Dr. John K. Chang
– A Brief Life Sketch
John K. Chang entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 22, 2025. John was born in Shanghai, China where he lived until the Communist takeover, eventually settling with his parents and siblings in Indonesia. He later moved to the U.S. to further his academic training, earning an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and then Master's and PhD degrees in Economics from the University of Maryland and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, respectively. In 1996, Biola University awarded him an honorary LL.D. degree for his contribution to the worldwide Chinese Church.
He began his professional career as a tenured professor of Economics at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. In 1970, he accepted a position as Senior Economist with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a leading multilateral organization in Manila, Philippines, where he worked for nearly 20 years, helping Asian governments develop infrastructure projects to eradicate hunger and poverty. During this period, John also established and served as Executive Director of the Chinese Christian Mission (CCM) Manila office and preached in Chinese churches globally supporting CCM's vision of pooling together Chinese churches and Christians worldwide to reach our own kinsmen with the good news and learn about God's love for them.
John would later serve as CCM's representative for the Eastern United States and Associate General Secretary (AGS) of CCM's headquarters. During his tenure as AGS, he was primarily responsible for mission resources, public relations, and finances. John eventually took early retirement in 1989 from his position at ADB to pursue his lifetime passion of serving in Christian missions.
John served as the Associate General Secretary of Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelization (CCCOWE) and helped coordinate the 4th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization in Manila. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the U.S. in 1991 with his family, settling in Naperville, Illinois, where he assumed responsibilities as the Deputy International Director–Network of Gospel Operation International (GOI) until his retirement in 2011. He remained active as Treasurer after he retired. He most recently served with Chinese Strategy Alliance (CSA) as Consultant. John was a gifted preacher and continued to faithfully preach and teach at churches and conferences in the latter years. John's lifelong commitment to Christian mission ministries extend beyond the Chinese community where he also served on the Board of Directors of SEND International.
John devoted his life to studying the overall trend of world history, industrial development, and economic growth believing it accompanied global church revival and the rise of Christian civilization. As he once wrote in China Source, “God is Lord of history. The development of world history is part of His plan. He is the King of kings, the Lord reigning over the fate of each nation. As Psalm 103:19 says, “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” He devoted his life to mobilizing churches for global missions in fulfilling the Great Commission. His lifelong passion to serve God is reflected in this motto: “My Utmost for His Highest.”
John loved his family and is survived by his wife Rita D. Chang of 62 years, four children Ruth (and Shu-Chih) Lin, Joyce Ward, Grace Chang, and Joseph Chang, as well as six grandchildren (Sarah, Nathan, Rachel, Jonathan, Naomi, and Nicholas). He is also survived by one brother (John V. Chang) and sister (Jean Chang).
Condolences & Remembrance
Acknowledgement
Dr. Chang’s family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who, during this period, have shown care through prayers, words of comfort, flowers, cards, offerings, and participation in the memorial service.
We are especially thankful to the coworkers of Gospel Operations International, as well as to Rev. Johnny Wong, Rev. Stephen Ho, Rev. Kezia Lai, Rev. Lambert Lee, Rev. Scott Kwan, Elder Fred Hickernell, Sister Yan Sun, the WCAC Mandarin Worship Team, AV Team, Care & Ushering Team, and the combined choir consisting of the Chicago Christian Chorale, CCMC Choir, and WCACMandarin Choir. Your service is not only a deep remembrance of Dr. Chang, but also a comfort to the family and a beautiful testimony to the Lord.
At the same time, we gratefully remember the institutions and churches that Dr. Chang devoted his life to serving and loving: the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Chinese Christian Mission (CCM), Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism (CCCOWE), Gospel Operations International (GOI), Chinese Strategy Alliance (CSA), SEND International, Biola University, Hong Kong Alliance Bible Seminary, as well as Chinese Christian Mandarin Church and Wheaton Chinese Alliance Church, The tributes and care expressed by these organizations and churches have been a tremendous encouragement and support to the family.
Lastly, to all the brothers and sisters who have faithfully supported not only Dr. Chang but his wife of 62 years, Mrs. Rita Chang. We thank everyone for their continued prayers, support and loving concern throughout the years and especially over the course of the last year or so.
May our Lord Jesus Christ richly bless each one of you for your love and kindness for Dr. Chang’s family.
In memory of Dr. John K. Chang,
donations may be made to the following organizations:
Memorial
Messages
Dear brothers, sisters, and friends: Dr. Chang faithfully served the Lord and was passionate about missions, becoming a great blessing to many. We warmly invite you to share your memories, gratitude, and reflections below. Your words will not only bring comfort to his family but also serve as encouragement and testimony for all of us in Christ.
