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Bishop Benjamin Alford Gibert was born on May 1, 1964 (Bishop Benjamin Alford Gibert Obituary – Visitation & Funeral Information). He grew up with a passion for both faith and learning. In his youth, he developed an interest in engineering and leadership – a blend that would later define his unique approach to ministry. Gibert pursued higher education diligently: he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute) and went on to obtain both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) from Stanford University (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books). These notable academic achievements at prestigious institutions gave him a strong foundation in analytical thinking and management. His education wasn’t just for show – he often drew on it to connect biblical principles with practical life skills.
Before stepping into full-time ministry, Ben Gibert built a successful career in the Detroit automotive industry. For over 25 years he worked in management, including executive positions at General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books). Climbing the corporate ladder in Detroit’s Big Three automakers made him a veteran of the auto world. This secular career shaped his perspective greatly. He was known to bring his business acumen into the church, often referencing real-world workplace experiences in his sermons. Gibert’s colleagues from his auto days saw him as a hard-working and visionary leader – the same qualities he’d later channel into pastoring. Balancing faith and a demanding job, he gradually felt a calling to use his corporate leadership skills for a higher purpose. In 2005, after years of volunteering and serving in his local church, he transitioned into pastoral ministry (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books), carrying with him the professionalism and strategic mindset from his time in the marketplace.
Around 2005, Benjamin Gibert became a pastor at Detroit World Outreach (DWO), a prominent nondenominational church based in Redford Township (a suburb of Detroit) (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books). He had been mentored by the founding pastor, the late Pastor Jack Wallace, who reportedly pre-ordained Gibert as his successor. When Pastor Wallace passed away suddenly (on a mission trip to Africa, according to church lore), Pastor Ben – as he was affectionately called – stepped into senior leadership. Gibert was officially installed as Senior Pastor of Detroit World Outreach Christian Center Church in 2005, and later was consecrated as a Bishop in recognition of his leadership role.
From the outset, Bishop Gibert brought energetic vision to DWO. He often sported a sharp, modern style (even being described as a “charismatic, leather-clad leader” in the press (Mammon AND God: What the Detroit News missed in a church’s bitter succession battle — GetReligion)) which symbolized his dynamic approach. Under his guidance, DWO embraced the motto “Real, Relevant, Relational – A Church For All People,” striving to be multicultural and welcoming. Bishop Ben championed the idea of DWO as “a church for all colors”, reflecting the diverse metro Detroit community.
In his years as senior pastor, the church saw considerable activity and growth. Detroit World Outreach had roughly 4,000 members at its peak in the late 2000s (Mammon AND God: What the Detroit News missed in a church’s bitter succession battle — GetReligion), making it one of Metro Detroit’s megachurches. Gibert oversaw the development of a large campus in Redford and even an 11,000-square-foot parsonage home for the ministry (Mammon AND God: What the Detroit News missed in a church’s bitter succession battle — GetReligion). He was hands-on in ministry operations but also a delegator – training up a team of pastors and elders to lead various departments. His wife, Dr. Charisse Gibert, served alongside him in ministry as an “assistant to the pastor,” and together they raised four children (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books) while leading the church as a family. Their partnership modeled a strong family-values ethos to the congregation.
Beyond his own church, Bishop Gibert established and affiliated with broader faith organizations. He founded the Destiny Outreach Ministerial Association (DOMA) – a network to mentor and provide covering for other pastors and ministries (About NOM). Through DOMA and other partnerships, he became a mentor to many younger ministers in the region. (For example, Pastor Karl Todd of New Outlook Ministries honors Bishop Gibert as his mentor and notes that he served under Gibert’s leadership in the Destiny Outreach network (About NOM).) Gibert was also involved in community boards and maintained relationships with local civic leaders, bridging secular and faith arenas. His unique background made him comfortable in both boardrooms and pulpits.
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University; MBA and M.S. from Stanford (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books).
25+ years in the auto industry; held executive roles at GM, Ford, and Chrysler (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books).
Entered pastoral ministry in 2005 (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books); succeeded DWO’s founding pastor (Jack Wallace).
2005–2017: Senior Pastor of Detroit World Outreach Christian Center Church (Redford, MI).
Grew DWO into a diverse megachurch (~4,000 members at peak) (Mammon AND God: What the Detroit News missed in a church’s bitter succession battle — GetReligion); expanded community outreach; mentored emerging pastors via DOMA (About NOM).
Teaching biblical financial & success principles (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books); integrating faith with business (“marketplace ministry”); empowering congregants to fulfill their God-given destiny (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books).
Married to Dr. Charisse Gibert (partner in ministry); the couple had four children (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books).
February 28, 2017 at age 52 (sudden heart attack)
Revered as a visionary faith leader in Detroit; left an enduring impact through his teachings, writings, and the many lives he touched.
Bishop Ben Gibert was especially known for his practical, empowering teachings. Drawing from his business background, he often taught “biblical financial management” and “success principles” with a down-to-earth style. For him, the Bible was a blueprint for thriving in every area of life – spiritually, professionally, and financially. He spent over 30 years teaching what he called “biblical success principles,” emphasizing that faith and diligence go hand-in-hand (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books). For instance, he would encourage people to apply scriptural wisdom in their careers and businesses. In one talk, he highlighted “the importance of applying the Word of God in the business environment,” merging corporate savvy with spiritual insight (Application of the Word of God in Business by Bishop Ben Gibert). This approach resonated with many entrepreneurs and working professionals in his congregation.
A core theme in Gibert’s philosophy was empowerment. He constantly stressed that believers should be “conquerors” in life. In fact, he authored a booklet titled “Confessions for Conquerors” (2013) which contains 14 faith confessions designed to help people speak positively over their circumstances. He firmly believed in the power of words and positive confession: “If we can conquer our mouths, we will conquer every mountain, mission or mistake that comes our way,” he taught (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books). Bishop Ben attributed all his personal success to “the power of the Word of God, the unlimited nature of God’s mercy, and the amazing power of God’s grace” (Confessions for Conquerors – Benjamin Gibert – Google Books) – and he wanted others to experience the same grace in practical ways.
His preaching style was engaging and often laced with humor and real-life anecdotes. Congregants noted that he made complex scripture easy to understand. He was the kind of teacher who could talk about the Prophet Elijah one minute and about improving your credit score the next, tying the two together with a relatable lesson. This “apply the scripture in business” ethos made his messages feel relevant to everyday life. He was also big on empowerment in terms of personal destiny – a frequent refrain at DWO was helping people “accomplish God’s plan for their lives” (About Us – Detroit World Outreach). Whether it was through financial stewardship sermons or motivational series on personal growth, Bishop Gibert’s goal was to see people live abundantly and purposefully, as he believed God intended.
During his tenure, Bishop Gibert either led or actively supported a wide range of ministries at Detroit World Outreach, aiming to serve both the church family and the broader community. Some of the key ministry areas he emphasized include:
In all these areas, Bishop Gibert’s leadership style was marked by hands-on involvement and encouragement. He loved to celebrate others’ successes – whether it was a men’s group completing a study course or the testimony of someone who started a business after applying principles from a sermon. Under his guidance, Detroit World Outreach became a hub of activity: on a typical week, the campus might host a men’s prayer meeting, youth choir rehearsal, a community food bank distribution, and a financial freedom seminar. He often said that the church should be a “one-stop shop” for spiritual and practical needs, and he tried to make DWO just that. This holistic ministry approach left a lasting imprint on countless lives in Detroit.
In early 2017, tragedy struck unexpectedly. On February 28, 2017, Bishop Benjamin A. Gibert passed away suddenly at the age of 52, after suffering a fatal heart attack ( StartCHURCH Blog – Late Pastor’s Widow Arrested During Service ). His untimely death sent shockwaves through the church and the broader faith community. To many congregants, it felt unreal – their energetic, seemingly healthy pastor was there one Sunday and gone the next. There was an outpouring of grief and love from those who knew him. Tributes flooded in as news spread of his passing. Church members took to social media and obituary guestbooks to share how Bishop Ben had impacted their lives. “He gave me my life back through his godly knowledge and teaching,” one member wrote, crediting Gibert’s mentorship with restoring their hope and strength. Others spoke of how he had taught them to “read and understand [their] Bible” and draw closer to God in practical ways (Benjamin Gibert Obituary (1964 – 2017) – Legacy Remembers). These personal testimonies painted a picture of a pastor who wasn’t just preaching on Sundays, but truly transforming lives.
Local Christian radio programs and churches also paid respect. It was clear that Bishop Gibert was widely respected among Detroit clergy. Many pastors remembered him as a generous collaborator – someone who would lend his church building or send volunteers to help other ministries’ events. Several notable ministers in Detroit offered public condolences, highlighting his contributions to unity in the Christian community. A memorial service was held on March 10, 2017, at the Detroit World Outreach campus (Memorial. Services for Bishop… – Sunday Morning Praise | Facebook). Hundreds (if not thousands) attended to celebrate his life. The service was filled with heartfelt eulogies, gospel music, and even some laughter as friends recounted Bishop Ben’s favorite jokes and catchphrases. It truly was a celebration of a life well-lived.
However, amidst the mourning, the situation at Detroit World Outreach grew complicated very quickly. As one observer noted, there was “little time to mourn his passing” because almost immediately an internal conflict arose over the church’s leadership and assets ( StartCHURCH Blog – Late Pastor’s Widow Arrested During Service ). This sudden feud, just days after his death, caught the public’s attention and in some ways overshadowed the tributes. Nonetheless, the legacy of love and respect for Bishop Gibert remained a strong undercurrent. On a personal level, people remembered him as a warm, approachable man of God who made time for anyone in need. His death was a significant loss for the Detroit faith community, and it prompted many to reflect on the lasting impact of his ministry.
Despite the turbulent end to his tenure, Bishop Benjamin Gibert’s legacy in the Detroit faith community remains significant and largely positive. He is remembered first and foremost as a visionary pastor and teacher who cared deeply about empowering people. The tens of thousands of lives he touched through DWO and beyond are a testament to that. Many local pastors and leaders today trace part of their ministry DNA back to Bishop Ben. They recall how he mentored them, gave them opportunities, or simply inspired them by example. Pastor Karl Todd (mentioned earlier) is one such example – he honors Bishop Gibert as a mentor who helped shape his approach to ministry (About NOM). There are numerous other protégés and spiritual sons and daughters of “Bishop Ben” serving in churches across Michigan, carrying forward pieces of his teaching and style.
For the everyday people in the pews, Bishop Gibert’s influence is seen in how they live out their faith in practical ways. Congregants who sat under his teaching for years often testify that they manage their finances differently now – budgeting, saving, and giving with wisdom – because of what they learned from him. Others mention that they stepped up as entrepreneurs, or pursued further education, or reconciled with family, because Bishop Ben challenged them to excel and not settle for mediocrity. His emphasis on speaking positive words left many with a habit of confession and optimism. Even years after his passing, you might hear a DWO member repeat one of his favorite scriptural affirmations when facing a challenge, effectively echoing his voice. In this way, his teachings continue to live on in the hearts of those he taught.
Within Detroit’s Christian community, Bishop Gibert also left a legacy of bridge-building and collaboration. He was one of the prominent Black clergy in Metro Detroit who was willing to partner across denominational and racial lines. He hosted joint services and was involved in citywide prayer initiatives, helping to break down barriers between churches. Some credit him for advancing the idea that a church can be both Spirit-filled and practically minded – DWO under his leadership was charismatic in worship (emphasizing the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, etc. (Mammon AND God: What the Detroit News missed in a church’s bitter succession battle — GetReligion)) while also being extremely organized and socially active. This model influenced other ministries to be “both/and” rather than “either/or” in terms of spiritual fervor and community engagement.
Another aspect of his legacy is the impact of his written works and media. “Confessions for Conquerors”, though a short book, has circulated in various churches as a tool for small group study on the power of words. The principles he taught about success and faith have been quoted in seminars and even referenced in a few Christian business books. In the digital realm, recordings of Bishop Ben’s sermons still float around on YouTube and church websites, continuing to encourage viewers. For example, his message on marketplace ministry (applying God’s Word at work) (Application of the Word of God in Business by Bishop Ben Gibert) still gets shared among Christian professionals looking for guidance on integrating faith and career. In this sense, Bishop Gibert’s influence extends beyond his physical lifetime through these resources.
Detroit World Outreach itself, although it went through hardship, is also part of his legacy. The church continues on under new leadership, and in recent years it has worked to stabilize and rebuild. The fact that DWO is still standing and serving people can be traced back to the strong foundation Bishop Ben helped lay – a foundation of solid Bible teaching, diversity, and community outreach. Those values did not die with him. The new pastors have often reiterated the same mission statement he crafted: impact the world by making disciples, empowering them to fulfill God’s plan. In essence, his vision still guides the ship, even if he’s no longer at the helm.
Lastly, in the broader context of Detroit’s revival and challenges, Bishop Benjamin Gibert’s legacy is one of hope and empowerment. He often spoke faith over the city of Detroit during its toughest times (like the bankruptcy era and economic downturns). He encouraged his congregation to invest in the city, to love their neighbors, and to believe that Detroit’s best days were ahead. This hopeful outlook was contagious. Many credit Bishop Ben with sparking in them a love for their city and a sense of personal responsibility to be “Detroit world outreaches” themselves – meaning, to reach out to their world, starting with their local community. Such an ethos has ripple effects that are hard to quantify but very real.
In conclusion, Bishop Benjamin A. Gibert is fondly remembered as a pastor, teacher, and leader who merged the sacred and the secular in meaningful ways. From the boardroom to the pulpit, he lived out an example of faithful service. His early departure was mourned deeply, but the seeds he planted continue to bear fruit. Whether it’s through the financial freedom someone attained using his advice, a pastor he mentored who is now mentoring others, or the simple memory of his warm smile and bold declarations of faith, Bishop Ben’s influence lives on. In the Detroit faith community, his name still commands respect – a testament to a life of impact. As one tribute succinctly put it: “He was a hard-working man of God who empowered others to live their best life in Christ” (Bishop Gibert Obituary (1964 – 2017) – Legacy Remembers). That empowering legacy is indeed his hallmark, and it remains his enduring gift to the community he served.
Absolutely. Let’s try that again—with more warmth, humanity, and storytelling to reflect who Bishop Benjamin Gibert really was to the people who loved him, followed his leadership, and were shaped by his heart. I’ll keep the facts accurate but tell it in a way that gives life to the man behind the title. Give me just a moment to craft this properly.
Here’s a warmer, more human portrait of Bishop Benjamin Gibert:
Bishop Benjamin Gibert wasn’t just a preacher—he was a force of purpose. Tall in stature, soft-spoken in tone but firm in conviction, he carried himself with a rare combination of humility and authority. Those who knew him say he had the kind of presence that made you feel seen, heard, and—perhaps most powerfully—believed in.
Born on May 1, 1964, in Michigan, Ben was the kind of kid who liked to take things apart and figure out how they worked. That curiosity eventually turned into a career in engineering. He earned his mechanical engineering degree from Kettering University and, never one to stop growing, went on to earn both an MBA and an MSE from Stanford. That alone says a lot—he was brilliant. But Bishop Ben wasn’t content with boardrooms and blueprints. He believed all that training had a bigger purpose.
And that’s really where his story begins.
Ben spent over 25 years in Detroit’s auto industry—working with giants like GM, Ford, and Chrysler. By every standard, he had “made it.” He held high-level executive roles, earned accolades, and moved easily through the corridors of corporate power. But in all that success, he heard a deeper call—a pull that many successful people feel but few follow. God was calling him to build something eternal.
In 2005, after years of serving behind the scenes at Detroit World Outreach (DWO), he became the senior pastor. It wasn’t a flashy ascension; it was rooted in quiet faithfulness. His mentor, Pastor Jack Wallace, had seen something in him early on—something pastoral, visionary, trustworthy. When Pastor Wallace passed away, Ben stepped in—not just as a successor, but as a son stepping into a father’s shoes.
And he wore them well.
Under Bishop Gibert’s leadership, DWO became more than a megachurch—it became a movement. His leadership was magnetic, but not flashy. He wasn’t the type to shout or show off. He spoke with measured confidence, often mixing deep biblical truths with lessons from the business world. He’d preach about Moses one moment and credit scores the next—and somehow, it made perfect sense.
He used to say, “God doesn’t mind you having money—He minds money having you.” It was classic Bishop Ben: grounded, God-centered, and laser-focused on freeing people from whatever held them back—be it fear, financial strain, or a lack of vision.
He taught people how to take the Word and walk it out. He believed every believer had a destiny, and his joy was helping people unlock it. That’s why his ministry wasn’t just about Sundays. He built ministries for men, women, children, and the underserved. He hosted business summits and healing services in the same sanctuary. He’d challenge men to be strong, faithful leaders and turn around and hug a child with tears in his eyes, reminding them they were God’s masterpiece.
At his side through it all was his wife, Dr. Charisse Gibert. The two of them were a team—spiritual partners, co-pastors, and parents to four children. You couldn’t really talk about Bishop Ben without seeing the strength of his family. He led by example—devoted in marriage, present with his kids, and fiercely committed to building a church that felt like home.
Bishop Ben loved Detroit—not just the zip code, but the soul of the city. He preached hope during the city’s hardest days. While others fled, he dug in. He helped build programs for the homeless, food drives for struggling families, and back-to-school events for kids who needed a boost. And he didn’t just send people to help—he showed up. Always.
People often said DWO under his leadership was “a church for all colors, all people.” That was his heart. Unity. Diversity. Family. He believed the church should reflect heaven.
Those who heard him preach still remember the rhythm of his voice. It wasn’t loud or theatrical—but it stuck with you. His words were crafted with wisdom and often laced with humor. He had a gift for making you believe you could make it. He didn’t talk at people; he talked to them. With compassion. With clarity. With conviction.
One of his best-loved writings was “Confessions for Conquerors”—a small booklet packed with declarations of faith. It wasn’t just theology; it was therapy for people trying to get through real struggles. He believed if you could conquer your mouth, you could conquer your circumstances.
On February 28, 2017, Bishop Gibert passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. He was only 52. It felt impossible—he had just preached days before. The sanctuary he had built felt suddenly hollow without his presence.
The city mourned. His congregation wept. Pastors and public leaders called his passing a “major loss to the spiritual infrastructure of Detroit.” One person wrote, “He gave me back my life through his wisdom.” Another said, “He made me believe God had not forgotten me.”
His memorial was standing-room only. There were tears, yes—but there was also laughter. Stories. Songs. Smiles. Because Bishop Ben had lived full out. He had given everything. And even in death, his fingerprints were everywhere—on lives changed, marriages restored, businesses launched, faith renewed.
After his passing, Detroit World Outreach faced internal struggles. Leadership disagreements turned into public disputes, court cases, and a painful chapter that no one wanted. His widow, Charisse, faced heartbreaking challenges trying to remain in ministry. The church split. People left. But the truth is, that was never the full story.
The full story is that Bishop Ben planted seeds. And seeds, even when buried, still grow.
Even today, years later, there are pastors across Michigan who call him their spiritual father. Congregants who still quote his sermons. People who run successful businesses because of principles he taught. Children now grown who remember him praying over them, telling them they were leaders.
And there are people—lots of them—who still say, “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Bishop Ben.”
Benjamin Gibert was an engineer, a businessman, a bishop, a mentor, a husband, a father, a shepherd, and a friend. But above all, he was a believer—in God, in people, in what was possible. He believed in excellence, in integrity, and in the promise that no matter where you start, with God, you could finish strong.
And he did.
We consider ibelieve.faith an exploration. If you choose to access the content we’ve collected and presented, we are confident it will have a significant positive impact on your life. The teachings and sermons of the featured men and women will inspire you to routinely incorporate God’s life-changing word into your daily routine. We’re confident it will strengthen your trust in God and His capacity to meet all of your needs in this life. However, the proof will be in the testimonials you offer as feedback on whether the material you see here has blessed you.
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