Dave is a husband and father with the heart of a storyteller. He’s a creative thinker, an author, composer, and inspirer.
David Gipson is most recently the creator of Pollyanna – A New Musical, based on the classic novel by Eleanor H. Porter. It celebrates the spirit of a girl who refuses to give up, no matter what challenges she faces. And in the process, she changes everyone around her for the better.
He’s an award-winning composer, receiving a 2005 BMI award for music written for television. He enjoys full membership in the Dramatists Guild of America, and has written several original musicals that have been produced across the U.S.
But he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty helping people. Dave’s goal is to live a reckless faith, going into challenging places.
– He’s pastored in the Chicago and St Louis inner cities.
– He’s taught and counseled prisoners behind bars
– He’s worked with the homeless in 3 different cities.
– He’s helped the dying in hospice care.
– He’s adopted 5 children and fostered many more.
As a result, Dave has managed to jam-pack the experiences of multiple lifetimes into one singular life.
“When people find out that we’re still raising kids and adopting again after our first kids have grown up, they act like we’re doing something sacrificial. But my wife and I know the secret: this is the most selfish life we could live. A life lived giving yourself away is the happiest life possible! We love saying ‘YES’ to needs around us! We are sopping up every last morsel of joy that God has offered us. We’re leaving none of life’s entrees on the table, no crumbs on our plates.” – Dave
Dave’s also a lover of people. In an age where most people seem to be looking for a fight, Dave enjoys being friends with even those who disagree with him….
“I’ve never won over an enemy, only friends. Therefore, I endeavor to make EVERYONE my friend.”
His ingenuity in reaching people has been highlighted in Ed Stetzer’s book Christians in the Age of Outrage, in articles for Theology Mix, and the Naples Daily News. His last inspirational book The Seven Surprises is in its third printing.
Dave has a Masters from Luther Rice University in Lithonia, GA.
ABOUT DAWN GIPSON…
Dawn has been married to Dave for over 30 years. Not needing the spotlight, she loves helping people behind the scenes.
Dawn has parented 5 children of her own, as well as numerous foster children. She has been a wife and mother in the inner cities of both Chicago and St Louis. If you look closely, you’ll notice that her right leg is handicapped from an auto accident years ago. But since Dawn never seeks sympathy, most people never realize she has any difficulty.
Her incredible endurance and faith is most evident in the fact she’s put up with Dave for so many years!
ABOUT DAVE’S FAMILY…
Dave and Dawn have been married since 1988. Their family is made up of 4 adopted multiracial children (Emily, Micah, Elizabeth, Charlotte Grace) and one biological child (Sarah). In addition, they have fostered approximately 10 children off and on through the past 10 years.
Met a great gentleman today at Bojangles in Huntsville, AL, Terry Gipson. Former Postman. Had a great conversation with him. Said he had son named David that was a Pastor in St. Louis. Searched and thought it might be you.
That would be me, Danny. Thanks for talking to my dad. I know it meant a lot to him!
God bless,
Dave
Hi Dave. Though I’ve had to listen from 3,000 miles away, I was greatly blessed by your sermon, “I’m Not Done Yet”. You are a “God-gifted teacher”. Thank you. Though Covid has shut me down from visiting Moorings Park retirement community as an Avow Hospice Volunteer, you’ve stimulated me to find an assignment until the “home” reopens to volunteers. I return to Naples tomorrow. God bless you, your family and your church, Jeannine Gonzalez.