Interview with San Ysidro Campus Pastor: Travis Gibson

by Vittoria Allen | April 29, 2016

We sat down with Travis Gibson to find out a little more about him and his journey to becoming to Campus Pastor of San Ysidro! 

When and how did you become a Christian?

I was raised in a Christian home, but I remember really surrendering my life to Jesus at age 17. I fell on my knees outside my house and cried out to God. I clearly remember something touch my left shoulder while my head was down. It scared me so bad I ran inside the house. My life was never the same. 

What is your history with Rock Church? 

I started attending in 2007 with a friend who invited me to check out the college ministry. We loved it. I started volunteering, then became a ministry leader for the college ministry. Later I did a 1-year internship and that led me to to serve on the Pastoral Support Team. I was hired in 2013 as an Associate Campus Pastor at Rock Church East County. In 2014 I was called to South San Diego and I became the Campus Pastor for what is now Rock Church San Ysidro! 

Tell me about when you met your wife!

I met my wife at the Rock Church...that should be a bumper sticker by the way! I saw her walking to church holding her Bible and rolled up on her and walked her to the college ministry where we both were headed. She could hardly resist me and I told her to calm down because I was feeling uncomfortable (this isn't true at all.) It took me years to get this girl so I finally put a ring on it in 2012. 

What is your favorite thing about Vanesa? 

She is a joy to be around and she can light up any room she walks in. I feel her joy and everyone around her is more filled and loved because of her spirit that God gave her. Plus she's pretty smokin hot...I didn't want to state the obvious.

You and Vanesa just welcomed your first little girl into the family! What has your experience as a dad taught you so far? 

I don't sleep, I sometimes don't eat, I don't go to the gym anymore, my time is now "whatever the baby wants time." I've learned that as humans we have been designed by God to give our lives away on behalf of another. When I got married I learned this principle. As a new father it's even more magnified; and then I'm reminded that I was made in the image and likeness of "our" creator. He showed us and still shows us how to give your life for another. 

How did you come to be in ministry? Did you always imagine becoming a pastor?

I always imagined becoming a leader and influencer of people. I never thought pastor, but it is absolutely the joy of my life to serve Jesus. 

Were you shocked when you were asked to become San Ysidro’s Campus Pastor? 

Yes and no. I'm still very young. I was only 30 when I started. The immediate feeling of being UNQUALIFIED raced over me. But, my prayers have always been that God would use me to do something so incredible that when people saw it, they would know it had to be God. God doesn't call the QUALIFIED, He QUALIFIES those He calls. 

How have you seen God moving in that community? 

I've seen people healed, marriages reconciled, the broken hearted comforted and many individuals give their lives to Jesus. God is moving in the South County...and now almost 2 years in, I really believe we are just getting started. 

Do you have a favorite Bible passage?

Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What does “me” time look like for you?

Going to the gym or playing golf.

If you weren’t a pastor, what would you be? 

Probably a small business owner waiting to get on Shark Tank. 

Would you choose the ability to fly or breathe underwater? 

Fly...water is cold and the ocean is scary #aintnobodygottimeforthat 

If you could pick one thing to share that people probably don’t know about you, what would it be? 

I dropped out of college at SDSU after my third year; I thought I was on my way to success in the business world. Later, after meeting my wife I found out she was earning her masters degree. I told myself "oh heck no" and I went back to school and finished my bachelors degree because of her. 

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