EAST’s 31st Commencement: Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Vision

 

On 17 May 2025, East Asia School of Theology (EAST) will celebrate its 31st Commencement Ceremony at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church. This significant milestone will not only mark the graduation of 30 students from eight nations, but also the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) upon Rev Seung-Rock Yoon—a leader whose servant-hearted influence and missionary vision have deeply impacted EAST and the wider Body of Christ.

Celebrating a Vision Fulfilled

The journey of EAST’s Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program began not without challenge. Initial hesitation from senior leadership underscored the weight of launching such an endeavour. Yet, it was through the persistent vision and support of Rev Seung-Rock Yoon, then East Asia Orient Director of Korea Campus Crusade for Christ (KCCC), that the DMin program took root. His catalytic role—both in challenging the vision and in raising the resources necessary—enabled the launch of the inaugural cohort nearly five years ago.

Conferral of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa)

In line with EAST’s tradition of recognising leaders of exemplary spiritual influence and service, the Board of Directors has unanimously approved the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Divinity upon Rev Seung-Rock Yoon.

Rev Yoon’s legacy is marked by humble, transformational leadership over several decades. His ministry within Korea CCC has spanned city-wide movements, campus ministries, pastoral mobilization, international missions, and leadership development. He is widely respected and deeply loved by generations of KCCC staff across Asia who experienced firsthand his pastoral care, mentorship, and commitment to their holistic well-being—even those outside his direct jurisdiction.

His contributions to EAST include not only strategic encouragement but also tangible support—especially in the formation of the DMin program designed to strengthen senior staff for greater kingdom impact.

A Lifetime of Gospel Commitment

Rev Yoon joined Korea CCC in 1975 as a university student. From then on, his ministry expanded across South Korea and the Philippines, where he completed his Master of Divinity at the International School of Theology (now International Graduate School of Leadership). He served in key leadership positions, including Director of the KCCC Mission Department and Area Team Leader of East Asia Orient. In his later years, he founded the International Leadership Foundation, continuing to mobilize and support leaders for the Great Commission.

Even in retirement, Rev Yoon remains passionately engaged in missions, modelling a life of faithful obedience, generosity, and visionary leadership.

He and his wife, Hyunhee, are blessed with two children and a grandson.

A Global Gathering of Graduates

This year’s graduating class reflects the global and multicultural community at EAST:

Master of Divinity – East Asia

Master of Arts – America, India, Mongolia, Singapore

Graduate Diploma – Singapore

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry – Singapore

Partners in Ministry – East Asia, Nepal

East Extension Centres (EEC) – Cambodia, East Asia

With this class of 30, EAST will have conferred academic awards upon a total of 576 graduates since its inception.

A Historic and Hopeful Moment

The 31st Commencement is not only a celebration of academic achievement; it is a testimony to God’s faithfulness, to lives transformed, and to a legacy of leadership that continues to shape the future of missions and ministry across Asia.

We give thanks to God for each graduate, and especially for the life and legacy of Rev Seung-Rock Yoon. May this ceremony inspire all who attend to pursue God’s calling with the same humility, vision, and courage that he has so faithfully embodied.