Celebrating Our Pastors This Month
Throughout the month of October, we are highlighting the pastors of Bay Life Church in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month. Every few days, we are sharing a personal Q&A that allows you to get to know the heart and story of the men and women who lead and serve our church family.
Today, meet Pastor Shane Clark, our Life Groups Pastor. Whether he is equipping small group leaders, sharing the gospel, or encouraging others with his calm and steady presence, Shane leads with humility, compassion, and purpose. We hope you enjoy getting to know him a little better through this conversation.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza.
Tell us one thing most people do not know about you.
I was born and raised on a farm in Western New York.
What Bible verse does God seem to continually bring you back to, sort of as a life verse?
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.”
What are you currently reading, aside from the Bible?
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and Leading Small Groups That Thrive.
What does your ideal day look like? If you could do anything and go anywhere?
A no-schedule kind of day—probably something outdoors like hiking, golfing, or relaxing on the beach.
How did you meet your spouse, and when did you know you wanted to marry her?
We first met during a church event in the summer of 1997, and reconnected around Christmas when she was home from college. By the next summer, she sang “El Shaddai,” one of my favorite worship songs, and I decided I had to ask her out. I knew she was the one by August. We got engaged the following February and married in December of 1999.
How did you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
In June 1993, while in college, I surrendered my life to Christ. After a season of personal loss and questions about life’s purpose, I reached out to a high school friend, Pam, who had tried to share the gospel with me before. She shared again, and over the next month, I read through the gospels and met with a staff member from InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. That is when it clicked. I confessed my sins, asked for forgiveness, and surrendered my life to Jesus. I am so thankful for Pam and Mike (the IVCF staff worker) for their faithfulness to God and their investment in my life.
How has God used your role as a pastor to transform you?
Over the past seven years as Life Groups Pastor, God has deepened my heart of compassion and grace. He is helping me see people as He sees them—like sheep in need of a shepherd.
Describe your most recent personal encounter with Jesus.
During my recent sabbatical, Jesus revealed some specific areas for change—both in ministry and in my personal life. He reminded me that He still has a plan and purpose for me.
What specific ways would you like to see the members of Bay Life get more involved in ministry?
I would love to see our church more active in our local community—meeting needs, yes, but also boldly sharing the gospel. My prayer is for revival to break out in Brandon, Florida.
How can the people of Bay Life specifically pray for you and your family?
Pray that we would keep God first in everything, seeking Him and loving the people He has placed in our lives.
Thank you, Pastor Shane, for sharing your story and heart with us. We are grateful for the way you shepherd our church family. Let us all take time this month to encourage our pastors and pray for their families as they continue to lead us with wisdom, humility, and joy.
