Jonathan Chao’s vision for ministry and theological training in China began when he enrolled at Westminster in 1966. Along with a group of classmates, he saw a need for evangelism efforts in China led by Chinese church leaders, which led him to establish the China Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong. To inform his work, he started the Chinese Church Research Center in 1977, which reported on the Chinese church and developed ministries to support it. The growth of CGST and CCRC led Chao to found the Chinese Mission Seminary with a threefold vision for China: evangelization of the Chinese people, “kingdomization” of the Chinese church, and Christianization of Chinese culture. He also created China Ministries International, a mission body designed to recruit, train, and send missionaries to China. Through all his pursuits, Chao enabled profound transformation of China’s underground church—equipping leaders and believers to embrace the timeless truths of Scripture and invite others to do the same.

Dave Powlison was born in 1949 in Honolulu, Hawaii. From there, he went on to study at Harvard University, graduating with a degree in Social Relations in 1971. Upon graduating, he worked as an occupational therapist and the a mental health worker at psychiatric hospitals. It was during this time, at the age of 25, that he was radically and unexpectedly converted to Christ through the efforts of his best friend and roommate. In 1976 he enrolled in the MDiv program at Westminster where he was trained as a specialist in the Bible, graduating in 1980. Once he graduated from the seminary he began writing and counseling at CCEF and became a longstanding visiting/adjunct professor at WTS. Powlison went on to become the president of CCEF and published multiple biblical counseling works.   Powlison used the theological expertise that he acquired from Westminster to craft and hone a more thoroughly faithful method of biblical counseling which has come to define the approach at WTS, CCEF, and the biblical counseling movement as a whole.

Dr. Reeder served at Christ Covenant for seventeen years, seeing God grow the congregation from thirty-four core members to over 3,000 by his departure in 1999. During this time, Harry graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia (Master of Divinity), and Reformed Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry).

Harry's journey at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church as a senior pastor began in 1999, following in the footsteps of his lifelong mentor and friend, Dr. Frank Barker, where he served as Senior Pastor for twenty-four years. Under his leadership, the congregation flourished, and the church became a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for the lost. His profound sermons, filled with biblical truth and practical application, inspired, and transformed the lives of many, guiding them on their spiritual journeys. Harry also conceived of and lead the Embers to a Flame (now Lampstand) Conference for church vitality and revitalization for over 30 years, helping countless churches grow in biblical church health.

Beyond the walls of the church, Harry was a tireless advocate for truth, justice, mercy, and compassion. He believed in the power of the Gospel to bring about societal change and actively worked to see the gospel impact the culture around him. He was indefatigable in his work for the sanctity of life, theological education, church revitalization, and leadership training.

Rob Pacienza serves as a Senior Fellow in the Center for the American Dream at AFPI. He is also the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, founded by Dr. D. James Kennedy. Pacienza grew up under the ministry of Dr. Kennedy and was mentored by him throughout high school and college. He graduated from Samford University with a BA in religion and from Knox Seminary with a master’s in divinity. He received his doctorate at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pacienza’s doctorate project focused on developing a discipleship plan that prepares the Church to recapture its prophetic voice in the public square. He has a passion for seeing the Church equip gospel-centered, culture-shaping Christians who build the city of God in the midst of the city of man. Rob is married to Jennifer, and they have two children, Preston and Lydia.