It is with great sadness that AC shares the news of the passing of Rev Professor David Kwon, former Dean of the School of Korean Studies, on the evening of Thursday, 27 August.
David Kwon was a humble and faithful servant of God who rarely drew attention to his own achievements. His desire was that God would be glorified through his life and ministry. As we mourn his passing, we give thanks for his remarkable legacy and for all that was accomplished through more than 30 years of ministry and service in Sydney.
In 1994, David Kwon established the School of Korean Language at AC’s campus in Chester Hill, Sydney. Eighty students enrolled in the first year. Under his leadership, the School grew into what is now AC’s School of Korean Studies, offering academic programs from associate degrees through to the DMin and PhD. By 2026, more than 1,500 students have graduated from these Korean-language programs. Through his teaching in areas including Pastoral Theology and Research Methodology, he equipped and mentored generations of Christian pastors and leaders. Many within AC’s Korean community will remember him as a devoted teacher, pastor and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. In recognition of his longstanding contribution to AC, he was named a Professorial Fellow in 2023.
David Kwon also served as President of the International Multicultural Mission General Assembly (국제다문화선교총회), a denomination affiliated with the Korea Conservative Christian Council. In this role, he provided leadership and oversight to pastors, and prayed faithfully for the growth of multicultural ministry in Australia.
Professor Kwon’s contribution to AC, the Korean Christian community, and the wider church has been profound. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students and the many people whose lives were shaped by his teaching and ministry.
We give thanks to God for his life and his many years of faithful service. Our prayers are with his family and all who mourn at this time. A funeral service will be held at 10am on 3 September in the Sydney Full Gospel Church, 204 Waterloo Road, Greenacre. This will be followed by a burial service at 12pm at Castlebrook Memorial Park, 712 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.
