, as testified in the Bible, are constantly and meticulously learning the truth and reflecting on God’s teachings, believing the words of the Bible as the “[[Water of Life|water of life]].” The Church of God conducts numerous educations tailored to various age groups and positions so that the members can understand the truths in the Bible correctly and cultivate their faith. | ||
This is seen through the IUBA, IWBA, and IMBA global educational programs for young adults. Young adults learn not only the truth of the Bible but also about matters concerning moral character, leadership, and foreign languages, which are essential for them to become productive members of society. The church helps children and adolescents develop good characters and basic comprehension of the Bible through textbooks such as ''I Want to Be a Beautiful Angel'' (textbook for kindergarteners), ''I like God'' (textbook for elementary school students), and ''Soul'' (monthly magazine for adolescents). During the time period of school vacation, middle and high school student summer/winter camps as well as an elementary school summer/winter camps are held to provide diverse experiences such as Bible education, experiential learning programs, field trips, and volunteer services.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shinailbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1191827 |title=Church of God Opens Students Summer Camp |website= |publisher= | This is seen through the IUBA, IWBA, and IMBA global educational programs for young adults. Young adults learn not only the truth of the Bible but also about matters concerning moral character, leadership, and foreign languages, which are essential for them to become productive members of society. The church helps children and adolescents develop good characters and basic comprehension of the Bible through textbooks such as ''I Want to Be a Beautiful Angel'' (textbook for kindergarteners), ''I like God'' (textbook for elementary school students), and ''Soul'' (monthly magazine for adolescents). During the time period of school vacation, middle and high school student summer/winter camps as well as an elementary school summer/winter camps are held to provide diverse experiences such as Bible education, experiential learning programs, field trips, and volunteer services.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.shinailbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1191827 |title=Church of God Opens Students Summer Camp |website=Shinailbo |publisher=|date=August 2, 2019|year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=37841&page=1&searchString=summer+camp&menu=I |title=2015 Summer Camp for Middle & High School Students |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> The church also helps young adult members to prepare a firm foundation for a positive mindset and the formation of proper values through character education led by experts in the field.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://weekly.donga.com/3/all/11/1948461/1 |title=Church of God, A Guide for Upright Personality and Hopeful Dream |website=Weekly DongA |publisher= |date=January 16, 2020|year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>Education is also provided regularly to teachers who are guiding children, adolescents, and young adults, so that future generations can grow with faith and love. In addition to all this, education for title and position holders, who lead members with upright character and humility, are conducted to strengthen their competency and abilities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, education was provided at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, the Dongbaek Training Institute, etc., and is now held online. | ||
The Church of God Headquarters provides educational materials and sermons through various media sources such as books, [https://watvmedia.org/en audio recordings, and videos], for the members to be able to access the word of God anytime, anywhere. Events are also held to help the members grow in faith and strengthen their personal abilities and become united. Through the [[Bible Preaching Contest|Foreign Language Bible Preaching Contest]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=53388&page=1&searchString=bible&menu=I |title=The 16th Foreign Language Bible Preaching Contest |website=English.watv.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> [[New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony|Cultural Content Awards]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=49134&page=1&searchString=New+Jerusalem+Cultural |title=New Jerusalem Cultural Contents Awards Ceremony 2017 |website | The Church of God Headquarters provides educational materials and sermons through various media sources such as books, [https://watvmedia.org/en audio recordings, and videos], for the members to be able to access the word of God anytime, anywhere. Events are also held to help the members grow in faith and strengthen their personal abilities and become united. Through the [[Bible Preaching Contest|Foreign Language Bible Preaching Contest]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=53388&page=1&searchString=bible&menu=I |title=The 16th Foreign Language Bible Preaching Contest |website=English.watv.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> [[New Jerusalem Cultural Content Awards Ceremony|Cultural Content Awards]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.watv.org/news/content.asp?idx=49134&page=1&searchString=New+Jerusalem+Cultural |title=New Jerusalem Cultural Contents Awards Ceremony 2017 |website=English.watv.org |publisher= |date=December 10, 2017|year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> New Song Festival,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/internal/content.asp?articleid=i20170226981 |title=The 4th New Song Festival for Students and Young Adults |website=NEWS.WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> along with a variety of other events, members share brotherly love with each other. | ||
== Community Service== | == Community Service== | ||
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Following the teaching of the Bible to “love your neighbors,” and the teaching of God the Mother, which teaches us that it is more blessed to give love, the members of the Church of God transcend borders, ethnicities, and religions to practice the love that they’ve learned from Christ by carrying out volunteer services around the world. Volunteer services are carried out in diverse fields such as the environment, social well-being, culture, physical education, and medical care. This is accomplished by the active participation of all age groups: housewives, field-related experts, university students, and middle and high school students as well. In particular, young adults are greatly encouraged to engage in such activities by becoming members of the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] and as members of the [[ASEZ WAO (World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group)|Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group [ASEZ WAO]]]. | Following the teaching of the Bible to “love your neighbors,” and the teaching of God the Mother, which teaches us that it is more blessed to give love, the members of the Church of God transcend borders, ethnicities, and religions to practice the love that they’ve learned from Christ by carrying out volunteer services around the world. Volunteer services are carried out in diverse fields such as the environment, social well-being, culture, physical education, and medical care. This is accomplished by the active participation of all age groups: housewives, field-related experts, university students, and middle and high school students as well. In particular, young adults are greatly encouraged to engage in such activities by becoming members of the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group [ASEZ] and as members of the [[ASEZ WAO (World Mission Society Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group)|Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group [ASEZ WAO]]]. | ||
In Korea, members have taken the lead in providing recovery and relief efforts and even preparing meals, whenever there have been nationwide disasters, including the Sampoong Department Store collapse, the Daegu subway fire, the Pohang earthquake, and the Sewol ferry disaster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=E&nNewsNumb=202003100052 |title=“A World Where No One Feels Lonely,” Is Made with God’s Love as the Basis | | In Korea, members have taken the lead in providing recovery and relief efforts and even preparing meals, whenever there have been nationwide disasters, including the Sampoong Department Store collapse, the Daegu subway fire, the Pohang earthquake, and the Sewol ferry disaster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://monthly.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?ctcd=E&nNewsNumb=202003100052 |title=“A World Where No One Feels Lonely,” Is Made with God’s Love as the Basis |website=Monthly Chosun |date=March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.incheonilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=792291 |title=Church of God Donate 100 Million KRW to Help Pohang Earthquake Victims |website=Incheon Ilbo |date=December 21, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.joongboo.com/news/articleView.html?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=1211365 |title=Church of God Serve Free Meal at Pohang |website=Joongboo Ilbo |date=December 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kyeongin.com/main/view.php?key=890476 |title=[Sinking of Sewol Ferry] Church of God Serve Freemeal at the Sewol Ferry Disaster Site |website=Kyeongin Ilbo |date=August 21, 2014}}</ref> Members around the world have also made great efforts carrying out numerous recovery and relief projects for victims of various disasters such as the tsunami in Indonesia, the volcanic eruption in Ecuador, the hurricanes in the U.S., the typhoons in the Philippines, [[Church of God Nepal Earthquake Damage Restoration Work|the earthquake in Nepal]], torrential rains in Japan, the cold wave in Peru, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://watv.org/emergency-relief/ |title=Emergency Relief |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref><br>As of 2021, numerous [[Church of God Community Service|community services]] such as disaster relief, blood donation, help for the underprivileged, medical support, and educational support have been carried out around the world about 22,500 times, and over 2.7 million people have participated. More than 1,000 blood drives have been held to help people in danger due to blood shortages, and nearly 85,000 people have donated blood among 203,000 participants. This is equivalent to saving more than 257,000 people since one person’s blood donation can save three other people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://watv.org/blood-donation-relay/ |title=‘Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover’ Was Held Over 1,000 Times |website=WATV.org |date=June 20, 2021}}</ref> Through such activities, the Church of God participates in the implementation of the internationally accepted Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/internal/content.asp?articleid=i20171207648 |title=ASEZ Global Forum for UN SDGs Implementation |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> Recently, as the whole world is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been helping with preventive measures and relief efforts, providing face masks, hand sanitizers, medical supplies, groceries, and daily necessities to different governmental departments, organizations, and to many vulnerable groups of people.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.watv.org/internal/content.asp?articleid=i20200304628 |title=Church of God Support Emergency Aid to Overcome COVID-19 |website=WATV.org |publisher= |date= |year= |first= |page= |series= |isbn= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
===Supporting COVID-19 Relief Efforts=== | ===Supporting COVID-19 Relief Efforts=== | ||