The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) is a religious movement founded in South Korea in 1964 by Ahn Sahng-hong. The church believes that Ahn Sahng-hong was the second coming of Christ, sent by God to reveal the truth about God the Mother, another central teaching of the WMSCOG.
History and Origins
The WMSCOG was established in 1964 in Seoul, South Korea by Ahn Sahng-hong. Ahn Sahng-hong was born in 1918 and was baptized in 1948 into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1952, he began preaching his own message apart from the Seventh-day Adventists, focusing on the second coming of Christ. In 1964, he established Witnesses of Jesus Church of God, which would later be renamed the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG).
The church spread through South Korea during Ahn Sahng-hong’s life. He died in 1985 and was succeeded by Kim Nam-Hee, who members believe is God the Mother. Under her leadership, the church expanded beyond Korea, spreading internationally with churches in 175 countries by 2000. The World Mission Society Church of God claims about 2.5 million members worldwide today.
Beliefs and Teachings
Here are some of the key beliefs of the World Mission Society Church of God:
Ahn Sahng-hong was Christ Returning
The WMSCOG believes that Ahn Sahng-hong was the second coming of Jesus Christ. They believe that his coming was prophesied in the Bible and that God sent him to restore the truth that had been lost. Christ must return a second time because the first time he only revealed God the Father, but the second time he would introduce God the Mother.
God the Mother
The WMSCOG is distinctive in their belief in God the Mother, also referred to as Heavenly Mother. They believe that just as there is God the Father, there is also God the Mother referenced in the Bible. They base this teaching primarily on Galatians 4:26 (“But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother”), believing that the heavenly Jerusalem refers to God the Mother.
Members of the WMSCOG believe that Christ Ahn Sahng-hong revealed God the Mother to them, who they say is currently living on earth in the flesh. They believe she is currently leading the church through her representative Kim Nam-Hee. God the Mother works for the salvation of humankind together with God the Father.
The Sabbath
The World Mission Society Church of God keeps the Sabbath from sunset on Saturday until sunset on Sunday. They believe keeping the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments given by God that all Christians must obey. They base this on verses like Exodus 20:8-11, Isaiah 66:22-23, and other passages commanding Sabbath observance.
Passover
The WMSCOG emphasizes observance of the Passover, claiming it is an essential commandment for all Christians. They cite Jesus’ observance of Passover and verses like Luke 22:7-20 to claim all believers should celebrate the Passover annually on the 14th day of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. This involves footwashing and consuming unleavened bread and wine.
Feast Days
In addition to Passover, the World Mission Society Church of God also observes all the other Feasts described in Leviticus 23 such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. They believe observing these days provides salvation and forgiveness of sins.
The Bride and Heavenly Wedding Banquet
Building off the parables in Matthew 22 and 25 describing a wedding banquet, the WMSCOG believes that Christ will come for his bride, which they say represents 144,000 members of the World Mission Society Church of God. These chosen believers will take part in a heavenly wedding banquet, receiving eternal life. This banquet is connected with the Feast of Tabernacles.
Baptism in the Names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The World Mission Society Church of God conducts baptisms in the names of the Father (Jehovah), the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit (Ahn Sahng-hong). Matthew 28:19 is cited as evidence for this triune baptism formula. New converts are quickly pushed to be baptized into the church.
Strict Separation from “Unbelievers”
The WMSCOG teaches that members should be strictly separate from “unbelievers,” including non-member family and friends. They discourage participation in non-WMSCOG social functions, celebrations, and activities. Members are encouraged to only associate with other members of the church for support and fellowship.
Church Services and Practices
Here are some details on the worship services and practices of the World Mission Society Church of God:
No Cross Displayed
The cross is never displayed or venerated in the WMSCOG’s place of worship. They believe Jesus Christ already fulfilled the purpose of the cross by dying on it, so they do not need symbols of it. They only focus on worshipping God the Father and God the Mother.
Veils Worn by Female Members
Women members of the WMSCOG wear veils during worship services as a symbol of submission, modesty, and silencing, based on 1 Corinthians 11. This practice starts once female members are baptized into the church.
No Collection Plates Passed
The offering is collected using tithe envelopes. Open collection plates are not passed around during services. Members are expected to give anywhere from 10-30% of their income.
Strict Dress Code
Members must follow strict conservative dress codes, avoiding short skirts or low necklines. Hair and makeup should be simple and natural.
Gender Separation
Men and women sit on separate sides of the sanctuary during worship services to prevent distractions.
No Birthdays or Holidays Celebrated
The WMSCOG considers celebration of birthdays and holidays like Christmas to be pagan rituals, so they are forbidden. The only holidays celebrated are those considered Sabbaths in the Old Testament.
Mandatory Tithing
Tithing 10% or more is required of all members. There is strong pressure to give freewill offerings above and beyond the tithe. Tithing is monitored closely.
Bible Studies
Intensive daily Bible studies are required, often late into the night. These studies focus exclusively on WMSCOG interpretations and beliefs.
Controversies and Criticisms
Some major controversies and criticisms concerning the World Mission Society Church of God include:
High Pressure Conversion Tactics
The WMSCOG has been accused of using deceptive, high-pressure tactics to recruit new members, often targeting vulnerable populations like college students or immigrants. Recruits are pushed to be quickly baptized into the church.
Isolation from Family
Ex-members often report being isolated from any non-WMSCOG family and friends after joining the church. The church monopolizes members’ time and discourages outside relationships.
Aggressive Fundraising and Tithing
Members face intense pressure to tithe and give freewill offerings. There are reports of aggressive fundraising initiatives like demanding members take out loans or even stealing money to give to the church.
False Teachings
Critics, especially Christians, accuse the WMSCOG of false interpretations of the Bible and proclaiming teachings that are not grounded in the biblical text. Examples include their beliefs about Ahn Sahng-hong and God the Mother.
Personality Cult
Detractors argue the WMSCOG is less about Biblical truth and more about venerating founder Ahn Sahng-hong. The church focuses members’ devotion on glorifying Ahn Sahng-hong and following his teachings rather than Christ.
Authoritarian Leadership
The organization is led in authoritarian fashion, with teachings and practices dictated from central leadership. Questions and dissent from members is suppressed.
The World Mission Society Church of God remains controversial both within Christianity and among the general public. Understanding their origins, beliefs, and practices helps clarify this movement and their true relation to God’s Word.