Shane Tanigawa

Shane Tanigawa serves as the Senior Pastor of University Avenue Baptist Church in Honolulu, where he leads the congregation in spiritual growth, prayer, and Christ-like community. As the church's primary spiritual leader and administrator, he is passionate about preaching God's word and helping people grow in their faith and relationships.

Prior to returning to Hawai‘i, Shane served in various ministry roles across California, including Director of Student Services at Gateway Seminary, Sunday Morning Ministry Director at The Vine Church, and Associate Pastor at The Bridge Church. He holds a Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary, a B.A. in History for the University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Leeward Community College. He is also a certified MBTI Practitioner, PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor, and CISM Peer Practitioner.

Shane currently serves as First Vice President of the Executive Board for the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. He and his wife, Maela, are proud parents of two sons, Preston and Justice.