[Below is an excerpt from the testimony of Pastor Kim Jung-wook, a former member of the 7-member board of the World Mission Society Church of God. This testimony provides insight into how Kim Joo-cheol manipulates the congregation and manages the church.]

Rapid Growth of the World Mission Society Church of God

The World Mission Society Church of God experienced remarkable growth based on the firm faith of its members in end-time prophecies. From the 1990s onward, the church saw astonishing development within just 20 years. Starting with no owned buildings and focusing solely on rental spaces while preaching about the kingdom of heaven, the church began constructing and acquiring properties:

• The Jerusalem Temple in Imae-dong, Bundang
• The General Assembly building in Sunae-dong, Bundang
• Elohim Training Center and Okcheon Training Center, covering tens of thousands of square meters
• Church-owned buildings in major cities nationwide

The number of attendees exceeded 200,000, with 1.7 million baptized members. Globally, the church expanded to over 2,000 locations across 100 countries, with annual donations estimated to surpass 200 billion KRW and church-owned real estate valued in the trillions of KRW.

The Role of Faith and Leadership

These achievements were supported by members’ belief in key prophecies, including the existence of "Mother God," the goal of entering the glory of the 144,000, and the completion of the Jerusalem Temple by 2012. General Assembly Chairman Kim Joo-cheol’s sermons acted as a powerful unifying force.

One notable example of Kim Joo-cheol's leadership was the "One Person, Four Souls Campaign" around 1995. At that time, with fewer than 50,000 baptized members, Kim Joo-cheol inspired everyone with his vision:

"If each person brings four others to baptism, we will surpass 144,000. Let’s quickly complete the final gospel work and go to heaven this year."

This energized the entire congregation, resulting in the doubling of membership within a year.

Shifting Goals for 144,000

When the number of baptized members exceeded 140,000, the goal shifted. Kim Joo-cheol redirected the focus from baptism numbers to those who celebrated the Passover. Once Passover observers surpassed 140,000, the target moved again—to Sabbath attendees. Later, the benchmark became those attending at least four Sabbath services per month.

Members did not question these changing targets because of their faith in the 2012 prophecy. Just as military conscripts count down to discharge, members were counting down to 2012. The church’s growth only fueled their dedication and fervor.

Contradictions and Manipulations

From the 2000s onward, inconsistencies in Kim Joo-cheol’s sermons and church management became apparent. Many members began questioning his true intentions regarding the 144,000 and the 2012 prophecy.

In 2009, a pastor called Kim Joo-cheol with a question:

"Is it acceptable to preach Ahn Sahng-hong’s 2012 prophecy regarding the completion of the heavenly Jerusalem Temple as part of the church's teachings?"

At the time, the movie 2012 had gained massive popularity, and the church was encouraging members to watch it in groups. Members saw this as an indirect endorsement of the 2012 prophecy. However, some pastors were uncomfortable with the church’s reluctance to openly teach the prophecy.

Kim Joo-cheol reportedly rebuked the pastor, saying:

"You don’t understand God’s will. You must not publicly preach or teach the 2012 prophecy. This is not because we doubt the prophecy but to avoid unnecessary persecution and to save more souls."

The Aftermath of 2012

When nothing happened in 2012, many members felt betrayed. By May 2013, disappointment with the church's leadership had deepened. The 2012 prophecy of the completion of the heavenly Jerusalem Temple had been the cornerstone of the church’s faith and growth. Yet, Kim Joo-cheol’s response to the failed prophecy was deeply disheartening.

The church shifted blame for the unfulfilled prophecy onto its members, claiming that it was due to their insufficient faith and lack of spiritual maturity. This absolved the General Assembly of responsibility and placed the burden on the congregation.

Reflection

The testimony paints a picture of an organization built on shifting narratives and manipulated expectations, where members' dedication is used to fuel the church's growth while leadership avoids accountability for unfulfilled promises. The focus on material expansion and goal-shifting has led to disillusionment among many faithful members.