Shincheonji Warning Wellington NZ

23/01/2023

Thanks to everyone who's sent in reports of invitations to online bible studies from strangely named FB accounts. While we also initially suspected SCJ New Zealand / Rakau O Te Ora, their posts and teachings line up with another group called "The Church of the Almighty God" (全能神教会) or "Eastern Lightning" (东方闪雷). They teach that a Chinese woman living in New York is "Almighty God" and study her revelations. Sadly they are also deceptive with their true beliefs (refusing to reveal their real identities). Like SCJ, they are also a recently-registered charity in New Zealand and very active in recruiting among Christians and churches.

We suggest:
- Don't reply to their messages, as that may allow them to message more of your friends and contacts
- Instead, block and/or report them to Facebook
- Pray for them! Every person who is spamming you and your friends about the 6000 year old management plan, the return of the Lord as lightning from the east (misquoting Matthew 24:27), is a fellow Kiwi who desperately needs the fullness of the true Christ (Colossians 2:8).

16/12/2022

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130282909/brainwashed-how-shincheonji-cult-aggressively-recruits-new-members

Secret spreadsheets, undercover tactics and 'brainwashing' are just some of the controversial methods used by the group in Aotearoa.

15/12/2022

BEHIND THE SCENES: This is what a typical recruitment message looks like from a member of Shincheonji / Zion Mission Centre / Rakau O Te Ora Trust (Tree of Life). We suggest the following:
1. Don't give away your personal information.
2. Instead, ask what church they are a part of, and what they believe about Jesus.
3. Pray for them! Every recruiter is someone who needs to know the real Jesus, who gives true rest for their souls!
If you have any other questions, you can DM us - we are happy to help you discern, or to recommend a trustworthy local church instead.

14/12/2022

It seems that Shincheonji is very active again in Wellington.
We highly recommend steering clear of Bible Study groups or mentors that are not connected with an established and trustworthy church.

18/11/2022

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130282909/brainwashed-how-shincheonji-cult-aggressively-recruits-new-members?fbclid=IwAR24geuE4O84KlXmihx4ejTVMj7MYjQAjK9poKZR6HLidL0cuxtyPZwE3B4

Secret spreadsheets, undercover tactics and 'brainwashing' are just some of the controversial methods used by the group in Aotearoa.

16/02/2022

Have you been been invited to join a Bible study? Before you sign up to any Bible course:

- Be mindful of sharing your personal details with people you have just met.
- If asked to join a Bible Study / Cell Group / Bible Class, always ask which church it is connected to and follow up with that church.
- If offered to meet with a mentor / life coach always ask which church they are connected to and follow up with that church.
- Avoid groups or people who try to coerce you into keeping the meetings/locations/names a secret.
- Avoid groups that encourage lying (i.e. using 'wisdom') to cover up their activities.

Read about SCJ's activities, thanks to our friends at City on a Hill, Wellington: https://cityonahill.co.nz/scj

15/02/2022

Shincheonji is very much active in Wellington at the moment. They're taking a more public approach with billboards, flyers and ads in the paper. They are also calling themselves Mt Zion Mission Centre and inviting people to their Bible classes. Watch out!

08/09/2021

They're still at it. All over Wellington, New Zealand and even getting media attention in Australia.

Alex came to Australia to study abroad. Instead, he says he "accidentally joined a cult".

27/09/2019

Some brave people are emerging from Shincheonji in Wellington. Read about it here:

A man who left the cult which is operating in Wellington is wanting to warn others about their manipulative and deceptive tactics.

23/09/2019

Lying for God?
One of the things that Shincheoji teaches their new members is that sometimes they will need to deceive people (to be 'wise') in order to further God’s will. 'Don't tell anyone about this or who you are meeting with.' This raises some interesting questions about lying…
- Isn’t the devil the ‘father of lies’ (John 8:44)? Why would God want his people to behave like the devil?
- What sort of ‘God’ do they believe in if he needs his people to lie to further his mission? Isn’t he powerful enough to extend his kingdom through his people speaking the truth?
- They may cite Matthew 10:16 and say that the Bible teaches we need to be ‘as shrewd as snakes’ but what about the rest of that very verse? It also says we need to ‘be as innocent as doves’.
The Bible is clear (and I can’t believe we have to say this) that lying is wrong and sinful. Nowhere in the Bible does God sanction lying and deceit. There are stories where God’s people have lied but despite their sin God has still brought about his will through it. That is VERY different to instructing his people to lie in as a necessary part of serving him and his church!

Watch out if someone tells you that lying and deceit is necessary to grow God’s Kingdom!

Romans 16:17-19
"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil."

18/09/2019

Are you concerned the church or Bible Study you are joining may be a cult? Do this quick online test to work it out!

Share on Facebook Follow on Facebook Add to Google+ Connect on Linked in Subscribe by Email Print This Post Introduction This is a short survey which can help you assess your current group or church, or one you’re thinking of joining. As always, we recommend you investigate any group that you are ...

18/09/2019

Shincheonji has been operating in Wellington.
- Has a new friend invited you to meet up with a mentor or life coach?
- Have you been invited to join a Bible Study/Theology Workshop that isn't connected with a recognised local church?
- Has someone tried to teach you that it is ok to lie and deceive if you are doing God's will?
If the answer is 'Yes' then you may be being recruited to the Shincheonji Church (a cult) who is currently operating in Wellington. Check out our page to find out more information. Share with those who might be concerned.