David C. Needham was an American theologian, pastor, and educator whose career centered on teaching and Christian ministry. Raised in California, he studied at Westmont College before continuing his theological training at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he prepared for pastoral service. He began ministry as director of youth and Christian education at Vista Community Church and later became pastor of Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Laguna Beach. In 1963 he joined the faculty of Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, where he taught theology for forty-four years and eventually became professor emeritus. Needham also taught adult Bible classes and authored several theological books, including Birthright, Close to His Majesty, Alive for the First Time, and How Does it Look From the Top of the Wall.