| Shekinah Church | |
|---|---|
| Shekinah Church International | |
| 34°15′08″N 118°18′08″W / 34.2521°N 118.3023°W / 34.2521; -118.3023 | |
| Location | 7770 McGroarty Street, Tujunga, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Christian |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1994 (1994) |
| Founder(s) | Robert Shinn |
| Clergy | |
| Pastor(s) | Robert Shinn |
Shekinah Church, also known as Shekinah Church International, is a Christian congregation based in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It was founded by Robert Shinn in 1994.
History
Shekinah Church was established by Robert Shinn in 1994, initially serving as a religious community for Korean Americans in Los Angeles. Over time, the church expanded its membership and activities.
In 2021, Shinn founded 7M Films, a talent management company representing social media influencers, particularly TikTok dancers. The company provides production resources for its clients, including hair styling, makeup, wardrobe, and filming locations.
Mission and beliefs
According to the church's official website, Shekinah Church International's mission includes:
- Saving One Billion Souls: The church aims to save one billion souls directly and indirectly, bridging gaps between different ministries.
- Raising Up Leaders: Focused on mentoring Christians to become leaders who understand God's calling and the greatness of His power.
- Sharing the Father's Love: Emphasizes developing the fruit of the Spirit to deepen believers' relationship with God.
- Building His Sanctuary: Dedicated to manifesting the glory of God within the church to lead the body of Christ toward perfection.
- Supporting the Gospel with All Means: Encourages members to actively contribute time, effort, money, and prayer to support the Kingdom of God.
The church's faith statement includes beliefs in:
- The Trinity: Belief in one God existing in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Divinity of Jesus Christ: Affirming Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, His death, resurrection, and return.
- Authority of the Bible: Viewing all scripture as inspired by God and authoritative for teaching.
- Divine Healing and Prosperity: Belief in healing through Jesus and inheriting blessings through faith.
- The Return of Jesus Christ: Anticipating the second coming of Jesus and the resurrection of believers.
Activities
Shekinah Church conducts various religious services, including worship gatherings, Bible studies, and community outreach programs. The church emphasizes spiritual growth, leadership development, and fostering a close-knit community among its members.
7M Films
In 2021, Robert Shinn founded 7M Films, which manages and produces content for social media influencers, especially dancers active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The company offers production resources and support to its clients.
Media attention
In 2022, Shekinah Church and 7M Films received media attention following concerns expressed by some family members of dancers associated with 7M Films. The families alleged that the church exerted undue influence over the dancers, leading to estrangement. Shekinah Church and 7M Films have denied these allegations, stating that members and clients are free to make their own decisions.
In 2024, Netflix released a documentary series titled Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult, which featured interviews with former members who made various allegations against the church and 7M Films. The documentary brought renewed scrutiny to the organizations. In response, Robert Shinn and 7M Films described the documentary as one-sided and stated that they would address the allegations through legal channels.
Legal actions
In 2022, a group of former members filed a civil lawsuit against Robert Shinn, Shekinah Church, and associated entities, alleging exploitation and labor law violations. Shinn and the church have denied the allegations, and the case is ongoing.
Notable members
- **Miranda Derrick** (née Wilking): A dancer and social media influencer represented by 7M Films. She has publicly denied claims that she is under undue influence. - **James "BDash" Derrick**: Dancer and member of 7M Films.
Responses
Robert Shinn and representatives of Shekinah Church have stated that the allegations against them are unfounded. They assert that members and clients are free to make their own choices and that the church's teachings focus on spiritual growth and community.
Miranda Derrick has released statements refuting claims made by her family and the media, emphasizing her autonomy and criticizing the documentary for its portrayal of her situation.
See also
References
- Veloso, Lea (June 4, 2024). "Former Shekinah Church Members Claimed They Were 'Brainwashed' By Its Leader—Here's Who Is Still In the Cult". StyleCaster. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- Sun, Esther (May 31, 2024). "Where is Robert Shinn, the subject of 'The 7M TikTok Cult', now?". Today. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- Veloso, Lea (June 10, 2024). "Where's Robert Shinn Now? Here's if the 7M Founder Is in Jail For Allegedly Running a Cult on TikTok". StyleCaster. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Zargo, Gina (June 1, 2024). "The Shocking True Story Behind Netflix's Dancing for the Devil". People. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ "Shekinah Church International". Shekinah Church. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- "Family claims influencer is being held hostage by religious cult in TikTok video". NBC News. March 9, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ Giorgis, Hannah (June 6, 2024). "7M Dancer and Shekinah Church Member Miranda Derrick Calls Netflix Doc 'One-Sided'". Vanity Fair. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult". Netflix. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- Marks, Andrea (March 21, 2023). "Dancers Sue 7M Films Claiming Owner Runs a 'Cult'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 31, 2024.