James Gailliard

James David Gailliard (born January 9, 1965) in North Philadelphia is senior pastor and CEO of Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and a Democratic member of the North Carolina Assembly representing the State's 25th House district. After graduating from the nationally acclaimed Central High School for Boys, he matriculated to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, where he was on both Honor Roll and Dean's List, and St. Joseph's University. James Gailliard has dedicated the past 20 years to human, economic and community development in North America and South Africa. In 2005, he started a church plant of 14 people which has grown to a mega-church serving thousands of families from ten North Carolina counties and six Virginia counties. James Gailliard has become a pastor to pastors frequently consulting in the areas of church planting, church growth, community development, social programming, men's ministry, and leadership development.

In 2013, Word Tabernacle was named one of the 100 fastest growing churches in America.[1] The church is housed in a 110,000 sq.ft. former Home Depot now called The Impact Center, providing a place, programs, partnerships and paradigms that enable people to progress. The Impact Center along with an additional 66-acre parcel of property is going through a multi-million dollar conversion which will collectively house a 2,000+ seat performing arts center/sanctuary, classrooms, recreation and banquet facilities, offices, and businesses. Upon completion, it's projected to create 75 new jobs and $10 million in annual economic impact to the twin county region.

Perhaps best known for his relevant Biblical teaching which develops the whole person, Pastor Gailliard integrates the proclamation of the gospel with intense social ministry implemented through nine centers: Leadership Development & Capacity Building, C3 Success (Childhood, College and Career), Culinary Arts, Community and Collaboration, Faith and Family, Health and Wellness, Media and Broadcast, Performing Arts and Worship, and Business Operations. The church was built on the premise that transformation is a matter of both proclamation and demonstration, and that justification and justice are touched by the same message. Many of the church's programs have become best practices in the faith community.

James Gailliard is also the founder of The Reach Center which exists to equip individuals to secure gainful employment, prevent homelessness, and break the cycle of violence through education, skills development, and connections to community resources.

In 2016, he was named the Distinguished Citizen by the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce. Also, in 2016, he was abducted into the Board of Preachers of Morehouse College.

James Gailliard's work has been featured in publications such as Fact & Trends, Church Executive, Business North Carolina, and many national and local newspapers. His personal website, James D. Gailliard, "Helping People and Places Thrive" and his podcast, Orthos: Straight Talk with James D. Gailliard brings prominence to areas of pastoral leadership, personal development and political policy. His personal blog encompasses an array of areas featuring topics such as The Economic Impact of the Church, Lessons on the Loss of a Son, A Pastor's Perspective on Ferguson, Missouri, 15 Life Lessons from Frozen, and so many other subjects that provide information for individual advancement and betterment. His podcast, Orthos also delivers a weekly expository Bible Study.

His community involvements includes: Board of Directors, Kiwanis Club, Board of Visitors, Shaw University, Fellow, North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, Former Boards, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, Tar River United Way, and Tar River Mission Clinic.