World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG)

WMSCOG headquarters building in South Korea

The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) is a religious organization founded in South Korea in 1964 by Ahn Sahng-Hong. The group is known for its unique doctrines—particularly belief in “God the Mother”—and its emphasis on evangelism and end-times prophecy. Originally called the Church of God, Jesus Witnesses, the organization claims millions of members globally and has been the subject of significant legal controversies.

Overview

WMSCOG’s distinctive beliefs center around the worship of Ahn Sahng-Hong as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and Zhang Gil-jah (Zahng Gil-jah) as “God the Mother.” The group maintains strict Sabbath observance and originally prophesied that the world would end in 1988. When this prophecy failed, leadership reinterpreted the prediction rather than acknowledging the error.

The organization employs systematic recruitment and evangelism tactics, particularly targeting university students and young adults through campus outreach programs. Their internal structure maintains a hierarchical leadership system with Kim Joo-cheol as General Pastor and Zhang Gil-jah as the claimed divine figure.

History

Foundation (1964)

Ahn Sahng-Hong established the group in 1964 in South Korea, initially calling it the Church of God, Jesus Witnesses. Born in 1918, Ahn claimed to have received divine revelations that led him to establish what he believed was the true church. His early teachings focused on Sabbath observance and biblical festivals, which attracted followers seeking a more authentic Christian experience.

Early Development (1960s-1980s)

During its formative years, the organization grew slowly within South Korea. Ahn Sahng-Hong developed the theological framework that would become central to WMSCOG doctrine, including the concept of a female deity and his own divine status. The group’s emphasis on end-times prophecy, particularly the 1988 prophecy, created urgency among early converts.

Post-Founder Era (1985-Present)

Following Ahn Sahng-Hong’s death in 1985, the organization underwent significant changes. Zhang Gil-jah emerged as a central figure, eventually being proclaimed as “God the Mother.” Under new leadership, WMSCOG began aggressive international expansion, establishing churches across Asia, North America, South America, and other regions.

Leadership

Current Leadership Structure

Kim Joo-cheol serves as the General Pastor and primary administrative leader of WMSCOG worldwide. However, the organization’s spiritual focus centers on Zhang Gil-jah (also known as Zahng Gil-jah), who is venerated as “God the Mother” and considered the living divine figure essential for salvation.

Zhang Gil-jah, revered by WMSCOG members as “God the Mother”

Regional Administration

The organization maintains a hierarchical structure with regional pastors overseeing continental operations, national coordinators managing country-level activities, and local pastors directing individual churches. This organizational structure enables centralized control while facilitating rapid expansion.

Beliefs and Doctrine

Core Theological Claims

WMSCOG’s theological system diverges significantly from mainstream Christianity through several key doctrines:

God the Mother: The central belief that Zhang Gil-jah represents a female aspect of deity necessary for salvation. Members believe that acknowledging “God the Mother” is essential for eternal life.

Ahn Sahng-Hong as Christ: Despite his death in 1985, Ahn Sahng-Hong is revered as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. His writings and teachings are considered sacred scripture.

Exclusive Salvation: WMSCOG teaches that salvation is only possible through their organization and acceptance of both Ahn Sahng-Hong and Zhang Gil-jah as divine figures.

Biblical Interpretation

The group employs selective biblical interpretation, using allegorical and symbolic methods to support predetermined doctrines. This approach often involves taking verses out of context and rejecting mainstream biblical scholarship.

Practices

Worship and Observances

Members participate in Saturday Sabbath services, observe modified versions of biblical festivals including Passover, and engage in specific ceremonial practices. Regular attendance at multiple weekly meetings is mandatory, with additional time commitments for evangelism activities.

Lifestyle Requirements

WMSCOG maintains strict behavioral expectations including dietary guidelines, dress codes, limitations on relationships with non-members, and restrictions on entertainment and media consumption. Financial contributions through tithing and special offerings are expected.

Organizational Structure

The group operates through a sophisticated hierarchical system designed to maintain doctrinal consistency and facilitate expansion. Local churches report to regional authorities, who coordinate with national leadership under the ultimate authority of the South Korean headquarters.

Member Categories

• Leadership: Pastors and regional coordinators
• Deacons: Senior members with specific responsibilities
• Active Members: Regular participants in good standing
• New Members: Recent converts undergoing integration
• Seekers: Potential converts being recruited

Recruitment Methods

WMSCOG employs systematic recruitment and evangelism tactics that have drawn criticism for their deceptive nature:

Campus Targeting

The organization specifically targets university students through organized campus outreach, approaching students with seemingly innocent questions about religion or life purpose. International students are particularly vulnerable due to isolation from family support systems.

Deceptive Practices

Initial contact often conceals the group’s identity, with recruiters presenting themselves as interested in “Bible study” without mentioning WMSCOG. The group’s distinctive doctrines are revealed gradually after trust is established.

Psychological Techniques

Recruitment involves love bombing (excessive attention and affection), information control, urgency creation through end-times claims, and gradual isolation from non-member relationships.

Controversies

Failed Prophecies

The most significant early controversy involved the 1988 end-times prophecy, which claimed the world would end that year. When this failed to occur, leadership reinterpreted the prophecy rather than acknowledging error, establishing a pattern of failed predictions and subsequent reinterpretations.

Family Separation

Numerous documented cases exist of WMSCOG members cutting contact with non-member family members. The organization’s emphasis on loyalty to the group over biological family has led to custody battles, inheritance disputes, and family trauma.

Deceptive Recruitment

Critics and former members consistently report deceptive recruitment practices, including concealment of group identity, gradual revelation of controversial doctrines, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals during life transitions.

International Presence

WMSCOG has expanded rapidly across multiple continents, with particular growth in:

• Asia: Strong presence in South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries
• North America: Active recruitment on university campuses in the United States and Canada
• South America: Growing membership in countries like Peru, Brazil, and Colombia
• Europe: Increasing presence despite government restrictions in some countries
• Africa: Expanding operations in various African nations

Legal Issues

The organization faces ongoing legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions:

Government Classifications

Several countries have officially classified WMSCOG as a cult or harmful organization, leading to public warnings and restrictions on their activities.

Civil Litigation

Court cases include family separation disputes, allegations of financial exploitation, immigration violations, and conflicts with educational institutions over campus recruitment practices.

International Monitoring

Multiple governments coordinate monitoring efforts, sharing information about WMSCOG activities and implementing policies to protect citizens from harmful recruitment practices.

Critical Analysis

Cult Characteristics

Experts in cult studies have identified WMSCOG as exhibiting classic characteristics of a high-control group, including authoritarian leadership, information control, financial exploitation, and punishment for questioning doctrine.

Psychological Impact

Former members report psychological trauma from their experiences, including difficulty readjusting to life outside the group, family relationship damage, and ongoing effects from thought control techniques.

Societal Concerns

The organization’s recruitment methods, particularly targeting of vulnerable populations like international students, have raised concerns among educational institutions, mental health professionals, and government agencies.

Documentation

Extensive primary source materials document the group’s practices, including internal communications, recruitment materials, legal filings, and testimonies from former members and affected families. These sources provide researchers, families, and potential targets with detailed information about WMSCOG’s methods and impact.

This documentation is maintained by researchers and survivors to provide accurate information about the World Mission Society Church of God.