875 Students from Southern Africa Join Record-Breaking Global Bible Graduation of 60,000

In a historic moment for faith education, 59,192 students worldwide graduated from the Zion Christian Mission Center on 2 November 2025, completing an

in-depth study of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The ceremony marks the largest Bible graduation in recorded history and the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment.

Across a continent home to more than 760 million Christians, the graduation drew thousands of believers who had long sought a deeper understanding of Scripture. Among them were 875 graduates from Southern Africa, including 214 pastors, who joined 10,081 students across Africa in celebrating this milestone of faith and learning.

In Southern Africa, celebrations were held simultaneously at several branch churches, including in Cape Town, honouring students who persevered through months of rigorous study while balancing work, family, and ministry commitments.

“When I first encountered these teachings, the words of Revelation were very different from what I had known,” said Pastor Nceba Mkatshane of Cape Town, a representative of the Southern African graduates. “But the perfection of the Word gave me courage. It was flawless and alive. That truth kept me going even through hardship.”

The graduation was hosted by the Zion Christian Mission Center, the educational arm of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which has experienced remarkable global growth. Over the past four years, more than 13,500 pastors worldwide have completed the programme, with enrollment and graduation numbers continuing to rise despite ongoing challenges and misconceptions surrounding the church.

“Despite severe misunderstandings and prejudice, more and more people are being renewed through the Word,” said Director General Tan Young-jin. “This is evidence that God is with us.

Coinciding with the graduation was the 3rd World Invitation Revelation Special Lecture, held in South Korea. The event served as a platform for interreligious dialogue and education under the theme “The Path of Understanding Led by the Bible, the Path of Peace Walked by Religions Together.” Over 1,000 participants, including 440 religious leaders from 59 countries, gathered to study the Book of Revelation together, representing Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism in a shared pursuit of understanding and peace.

Addressing graduates worldwide, Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus stated:

“Our church has mastered the Book of Revelation. If you truly want to know God’s will, come and learn the Word that leads to eternal life.”

Pastors Nceba Mkatshane, who now operates three Zion Christian Mission Centers, and Makuliwe Thomas Nzweni represented Southern Africa as guest speakers during the special lecture, underscoring the region’s growing participation in global Bible education.

Together, the record-breaking graduation and the international lecture underscore the expanding impact of structured Bible study and the shared pursuit of unity, truth, and peace through Scripture, which is a testament to faith that transcends borders and transforms lives.