DAVID GRANT GALLAGHER

About Us:

MEET DAVID

David Grant Gallagher is a leader with a global vision for compassionate ministry and evangelism.

In a world rapidly moving away from God and from biblical truths that bring about life-changes that produce positive influences in society, David is creating devotionals and messages online that will focus peoples' hearts and minds on their need for God. The devotionals will be conversational in the way that a loving father would speak to his children to plant biblical moral truths in them that will shape their character and bring them success and peace in their day-to-day living.

David’s unique gift in bringing practical applications to the Bible through real-life stories and experiences, has helped thousands of people to grow and flourish in their spiritual and emotional lives. David believes that scriptural truths should reach peoples’ heads (their intellect) as well as their hearts.

FAMILY

David is the proud father of two girls, Diana and Belle. David first became a father at the age of 49 while serving as a missionary in Kenya. When they came into David’s home, Diana was 5 months old and Belle was 29 days old. Each of David’s daughters were rescued from circumstances that had put both of their lives at risk.

Diana and Belle are the joy of David’s life. They’re the inspiration for his book Our Daddy Who Art In Heaven: God Is Closer Than You Think.

David’s family also includes his Mom, Gerry (now 95 years young!) and his sisters Debbie and Kerry.

EDUCATION

Master of Biblical Studies Program, 1992 – 1 year
Multnomah Seminary, Portland, OR

Bachelor of Theology, 1985
L.I.F.E. Bible College, Los Angeles, CA

Associate of Arts Biblical Theology, 1984
Christ For The Nations Institute, Dallas, TX

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, 1982
Portland State University, Portland, OR

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2003–2018, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Open Arms International

  • Established offices in Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Manchester, England; Eldoret, Kenya

  • Established Open Arms International as a registered charity in the US, UK & Kenya

  • Served as board chairman in US, UK & Kenya from 2003 – 2010

  • Directed ministry aspects of Open Arms International including church planting and evangelism

1999–2003, Festival Director, Luis Palau Evangelistic Association, Beaverton, OR

  • Mobilized city-wide business and church communities in preparation for Luis Palau evangelistic festivals

  • Oversaw the fundraising and management of multi-million dollar festival budgets

1992–1998, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of LightSide, Inc.

  • Executive Producer and Host of the television program Night Light

  • Night Light was syndicated in 70 cities around the United States

1987–1992, Associate Pastor, Beaverton Foursquare Church, Beaverton, OR

  • One of 12 associate pastors at the 7,000 member church

  • Served in all departments as needed

  • Worship leader and teacher

Additional Experience:

David is the author of the book Our Daddy Who Art In Heaven: God Is Closer Than You Think.

He is the founder of the Portland Good Friday Breakfast – the largest annual Christian event in Portland, Oregon with an average attendance of 1,200 people.

David is a conference speaker and also a guest speaker at churches and other civic events.

David’s Top Five Strengths from Strengths Finder:

  • Strategic

  • Futuristic

  • Maximizer

  • Adaptability

  • Connectedness