Covert Methods Used in Shincheonji's Unconventional Enlisting Processes for Membership Growth Amidst Apocalyptic Belief System

Matthew Thomas, a former recruiter for the Shincheonji Catholic sect and member of its leadership committee until January when he was persuaded to leave by his parents following an intervention. He alleges that during this period he underwent intensive training on identifying potential vulnerabilities in individuals such as broken families history or mental health issues, which would subsequently allow him deeper engagement with recruits and facilitate their dependency on the church for emotional support—a practice often referred to by Thomas himself.

These tactics included constant surveillance of new members' lives: accompanying them wherever possible (even including trips like going toilet together), ensuring minimal contact outside his immediate circle, and discouraging any attempts for recruits seeking external connections or support systems due to the perceived risk posed by "fruit-to-fruit" interactions.

According to Thomas's claims detailed in a video shared with us: “Do not let fruits leave the centre alone; see them off, minimising fruit-to-fruit contact.” This statement underscores an intense effort within the church community towards enforcing isolation of new recruits from outside influences.

He further revealed that senior members are only authorized to directly reach out and influence these potential converts with no middlemen interference, as indicated in one training video where a leader describes former member who tried manipulating other attendees by disseminating his number on handouts—a clear warning against any form of dissidence within the church.

Thomas further explained that he was required to provide detailed reports about every aspect of recruits' lives, including their resistance or acceptance towards the religious teachings they were being exposed to and information regarding personal interests which could potentially be used as a leverage point for retaining them in the community: "Fruit-to-fruit contact is dangerous. Stick with the fruit."

Thomas also revealed that recruits who struggled or resisted this demandingly rigid schedule, including himself at times due to sleep deprivation and exhaustion, were often belittled for perceived laziness: "If I was late…I would be accused of being lazy". He reported having sleepless nights as he constantly had sermon passages running through his mind.

Thomas eventually recognized the manipulative tactics used to exploit vulnerabilities and fell into what he now describes as a form brainwashing, leading him decide leaving: "I just felt so angry … sometimes I don’t even know who to feel angry at." He tried informing all individuals that had been recruited by his own efforts; however these actions were quickly repressed due in part to fear and guilt of being ostracized from the church community.

Matthew Thomas's disclosure has shone a spotlight on this controversial group, raising questions about their practices which may be perceived as exploiting vulnerabilities for religious indoctrination rather than offering genuine spiritual support or guidance to newcomers seeking faith communities outside mainstream society and church.