David Jang
David Jang’s Biography
Dr. David Jang is the founder of Olivet University and has committed his life to sharing the message of Jesus Christ and building the Kingdom of God. From the start of his ministry, he worked through grassroots efforts, often walking long distances and later embracing digital platforms to spread the Gospel in areas where access was restricted. Through Olivet University, he envisioned a place of mission training, preparing leaders and disciples who would continue the work of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
David Jang was born in 1949 and pursued his education with dedication. He completed his Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity at Hanshin University before earning a Master of Arts in Communications at Yonsei University. Later, he obtained his Ph.D. in Public Administration of Social Welfare from Dankook University. During his studies, he was influenced by an American missionary known for global mission strategy and by a Korean church historian and missionary leader who later founded Olivet University Korea.
In 2004, he established Olivet University in a small basement in San Francisco. He chose this city for its cultural and ethnic diversity, which remains part of the university’s identity today. What began as a theological college soon expanded into multiple schools, including music, journalism, art and design, and technology. The university later expanded, adding programs in business and language education, and eventually relocated to the former UC Berkeley Downtown Extension Campus in 2005. By 2009, it achieved accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education. During this period, David also became International President, building partnerships and serving on the North American Council of the World Evangelical Alliance.
Alongside his educational work, he made significant contributions to Christian media. He founded Christian Today, Christian Daily Korea, and Christianity Daily International, and was part of the founding team of The Christian Post. Christian Daily International received honors from the Evangelical Press Association in both 2024 and 2025 for its journalistic excellence. He also leads the Holy Bible Society, advancing Bible accessibility in mission fields through digital innovation.
He has also been active in mission organizations. He started Apostolos Missions and more than ten other groups focused on global evangelism and discipleship. Dr. Jang established Diakonos to encourage deacons in their calling and emphasized the importance of both direct missionary work and business as a form of mission. His leadership extended further when he served as president of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Korea.
Generosity has been a central part of his life. After earning his doctorate, he founded a church and donated all its assets, choosing instead to support students and families in need. Guided by 2 Corinthians 8:9, he lives by the belief that humility and selflessness are essential in serving others.
He is also a family man, a husband, a father of two sons, and a grandfather to his granddaughters. In his free time, he enjoys golf, swimming, tennis, and reading. David Jang continues to teach, mentor, and guide others, remaining entirely devoted to the work of Christ and the mission of the church.