Gary Shiohama is the retired founding and senior pastor of South Bay Community Church in Torrance. Prior to entering full-time ministry in 1992, Gary had a diverse career in the business and political arenas, serving as a deputy to two local elected officials and owning a Mexican restaurant. Raised in a Buddhist home, he became a Christ-follower at the age of 20 while attending Pepperdine University. Gary often says he cut his ministry teeth as a youth advisor at Evergreen Baptist Church and through his involvement at various Mt. Hermon high school camps.

Now retired for nearly two years, Gary enjoys cheering for Shohei Ohtani, training future leaders, and guest-speaking at churches. He has been happily married to his wife, Cheryl, for nearly 32 years, and together they have two daughters, a son-in-law, and a lively dog named Kea.