Faith Leaders Respond to Death of World’s Largest Megachurch Leader

The body of Christ is mourning the passing of David Yonggi Cho, pastor of the world’s largest megachurch, who died Tuesday morning at age 85.

The founder and pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, had been receiving medical treatment for a brain hemorrhage he suffered in 2020. Born a Buddhist in 1936, Cho spent decades spreading the gospel of Christ around the world.

South Korea has one of the world’s most robust Christian communities, and megachurches grew in popularity in the years following the Korean war.

Cho became one of the most influential Christian leaders in his country. He wrote several books, founded a Christian daily newspaper and established a humanitarian organization, per a press release from his church.

Many faith leaders joined in mourning his passing on Tuesday.

Billy Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University, tweeted: “I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. David Yonggi Cho, one of the great leaders of the Spirit-Empowered movement. His ministry, writings and fatherhood blessed millions. Dr. Cho’s legacy and impact with continue to many generations.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. David Yonggi Cho, one of the great leaders of the Spirit-Empowered movement. His ministry, writings and fatherhood blessed millions. Dr. Cho’s legacy and impact will continue for many generations. ⁦@empowered21⁩ ⁦@pwfellowship⁩ pic.twitter.com/UnnSVb44o9

— Billy Wilson (@WilsonBilly) September 14, 2021

Korean Pastor Ben Yaep tweeted: “It’s with sadness to hear that the founder of the world’s largest church, Dr. David Yonggi Cho has gone home to be with the Lord. His amazing impact in the world will always be remembered and legacy lives on. My prayers goes out to his family and the church.”

It’s with sadness to hear that the founder of the world’s largest church, Dr. David Yonggi Cho has gone home to be with the Lord. His amazing impact in the world will always be remembered and legacy lives on. My prayers goes out to his family and the church. pic.twitter.com/gYaWmbT9SP

— Ben Yaep (@benjaminyaep) September 14, 2021

J. Lee Grady, former editor of Charisma magazine and founder of the Mordecai Project, said this on Twitter: “Sad to hear that Dr. David Yonggi Cho died today in his native South Korea. He started a church in a small tent that grew to 700,000 members.”

Sad to hear that Dr. David Yonggi Cho died today in his native South Korea. He started a church in a small tent that grew to 700,000 members.https://t.co/mdiKjbUdoc

— Lee Grady (@LeeGrady) September 14, 2021

Dominion City Toronto tweeted, “God’s General returns home.”

Evangelist Matt Brown said on Twitter: “We’ve lost so many legends of the faith the past few years.”

We’ve lost so many legends of the faith the past few years.

David Yonggi Cho was pastor of the worlds largest church. 830,000 attendees in Seoul, South Korea. The church had a focus on prayer, missions and small groups. https://t.co/OnAiliayA7

— Matt Brown (@evangelistmatt) September 14, 2021

African Pastor Ronald Katsande tweeted: “Pastor David Yonggi Cho, founder of the world’s largest Pentecostal congregation, has passed on to glory. The man fought a god fight and touched many lives.”

Bishop Mosa Sono tweeted: “Dr. David Yonggi Cho’s ministry began an era in the body of Christ, an era that birthed the concept of cell groups and Mega churches, culminating in an even greater spread of the gospel. Perhaps unbeknown to the servant of the Lord … “

Stay tuned to Charisma News for more reaction from kingdom leadership. {eoa}

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