Growing up in an artsy family with painters and sculptors for aunts and uncles, Robert assumed he would follow the family tradition with a professional art career. His parents were more than a little startled to find him pursuing a graduate degree toward ordination.

After completing his master's degree at Pacific School of Religion, (and winning a preaching award), he joined two other graduates to form ARTSS, (Artists Revitalizing & Transforming Sacred Space). This collaborative passionately believes all creativity is sacred, and works to unlock people's creative potential. He brings an artist's care to the ministry of creating sacred moments.

During the past decade, he has worked as an interim pastor at churches in Modesto, San Jose, Fairfax, and most recently, at College Heights Church in San Mateo. Rev. Shively was also an intern at MCCSF from 1996-1998.

source: http://mccsf.org/our-staff/