IWBA Entrance Ceremony 2025

Young working adults live each day diligently as key contributors to society and the economy. To help them spend this golden period of their lives in a more meaningful and fulfilling way based on the teachings of the Bible, the Church of God established the International Worker Bible Academy (IWBA) in 2015. Today, IWBA has grown into a comprehensive program encompassing high-quality Bible education, overseas missions, volunteer service, and more. The program has been receiving strong support from young adults in the Church of God communities around the world.

On September 14, the entrance ceremony for the IWBA academic year 2025 was held at the Okcheon Go&Come Training Institute. The event looked back on the ten-year journey that young adults have walked with IWBA while envisioning an even greater future ahead. Approximately 10,000 participants attended, including working young adults from across the nation, soon-to-be graduates preparing for employment from universities and high schools, young adult and student advising teachers, and pastoral staff members.

During the first part of the ceremony—the worship service—Mother prayed earnestly for the young adults, asking God to bless them to become prophets who focus deeply on God’s words and lead many people to the right path. She reminded them, “You are prophets specially called by God. Even when it is difficult, remember Father and follow the meaningful path He walked for the salvation of mankind.”

General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol encouraged the young adults, saying, “By receiving God, we have received blessings incomparable to anything in this world. Through IWBA education, engrave this value deeply in your hearts, and in your workplaces, share and practice God’s love to build a future that will shine forever like the stars” (Gal 2:20; Da 12:1–3).

The second part of the ceremony featured an awards presentation. A total of 85 individuals and one church from 20 countries were honored for their achievements, including excellence in IWBA studies and outstanding service in areas such as ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group. Mother personally presented certificates to each recipient and offered warm congratulations.

The third part of the ceremony featured a commemorative program reviewing the ten-year journey of IWBA members who have practiced God’s teachings inside and outside the workplace, spreading positive influence. Their journey was presented through news segments, videos, presentations, and a panel talk. First established in Korea, the IWBA program has since expanded overseas and is now active in countries such as the United States, Peru, and South Africa. Alongside the educational program, ASEZ WAO has carried out more than 3,200 volunteer activities and received 670 awards, including commendations and certificates of appreciation from governments and organizations around the world. Reflecting on these accomplishments, incoming members gained vision and passion, while current members felt a renewed sense of fulfillment.

To conclude the event, participants presented a performance expressing their determination to share God’s blessings with workers around the world. Mother encouraged them, saying, “I felt the passion of a commissioning ceremony in today’s entrance ceremony. As you continue forward, may you bring joy to God with a faith put into practice and receive abundant blessings.”

Sister Kim A-ri from Osan, who recently began her career, shared, “As someone who just joined the workforce, I had many concerns, but seeing senior members who set goals and achieve them while relying on God gave me courage.” Sister Kim Shin-hyeong, who began working overseas in Mandaluyong, the Philippines, a year and a half ago, said, “The cultural and language barriers were greater than I expected, but when I practiced God’s teachings—consideration, respect, and service—my colleagues quickly opened their hearts. I am now doing my best to share the joyful news of salvation with them as well.” Brother Lee Su-hyeong from Seoul commented, “Each year, the IWBA entrance ceremony helps me reflect on myself and reset my mindset. I hope young adults who are just beginning their careers will also set a clear vision and spend this time meaningfully.”

As prophesied—“Your young men will be like dew from the morning’s womb, willing on your day of battle, arrayed in holy splendor”— young adults are serving as the salt and light of the world, going beyond their workplaces to make an impact across the globe. Building upon the foundation of the past ten years, they are now preparing for an even greater leap forward.

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