The distinctive vision of Evangelia University stems from its affiliation with the Korean Presbyterian Church in America (Kosin). The Kosin denomination is a Reformed denomination with a unique history. It was born out of the context of persecution and martyrdom. When Korea was colonized by the Japanese military power in 1910, they persecuted the Korean Christians and forced them to bow to the emperor as a god. In 1938, all the representatives of
the Presbyterian denomination gathered for the 27th General Assembly in Pyongyang, which was called the “Jerusalem of Korea.” The meeting proceeded under the “watch” of the Japanese police. The Assembly voted unanimously for Shinto shrine worship. The only objector, Rev. Bruce Hunt, was removed from the meeting by the Japanese police. Other objecting pastors were not even allowed to attend the meeting. Eventually, some of the objecting pastors were imprisoned and tortured to death.
After the independence of Korea, the survivors called for a period of repentance for all the churches and pastors who bowed to the Shinto shrine. They also began a new seminary named Korea Theological Seminary. In 1951, at the 36th General Assembly, these pastors were removed from their membership of the denomination, so they could not attend. Without membership in the denomination, these pastors began a new denomination named Koryu. The founders were committed to the Reformed faith and were those who did not submit to the Shinto shrine worship. The founders of both the denomination and the seminary included Rev. Bruce Hunt, Rev. Sang Dong Han, the leaders of the repentance movement, and Rev. Yune Sun Park, whose scholarship and piety were acknowledged by all Korean Christians. Dr. Kun Sam Lee, the previous president of Evangelia University, was one of the early faculty members of the Korea Theological Seminary. Eventually, the seminary and the denomination adopted the name Kosin. Thus, the Kosin denomination has a history akin to that of the French Huguenots and the English Puritans, who, at the cost of their lives, have strived throughout history to maintain the purity of doctrine and life. It is in the light of such a beginning that the Kosin denomination has valued and strived to preserve the spirit of martyrdom to this day.
In 1995, Dr. Kun Sam Lee founded the Korean Theological Seminary in California. In 1998, it merged with Pacific Baptist University, which was founded in 1992 and sought to establish a theological seminary for training ministers to fill the growing demand for bilingual pastors for the rapidly expanding Asian-American churches in the United States. The uniqueness of such an institution was its vision to serve as a bridge between the East and the West, academically, missiologically, and ministerially. It would meet the increasing challenge of studying and applying Scripture contextually. Furthermore, it would both equip students from the States to be sent abroad and train students from abroad to serve in the States. Finally, it would train students to serve in bi- or multi-lingual congregations in a world that is increasingly becoming multiethnic.
In 1999, the seminary changed its name to Evangelia University to reflect the vision of bringing the Gospel to the entire world. Under Dr. Kun Sam Lee’s leadership and the seminary’s affiliation with the Kosin denomination, Evangelia developed its Reformed identity and vision. With such a heritage and foundation, Evangelia has built a reputation for providing both sound and rigorous theological training and developing a purity of heart among students. More recently, with the help of donors, Evangelia has been able to implement its vision of providing an excellent Christian and classical education at the undergraduate level and an improved Reformed education at the seminary level. Furthermore, plans are underway to improve our current library and establish a mission center.
In 2008, under the new leadership of President Dr. David H. Shin, Evangelia University became a Candidate Member of the TRACS. As a Candidate Member, Evangelia University developed strategic plans to enhance its institutional operation and systematically implemented those plans.
In April 2012, EU became a full member of TRACS and grants undergraduate and graduate degrees approved and accredited by BPPE and TRACS (BABS, MDiv, MACE, MAR). In November 2012, the Commission on TRACS also approved the Doctor of Ministry program and Distance Education. In 2013, the LA Teaching Site was approved by the TRACS Accreditation Commission to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In 2017, EU was awarded Reaffirmation I status as a Category IV level institution (approved to award through the doctoral level) by the TRACS Accreditation Commission, which is effective for a period of ten years (2017-2027). EU was also approved to offer EdD, MACE, and MAICS by the Commission of TRACS. In the same year, EU was also granted associate membership with the ATS. Since the Fall of 2018, MAR & MDiv courses have been offered in English. B.A. courses have been offered in English since the Fall of 2020.
In 2019, Dr. Sungsoo Kim was appointed as the third President of EU. Under his leadership, EU is making significant changes to strengthen its academic research functions, focus more on field-based student learning and formation, and equip Christian leaders in the Third World to advance its mission. The English program now has students enrolled from Ghana, Uganda, Mongolia, and East Asian countries.
In 2021, EU was granted the TRACS approval to offer the DICS (DMiss) to equip missionary leaders in many different parts of the globe.
In2021,EUconductedaninstitutionalSelf-Studyaspartoftheaccreditationprocess for full membership with ATS. In the same year, the Maryland Higher Education Commission authorized EU to offer the MAR, MDiv, and DMin degrees at Garden Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Maryland. The TRACS Accreditation Commission approved the Maryland Teaching Site for providing the degrees.
In June 2022, ATS granted EU accreditation for five years, with the subsequent comprehensive evaluation taking place in spring 2027. The degrees covered by this five-year accreditation include MDiv, MA in Christian Education, MA in Religion, DMin, and EdD in Christian Ministry.
In 2023, EU closed its teaching sites in Los Angeles, California, and Columbia, Maryland.
In 2024, Dr. Jong Kuk Kim was appointed as the fourth President of EU.
As a fully accredited institution, EU continuously improves its education and operation to achieve its vision and mission.
