Tanzanian pastors sit for landmark bible exam

DAR ES SALAAM — In a first-of-its-kind event overseas, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Tanzania Church, led by Pastor Yoon Hyun-chul, hosted an open Revelation Bible exam on August 18 across major Tanzanian cities, including Dar es Salaam.

The exam, based on Revelation 22:18–19, aimed to assess whether believers, particularly those who hope for heaven, have faithfully kept the words of Revelation.

Participants were challenged with 10 main questions and 33 sub-questions, all designed to prompt reflection not only on biblical knowledge but also on personal faith and practice.

A total of 138 individuals took part, including 98 local Protestant pastors and 40 Shincheonji members.

The event marked a significant milestone for the church, as it was the first time a large number of pastors outside Korea participated. In contrast, a similar exam held last year in Korea saw only one pastor from a traditional denomination join among 313 participants.

While Shincheonji members scored an average of 95 points compared to 7 points among Protestant pastors, organizers emphasized that the exam was not intended to rank participants. Instead, it served as a spiritual mirror, an opportunity for self-examination and renewed commitment to Scripture.

“Seeing Shincheonji members write their answers so confidently today made me reflect on my faith and calling as a pastor,” said one participant.

“I will study Revelation through the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center, lead my congregation on God’s path, and teach them correctly so they can enter heaven.”

Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church has long stressed the importance of Revelation 22:18–19, stating that entry into heaven requires neither adding to nor subtracting from the words of Revelation. He has also emphasized that the true standard for discerning orthodoxy lies not in tradition or doctrine, but in the Bible itself.

A Shincheonji Church representative echoed this sentiment, saying, “The Bible exam is not just a test of knowledge, but a way to confirm whether one’s standard of faith is truly the Word of the Bible. We are grateful that more pastors are gradually joining both domestically and internationally. We hope more churches and believers will unite and interact based on Scripture.”

Since its founding in 2018, Shincheonji Tanzania Church has grown steadily, reaching approximately 2,440 members as of August this year. The church continues to promote Scripture-centered faith through active engagement with local pastors and communities.