Meet Steven Shaw | Pastor, Counselor, Fitness tainer, Author, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Shaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
My faith in Jesus defines every aspect of my life and work. Because of this, I see every person as an image-bearer of God, inherently worthy of love, dignity, and respect. Professionally, that conviction means I strive to give my very best to everyone I encounter, offering care and excellence in all I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My story really begins in high school. I hated every second of school. My mind doesn’t work in an academic way, and though I struggled my way through it, I eventually graduated. I had no desire for college, so I went straight to work. I took on different jobs and worked hard, but nothing fit. Music had been a part of my life since I was 10 years old, but it wasn’t paying the bills. The only other thing I was passionate about was working out. So, I became a trainer—I started my own training business and I was good at it. My different way of thinking set me apart in fitness, and for over 12 years I built a successful training business.

Everything shifted when I started training clients at an addiction recovery center. I immediately fell in love with that world. Having gone through my own five-year struggle with drugs and a destructive lifestyle, I understood their pain and wanted to help. By the grace of God, I never needed treatment myself—He gave me the strength to simply stop. Eight years later, nearly all of my time is spent working in addiction and mental health treatment. Today, I am certified as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor and count it a blessing to walk alongside people in recovery every day.

Throughout these 20 years of running my business, God has been faithful. I’ve been married for almost 20 years, and my wife and I have two children we adopted from birth; they are now 8 and 11 yrs old, and they are the joy of my life. Beyond family and work, I’ve released more than 20 albums in various genres, started a ministry, launched multiple Bible studies, and even wrote and published a book. These are things I never thought a ‘knucklehead’ like me could ever do. But God’s grace and Him answering my prayers for wisdom have carried me through it all—and Jesus remains my reason for everything

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love South Orange County—it’s home. I grew up here, and even though I moved around a bit after high school, I always found myself coming back. At this point, I really can’t imagine living anywhere else.

If a friend came to visit for a week, I’d hope it was summertime so I could show them the best of what this place has to offer. We’d spend a lot of time at the beach. I grew up body surfing and would love to teach that to someone I care about. Beyond the ocean, I’d take them to some of my favorite local spots to eat—because to me, food is more than food; it’s about fellowship and connection.

I lead worship at my church (South Shores Church) in Dana Point. Would love to bless them with that.

Breakfasts would include bagels from I Love Bagels, mornings at RJ’s Café, and coffee and breakfast burritos at JC Beans, followed by walks at Dana Point Harbor or along the North Beach trail. Then we’d hit the sand—rotating between San Clemente Main Beach, Strands, Salt Creek, and even some Laguna Beach sessions. Lunch might mean a sandwich from Tutor & Spunky’s one day, all-you-can-eat sushi at Zenko another, or pizza at Blaze. In the afternoons, we’d check out the Irvine Spectrum or take the trolley in San Clemente for some local exploring.

Dinner plans would include South of Nick’s, El Cortez, Kamea Poke and probably another round at Zenko. To finish off the evenings, we’d catch some live music at places like StillWater or Hennessy’s.

This is the rhythm of South Orange County that I love—ocean, food, music, and connection. It’s more than just where I live; it’s where my heart is

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jesus is my reason for everything. I would not be the person I am today without the transforming power of God’s Word and the faithful community of my church, South Shores Church in Dana Point.

Website: StevenShaw.co, MisfitMinistry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenshaw.co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PsalmLife

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevenshaw1689

Image Credits
Steven Shaw and South Shores Church