General Assembly 2025

A quarter of the way into the 21st century, the world is grappling with deepening global crises—from escalating conflicts to the mounting threat of climate change.

Against this backdrop, the General Assembly 2025, held from March 26 to 30, brought together members of the World Mission Society Church of God from across the globe. With hearts united in the love of Heavenly Mother, they reaffirmed their commitment to bringing hope and peace to humanity. The pastoral staff from more than 50 countries, including Korea and overseas, attended the event held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple for five days until March 30, the first day of the first month of the new year by the sacred calendar. The gathering served as both a reflection on the Church’s milestone 60th anniversary year and a moment of spiritual renewal as attendees prepared for the mission ahead—completing world evangelism in 2025.

Mother’s Prayer and Words, the Power to Fulfill the Vision

Heavenly Mother offered heartfelt prayers, hoping this General Assembly would be a turning point for all the pastoral staff and members worldwide to grow in spiritual perfection. At the opening worship, She prayed that 2025 would be a year of extraordinary blessings, when the gospel would be preached “to Samaria and to the ends of the earth,” fulfilling God’s command by bringing together the entire heavenly family for the salvation of mankind. She praised the pastoral staff members who had dedicated themselves to mission work in Korea and overseas, reminding everyone of the love of God who sacrificed even to death for mankind. Encouraging all to stay devoted to saving souls, She reignited their sense of mission.

After the opening worship service, at the world mission vision proclamation ceremony, She gave a welcome speech, saying, “Even in times of hardship, we’ve walked the path of miracles through God’s blessings. Now, a new miracle is waiting to begin. God is with us no matter what challenge we face, so let’s go out with one mind with faith.” At this event, the vision of the Church of God was declared: to share the truth of the new covenant with all 8 billion people around the world, ensuring that no one is left behind and may enjoy a life of peace and hope under Elohim God.

Throughout the Assembly, Mother continued to guide the attendees through earnest prayers and detailed teachings, helping them embody the heart and mindset of true prophets who lead others to salvation. In particular, in this age when churches are quickly established around the world and all nations are gathering to Zion according to the prophecies of the Bible, Mother emphasizes humility and love as the virtues that will bring about perfect unity. “Love means putting others before yourself. That kind of love brings about unity. When people with different backgrounds come together, communication is essential and true communication begins with humility. Let us humble ourselves and practice gentle and kind deeds that resemble God, so that all the pastoral staff and members from each church may work in unity” (1 Pe 5:6–9; Mt 23:12).

Through the words granted during the General Assembly, the pastoral staff were empowered and deeply moved by Mother’s heartfelt hope—that they would embrace the flock entrusted to them by God with love, and ultimately lead all people to the kingdom of heaven. Elder Pedro Ezequiel Olcese from Córdoba, Argentina, shared, “Hearing Mother’s teaching that an overseer should lead not with authority but with love made me reflect on myself. I’m determined to speak more words of comfort and love to my fellow workers in the gospel the brothers and sisters to care for them warmly.”

Strengthening Faith and Preparing for a New Leap Forward

During one of the worship services held as part of the General Assembly, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol emphasized, “In the work of the gospel, what’s more important than knowledge or experience of the physical world is having a perspective that sees the ‘world of faith’ governed by Almighty God. Let us carry out God’s good teachings and, with faith, change the world as true believers” (Mt 19:26; Jer 32:17; Ro 12:2; Mt 5:13–16; 11:28–30). Along with reaffirming their faith through God’s word, the pastoral staff took time to reflect on the past year and form concrete plans to fulfill the gospel vision for 2025.

In 2024, marking the Church’s 60th anniversary, the Church of God actively expanded its mission work across the world while also increasing its positive impact through a variety of social contribution efforts. All members participated in the launch of the “Hope Supporters” initiative, which carried out volunteer activities in many fields: environmental protection, social welfare, education, and emergency relief. Cultural performances were also held in countries like Korea, the U.S., and Peru to share messages of love and peace. As people from all walks of life responded, they received awards such as the Congressional Medal of Honor from Peru, and their global network with governments and organizations for Hope Supporters was strengthened.

The report on the results of 2024 and the presentation on the Gospel Plan 2025 not only filled the the pastoral staff with pride but also gave them fresh courage for the road ahead. Clear goals were set in every aspect of gospel work: nurturing pastoral staff members, educating members, and establishing new churches. The pastoral staff members watched the videos and presentations on the excellent examples of the churches in the United States, the Philippines, Peru, Chile, and Mozambique, seeking practical ways to strengthen gospel work in their own countries. They were also reminded that in order to preach to all eight billion people, every church and every member around the world must work together, transcending the boundaries of their own cities and nations.

Missionary Choi Jeong-man from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said, “This year, I plan to cooperate more closely with the churches in nearby countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and East Timor for mission work. I won’t settle for the status quo, but will press forward with only the gospel goal in sight.” Pastor Jorge Correa from Denver, CO, U.S., said, “While watching and hearing excellent examples of the gospel work from many countries, I understand more clearly how I should lead my church. I will put into practice everything I’ve learned to help the gospel flourish.” Pastor Shin Yeong-jae from Seoul, Korea, said, “Across the globe, the world is waiting for many gospel workers to rise. I’ll do my best to help our members develop strong faith and a broad perspective so they can contribute to completing the gospel in every nation.”

Toward the Completion of World Evangelism in 2025

The sacred new year commenced amid Mother’s ceaseless prayers for the fulfillment of world evangelism and the sincere hopes of all participants. On the 30th, a commemorative worship service and the closing worship service for the General Assembly were held one after the other. During these consecutive services, Mother prayed for abundant blessings of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on all the members who work together in the gospel. She encouraged everyone to diligently deliver the message of salvation to people suffering from various disasters and guide them to Zion, so that they may store up many heavenly rewards (Pr 27:1; Lk 12:19–21). She also reminded them, “Father willingly endured the pain and suffering of the cross in order to establish the New Covenant Passover, the festival of life. Follow in His footsteps, and become humble, loving, and good shepherds.”

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol added, “In the Old Testament, among the Israelites who set out toward Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb entered the land because of their bold faith in God. Let us trust in God and boldly carry out the completion of world evangelism.”

During the closing worship, a plaque of appreciation was presented to Heavenly Mother on behalf of all the pastoral staff and members around the world. It was offered by General Pastor Kim in gratitude for Mother’s quiet sacrifice and humble leadership in guiding the gospel work for over sixty years—leading the Church of God to grow into more than 7,800 churches in 175 countries and sharing the truth and love of God with the world. Mother gave all the glory to Father Ahnsahnghong and, once again, earnestly encouraged everyone, saying, “Let us follow Father’s example and share His love abundantly.”

After completing all the schedule of the General Assembly in grace and inspiration, the pastoral staff resolved to put Mother’s teachings of love into practice both inside and outside their local churches. Missionary Kim Dong-nam from Nairobi, Kenya, said, “It was a time of deep gratitude, during which I realized my shortcomings, repented, and learned the direction I must go as a pastoral staff member. When I return, I will put these words into action and carry out the gospel with renewed passion.” Missionary Ha Jae-wan from Helsinki, Finland, shared, “In European society, where individualism is seen as normal, Mother’s love fills the emptiness of heart that material wealth cannot satisfy. From now on, I will embrace others, serve, and share with them just as Mother has taught us, and deliver love to many people.” Missionary Jeon Byeong-jun from Asuncion, Paraguay, said, “While doing mission work, I’ve met many people who live without hope due to economic hardship and other challenges. I believe this is not just an issue in Paraguay, but a global trend. In times like this, I truly feel the Church’s role is to share God’s love through volunteer work and mission efforts.” With that, he expressed his renewed determination to actively carry out God’s teachings.

2025 General Assembly Awards Ceremony

On the 23rd—three days before the start of the General Assembly—the 2025 General Assembly Awards Ceremony was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute, with over 11,000 attendees, including domestic and international pastoral staff, title and position holders in Korea. With many churches established and numerous members led to the truth over the past year, the event was filled with a joyful, celebratory atmosphere as many churches were honored with awards.

During the first part of the worship service, Mother encouraged the participants, saying, “God repays each person according to their deeds. Let us glorify God through our good deeds and receive many rewards in the kingdom of heaven” (1 Co 9:23–27). General Pastor Kim gave a sermon, saying, “Knowing the value of God’s calling, let us devote ourselves to the gospel with all our heart, so that we may receive glory that will shine forever in heaven” (Php 3:12–17).

In the second part of the awards ceremony, a total of 169 awards were presented to churches in Korea and overseas, such as Nakseom Church in Incheon, Korea, Uichang Church in Changwon, Korea, New Windsor Church in NY, U.S., and Santiago Church in Chile, which achieved outstanding accomplishments in six categories, including preaching, education, church establishment, and producing gospel workers. Mother also presented special and merit awards to departments under the World General Assembly Headquarters that have contributed to the growth of the gospel in areas such as church administration, member education, and media outreach through publications and video missions. Senior church members and General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol also received honors for their dedication. Performances by the Messiah Orchestra and a vocal ensemble added to the moving and festive atmosphere of the ceremony.

The pastors who received awards gave thanks and glory to God, saying, “These results came from the united efforts of our members as we followed God’s will with one heart. As a leader, we will continue to reflect deeply, lead by example, and strive to build meaningful unity again this year.”

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