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{{Short description|South Korean theologian (born 1949)}}
{{For|the politician|Jonah David Jang}}
{{For|the politician|Jonah David Jang}}
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{{Infobox clergy
{{Infobox clergy
| name = David Jang
| name = David Jang
| image = Djang1.jpg
| image = Djang1.jpg
| occupation = [[Professor]]<br>[[Theologian]]<br>[[Minister (Christianity)|Minister]]
| occupation = [[Professor]]<br/>[[Theologian]]<br/>[[Minister (Christianity)|Minister]]
| religion = [[Evangelical Christian]]
| religion = [[Presbyterian Christian]]
| education = B.Th., M.Div. [[Hanshin University]] <br>M.A. [[Yonsei University]]<br>Ph.D. [[Dankook University]]}}
| education = B.Th., M.Div.<br/>[[Hanshin University]]<br/>M.A. [[Yonsei University]]<br/>Ph.D. [[Dankook University]]
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| birth_name = Jae‐Hyung Jang
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'''David Jang''' (born 1949){{citation needed|date=November 2016}} is a Korean professor, Christian theologian, and pastor. He has founded several Christian organizations, including [[Olivet University]] in San Francisco, ''Christian Today'' headquartered in Korea, ''Christian Daily Korea'', and ''Christianity Daily'' in Los Angeles, CA. He served as a member of the North American Council of the [[World Evangelical Alliance]] (WEA) from 2007<ref>{{Cite web|title=WEA Welcomes Dr. David J. Jang to the North American Council – World Evangelical Alliance|url=https://worldea.org/news/wea-welcomes-dr-david-j-jang-to-the-north-american-council/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=worldea.org|date=26 April 2007 }}</ref> to 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|title=WEA Integrates North American Council Functions into International Council, Thanks NAC Members for their Service – World Evangelical Alliance|url=https://worldea.org/news/wea-integrates-north-american-council-functions-into-international-council-thanks-nac-members-for-their-service/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=worldea.org|date=29 March 2018 }}</ref><ref name = weagov/> the former president of World Olivet Assembly,<ref name = WOlivetA1/> the founder and first international president of Olivet University,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Founder {{!}} About Olivet {{!}} Olivet University|url=https://www.olivetuniversity.edu/aboutolivet/founder.html|access-date=2021-12-01|website=www.olivetuniversity.edu}}</ref><ref name = oufounder1/> and current president of the [[Holy Bible Society]]{{who|date=February 2024}}.<ref name = hbs1/> Jang was also the 88th President of the General Assembly of the [[Presbyterian Church in Korea]].<ref name = DJang1/>


==Career==
David Jang, Ph.D., (born October 30, 1949) is a professor, theologian, and pastor. He is currently a member of the North American Council of the WEA ([[World Evangelical Alliance]]),<ref name = weagov/> the president of WOA (World Olivet Assembly),<ref name = WOlivetA1/> and international president of Olivet University.<ref name = oufounder1/> He has founded several Christian organizations, including [[Olivet University]] in San Francisco, Christian Today, Christian Daily Korea, and Christianity Daily in Los Angeles, CA. Jang serves as the President of the Holy Bible Society.<ref name = hbs1/> Jang was also the 88th President of a denomination of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Korea.<ref name = DJang1/> His mission work has taken him around the world, including East and South Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, networking and giving strategic advice to churches, educational institutions and ministries.<ref name = travel1/><ref name = travel2/><ref name = travel3/>
Jang grew up in South Korea in a Christian family and was raised in the [[Presbyterian]] tradition. As a young man he spent much time in Bible study, vigil prayer meetings, and [[evangelism]]. He pursued theological studies at [[Hanshin University]] and received two degrees, a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.).<ref name = DJang1/> He also earned an M.A. in Communications from [[Yonsei University]] and completed his formal studies with a Ph.D. in Public Administration of Social Welfare from [[Dankook University]].<ref name = DJang1/> While he was studying, Jang participated in missions and teaching, serving in campus fellowships and churches, and lectured in theology.<ref name = DJang2/>


==''Christian Today''==
==Life and Career==
In 2000, Jang founded ''Christian Today'', which came to have the highest number of visitors among religious news websites in Korea.<ref>{{cite web|website=Rankey.com|url=http://www.rankey.com/rank/rank_site_cate.php?cat1_id=6&cat2_id=74&cat3_id=467|title=Ranking of religious news websites in Korea|date=April 2014|access-date=2014-04-25|archive-date=2014-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425053349/http://www.rankey.com/rank/rank_site_cate.php?cat1_id=6&cat2_id=74&cat3_id=467|url-status=dead}}</ref> Jang aimed for the media company to provide online in-depth coverage across all areas in Christianity,<ref name = ctkorea1/> encourage a spirit of unity and reconciliation within the church, promote international recognition of [[Christian culture]], and contribute to global mission work.<ref name = ctkorea1/>


==Olivet University==
Jang grew up in South Korea in a Christian family and was raised in the Presbyterian tradition. Starting from his youth, he devoted himself to studying the Bible, attending vigil prayer meetings, and witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He pursued theological studies from [[Hanshin University]] and received two degrees – B.Th. and M.Div.<ref name = DJang1/> He also studied media and social welfare with additional advanced degrees from [[Yonsei University]] and [[Dankook University]].<ref name = DJang1/>
{{main|Olivet University}}
In the year 2000, Olivet Theological College and Seminary (OTCS) was established in both Los Angeles and in Seoul, Korea, where it was co-located with the Southern Cross College Korea Campus. Jang was a member of the faculty of Southern Cross College and the first director of its Korea campus.<ref name = DJang2/>


By 2004, the seminary expanded and incorporated into a university comprising five colleges - Olivet Theological College & Seminary, Jubilee College of Music, Olivet College of Journalism, Olivet College of Art & Design, and Olivet Institute of Technology - in the institution’s new home in San Francisco.<ref name = olivetuni1/> The university moved into the former [[University of California, Berkeley]] Downtown Extension Campus, near the [[Moscone Center]] in 2005.<ref name = olivetnews1/> They also founded Olivet Business School, which offers MBA programs<ref>{{cite web|website=Olivet University|title=Olivet Business School|url=http://obs.olivetuniversity.edu/}}</ref> and opened extension sites in [[Nashville, TN]] (at 141 Belle Forest Circle), [[New York City]] (at 6 Barclay Street in [[Lower Manhattan]]), [[San Francisco]] (at 1025 Howard Street), and [[Washington, D.C.]] (at 1400 Eye Street NW ).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/aboutolivet/extensions.html|website=Olivet University|title=About Olivet: Extensions|accessdate=September 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119083931/http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/aboutolivet/extensions.html|archive-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Olivet combines Winter's focus on training men and women in biblical scholarship and leadership with Jang’s emphasis on practical skills for preaching.<ref name = olivetuni3/>
While he was studying, Jang participated in mission, teaching, serving in campus fellowships, churches, and as a theological professor.<ref name = DJang2/> In 2000, Jang founded Christian Today which came to have the most number of visitors among religious news websites in Korea according to an internet statistics firm.<ref>[http://www.rankey.com/rank/rank_site_cate.php?cat1_id=6&cat2_id=74&cat3_id=467] Rankey.com ranking of religious news websites in Korea as of April 2014</ref> With the media company, Jang saw potential for an online, real-time system updated with in-depth coverage across all areas in Christianity.<ref name = ctkorea1/> This media company would also help encourage a spirit of unity and reconciliation within the church, while promoting international recognition of Christian culture and contribute to global mission work.<ref name = ctkorea1/>


In 2006, Jang handed over the presidency of the university to Dr. David James Randolph in order to concentrate on mission field work.<ref name = olivetnews2/> Jang continues to serve at Olivet University as a professor of theology and international president.
===Olivet University===
In the year 2000, Olivet Theological College and Seminary (OTCS) was established in both Los Angeles and in Seoul, Korea, which was held jointly with the Southern Cross College Korea Campus. Jang was a member of the faculty of Southern Cross College and the first director of its Korea campus.<ref name = DJang2/>


==Other activities==
By 2004, the seminary expanded and incorporated into a university with five colleges - Olivet Theological College & Seminary, Jubilee College of Music, Olivet College of Journalism, Olivet College of Art & Design, and Olivet Institute of Technology - in the institution’s new home in San Francisco.<ref name = olivetuni1/> Jang’s choice of location and expansion plan were inspired by the advice he received from the late Dr. [[Ralph D. Winter]]. Winter later served as the honorary chairman of Olivet University, and the institution’s library was dedicated under his name.<ref name = olivetuni2/><ref name = olivetuni2a/>
From 2007 to 2018, Jang served as a member of the North American Council of the WEA.<ref name = weagov/><ref name = worldea1/> Also in 2007, he began work with the [[Holy Bible Society]] whose mission is to make "the Bible more accessible to all people by using digital technology and the Internet, especially in unreached mission frontiers."<ref name = hbs1/> Over the years, he has engaged in discussions about helping to establish churches in difficult mission fields such as China.<ref name = cpnews2/>


In 2012, a ''[[Christianity Today]]'' article<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Ted Olsen and Ken|title=The Second Coming Christ Controversy|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/september/david-jang-second-coming-christ.html|access-date=2021-12-01|website=ChristianityToday.com|date=16 August 2012 |language=en}}</ref> raised questions whether Jang had any connections with the [[Unification Church]] and his being seen by some people as the "[[Second Coming of Christ]]",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/september/david-jang-second-coming-christ.html |title=The Second Coming Christ Controversy |author= Ted Olsen and Ken Smith |date= 16 August 2012|work=christianitytoday.com |accessdate=10 November 2016|quote=Ted Olsen is CT's managing editor, news and online journalism. Ken Smith is an independent journalist based in Washington State}}</ref> accusations that have been disputed as baseless by the [[Christian Council of Korea]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Public Statement of The Heresy Investigation Committee of the CCK (English)|url=https://www.christianpost.com/files/CCK_Heresy_Committee_Public_Statement_2011_01_18_(English).pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823182829/http://www.christianpost.com:80/files/CCK_Heresy_Committee_Public_Statement_2011_01_18_(English).pdf |archive-date=2012-08-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Public Statement of The Heresy Investigation Committee of the CCK (Korean Original)|url=https://www.christianpost.com/files/CCK_Heresy_Committee_Public_Statement_2011_01_18_(Korean).pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823182834/http://www.christianpost.com:80/files/CCK_Heresy_Committee_Public_Statement_2011_01_18_(Korean).pdf |archive-date=2012-08-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Public Statement of CCK (English)|url=https://www.christianpost.com/files/CCK_Public_Statement_2011_01_14_(English).pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823182839/http://www.christianpost.com:80/files/CCK_Public_Statement_2011_01_14_(English).pdf |archive-date=2012-08-23 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Public Statement of CCK (Korean Original)|url=https://www.christianpost.com/files/CCK_Public_Statement_2011_01_14_(Korean).pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823182845/http://www.christianpost.com:80/files/CCK_Public_Statement_2011_01_14_(Korean).pdf |archive-date=2012-08-23 }}</ref> and the [[World Evangelical Alliance]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=WEA Statement on the Public Conversation on the Nature and Role of Olivet University and its Founding President Dr. David Jang – World Evangelical Alliance|url=https://worldea.org/news/14159/wea-statement-on-the-public-conversation-on-the-nature-and-role-of-olivet-university-and-its-founding-president-dr-david-jang/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=worldea.org|date=21 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Letters to the Editor|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/november/letters-to-editor.html|access-date=2021-12-01|website=ChristianityToday.com|date=11 October 2012 |language=en}}</ref> among others. ''[[The Christian Post]]'', founded by students from Olivet University, issued a detailed response<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Vu|first1=Michelle A.|last2=Reporter|first2=Christian Post|title=Sources in 'Second Coming Christ Controversy' Face Scrutiny|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/olivet-university-sources-in-second-coming-christ-controversy-face-scrutiny.html|access-date=2021-12-01|website=The Christian Post|date=17 August 2012 |language=en-US}}</ref> to the various allegations raised in the ''Christianity Today'' article, raising doubts about the sources and also questioning the timing of the publication during a review of an offer Olivet University made to Lifeway for the purchase of a campus property.
Jang was moved by Winter’s dedication to training ministry-bound men and women as biblical scholars and leaders in their respective mission fields.<ref name = olivetuni3/> By combining this focus on field ministry with Jang’s own commitment to equipping the network generation with the practical skills to preach the Gospel effectively, Olivet’s mission was born - to prime students as leaders with the ability to revolutionize the world through Christian mission.<ref name = olivetuni3/>


==Personal life==
The university moved into the former University of California Berkeley Downtown Extension Campus, near the [[Moscone Center]] in 2005.<ref name = olivetnews1/>
Jang is married to Dr. Sarah Lee and has two sons. He considers [[Ralph D. Winter]] and [[Jang Sik Lee]] ({{Korean|hangul=이장식|labels=no}}){{who|date=February 2024}} among his mentors.<ref name = DJang3/>

===Other Activities===
[[File:Djang2.jpg|thumb|right|David Jang speaks at an international Christian conference]]
In 2006, Jang handed over the presidency to Dr. David James Randolph and moved forward with mission-field work fulltime.<ref name = olivetnews2/> Jang continues to serve at Olivet University as a professor of theology and international president.

In 2007, Jang joined the North American Council of the WEA<ref name = worldea1/> and continues to serve in the position as of 2014.<ref name = weagov/> The same year, he also began work with the Holy Bible Society who's mission is to make "the Bible more accessible to all people by using digital technology and the Internet, especially in unreached mission frontiers."<ref name = hbs1/> Over the years, he has engaged in deep discussions to help establish churches in challenging mission fields such as China.<ref name = cpnews2/>

Jang has completed over 20 scholarly works.<ref name = DJang1/>

==Education==
Jang received his Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degrees from [[Hanshin University]]. He also earned an M.A. in Communications from [[Yonsei University]] and completed his formal studies with a Ph.D. in Public Administration of Social Welfare from [[Dankook University]].<ref name = DJang1/>

==Confession of Faith==
Jang made the following confession of faith which was published on The Christian Post:

"By the grace of Jesus Christ, I accepted Jesus as my one and only Savior, and since I was forgiven of my sins, I have never abandoned faith in Jesus Christ. Also, I have never preached any other gospel other than that of Jesus Christ. Furthermore I have never taught that I am Christ."<ref name = cpnews3/>

He made a public confession of faith on several other occasions, such as for Christian Today in 2012,<ref name = ctnews1/> an earlier statement from Southern California in 2008,<ref name = ctnews2/> and for Christian Today Japan.<ref name = ctjpnews1/>

Jang has held the same confession of faith for over 40 years.<ref name = cpnews3/>

===Criticism & Defamation===

Despite his longstanding publicly available confession of faith, political and business opponents<ref name = cpnews3/> have continued to subject Jang to targeted political and social attacks over the years.

==Personal==
Jang is married to Sarah Lee (Ph.D. in Theology for a study on Henri J. M. Nouwen) and has two sons (John and Joseph) and a granddaughter (Hannah). He considers the late Dr. Ralph D. Winter and Dr. Jang Sik Lee (Korean, 이장식) among his mentors.<ref name = DJang3/>

Just as Jang has been mentored by widely respected mission and theological leaders of his time, he has also become a mentor to aspiring leaders of the next generation, drawing from his broad background, ranging from, but not limited to, theology, pastoral, mission, education, administration, media, and Biblical living.<ref name = olivetnews3/>

==See Also==
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Evangelicalism]]
*[[World Evangelical Alliance]]
*[[Olivet University]]
*[[Bible]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist | 2 | refs =
{{Reflist | 30em | refs =


<ref name = WOlivetA1>
<ref name = WOlivetA1>{{cite web
{{cite web
| url = http://www.worldolivet.org/aboutus#leadership
| url = http://www.worldolivet.org/aboutus#leadership
| title = About Us, Leadership
| title = About Us, Leadership
| website = World Olivet Assembly
| website = World Olivet Assembly
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140424042948/http://www.worldolivet.org/aboutus#leadership
| archive-date = 2014-04-24
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://www.davidjang.org/biography/profile
| url = http://www.davidjang.org/biography/profile
| title = David Jang Profile
| title = David Jang Profile
| website =Davidjang.org
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://www.davidjang.org/biography/about
| url = http://www.davidjang.org/biography/about
| title = David Jang Bio
| title = David Jang Bio
| website =Davidjang.org
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://www.davidjang.org/photos/mentors
| url = http://www.davidjang.org/photos/mentors
| title = David Jang Mentors
| title = David Jang Mentors
| website =Davidjang.org
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| title = About Olivet, History
| title = About Olivet, History
| website = Olivet University
| website = Olivet University
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


<!--(this citation is not used in content and was thus giving a cite error)
<ref name = olivetuni2>
<ref name = olivetuni2>
{{cite web
{{cite web
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| title = Library
| title = Library
| website = Olivet University
| website = Olivet University
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>-->


<!--(this citation is not used in content and was thus giving a cite error)
<ref name = olivetuni2a>
<ref name = olivetuni2a>
{{cite news
{{cite news
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| publisher = Olivet University
| publisher = Olivet University
| date = 2007-09-11
| date = 2007-09-11
}}</ref>
}}</ref>-->


<ref name = olivetuni3>
<ref name = olivetuni3>
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| title = About Olivet, Mission
| title = About Olivet, Mission
| website = Olivet University
| website = Olivet University
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| publisher = Olivet University News
| publisher = Olivet University News
| date = 2006-07-04
| date = 2006-07-04
}}</ref>

<ref name = olivetnews3>
{{cite news
| url = http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/news/articles/2005/08/27/39/dr-ralph-winter-visits-ou.htm
| title = Dr. Ralph Winter Visits OU
| publisher = Olivet University News
| date = 2005-08-27
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| title = Who we are, Governance
| title = Who we are, Governance
| website = World Evangelical Alliance
| website = World Evangelical Alliance
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| title = About Us
| title = About Us
| website = Holy Bible Society
| website = Holy Bible Society
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| date = 2009-11-17
| date = 2009-11-17
| publisher = Christian Post
| publisher = Christian Post
}}</ref>


<ref name = cpnews3>
{{cite news
| url = http://www.christianpost.com/news/olivet-university-sources-in-second-coming-christ-controversy-face-scrutiny-80176/pageall.html
| title = Sources in 'Second Coming Christ Controversy' Face Scrutiny
| first = Michelle
| last = Vu
| date = 2012-08-17
| publisher = Christian Post
}}</ref>


<ref name = ctnews1>
{{cite news
| url = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=258832
| title =장재형 목사의 신앙고백문 전문
| trans_title = Full Text of Rev. David Jang’s Confession of Faith
| publisher = Christian Today Korea
| date = 2012-10-21
}}</ref>

<ref name = ctnews2>
{{cite news
| url = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=193015
| title = Confession of Faith in Southern California (Korean)
| publisher = Christian Today Korea
| date = 2008-06-21
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| url = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/chtoday/about1.htm
| url = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/chtoday/about1.htm
| title = 회사소개
| title = 회사소개
| trans_title = About Christian Today
|trans-title=About Christian Today
| website = Christian Today Korea
| website = Christian Today Korea
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>

<ref name = ctjpnews1>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.christiantoday.co.jp/Statement_of_Faith.pdf
| title = 信仰告白
| trans_title = Statement of Faith
| website = Christian Today Japan
| date = 2007-06-07
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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| title = About the Founder of Olivet University
| title = About the Founder of Olivet University
| website = Olivet University
| website = Olivet University
| accessdate = 2014-04-03
| access-date = 2014-04-03
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


<!--(this citation is not used in content and was thus giving a cite error)
<ref name = travel1>
<ref name = travel1>
{{cite news
{{cite news
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| publisher = World Evangelical Alliance
| publisher = World Evangelical Alliance
| date = 2008-05-06
| date = 2008-05-06
}}</ref>
}}</ref>-->


<!--(this citation is not used in content and was thus giving a cite error)
<ref name = travel2>
<ref name = travel2>
{{cite news
{{cite news
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| publisher = Olivet University News
| publisher = Olivet University News
| date = 2008-02-14
| date = 2008-02-14
}}</ref>
}}</ref>-->


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| publisher = Olivet University News
| publisher = Olivet University News
| date = 2006-01-27
| date = 2006-01-27
}}</ref>
}}</ref>-->

}}
}}


==External Links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|1=http://www.davidjang.org/}}
* {{Official website|1=http://www.davidjang.org/}}
* [http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/aboutolivet/founder.html Olivet University Founder]
* [http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/aboutolivet/founder.html About Founder - Olivet University]

{{authority control}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Jang, David}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Yonsei University alumni]]
[[Category:Yonsei University alumni]]
[[Category:Dankook University alumni]]
[[Category:Dankook University alumni]]
[[Category:Presbyterian ministers]]
[[Category:Korean Presbyterian ministers]]
[[Category:Christian theologians]]
[[Category:Christian theologians]]
[[Category:South Korean Presbyterians]]
[[Category:South Korean theologians]]
Olivetwatch.com

Latest revision as of 08:33, 8 March 2024

For the politician, see Jonah David Jang.
David Jang
Born
Jae‐Hyung Jang
EducationB.Th., M.Div.
Hanshin University
M.A. Yonsei University
Ph.D. Dankook University
Occupation(s)Professor
Theologian
Minister
ReligionPresbyterian Christian

David Jang (born 1949)[citation needed] is a Korean professor, Christian theologian, and pastor. He has founded several Christian organizations, including Olivet University in San Francisco, Christian Today headquartered in Korea, Christian Daily Korea, and Christianity Daily in Los Angeles, CA. He served as a member of the North American Council of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) from 2007[1] to 2018,[2][3] the former president of World Olivet Assembly,[4] the founder and first international president of Olivet University,[5][6] and current president of the Holy Bible Society[who?].[7] Jang was also the 88th President of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Korea.[8]

Career[edit]

Jang grew up in South Korea in a Christian family and was raised in the Presbyterian tradition. As a young man he spent much time in Bible study, vigil prayer meetings, and evangelism. He pursued theological studies at Hanshin University and received two degrees, a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.).[8] He also earned an M.A. in Communications from Yonsei University and completed his formal studies with a Ph.D. in Public Administration of Social Welfare from Dankook University.[8] While he was studying, Jang participated in missions and teaching, serving in campus fellowships and churches, and lectured in theology.[9]

Christian Today[edit]

In 2000, Jang founded Christian Today, which came to have the highest number of visitors among religious news websites in Korea.[10] Jang aimed for the media company to provide online in-depth coverage across all areas in Christianity,[11] encourage a spirit of unity and reconciliation within the church, promote international recognition of Christian culture, and contribute to global mission work.[11]

Olivet University[edit]

Main article: Olivet University

In the year 2000, Olivet Theological College and Seminary (OTCS) was established in both Los Angeles and in Seoul, Korea, where it was co-located with the Southern Cross College Korea Campus. Jang was a member of the faculty of Southern Cross College and the first director of its Korea campus.[9]

By 2004, the seminary expanded and incorporated into a university comprising five colleges - Olivet Theological College & Seminary, Jubilee College of Music, Olivet College of Journalism, Olivet College of Art & Design, and Olivet Institute of Technology - in the institution’s new home in San Francisco.[12] The university moved into the former University of California, Berkeley Downtown Extension Campus, near the Moscone Center in 2005.[13] They also founded Olivet Business School, which offers MBA programs[14] and opened extension sites in Nashville, TN (at 141 Belle Forest Circle), New York City (at 6 Barclay Street in Lower Manhattan), San Francisco (at 1025 Howard Street), and Washington, D.C. (at 1400 Eye Street NW ).[15] Olivet combines Winter's focus on training men and women in biblical scholarship and leadership with Jang’s emphasis on practical skills for preaching.[16]

In 2006, Jang handed over the presidency of the university to Dr. David James Randolph in order to concentrate on mission field work.[17] Jang continues to serve at Olivet University as a professor of theology and international president.

Other activities[edit]

From 2007 to 2018, Jang served as a member of the North American Council of the WEA.[3][18] Also in 2007, he began work with the Holy Bible Society whose mission is to make "the Bible more accessible to all people by using digital technology and the Internet, especially in unreached mission frontiers."[7] Over the years, he has engaged in discussions about helping to establish churches in difficult mission fields such as China.[19]

In 2012, a Christianity Today article[20] raised questions whether Jang had any connections with the Unification Church and his being seen by some people as the "Second Coming of Christ",[21] accusations that have been disputed as baseless by the Christian Council of Korea[22][23][24][25] and the World Evangelical Alliance,[26][27] among others. The Christian Post, founded by students from Olivet University, issued a detailed response[28] to the various allegations raised in the Christianity Today article, raising doubts about the sources and also questioning the timing of the publication during a review of an offer Olivet University made to Lifeway for the purchase of a campus property.

Personal life[edit]

Jang is married to Dr. Sarah Lee and has two sons. He considers Ralph D. Winter and Jang Sik Lee (이장식)[who?] among his mentors.[29]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "WEA Welcomes Dr. David J. Jang to the North American Council – World Evangelical Alliance". worldea.org. 26 April 2007. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  2. ^ "WEA Integrates North American Council Functions into International Council, Thanks NAC Members for their Service – World Evangelical Alliance". worldea.org. 29 March 2018. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  3. ^ a b "Who we are, Governance". World Evangelical Alliance. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  4. ^ "About Us, Leadership". World Olivet Assembly. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  5. ^ "Founder | About Olivet | Olivet University". www.olivetuniversity.edu. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  6. ^ "About the Founder of Olivet University". Olivet University. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  7. ^ a b "About Us". Holy Bible Society. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  8. ^ a b c "David Jang Profile". Davidjang.org. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  9. ^ a b "David Jang Bio". Davidjang.org. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  10. ^ "Ranking of religious news websites in Korea". Rankey.com. April 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  11. ^ a b "회사소개" [About Christian Today]. Christian Today Korea. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  12. ^ "About Olivet, History". Olivet University. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  13. ^ "Olivet University Public Statement to Recent Media Publications". Olivet University Seminary Blog. 2012-08-23.
  14. ^ "Olivet Business School". Olivet University.
  15. ^ "About Olivet: Extensions". Olivet University. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  16. ^ "About Olivet, Mission". Olivet University. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  17. ^ "David Randolph Named Olivet University President". Olivet University News. 2006-07-04.
  18. ^ "WEA Welcomes Dr. David J. Jang to the North American Council". World Evangelical Alliance News. 2007-04-26.
  19. ^ Young, Eric (2009-11-17). "WEA, China Church Leaders Meet for In-Depth Talks". Christian Post.
  20. ^ Smith, Ted Olsen and Ken (16 August 2012). "The Second Coming Christ Controversy". ChristianityToday.com. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  21. ^ Ted Olsen and Ken Smith (16 August 2012). "The Second Coming Christ Controversy". christianitytoday.com. Retrieved 10 November 2016. Ted Olsen is CT's managing editor, news and online journalism. Ken Smith is an independent journalist based in Washington State
  22. ^ "Public Statement of The Heresy Investigation Committee of the CCK (English)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-08-23.
  23. ^ "Public Statement of The Heresy Investigation Committee of the CCK (Korean Original)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-08-23.
  24. ^ "Public Statement of CCK (English)" (PDF). 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-08-23.
  25. ^ "Public Statement of CCK (Korean Original)" (PDF). 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-08-23.
  26. ^ "WEA Statement on the Public Conversation on the Nature and Role of Olivet University and its Founding President Dr. David Jang – World Evangelical Alliance". worldea.org. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  27. ^ "Letters to the Editor". ChristianityToday.com. 11 October 2012. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  28. ^ Vu, Michelle A.; Reporter, Christian Post (17 August 2012). "Sources in 'Second Coming Christ Controversy' Face Scrutiny". The Christian Post. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  29. ^ "David Jang Mentors". Davidjang.org. Retrieved 2014-04-03.

External links[edit]

Olivetwatch.com

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