Special guest interview with Kevin Shaw for the "Belief Builders" podcast segment of Pillars of Purpose. Kevin and his wife Diana live in Atlanta and have three adult children and two children-in-laws. Kevin has experience as a business owner, investor, and currently is the CEO of a thriving retirement community in Atlanta, Georgia. He shares about his faith impacting every area of his life.

Key Takeaways

- Kevin's faith journey began in college, evolving from a works-based to a faith-based understanding of salvation

- Mentorship and discipleship have been crucial in Kevin's spiritual growth, with a 30+ year mentoring relationship

- Kevin emphasizes making decisions through the lens of "what pleases God" rather than personal benefit

- Intentional practices like Bible reading, prayer, and surrendering control to God help discern His calling

Topics

Kevin's Faith Journey

- Raised in a Christian home but initially confused about salvation by works vs. faith

- College years brought clarity on the gospel and personal implications

- Campus minister Wayne challenged Kevin to articulate his faith and get discipled

- Emphasizes the importance of mentors beyond parents for spiritual growth

Integrating Faith into Decision-Making

- Focuses on "what is pleasing to God" rather than personal benefit

- Applies this approach to marriage, parenting, business, and career decisions

- Requires faith to prioritize God's will over natural self-protective instincts

Spiritual Growth Practices

- Regular Bible reading (challenged to read through Bible in a year)

- Contemplative reflection on scripture, not just checkbox reading

- Organic prayer throughout the day, not just set quiet time

- Committing decisions to God and surrendering personal will

Influential Mentors

- Parents and wife Diana as ongoing spiritual influences

- Lynn Sykes: 30+ year mentoring relationship focused on intimacy with Jesus

- Monthly 2.5-hour lunches discussing life, books, and spiritual matters

Discerning God's Calling

- Surrendering personal will and holding decisions with "open hands"

- Praying for guidance while remaining faithful in current roles

- Patience in waiting for clear direction, sometimes over months

- Facing business challenges by offering the company to God

Passing Faith to Next Generation

- Intentional "Family Fun Time" (FFT) with scripture-based lessons

- More impactful: living out faith authentically, including apologizing for mistakes

- Bringing biblical worldview into everyday conversations (Deuteronomy 6 model)

Recent Impactful Content

- Sermon series and book on "ordinariness" by pastor Zach Bradley

- Book: "The Same Old Same" by Zack Eswine

- Theme: Finding God in ordinary, everyday moments vs. seeking spectacular experiences

Advice to Younger Self

- Be more understanding and empathetic

- Don't make big issues out of small things

- Recognize more "gray areas" instead of seeing everything as black and white

- Seek wisdom in navigating complex situations, balancing empathy with truth