Deacon Bob Shaw
Senior Deacon
After a 7-year stint in the Army, Bob Shaw came to Atlanta. He had come to terms with being gay in his final years in the Army and chose to get out on his own before the military kicked him out for being himself. Bob chose to settle in Atlanta due to it's size and the fact that was in a warmer climate than his home state of Wisconsin.
Bob grew up in the United Methodist Church, but stayed away from the faith during his teen years and in the military. Despite being away from organized religion, Bob felt God's presence in his life. Two things happened that changed his life considerably. Being a part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and finding out that he was HIV+ in 1996. A few months after being diagnosed with HIV, Bob found a church home at Abundant Grace Community Church. Ironically Bob knew the pastor from playing softball with him the past two years. Bob immediately felt he found a loving place where he could worship God with others without being condemned for being homosexual.
After being there for a year and saying a lot of prayers, Bob entered the deaconate. After a one-year education program, Bob was ordained on June 14, 1998. He has been an active member of the Atlanta community. He maintains the church's website and coordinates worship each week.
Bob is the happy uncle to a pair of wonderful kids! Bob recently reconnected with the first love of his life, Christopher from over 20 years ago. They are setting up house in Atlanta with their dogs, Shai and Skip.