Pastoral Staff’s Family Day 2025

On September 7, the Pastoral Staff’s Family Day 2025 was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. The event served as a heartfelt occasion to express comfort and respect to the pastoral staff and their spouses who faithfully serve on the frontlines of the gospel, and to the parents who have devoted many years to nurturing them into true prophets of God. About 3,200 participants—including pastoral staff, their wives, and their parents from across the country—gathered to share in the day’s blessings.

The training institute was filled with warmth and laughter as families walked hand in hand, enjoying conversations and joyful fellowship. In the main building’s hallway, traditional Korean games such as tuho (arrow throwing), jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking), and yutnori (board game) were arranged alongside food stalls offering fruit, juice, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and eomuktang (fish cake soup). The aroma of food and cheerful laughter created a festive atmosphere, while long lines formed at the photo zone, where families waited to capture special memories together. For many pastoral couples who had long devoted themselves to gospel work, the day felt like a return to their childhood—filled with warmth, joy, and family love.

The event’s opening ceremony began with Mother’s prayer and blessing, asking that all pastoral staff couples become shining examples of faith and love, serving God wholeheartedly and embracing others with compassion. She prayed that God’s grace and blessings would overflow upon every family present. Expressing deep appreciation, Mother said, “The parents who have willingly supported and encouraged their children until they became pastoral staff have great merit.” She continued, “Pastoral work is a noble mission of saving the world, and only those who hold a great dream can fulfill such a mission. Pastoral staff bring hope to the Church and its members and give courage to the young generation who are seeking their future.” Mother further encouraged everyone, saying, “The parents who have raised pastoral staff are also co-workers in building the kingdom of God. Let us all take pride in this and move forward toward the glorious future God has prepared.”

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol also expressed gratitude and admiration for the parents who have steadfastly supported the pastoral staff. He said, “The Church of God is a community of love established under our Heavenly Father and Mother, leading the world with hope. Even when difficulties arise along this meaningful path, let us complete the race of faith and enjoy together the great reward and eternal blessings of heaven.”

The second part of the event featured inspiring performances by the Messiah Orchestra and the choir. The orchestra opened with a lively march followed by a graceful waltz, filling the hall with uplifting melodies. The choir then presented moving renditions of “Nostalgia,” “Longing for Mt. Geumgang,” and “Beautiful Country,” a modern fusion of traditional Korean music, deeply touching the hearts of all in attendance. A video presentation followed, highlighting the life and mission of the pastoral staff who lead members on the path of faith and devote themselves to carrying out God’s will. The video inspired a sense of pride and renewed commitment among all present.

To conclude the event, pastoral staff sang “Mother’s Heart” and gently pinned carnations on their parents’ chests, expressing their love and gratitude. Many parents were moved to tears from the first notes of the song, tenderly patting the shoulders of their children who shyly expressed their thanks. Mother once again extended Her deep appreciation and blessed the pastoral staff to continue fulfilling their sacred mission—to guide all people onto the right path—and journey together with their families toward the kingdom of heaven.

As the parents departed the training center, bright smiles illuminated their faces, carnations adorning their chests. The pastoral staff, in turn, renewed their determination to serve the members of the Church with the same love and devotion they had learned from their parents, and to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to completing the gospel work.

“When I first began pastoral work, my parents-in-law were worried about our future. Today, they told us, ‘You did well to become a pastor.’ I haven’t had many chances to express my gratitude for their trust and support through all those years of concern, so I’m truly thankful that this event gave me that opportunity.” Pastor Kim Gye-su from Bucheon

“I believe that I am who I am today because my parents always supported and waited for me whenever I was lost or discouraged. As a pastoral staff member, I want to fulfill my mission of world evangelism and become a son they can be even prouder of.” Missionary Byun Kyung-seok from Yongin

“Even though I’m lacking, my parents always encourage me, and through them I feel the love of our Heavenly Father and Mother. I’m happy to have made special memories with them today. As a female pastoral member, I will share the love I’ve received and helps the gospel work with all my heart.” Deaconess Jo Seol-hui from Suwon

“When my son said he would become a pastoral staff member, honestly, I was worried at first. But now I feel proud that he is serving as a pastor in the Church of God, which spreads positive influence throughout the world. I also have a daughter-in-law who’s like a daughter to me—I couldn’t ask for more. I’ll keep cheering them on to do well for a long, long time.” Jeon Tae-hyeon, Father of a pastoral staff member from Jeju

“I believe that being a pastoral staff member, called by God as a prophet, is the most valuable vocation. I feel a deep sense of fulfillment as a parent knowing my son is walking that path. I’ll remember today as a truly happy day.” Seong Sun-jeong, Mother of a pastoral staff member from Changwon

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