MEET OUR FOUNDER
BISHOP LARRY SHAW
The Full Gospel Tabernacle COGIC ministry was birthed out of a vision that was given to our founder, Bishop Larry Shaw, who was serving in the US Military as an Active Duty Chaplain. In March 1993, Bishop (Chaplain) Shaw was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he continued to serve through February 1995. It was during this time that the Lord had begun dealing with him about starting a work in the Hinesville area.
On March 8, 1995, Elder (Chaplain) Shaw followed the vision and voice of God and held a meeting at the Shoney’s Inn Banquet Hall (now Panera Bread) for anyone that was interested in becoming a part of a new ministry being established in Hinesville. During this meeting, he shared that God had given him a vision to build a 1,000-seat sanctuary, a feat that had not been accomplished by any ministry in Hinesville at that time. He also told those present that he envisioned a church that would teach the “Full Gospel,” of the Bible, hence the name and ministry of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church of God In Christ was birthed. After this meeting, Elder Shaw met with some of the people who had served with him during his days as a Chaplain and selected his Officers and Auxiliary Chairpersons from this core group.
Bishop Larry L. Shaw served active duty in the US Army for more than 20 years. During his tenure on active duty, Bishop Shaw’s duty assignments included tours in Vietnam, Korea, Hawaii and various military bases throughout the United States. In addition to his military duties, he organized four gospel services, founded three Christian ministries, and established seven churches throughout the United States. As a result of his outstanding l leadership, Bishop Shaw received over 15 outstanding awards to include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He also received one of the highest military honors, the Purple Heart for an injury received in Afghanistan in 2007.
When President Bush made the announcement that more than 20,000 troops would be sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, Bishop Larry Shaw quickly stepped up to the plate. After being notified that he was selected to serve in Afghanistan, he along with thousands of fellow soldiers and Reservists accepted the call to duty with honor. He felt that because we are the greatest country on earth, we are obligated to give aide to the struggling people of the world through humble and dedicated service. Bishop (Chaplain) Shaw served his patriotic duty in taking part of an effort that would ensure protection and security of our country, and at the same time provide freedom to those who are
oppressed. He seized the need to serve his country as a Soldier, and to serve Christ in a wider capacity. He envisioned this as an opportunity to take his call of God to another level. He served as the Garrison Command Chaplain in Kabul, Afghanistan until he was injured and then was released to come back to the United States.
BISHOP LARRY L. SHAW
The Full Gospel Tabernacle COGIC ministry was birthed out of a vision that was given to our founder, Bishop Larry Shaw, who was serving in the US Military as an Active Duty Chaplain. In March 1993, Bishop (Chaplain) Shaw was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he continued to serve through February 1995. It was during this time that the Lord had begun dealing with him about starting a work in the Hinesville area.
On March 8, 1995, Elder (Chaplain) Shaw followed the vision and voice of God and held a meeting at the Shoney’s Inn Banquet Hall (now Panera Bread) for anyone that was interested in becoming a part of a new ministry being established in Hinesville. During this meeting, he shared that God had given him a vision to build a 1,000-seat sanctuary, a feat that had not been accomplished by any ministry in Hinesville at that time. He also told those present that he envisioned a church that would teach the “Full Gospel,” of the Bible, hence the name and ministry of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church of God In Christ was birthed. After this meeting, Elder Shaw met with some of the people who had served with him during his days as a Chaplain and selected his Officers and Auxiliary Chairpersons from this core group.
Bishop Larry L. Shaw served active duty in the US Army for more than 20 years. During his tenure on active duty, Bishop Shaw’s duty assignments included tours in Vietnam, Korea, and various military bases throughout the United States. In addition to his military duties, he organized four gospel services, founded three Christian ministries, and established seven churches throughout the United States. As a result of his outstanding leadership, Bishop Shaw received more than15 outstanding awards to include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. He also received one of the highest military honors, the Purple Heart for an injury received in Afghanistan in 2007.
When President Bush made the announcement that more than 20,000 troops would be sent to Iraq and Afghanistan, Bishop Larry Shaw quickly stepped up to the plate. After being notified that he was selected to serve in Afghanistan, he along with thousands of fellow soldiers and Reservists accepted the call to duty with honor. He felt that because we are the greatest country on earth, we are obligated to give aide to the struggling people of the world through humble and dedicated service. Bishop (Chaplain) Shaw served his patriotic duty in taking part of an effort that would ensure protection and security of our country, and at the same time provide freedom to those who are oppressed. He seized the need to serve his country as a Soldier, and to serve Christ in a wider capacity. He envisioned this as an opportunity to take his call of God to another level. He served as the Garrison Command Chaplain in Kabul, Afghanistan until he was injured and then was released to come back to the United States.
Bishop Shaw has the distinct honor of serving as the Bishop of the Historic First Jurisdiction of Southern Georgia, Church of God In Christ Inc. He also was elected and served as the Secretary of the Board of Bishops COGIC from 2004-2016. As a well-known, sought-after man of God, Bishop Shaw serves both God and country. We are honored to call him Soldier, Pastor, Founder, Bishop, Husband, Dad, Mentor, Humanitarian, Friend, and Servant of the Lord.