Dave Guiles

“I believe we are stronger, healthier, and more effective to the degree we pray for one another, bless one another, and serve one another.” 

  • Location: Atlanta, GA (USA) 

  • Summary of Ministry: International Coordinator of the Charis Alliance 

  • Bio: Dave was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), and grew up in the home of a pastor very committed to planting new churches. At age 16, he committed his life to serving Christ, which ultimately led him to study at Grace College (1978-1982) and Grace Seminary (1982-1987). During that time, he was married to Sue, and three of their four children were born. 

From 1988-2000, Dave and Sue lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, focusing on evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and training church planters. Dave also served as Regional Coordinator for Latin America for Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM). 

They returned to the USA in 2000 so Dave could serve as Executive Director of GBIM, which later changed its name to Encompass World Partners. His priority was to lead the mission into a new era of global impact and partnership. Sue developed a ministry of intercessory prayer and hospitality. 

In late 2023, Dave transferred leadership of Encompass to a new Executive Director and accepted the challenge of leading the 20+ countries of the global Charis Alliance into a new chapter of cooperation in planting churches, training leaders, and blessing communities.  

Dave has an MDiv degree from Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN) and an DMin from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Chicago, IL). He is the author of three books on mobilization and missions: Discovering Global Missions, Mobilizing the Mobilizers, and Press On! What the Missionary Journeys of James Gribble teach us about prayer, perseverance, and the ultimate prize. His current book projects include studies on interdependence (how should local churches related to one another?) and on race issues in the Charis Fellowship. 

Dave and Sue have four married children and seven grandchildren. 

  • Why I Believe in the Charis Alliance: “"I believe Jesus designed local churches to be autonomous (to govern their own internal affairs) yet incomplete (unable to fully enjoy His blessings apart from other local churches). I believe we are stronger, healthier, and more effective to the degree we pray for one another, bless one another, and serve one another." 

  • How You Can Contact Me: daveguiles@charisalliance.org