CGI founded to promote Yoido Full Gospel Church's growth model
Cho Yong-gi, seated, founder and emeritus pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, poses with world church leaders gathered in Korea for the 24th Church Growth International Conference at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, in this October 2011 file photo. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church
Church Growth International (CGI) was established Nov. 4, 1976, with the mission of fostering the growth of churches worldwide by showcasing exemplary models like Yoido Full Gospel Church, which thrives on biblical principles. The inaugural CGI Conference took place at Yoido Full Gospel Church on Jan. 22, 1977, led by the late Rev. Cho Yong-gi as chairman. Over 600 pastors from the United States and Thailand participated in this first conference, gaining insights into the growth strategies of Yoido Full Gospel Church.
The second CGI Conference took place at Yoido Full Gospel Church from June 15 to 17, 1983. At this conference, the CGI board of directors included pastors as well as master's and doctoral level representatives from across the global Christian community. Directors from 13 countries participated in the board meeting during the conference, where they resolved to guide the direction of the world’s churches through comprehensive research.
The third CGI Conference was held in Oslo, Norway, from Aug. 2 to 7, 1983. During the day, directors, including Rev. Cho, and advisors convened at the board to discuss the future direction of the world’s churches, while revival services were conducted in the evenings.
The fourth CGI Conference took place at Yoido Full Gospel Church from Oct. 4 to 11, 1983. Rev. Cho addressed the theme of church growth and prayers. Over 300 masters, doctors, and pastors from 16 countries attended the conference to discuss practical challenges encountered in the process of church growth.
Japan's Osaka and Seoul co-hosted the seventh CGI Conference from Sept. 2 to 9, 1986. The board of directors organized this event to focus on evangelizing Japan and revitalizing its global mission. More than 1,200 pastors attended the conference, including 505 from Japan.
The 10th CGI Conference took place at Yoido Full Gospel Church from July 25 to 31, 1989, with Rev. Cho, Dr. Peter Wagner and other pastors invited as speakers. The conference addressed topics such as the relationships between pastors and their congregations, pastoral consultations regarding Christianity, and the principles and applications related to church growth.
The 12th CGI Conference was held at Yoido Full Gospel Church from Oct. 8 to 14, 1991 in the presence of 2,000 pastors and spiritual leaders from 29 countries. The attendees participated in a prayer rally focused on inter-Korean reunification and national evangelization, offering prayers for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The 15th CGI Conference was held from May 9 to 15, 1995, with 600 pastors from 40 countries attending. That year's event was significant due to the participation of several religious leaders from the Third World. During a board meeting held at the conference, the directors resolved to create mission strategies specifically for Africa.
The 18th CGI Conference took place in Yokohama, Japan, from Oct. 10 to 13, 2000 with some 2,000 pastors from Japan and religious leaders from other countries. At the board meeting, Rev. Cho proposed an initiative aimed at evangelizing 10 million Japanese, which represented 1 percent of Japan's population at the time.
Cho Yong-gi, founder and emeritus pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, preaches during the 20th Church Growth International Conference at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, in this October 2003 file photo. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church
Yoido Full Gospel Church was home to the 21st CGI Conference that took place from Oct. 11 to 17, 2005, with 1,200 pastors and leaders from 53 countries. During the conference, participants received a message urging prayers for countries that restrict missionary work, with a focus on North Korean human rights. Additionally, Rev. Mario Vega from El Salvador shared that his church had become the largest in Latin America by implementing insights gained from previous CGI conferences in his pastoral efforts.
The 23rd CGI Conference was held from Oct. 20 to 26, 2009, with 1,100 pastors and religious leaders from 63 countries. The participants took part in a grand prayer rally at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, aimed at promoting world peace and overcoming national crises, alongside the conference activities. Notable pastors, including Dag Heward-Mills, fervently prayed for global harmony during the event.
The 25th CGI Conference, which took place from Oct. 8 to 14, 2013, attracted 2,400 pastors and religious leaders from 69 countries. During seminars held from Oct. 11 to 12, various topics were dealt with. Rev. Lee Young-hoon garnered significant attention with his presentation on the theme of “Yoido Full Gospel Church’s district system.” Additionally, pastors from Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church received notable recognition for their participation in that year's conference.
The 27th CGI Conference was held at Yoido Full Gospel Church from May 16 to 20, 2018, marking the megachurch’s 60th anniversary. Over 1,920 pastors from 48 countries attended services and seminars commemorating the church's 60th anniversary, where they learned about its spirituality. Concurrently, participants joined a grand prayer rally at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Oct. 18, the church's founding day, to pray for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The 29th CGI Conference took place from Oct. 6 to 10, 2022, for the first time in three years in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, but none but the directors attended due to the pandemic. During the board meeting, Rev. Lee was unanimously elected as chairman, succeeding Rev. Cho, who passed away in September 2021. Lee said, “I will contribute to the revival and growth of the world’s churches by carrying on Rev. Cho’s legacy.”