Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024

DAVID YONGGI CHO: Pastor of the World’s Largest Church

David Yonggi Cho

Not too many churches are listed in Lonely Planet, the quirky travel guide to the world, or in the Guinness Book of World Records. Then again, not many churches have 1 million members. That astounding number is the membership of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, and Lonely Planet says a Sunday visit is “highly recommended” (and even tells foreigners where to sit to use multilanguage headphones).

David Yonggi Cho is co-founder and pastor of Yoido, considered the largest and fastest growing congregation in the world.

That’s a far cry from the church’s humble beginnings in 1958: a handful of people who gathered in a living room. Cho and another pastor hosted the group—all family members plus one elderly woman who came only to escape the rain.

It was just a few years after the Korean War, and the country’s economy was in shambles with many facing poverty, hunger and hopelessness. The timing was right for explosive growth. Under Cho’s leadership, Yoido grew like bamboo: It slept, it crept, it leapt. Within a few years, thousands were attending.

To accommodate the growth and minister to new members, Cho introduced a cell system with small home meetings and appointed women to make home visits—an unheard of move in post-war Asian society. In 1973, Prayer Mountain was launched to provide a secluded place of prayer and fasting.

Cho has also served as chairman of the executive committee of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the first non-American to hold that position.—Diana Scimone

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Related Podcasts

More News
When Was Hell Prepared?
When Was Hell Prepared?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos

Copy link