Paul Shirley
Background
Paul Shirley is a native of Florida, where he spent his formative years, came to faith, and began his life in ministry. It was also in Florida that Paul met his wife, Elyse, and together they began their family. Married in January 2005, Paul and Elyse are blessed with three children: Rebecca, born in 2006; Makaylah, born in 2008; and Sarah, born in 2012.
Education & Ministry
Paul’s academic journey in ministry began with an undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministries from Clearwater Christian College in 2005. He furthered his theological education by earning a Master of Divinity from The Expositors Seminary in 2011, followed by a doctoral degree from The Master's Seminary in 2016.
Paul’s ministry work started at a local church in his hometown, where he served faithfully from 2003 to 2011, initially as the Youth Pastor and later as the Associate Pastor. After completing his seminary training, Paul pursued additional education in church planting through Grace Advance Academy in Los Angeles, California. This training ultimately led him to his current role at Grace Community Church Delaware.
Other Work
Beyond his pastoral duties, Paul is an active contributor to the Expositors Blog and has authored several books, including The Irony of the Cross, Free to be Holy (co-authored with Jerry Wragg), The Christian Home (2019), and Expository Sanctification (2019). Most recently, in 2023 he began this online media called Informing Your Faith in an effort to encourage and build up the faith of those in his congregation and beyond.