Bishop Gary Rivas
Bishop Gary Rivas has led a life marked by service, leadership, and community engagement. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, his early career spanned from teaching to military service with the 1st Parachute Battalion (Airborne). His entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he ventured into sales, design, and eventually started his own business. His calling to ministry led him to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, where he was ordained in 2001. Under his leadership, Gracepoint Church flourished, becoming a beacon of diversity and one of the fastest-growing congregations in the region.
His commitment to fostering inclusive communities extended beyond the church walls, as evidenced by his role in guiding organizations and churches towards embracing diversity. His appointment as a Bishop in 2016 further solidified his influence within the church and the broader community. He served as the Pastor to the Mandela family.
In 2021, Bishop Rivas brought his wealth of experience to South Carolina, contributing as a church plant consultant with First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach and in July 2021he was appointed Senior Pastor to Lyttleton Street UMC. Church planting is the process of establishing a new Christian congregation in a new location. The goal of church planting is to spread the Christian faith, reach people who don't have a church, and create a supportive community for worship, teaching and service.
Bishop Rivas serves on the Community Clinic Board as well as the United Way of Kershaw County Board. He is also a member of the Concerned Clergy of Kershaw County and a member of Rotary International.
His personal life is as rich as his professional one, with a family dedicated to humanitarian work and creative pursuits. He is married to Beth, and they are blessed to have a blended family, four children between the two of them, Zach, a pilot in the Airforce, Ben, a Second Lieutenant in the Marines, Rebekah, who works with the Salvation Army in London, combatting sex slavery and Daniel, lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa, as a graphic designer. His leisure activities, which include golf, motorcycling, and mountain biking, speak to his dynamic character and zest for life.