InterVarsity's Graduate & Faculty Ministries (GFM) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Chao as the National Director for the Religious & Theological Studies Fellowship (RTSF). Recognizing the need for spiritual formation, mentoring, and community among evangelical scholars, RTSF exists to equip the next generation of church leaders and biblical and theological scholars at graduate programs, divinity schools, and seminaries.

David completed his undergraduate degree at Yale University and received his Masters of Divinity from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has extensive experience in religious publishing though his work at Westminster John Knox Press (PCUSA) in Louisville, Kentucky, and recently as an Acquisitions Editor at the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group. David has also held several pastoral positions and is currently an active member at the National Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).

We asked David a few questions to help you get to know him better. Please join us in welcoming him!

Why did you decide to join InterVarsity as the National Director of InterVarsity’s Religious & Theological Studies Fellowship?

Several reasons. I am passionate about theological education and strongly identify with the Graduate & Faculty Ministries' mission of impacting the next generation of Christian scholars, professionals, and church leaders.

I attended InterVarsity's last National Staff Conference as a staff prospect and was struck by the depth, substance, and ease with which I engaged GFM staff in relationship. Even though I was a stranger, I felt a strong connection with the GFM community and its vision and values — a connection that is rare.

As I prepared for Sunday worship at the conference, I realized that over the last fifteen years of my life, my journey has been wonderful preparation for joining GFM and providing leadership for RTSF. Each chapter in my story has given me a set of skills, experiences, networks, and knowledge that have equipped me for this work. It is a privilege knowing that this ministry will impact the next generation of church leaders and religion scholars!

How can we be praying for you in the early stages of your work?

Pray that God would continue to give me a strong sense of mission and calling to serve through RTSF. My deep desire is to be dependent upon God to do his work according to his plan, timetable, and power. I also ask for encouragement and faith through the fund-development process.

What is your favorite book (all time or at the moment)?

I appreciate books that are written with theological insight and spiritual depth. In recent memory, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson, The Gospel According to Tolkien by Ralph Wood, and Come, Creator Spirit by Raniero Cantalamessa have fit the bill.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My dad is a research chemist, and I grew up with a lot of exposure to and appreciation for science and saw myself as an engineer or doctor. In fact, I was pre-med in college and thought I was going to be a medical missionary.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I enjoy competitive volleyball (indoor and outdoor), playing tennis, and, of course, reading theology. I also enjoy good coffee, traveling, and being surrounded by nature’s beauty.