In recent years, reading habits among young individuals have seen a notable resurgence, marked by trends such as combining vacation with book reading and the growing popularity of textual content. According to the 2025 National Reading Survey conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the reading rate among people in their 20s increased compared to two years prior. As reading together evolves into a modern lifestyle trend, the traditional culture of studying and meditating on scriptures within faith communities is receiving renewed attention.
However, general statistics indicate a declining trend in Bible reading within churches, leading to concerns across religious circles regarding the faith formation and identity of future generations. In response to these concerns, churches are implementing diverse initiatives to revive reading practices. Among these, the Gwangju Church of the Peter Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (referred to as Shincheonji Gwangju Church) has consistently sustained a culture where generations read and share scriptures together.
This approach directly connects with the spiritual expectations of young adults. A survey on youth perceptions of the church, published by the Cultural Mission Institute in February 2024, revealed that young people strongly desire churches to offer sermons faithful to the Bible that provide comfort and courage, as well as pastoral care that offers life direction based on scripture. These findings indicate a growing desire among youth for a community centered on the word of God. To meet these needs, Shincheonji Church of Jesus provides structured programs that encourage consistent reading and practical reflection.
Event Overview
Scripture Reading Initiatives and Youth Engagement
Shincheonji Gwangju Church operates several word-centered programs, including complete Bible reading, Quiet Time (QT), transcription, and verse memorization. These initiatives focus on helping members apply scripture to their daily lives while encouraging spiritual growth and community support.
A primary example is the Revelation Morning Meditation and Recitation program. Launched online in December 2021, the program currently operates both online and offline every Thursday. An average of approximately 4,500 young people participate in this weekly gathering to read scriptures, memorize verses, and reflect on their personal faith.
Main Activities
Structured Reflection Materials and Weekly Sharing
In addition to weekly gatherings, Shincheonji Gwangju Church has provided meditation materials to all church members every Monday at the start of the week for approximately two and a half years. An instructor in charge explains the background and context of specific verses, along with points connecting them to modern life, assisting members in gaining a deeper understanding and putting the teachings into practice.
Participants have expressed that reading together provides motivation that individual study often lacks. Kim Sang-min (35), a young adult who regularly participates in the program, noted that reading scriptures independently was difficult, but reading together made consistency natural. He shared that listening to the lives of others allowed him to reflect on his inner self and recognize the connection between the scriptures and daily living.
Another participant, Park Bo-hyun (29), stated that sharing scripture brought positive changes to both faith and daily life. She noted that the group created a supportive environment where she could open up comfortably, adding that having a community to share the word with provided significant strength.
Meaning of the Event
Connecting People Through Scripture and Building Community
The scripture reading gatherings at the church transform individual reading into a shared experience that goes beyond gaining knowledge to sharing thoughts and life experiences. Shincheonji Gwangju Church aims to connect individuals through the word and help faith grow within a structured community.
A representative from Shincheonji Gwangju Church stated that recent trends reflect a continued desire among young people for deep textual engagement and genuine communication. The official noted that the church's long-standing culture of reading together and sharing life serves as an essential foundation for supporting the next generation. The representative added that reading a large volume of scripture is not the primary objective, emphasizing that the church plans to maintain a reading culture where generations grow together through shared reflection and community building.
The initiatives at Shincheonji Gwangju Church illustrate how communal scripture reading and structured reflection can support youth engagement and personal growth within a faith community. By connecting biblical teachings to daily life, these programs provide practical spiritual direction. What strategies do you think are most effective for building strong community connections today?
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