Dustin Gallup

Lead Pastor

Hometown:

Elkton, Oregon...pupulation 176.  I was the son of a pastor, growing up in the fishbowl.

What's your story?

My father was a pastor growing up so I was practically born in the church nursury.  Most Preacher's Kids (or PK's) have a rough time with their faith growing up cause they're forced to go to church.  My parents always lovingly modeled a consistent life of following Christ and they allowed me the freedom to choose to have a relationship with Jesus.  Throughout my life, I've always been amazed at how Jesus loves us and calls out to us even when our lives are messed up, and at times even against Him.  

I like to simplify and clarify misconceptions people have with God and the church and connect them with the God I've come to know and love.  I also like to bring teams together to help build God's kingdom.  I came to lead New Day in 2008 and have been in full time ministry since 1998.  We've served in Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, SoCal, and Santa Rosa.

Tell me about your family:

I met my beautiful wife Heather in college.  She has a passion for serving God and introducing others to Jesus.  She is full of such wisdom and understanding.  We've been married since 1998.  Highlights of my days are when I get to spend time with her and my son, Judah and daughter, River Sage.

Favorite Local Date Spots:

 Coppola, The Wurst, Sazon, Chinois, Kin.  Therea re so many awesome date spots in Sonoma county, we are truly blessed in that area.

What do you like listening to?

I'm an avid ecclectic music fan.  Most people make fun of my stuff, but it's pretty rockin!

What are you reading?

In addition to the Bible, I usually have 4-5 books in my bag I carry throughout the day.  Leadership stuff, classics.  Authors? AW Tozer, CS Lewis, NT Wright (does every old author have to have innitials in their first name?), Donald Miller (fellow Oregonian!), Andy Stanley, Jim Putman, Steven Pressfield.   

What's your favorite movie?

As far as I'm concerned, the Star Wars series is pretty much the difinitive movie collection.  Pretty much every life lession you need to learn you can get from Star Wars.

What's your favorite TV show?

Pretty rough question...I know once I say Battlestar Galactica, everyone will think I'm a geek.  OK, I am.  30 Rock, Office, Parks & Recreation, SNL.  

Hobbies:

Spending Time With Family, Music, Comic Books, Cooking.

What do you like about Sonoma County:

Enjoying the richness of life with family and friends.  Amazing food, beautiful scenery, close to the city.

What is your favorite season and why?

Summertime, driving through the vineyards with the top down in the Jeep...priceless!

Favorite Thing About New Day:

The people.  And the fact that people can come to New Day and feel God's love for them no matter who they are, what their background, or what they look like.

Favorite Vereses:

 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 ESV

"The thief comes only to steal and kill  destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10 ESV