Q: In an article describing the centennial of the mission headquarters in South Korea, the Shinbashira is quoted as saying, “The mission headquarters must act as the core that helps tend to and foster followers, allowing them to assemble, unite their minds, and inspire one another irrespective of the fact that they happen to be affiliated with different church lineages” (emphasis added).I can only imagine this “church lineages” is referring to the way Tenrikyo churches are organized, but could you elaborate on this and explain how the mission headquarters fits into this organizational structure? How did this type of organization originate?

submitted by Wrinkled Rose (real name withheld)

A: I figured it was only a matter of time I would get a question regarding Tenrikyo’s organizational structure.

Geez, where do I start? Maybe with a condensed history lesson on how these church lineages came to be. Continue reading Question No. 7: How are Tenrikyo churches organized and how did this system come to be? →