Global Presence and Membership
The World Mission Society Church of God operates as a religious organization with its administrative center in South Korea. The church reports a membership presence across multiple countries, with registered congregations and affiliated entities in various regions. Its organizational structure includes local churches, regional centers, and a central headquarters in South Korea that coordinates global activities and doctrinal instruction. The group maintains an online presence and publishes materials in multiple languages to support its international outreach. For general context on religious demographics in South Korea, see the Pew Research Center's work on religion and public life at Pew Research Center.
The church identifies itself as a restorationist Christian movement and states that its mission is based on specific interpretations of biblical prophecy and the New Covenant. It organizes regular worship services, Bible study programs, and community events in its congregations worldwide. The organization also operates media channels and websites that disseminate its teachings and event schedules. The World Mission Society Church of God Korea is listed as a registered religious entity in South Korea and maintains offices in several countries.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The church's leadership structure centers on a founder and a governing body that oversees doctrine, administration, and global operations. Ahn Sahng-hong is recognized as the founder, and the church's teachings attribute a central role to him and a figure referred to as God the Mother, according to the organization's published materials. The headquarters in South Korea manages regional branches, ordains ministers, and coordinates international programs. The church operates under a hierarchical structure that includes local pastors, district supervisors, and a central leadership council.
For information on religious organization registration and governance frameworks in South Korea, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism provides data on religious entities at Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The church publishes its own organizational documents, including a constitution and guidelines for local congregations, which outline the roles of pastors, elders, and deacons. Its leadership emphasizes a specific interpretation of the Sabbath, feasts, and theological doctrines that differentiate it from mainstream Christian denominations.
Beliefs, Practices, and Doctrinal Distinctives
The World Mission Society Church of God Korea teaches a set of doctrines that include the observance of the Seventh-day Sabbath, Passover, and other biblical feasts as outlined in its interpretation of the New Testament. The church holds that the Second Coming of Christ has been fulfilled through its founder and that God the Mother is a central figure in salvation. Its worship services follow a liturgical format that includes hymn singing, prayer, Bible readings, and sermons based on its specific theological framework. The organization also operates a system of sacraments and baptismal practices that it considers essential for membership.
The church's teachings are disseminated through its publications, websites, and media channels, which provide doctrinal explanations, sermon transcripts, and educational materials. It maintains a presence on social media platforms and operates online content in multiple languages. For broader context on religious movements and new religious groups, the Association of Religion Data Archives provides data and resources at Association of Religion Data Archives. The church also engages in community service activities, including charity programs and volunteer initiatives, as part of its stated mission to practice faith through action.