Shekinah Church - A Look At Its Many Aspects
There's a lot of talk about Shekinah Church, a name that seems to pop up in different places and with varied connections. From its beginnings rooted in a specific calling to its presence in various parts of the world, this group of believers has a story that, you know, has many layers. It is, in some respects, more than just a regular place of worship; it’s a collection of people with a shared belief system and a desire to spread their message.
You might have heard about its links to a talent management business, especially one that works with people who dance on social media platforms. These connections, it seems, have brought a good bit of public attention, and even some legal discussions, centering on claims about how people were treated and whether influence was used in ways that raised questions. It's a situation that has, you know, drawn quite a bit of scrutiny.
At its heart, Shekinah Church, in its various forms, describes itself as a community deeply invested in the message of forgiveness, a belief that comes from the life, passing, and rising of Jesus. They speak of a strong desire to share this message of love and gather together for moments of quiet reflection, shared praise, and spending time with each other, and, you know, with the Holy Spirit. This is, basically, what they say guides their collective path.
Table of Contents
- Who is Barbara J. Yoder and Her Connection to Shekinah Church?
- Barbara J. Yoder - Personal Details and Background
- What Does Shekinah Church Believe and Practice?
- How Does Shekinah Church Engage with the Wider Community?
- The Shekinah Church and 7M Films - What's the Connection?
- Voices from the Past - Experiences with Shekinah Church
- Shekinah Church Across Different Places
Who is Barbara J. Yoder and Her Connection to Shekinah Church?
When you look at the different parts of Shekinah Church, one name that comes up quite often is Barbara J. Yoder. She is, you know, described as leading Shekinah Christian Church, which some call a "breakthrough" place of worship. Her journey with this church didn't just start all at once; it was, apparently, a process that began several years before 1983. That was the year, as the story goes, when she got a clear message, a word from a higher source, to establish this particular church.
Beyond her role as a leader, Barbara J. Yoder is also known for traveling. She speaks to groups both within her own country and in other parts of the world, sharing her perspectives and, in a way, her message. She has also put her thoughts into written form, becoming an author. Her work extends to the digital space too; people can, you know, tune into her livestream, watch content on her YouTube channel, and connect through her Facebook page. These platforms allow her to reach a wider group of people with her teachings and messages.
A central part of her drive, it seems, is a strong desire to see what she calls the "New Testament church of Acts" brought back to life today. This vision, as she describes it, is about a church that is truly rooted in spiritual writings, one that spends a lot of time in communication with a higher power, and one that is filled with a spiritual presence. It's about a community, you know, that is guided by a divine voice, and one that can bring about amazing things, influencing people, cities, regions, and even whole nations. Her hope is to kick off and keep going a spiritual reawakening and a time of great spiritual gathering.
Barbara J. Yoder - Personal Details and Background
To give you a clearer picture of Barbara J. Yoder, here are some points about her role and activities related to Shekinah Church. This information, basically, helps to outline her public presence and her connection to the church's beginnings and ongoing work.
| Primary Affiliation | Shekinah Christian Church |
| Leadership Role | Apostle and Leader |
| Public Activities | National and International Speaker, Author |
| Digital Presence | Livestream, YouTube Channel, Facebook Page |
| Church Founding | Established in 1983, following a spiritual message |
| Core Passion | Restoring the "New Testament church of Acts" with its spiritual characteristics |
What Does Shekinah Church Believe and Practice?
For any group of people who come together for spiritual reasons, their core beliefs and how they act on those beliefs are, you know, quite important. Shekinah Church, in its various forms, shares a common set of foundational ideas. They see themselves as a collection of individuals who truly find joy in the idea of forgiveness, something they believe Jesus accomplished through his existence, his passing, and his return to life. This forgiveness, they say, is a central message they want to share with everyone they meet.
A big part of what they do is, you know, tell the story of Jesus's deep affection for people. They feel it's a story that needs to be heard and understood. As a group, they regularly come together for specific activities. These include times set aside for quiet thought and talking to a higher power, moments of shared songs and words of appreciation, and simply spending time with each other. This fellowship, they say, also extends to a spiritual connection with the Holy Spirit, which is, basically, a very important part of their shared experience.
In short, the people who are part of Shekinah Church consider themselves followers of Christ who have a strong interest in looking closely at sacred writings. They enjoy praying together, and they feel a real urge to let others know how genuine they believe Jesus to be. This commitment to their beliefs and practices is, in a way, what shapes their daily lives and their interactions with the world around them. They affirm, you know, the idea of a three-part divine being, the truth of sacred texts, the role of Jesus, the possibility of spiritual recovery, the concept of well-being, and the belief that Jesus will return.
How Does Shekinah Church Engage with the Wider Community?
Beyond their regular gatherings and core beliefs, Shekinah Church, in its various expressions, also reaches out in different ways to connect with people. For example, Shekinah Christian Church, led by Barbara J. Yoder, offers various resources. These include online learning opportunities, items for purchase, scheduled gatherings, and a system of spiritual guides and leaders who work together. These offerings, you know, provide ways for people to learn more, participate in events, and find support within their community.
There's also a specific place called Shekinah Village. This is, you know, a very nice 35-acre spot for young people to come together, or for groups to have a quiet time away. It's located deep in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. This place started under the guidance of another group, Meridzo Center Ministries. What makes this village special, they say, is not just its particular design, but also, you know, the feeling of a spiritual presence there. It’s, in a way, a place meant for spiritual growth and connection in a natural setting.
Then there's Shekinah Church International, which describes itself as a spiritual effort with a very big goal: to help one billion souls find salvation. This group also aims to help individuals become leaders, share what they call the "father's love," build a spiritual dwelling, and support the spread of their spiritual message. This particular branch of Shekinah Church has a statement of belief that confirms, you know, their acceptance of the three-part divine being, the sacred texts, Jesus, spiritual healing, prosperity, and the belief that Jesus will return. This is, basically, a very comprehensive view of their spiritual aims.
In Pampanga, Philippines, there is a Shekinah church that, you know, declares the greatness of a higher power through Jesus Christ. People can find out about their worship services, smaller group meetings, times set aside for quiet thought, and how to get in touch with them. This shows that the name Shekinah is used by different groups in various places, each with their own way of expressing their shared spiritual focus. They believe, you know, that a church is much more than just a structure or a group of people; it is, in their view, a living body working together under the guidance of Jesus Christ. This perspective, you know, really shapes how they view their community.
The Shekinah Church and 7M Films - What's the Connection?
A topic that has, you know, received a good bit of attention is the connection between Shekinah Church and a business called 7M Films. This business manages the careers of people who create content, particularly those who perform dances on social media platforms like TikTok. The original text mentions that 7M Films was started in 2021 by Robert Shinn. It's important to note, you know, that both the church and this business have been in the news and have faced legal discussions because of claims about people being used unfairly and about the use of influence.
There's been a lot of public discussion about this, with some former members of Shekinah Church speaking out about their experiences. They have used strong words to describe their time, referring to it as "dancing with the devil" and calling 7M Films a "TikTok cult," saying they are, you know, not looking back at that period. This suggests a deeply negative view from some who were once involved. These accounts have, you know, added a lot to the public conversation surrounding these organizations.
A document, as seen in the provided information, states something very specific: "you do not have to be a member of the shekinah church to be represented by 7m, nor do you have to be represented by 7m to be a member of the shekinah church.” However, a documentary called "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" suggests that the ways 7M operates are, you know, very similar to other activities Robert Shinn has been involved in. This raises questions about the stated separation versus what some observers and former members perceive.
For example, Miranda Derrick, a public figure, spoke about her time at 7M and Shekinah Church after her family expressed worries about 7M publicly in February 2022. Her statement came after her family shared their concerns on social media. Despite the official statement that "The shekinah church and 7m are run and operated separate and apart from one another,” the ongoing discussions and claims, you know, suggest that for some, the lines might not be as clear as presented. This is, in a way, a key point of contention.
Voices from the Past - Experiences with Shekinah Church
The experiences of people who were once part of Shekinah Church and its related entities have, you know, become a significant part of the public narrative. As mentioned, some former members have come forward to share their stories, describing their time in ways that suggest serious concerns. The phrase "dancing with the devil" and the label "7M TikTok cult" are, you know, powerful expressions of their negative recollections. These individuals, it seems, have made a clear decision to distance themselves from those past connections.
One specific instance that has been reported involves a former member of Shekinah Church named Lydia Chung. In 2009, she took legal action against Robert Shinn and several others. Reports from 2022 indicate that her lawsuit claimed she was forced to hand over a considerable amount of property, about $3.8 million worth. This particular legal action, you know, highlights some of the serious claims that have been made against the church and its associated figures. It is, in a way, a very serious accusation.
Additionally, an earlier lawsuit was filed by Lydia Chung in 2009 against Shekinah Church, making claims that the church and Shinn had, you know, put ideas into her mind, separated her from her family, and treated her unfairly with money. These kinds of claims, you know, contribute to the broader picture of the challenges and criticisms that Shekinah Church and its related ventures have encountered over time. These experiences, you know, represent a perspective that contrasts sharply with the church's stated mission and beliefs.
Shekinah Church Across Different Places
The name Shekinah Church isn't tied to just one location or one specific organization; it appears in various places, each with its own unique characteristics while sharing a common spiritual root. For instance, there's the Shekinah Christian Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their gathering place is listed at 4600 Scio Church Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, with contact details provided for phone and email, and, you know, their website. This location also mentions nearby places for people to stay, suggesting it's a place that welcomes visitors or hosts events that draw people from out of town.
Another example is Shekinah Glory Ministries, which is a spiritual group that doesn't belong to any specific larger religious organization. This one is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is led by pastors Nicholas C. Yoder. His strong desire, you know, is to witness the essence and spirit of the early Christian community, as described in the book of Acts, brought back to life today. This vision includes a community deeply rooted in spiritual writings, dedicated to prayer, filled with spiritual presence, guided by a divine voice, and capable of bringing about amazing things that influence individuals, cities, regions, and nations. This, you know, is about starting and keeping going a spiritual awakening and a time of great spiritual gathering.
The history of Shekinah Church also includes its beginnings as a spiritual community primarily for Korean Americans. This shows how, you know, the church has had different phases and focuses over its existence. The mention of Shekinah Church International's calling to help one billion souls find salvation, raise up leaders, share divine love, build a spiritual dwelling, and support the spread of their message indicates a global ambition and, you know, a very broad reach for some of these groups. It’s clear that the idea of "Shekinah" has inspired a range of spiritual efforts, each with its own specific aims and local presence, but all, in a way, connected by a shared spiritual language and purpose.
Ultimately, the information suggests that "Shekinah Church" refers to a collection of related, but sometimes distinct, spiritual groups and endeavors. These include the Shekinah Christian Church led by Barbara J. Yoder, Shekinah Church International with its global aims, Shekinah Glory Ministries in Las Vegas, and the Shekinah church in Pampanga, Philippines. There's also the Shekinah Village retreat center, and the historical note about its origins as a community for Korean Americans. These different expressions, you know, illustrate the varied ways the name and its spiritual foundation have taken root.
The article has explored various facets of Shekinah Church, drawing from the provided text. It has introduced the concept of Shekinah Church as a multifaceted entity, touching upon its spiritual foundations and its connections to a talent management company. The discussion included details about Barbara J. Yoder, a key figure, her background, and her vision for the church. We looked at the core beliefs and practices that guide Shekinah Church members, such as their focus on forgiveness, sharing Jesus's love, and communal gatherings for prayer and fellowship. The article also examined how different Shekinah entities engage with the wider community, through online courses, youth camps, and global outreach efforts. A significant portion addressed the widely discussed relationship between Shekinah Church and 7M Films, including claims of exploitation and influence, and the perspectives of former members. Finally, the piece highlighted the presence of Shekinah Church in various locations, from Michigan to the Philippines, showcasing its diverse manifestations and historical developments.
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