Pastor Robert Shinn Biography
Contents
Pastor Robert Shinn is a California-based pastor and entrepreneur who founded Shekinah Church and 7M Films, a talent management company for TikTok dancers. His story blends faith, entertainment, and controversy, making him a polarizing figure. Some see him as a spiritual leader who built a thriving community, while others accuse him of running a cult. This article dives into his life, from his early days to his current legal battles, offering a clear and balanced look at his journey. We’ll cover his background, his church, his business, the controversies, and his impact, answering common questions along the way.
Early Life and Background
Robert Shinn was born in Canada and studied at the University of Toronto, possibly in medicine, before moving to Los Angeles. His Korean American heritage played a role in shaping his early ministry, as he initially focused on serving Korean immigrants. Before becoming a pastor, Shinn may have worked as a doctor, though details are scarce. His shift to spiritual leadership marked a turning point, driven by a calling to spread Christian teachings. This lack of detailed information adds mystery to his story, but it’s clear his ambition and charisma set the stage for his later ventures.
Founding of Shekinah Church
In 1994, Robert Shinn founded Shekinah Church in Los Angeles, starting as a small congregation for Korean Americans in Santa Fe Springs, California. The church, now based in Tujunga, grew over time, welcoming a diverse group of followers. According to its website, Shekinah Church International aims to “save one billion souls” through spiritual growth, mentoring Christian leaders, and sharing God’s love. Shinn’s vision was bold, focusing on community outreach and faith-based mentorship. By 2000, the church moved to Norwalk, California, expanding its reach. Shekinah became a tight-knit community, with Shinn as its charismatic pastor, guiding members toward spiritual and personal development.
Creation of 7M Films
In 2021, Shinn launched 7M Films, a talent management company focused on social media influencers, especially TikTok dancers. The company, based in Los Angeles, provides resources like hair, makeup, wardrobe, and filming locations to help clients create viral content. Shinn’s son, Isaiah Shinn, a skilled videographer, played a key role in its success. 7M Films quickly grew, managing stars like Miranda Derrick, whose dance videos gained millions of followers. The company claims its clients’ social media following jumped from 1.78 million to over 10 million. While Shinn insists 7M Films is separate from Shekinah Church, critics argue the two are closely linked, with many dancers also being church members.
Controversies and Allegations
Robert Shinn’s story is not without controversy. Over the years, he has faced serious accusations that have cast a shadow over his work. In 2009, Lydia Chung, a former Shekinah member, sued Shinn, claiming he coerced her into donating millions of dollars and working under exploitative conditions. Shinn won the case, but it raised questions about his leadership. In 2011, another former member, Jung Hee Lee, filed a lawsuit alleging forced labor and inadequate pay. More recently, in 2022, Shinn sued former church members for defamation after they called Shekinah a cult on social media. In 2023, former dancers and church members, including sisters Melanie Lee and Priscylla Leigh, filed a counter-lawsuit. They accused Shinn of fraud, sexual abuse, forced labor, and human trafficking.
In July 2025, federal agents raided Shinn’s Tujunga home, investigating allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, and fraud. No criminal charges have been filed, but the raid intensified scrutiny. Former members, like those in the Netflix documentary, claim Shinn used isolation, intimidation, and financial control to manipulate followers. For example, some allege he controlled their bank accounts, limiting them to as little as $80 every two weeks. Shinn and his team, including his wife, Hannah Shinn, have denied all allegations, calling them false or extortion attempts. These controversies continue to fuel debate about Shinn’s influence and intentions.
Netflix Documentary: Dancing for the Devil
In 2024, Netflix released “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” a three-part docuseries that brought Shinn’s story to a global audience. The series focuses on former 7M dancers and Shekinah members, like Melanie Lee and the Wilking family, who share stories of manipulation and estrangement. It highlights Miranda Derrick, a TikTok star whose family claims she cut ties with them due to Shinn’s teachings. The documentary alleges Shinn created a cult-like environment, blending spiritual authority with talent management. While Shinn and current 7M members, like Miranda, declined to appear, his voice and sermons are featured. Miranda publicly denied being manipulated, stating she freely practices her faith and enjoys her career. Shinn called the documentary “slanderous,” but it has sparked widespread discussion, with millions of views and renewed focus on his organizations.
Personal Life
Wife and Son
Robert Shinn keeps his personal life private, making it hard to find verified details. He is married to Hannah Shinn, who holds roles in Shekinah Church as a “Woman of God” and financial officer. Their son, Isaiah Shinn, is a key figure in 7M Films, handling videography for its clients. In 2022, reports suggested Shinn lived in a $2.5 million Studio City mansion, where 7M dancers filmed content, though it’s unclear if he still resides there. Former members describe Shinn as secretive, with a commanding presence that draws loyalty from followers. His private nature contrasts with his public role as a pastor and manager, adding to the enigma surrounding him.
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
As of July 2025, Robert Shinn continues to lead Shekinah Church and 7M Films, despite ongoing controversies. The civil lawsuit filed by former members, accusing him of fraud, abuse, and trafficking, is set for trial in October 2025. The 2025 federal raid on his Tujunga home, targeting allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, and fraud, has not yet led to criminal charges. Shinn remains active but low-profile, avoiding media appearances since the Netflix documentary. His organizations still operate, with 7M Films managing influencers like Miranda and James Derrick. The legal battles and public scrutiny suggest Shinn’s story is far from over, with outcomes that could reshape his legacy.
Public and Community Impact
Shinn’s work has left a mixed mark. Supporters praise his spiritual leadership and mentorship, saying Shekinah Church offers purpose and community. 7M Films has helped dancers achieve success, with clients performing at high-profile events like the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show and in commercials for brands like McDonald’s. However, critics, including former members, argue Shinn’s influence is harmful. They claim his control over followers’ lives—financially, emotionally, and socially—caused pain and division. The Netflix documentary amplified these concerns, prompting debates about the ethics of mixing faith and business. Shinn’s story highlights the fine line between leadership and manipulation, leaving a divided legacy in both religious and entertainment circles.
Conclusion
Pastor Robert Shinn’s life is a complex blend of faith, ambition, and controversy. From founding Shekinah Church to launching 7M Films, he built a unique empire that blends spirituality and social media stardom. Yet, allegations of manipulation, abuse, and cult-like behavior have followed him, intensified by lawsuits and a Netflix documentary. While Shinn denies wrongdoing, his story raises questions about power, influence, and accountability. As legal battles unfold, his legacy remains under scrutiny. For those curious about Shinn’s journey, watching “Dancing for the Devil” or following court updates offers deeper insight into this polarizing figure.
FAQs
What is Pastor Robert Shinn known for?
He’s known for founding Shekinah Church in 1994 and 7M Films in 2021, and for controversies surrounding allegations of cult-like behavior.
Is Shekinah Church a cult?
Former members allege it operates like a cult, citing manipulation and control. Shinn and his team deny this, calling the claims false.
What lawsuits has Robert Shinn faced?
Since 2009, he’s faced lawsuits for coercion, fraud, forced labor, sexual abuse, and more. A 2023 counter-lawsuit by former members is set for trial in 2025.
What happened during the FBI raid on Robert Shinn’s home?
In July 2025, federal agents raided his Tujunga home, investigating sex trafficking, money laundering, and fraud. No criminal charges have been filed yet.
What is the Netflix documentary about Robert Shinn?
“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” (2024) explores allegations against Shinn, focusing on former dancers and family estrangement.
