Olivet
University (OU), founded by Rev. David Jang, held a 22nd anniversary
commemorative worship service on March 3 at the Riverside campus chapel. The
university offered thanksgiving for God’s guidance over the past 21 years and
renewed its collective commitment to a new season of mission and growth. Rev.
David Jang delivered the message for the service.
The
commemorative worship service was based on Hebrews 12:1–2 and Acts 20:17–38,
presenting as its central theme the exhortation from Hebrews: “Let us fix our
eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” Olivet University emphasized
this passage as the direction the community must hold onto as the university
moves forward at a new historical turning point.
Reaffirming
the Values of “Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Scripture Alone”
In
his message, Rev. David Jang reaffirmed the foundational principles that have
guided Olivet University: the Reformation confessions of Faith Alone (Sola
Fide), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), and Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura). He
stated that these confessions are the spiritual foundation of Olivet University
and remain the core values shaping the university’s identity and mission going
forward.
Members
of the community symbolically reaffirmed their commitment to this
faith-centered mission by writing these confessions together in a guestbook.
Reflecting
on the 21-Year Journey… “The 22nd Anniversary Marks the Beginning of a New
Season”
The
message also looked back on Olivet University’s 21-year journey, emphasizing
that God has led and sustained the community through many challenges and
changes. Since its humble beginnings, Olivet University has expanded through
churches, seminaries, universities, and various educational ministries. The
university declared this 22nd anniversary not only as a moment to commemorate
the past, but also as a starting point to open a new season.
Emphasizing
the Mission of Theological Education and Serving the Global Church
Another
major focus of the message was Olivet University’s commitment to theological
education and the training of spiritual leaders. Rev. David Jang referred to
the seminary as “a seedbed for raising spiritual leaders,” highlighting the
mission of preparing pastors and Christian leaders to serve the global church.
In
this context, Olivet Theological College and Seminary (OTCS) and Olivet
Theological Seminary (OTS) were highlighted as central institutions for
cultivating leaders for the worldwide church.
“Both
the Beginning and the Completion Belong to the Lord”… Presenting the Next Step
with a Christ-Centered Focus
In
connection with the 22nd anniversary theme, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,”
Rev. David Jang emphasized that Jesus Christ is both the origin and the
completion of faith, saying:
“The
One who began this university is the Lord, and the One who will bring it to
completion is also the Lord.”
He
urged the school to keep its focus fixed on Christ in every area of scholarship
and ministry.
A
Vision: “A University That Glorifies God in Everything”
Olivet
University stated its vision to continue expanding its academic programs and
international network, while further strengthening its educational identity
rooted in the Bible and theology. Rev. David Jang emphasized that all academic
fields—including theology, business, technology, and the arts—must ultimately
contribute to honoring and glorifying God.
A
Community Imitating the Service of the Apostle Paul… Concluding in Prayer
The
service concluded with reflection on the Apostle Paul’s farewell exhortation in
Acts 20. Paul’s ministry—marked by humility, perseverance, tears, and faithful
teaching—was presented as a model for those serving in education and ministry.
The
commemorative worship service ended with prayers of gratitude and dedication.
Attendees gave thanks for God’s faithfulness over more than two decades and
prayed for the unity, love, and renewed commitment of the community as Olivet
University marks its 22nd anniversary. Under the theme “Let us fix our eyes on
Jesus,” they reaffirmed their resolve to continue the mission of being a
university that glorifies God in all things.
About
Olivet University (OU)
Olivet
University (OU), grounded in an educational identity rooted in the Bible and
theology, pursues a Christ-centered vision across academics and ministry. The
university aims to cultivate talent to serve the global church and to expand
its educational ministries.
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