Ever wondered where one of the world’s largest church congregations gathers? That would be here at Yoido Full Gospel Church. Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable church.
Yoido Full Gospel Church began humbly. In 1958, David Yonggi Cho and Choi Ja-shil started a church in Choi’s living room. Only a few people attended the first service.
The church grew rapidly. They moved services to a tent in Choi’s backyard. The church outgrew tent after tent. By 1961, they had a thousand members. They purchased their first plot of land in Seodaemun. It was named the Full Gospel Revival Center.
Membership continued to increase. By 1968, it reached eight thousand. Cho restructured the church in 1967. He divided Seoul into zones. Church members met in “cells” for worship and Bible study. Women often led these cells. This decision went against Korean culture. However, it proved successful.
The church then moved to Yeouido. The area was mostly sand dunes then. Cho believed God wanted them there. Construction faced delays. But the new auditorium opened in 1973. It seated 12000 people. Full Gospel Central Church hosted the 10th Pentecostal World Conference soon after.
The church continued its incredible expansion. By 1977, membership reached fifty thousand. It doubled in just two years. They began establishing satellite churches. This was because the main church could not expand indefinitely.
In 1993, Yoido Full Gospel Church had 700000 members. Guinness Book of World Records recognized it. It was the world’s largest congregation. The church was renamed Yoido Full Gospel Church in the 1990s.
Yoido Full Gospel Church has many ministries. These ministries reach people locally and internationally. They founded the Osanri Choi Ja-sil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain in 1973. People visit to fast and pray. Church Growth International teaches evangelism. The church also has a television studio and Hansei University.
Overseas missions began in 1964. The church has sent missionaries worldwide. They have established many churches. They guide many people in their faith.
Yoido Full Gospel Church faced controversies. These included financial scandals. David Yonggi Cho was convicted of embezzlement.
Under Young Hoon Lee’s leadership, the church addresses social issues. They offer support to single mothers. They provide financial incentives for having children.
Yoido Full Gospel Church has a rich history. It grew from humble beginnings. It became one of the world’s largest churches. Its impact extends far beyond its walls. The church continues to evolve. It addresses both spiritual and social needs.