Pastors Packet

What to do if a church member is in Shincheonji: a guide for pastors

By Chris Vishoot · Bible Vaccine Center · Updated October 13, 2026

Jump to sectionConfirm calmlyKeep the relationshipAvoid heated confrontationWork with the familyProtect others with careInform the congregation in general termsVerify claims of leavingGet specialist helpPrepare to welcome them backWhat to sayCommon questionsSources

If a church member is in Shincheonji, keep the relationship open, avoid public confrontation, and work with the person’s family and with specialists. The goal is to remain someone the member can come back to.

This guide is for pastors and church leaders. Families can see help for families with a loved one in Shincheonji.

What should a pastor do if a member is in Shincheonji?

Jump to step:

  1. Confirm calmly

    Gather what you know: which study, who leads it and where it meets. Compare it with Shincheonji church names and how Shincheonji harvesters infiltrate churches, then see the signs of a Shincheonji Bible study.

  2. Keep the relationship

    Keep caring for the person pastorally. Do not remove them from church life suddenly, which can confirm what the group has said about outside churches.

  3. Avoid heated confrontation

    Groups like Shincheonji prepare members to see confrontation as spiritual opposition. (BVC cult awareness training)

  4. Work with the family

    Indoctrination often turns people against church leaders, so the most direct help may come from family and close friends. (City on a Hill, Wellington (date not shown; checked 13 Oct 2026))

  5. Protect others with care

    Find out who else was approached. A pastor or senior leader should handle these conversations, and individuals should not be named publicly. (City on a Hill, Wellington (date not shown; checked 13 Oct 2026))

  6. Inform the congregation in general terms

    A short statement that the church is aware of recruitment, with a description of the tactics and an invitation to talk privately, can help others come forward.

  7. Verify claims of leaving

    Some people who said they had cut all ties were later found to be still involved. Be patient, and avoid treating every claim with suspicion. (City on a Hill, Wellington (date not shown; checked 13 Oct 2026))

  8. Get specialist help

    Contact Bible Vaccine Center for intervention support.

  9. Prepare to welcome them back

    See welcoming former Shincheonji members.

Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.Galatians 6:1 (NET)

What should a pastor say to the member?

Ask open questions, listen, and make it clear the person is welcome. Phrases like these can help:

“I’d like to hear what you’ve been learning. What has stood out to you?”
“You’re welcome here, whatever you decide. That doesn’t change.”
“Can we keep meeting, even if we don’t agree on everything?”

Avoid debating Revelation point by point early on. For later conversations, see answering Shincheonji from Scripture.

And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.2 Timothy 2:24-25a (NET)

Common questions

Should a pastor confront a member who joined Shincheonji?

Avoid public or heated confrontation. Groups like Shincheonji prepare members to see outside opposition as spiritual opposition, so confrontation often deepens commitment. Keep the relationship open.

Should the church name members involved with Shincheonji?

Be careful about publicly naming anyone. A pastor or senior leader should handle individual conversations, because innocent people can be wrongly accused.

Sources

  1. City on a Hill Evangelical Church, “Advice for churches dealing with Shincheonji,” https://cityonahill.co.nz/scjforchurches (date not shown; checked 13 Oct 2026).
  2. Bible Vaccine Center, “Cult awareness training for churches and ministries,” https://biblevaccinecenter.com/cult-awareness-training-for-churches-and-campus-ministries/.
Top