Biography of David Jang

David Jang is a visionary Christian leader, theologian, educator, and missionary who founded Olivet University. He pioneered grassroots and digital missions, built global ministries, and dedicated his life to the Great Commission of Christ.

1. Biography of David Jang


Dr. David Jang is the Founder of Olivet University. He is a theologian, missionary, educator, and
Christian leader who has devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and building
the Kingdom of God. From the outset of his ministry, he navigated challenging areas and utilized
digital media to share the Gospel in places where access was limited. He often described Olivet
University as a “seedbed,” intended to train disciples and leaders for the work of the Great
Commission (Matthew 28:19).

2. Early Life and Education
David Jang was born in 1949 and pursued a strong academic foundation in theology and related
fields. He received a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Hanshin University,
Korea’s leading Presbyterian seminary. He continued his studies at Yonsei University, where he
earned a Master of Arts in Communications. Later, he completed a Ph.D. in Public
Administration of Social Welfare at Dankook University, a respected private university in Seoul.

During this time, he was influenced by mentors who shaped his direction. One was an American
missionary who established the U.S. Center for World Mission. Another was a Korean historian
and missionary leader who later founded Olivet University Korea. Their influence helped him
form a vision that blended theological education, mission practice, and church leadership.
Founding Olivet University, San Francisco
In 2004, he established Olivet University in a modest basement in downtown San Francisco.
David selected this location for its cultural and ethnic diversity, which continues to be reflected in
the university’s students and faculty.

From its earliest days, he set Olivet’s direction toward meeting the needs of global mission.
Although the school began as a theological seminary, it quickly expanded to include schools of
Music, Journalism, art and design, and Technology. At this time, he invited a mission strategist
to join the faculty. That person then introduced local scholars, who still serve Olivet today.
By 2005, Olivet relocated to the former UC Berkeley Downtown Extension Campus, a facility
better suited for its programs. In 2006, he passed the presidency to another Christian educator
while assuming the role of International President, where he focused on global outreach and
mission development.
Under his leadership, Olivet advanced further. In 2009, it earned accreditation from the
Association for Biblical Higher Education. The university launched new programs, including
Business and Language Education, and expanded to offer doctoral studies. Partnerships also
grew, and in 2007, he joined the North American Council of the World Evangelical Alliance. His
vision for preparing leaders through formal education continues to shape Olivet University today.
Founder of Christian Media Outlets
In addition to his role in education, he also contributed to Christian media. Dr. Jang founded
Christian Today, Christian Daily Korea, and Christianity Daily International, serving as founder
and senior advisor. He also played an early role as a founding team member and senior advisor
of The Christian Post.

3. Recognized for Journalistic Excellence
Christian Daily International has been recognized for its achievements in journalism. In 2025, it
won second place in the Evangelical Press Association’s Award of Excellence for
Newspaper/Online News. The recognition highlighted strengths in writing, editorial quality,
design, and navigation. The previous year, in 2024, it also earned second place in the EPA’s
“Best in Class” awards. These awards reflected its ongoing commitment to consistent and
reliable Christian reporting.
Leadership Roles
David has served in several leadership positions during his ministry. As President of the Holy
Bible Society, he has guided projects to make the Bible more accessible through digital
technology, especially in unreached mission areas.

For 11 years, he was a member of the North American Council of the World Evangelical
Alliance, contributing to evangelical unity and global mission strategy. He also became the 88th
President of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Korea, where he provided
leadership within the denomination.
He founded Apostolos Missions, a campus mission organization, along with 11 specialized
mission groups aimed at spreading the Gospel worldwide. He also created Diakonos, a
fellowship of deacons. He encouraged churches to focus on front missions while also training
back-mission workers, often described as business missions, to support outreach efforts. He
continues to teach students, counsel families, and share Biblical commentary.
A Life of Giving
After completing his doctorate, Dr. Jang began a church but later donated all its assets. Since
then, he has worked to support students and families in need. His inspiration comes from 2
Corinthians 8:9, which teaches about the humility and sacrifice of Christ. He believes that
Christians should follow this example, living humbly and serving the poor with generosity.
Personal Life
He is a family man, a husband, father of two sons, and grandfather to beloved granddaughters.
In addition to his ministry work, he enjoys golf, swimming, tennis, and reading. These activities
bring balance to his life alongside his service to education and mission.

David Jang’s life reflects dedication to mission, education, leadership, and service. From
founding Olivet University to building Christian media outlets and mission organizations, he has
prepared leaders, strengthened churches, and advanced the Gospel. His journey demonstrates
humility and faith, and David continues to devote his life to serving Christ and others.