5 Questions with Dave Gibbons

I’ve been following Dave Gibbons for several years. He leads Newsong based in Irvine, California. The church is literally influencing the world. You may not know his story, but you should.

Over the last several years, I’ve had a chance to meet with him face-to-face, share a platform with him, visit his church, and all I can say is he’s one of the most genuine and kind-hearted individuals I’ve ever met. Because of that, he’s earned my respect for his thoughts on ministry and our future as the body of Christ. With that, I think you’ll enjoy this interview:

TONY: For those that don’t know you, will you share a bit of your story?

DAVE: Bi-cultural background. East and West convergence of cultures. Love working with misfit leaders in the margins of societies. Passionate about developing church without walls where EVERYONE PLAYS. We are one church multiple locations in Bangkok, California, Texas, London, Mexico City, India and soon China and Korea. All different sizes from mega to verge to organic. Also, have a love for the arts and business. Developing several cool and fun innovations that are finance, art and technology related.

TONY: It must really stink having to pastor a church based in SoCal. Are you hanging in there?

DAVE: Yeah, it’s rough especially during the frigid winter.  The 75 degree temperatures and the need for sunblock can drive you crazy! Are you kidding, I love SoCal. It’s a great gateway to the world as well as a cultural playground. Where else could you have the “Terminator” as your governor, immigrants hiding from border patrol agents, the Los Angeles Lakers and Chinese revolutionaries in your backyard?

TONY: What’s the premise behind your new book, The Monkey and the Fish?

DAVE: Simply, in two words: PAINFUL ADAPTATION.

We’re in the middle of a long-term recession and a potential global depression. The reality of economic hardships and powers shifts are now upon us. The rules have changed. Simple solutions and pat answers are not enough to deal with these rapidly changing times. The church has to adapt. But how? There are questions and principles that can allow the Church to shine during one of the greatest opportunities in history.

TONY: How does that impact me?

DAVE: If you don’t adapt, you’re dead. Just like the U.S. auto industry’s failure to adapt “green” cars. Their slowness and unwillingness to change has brought them to the brink of bankruptcy and a loss of followers. The church is in the same place. Unless we develop new mindsets, forms, collaborations and language we’re stuck in a primitive time warp that will lead us further into cultural irrelevancy It’s like everyone is speaking English but we’re still speaking the language of Klingons. The gospel stays the same but how we carry out the communication of it changes. Just the issue of multiple languages supports this. The new mantra: Fuel the fringe. Honor the past.

TONY: You are a futurist. I’m always challenged by thoughts about what’s next? So, what’s next?

DAVE: Tribalism will increase. Uprisings especially among the poor in the world. Potential global economic depression. Further devaluation of the U.S. dollar. Terrorist attack in a major U.S. city. Rise of brilliant theology emerging from the third world, rooted in pain, suffering, collaboration and beauty. More church layoffs and downsizing yet at the same time greater clarity for the church. Scarcity brings clarity. North Korea wall falls. Eastern art, design, film and music will become increasingly a major force in culture. Instead of the church focused on one form or style of church (multi-sites, organic, emergent or whatever), it’s about multiple forms, hybrids, mergers, questions. China, Southeast Asia and India will continue to grow in economic, military, religious and political influence and strength. Greater eastern influence in western culture and conversations. Third-culture leaders will continue to emerge as the next generation of global, movement leaders in the arts, business and religion.

This will give you a sense of what to anticipate in Dave’s writings. It’s challenging. But it’s also filled with hope. If you are ready to see the world through new eyes, you should check out The Monkey and the Fish.