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James D. Gailliard
For over 25 years, Pastor James D. Gailliard has answered the call to shepherd and serve—first as the organizing Senior Pastor of Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount, and then as your voice in the North Carolina General Assembly. His journey from planting a 14-person congregation to building one of America's 100 fastest-growing churches mirrors his commitment to turning vision into reality for working families across our district.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about people.
James D. Gailliard
Political Leader
Pastoral Leadership That Transforms Communities
As Senior Pastor of Word Tabernacle Church, Pastor Gailliard has shepherded a ministry that now impacts thousands of families across 35 North Carolina counties and reaches internationally. Under his leadership, the church transformed a former 110,000 sq. ft. Home Depot into a thriving community hub—the largest building re-use project of its kind in North Carolina. This represents more than renovation; it’s community reclamation at its finest.
Historic Legislative Leadership
Pastor Gailliard made history as the first person of color elected to represent North Carolina House District 25, serving two terms with distinction. His legislative work focused on the issues that matter most to working families: criminal justice reform, educational equity, and economic opportunity. He brought both pastoral wisdom and policy expertise to Raleigh, serving on critical commissions including the Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice and the DRIVE Task Force for educational inclusion.
Community Impact Beyond the Pulpit
His commitment to systemic change extends through multiple leadership roles:
- Commissioner of MyFutureNC, co-developing North Carolina’s statewide educational attainment goals.
- Founder and Chairman of The REACH Center, Inc.
- Trustee of Elizabeth City State University.
- Principal of Impact
A Voice for Our Times
As an inductee of the Morehouse College Board of Preachers and sought-after speaker, Pastor Gailliard brings prophetic clarity to today's challenges. His work has been featured in Facts & Trends, Church Executive, and Business North Carolina.
Husband, father, grandfather, and servant-leader—James D. Gailliard continues to lead with the same compassion, conviction, and courage that built a thriving church and delivered results in the legislature. Because when all may thrive, our communities are stronger.
Recognition for Service
Pastor Gailliard’s lifelong dedication has earned him the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s a Fellow of the NC Institute of Political Leadership and former Chairman of the Board for the NC Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.
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