Cory J. Shaw, Sr. is a native of Louisiana and currently serves as the Senior Pastor to the New Life Church of Christ in Hammond, Louisiana where he has ministered for the past year. Over the years, he has become widely known in our brotherhood especially in the Gulf Coast region for his gregarious personality, witty sense of humor, and his ability to sing and preach the word of God dynamically.  Bro. Shaw first obeyed the gospel at the tender age of 19.  

While his life wasn’t always on the straight and narrow, he always found his way back to God. Bro. Shaw has led as Minister and Asst. Minister to churches in Port Arthur, Beaumont and Hankamer, TX. In November of 2019 Bro. Shaw was given the chance to become Sr. Minister to the congregation here at New Life. Under his direction, New Life has taken the challenge in all areas to grow. The congregation has excelled in all areas of his challenge. We have grown spiritually, emotionally and numerically. 

Along with the help of his lovely wife, Sis. Melissa Shaw, Bro. Shaw seems to be the right person to fulfill the duties that God has placed in his hands and vision. The Bible teaches that “where there is no vision the people perish.” We are alive and well and there is no stopping us now.

Marqus A. Chester, Sr. – Assistant Minister

Marqus Chester, Sr. is a native of Louisiana, being one of fourteen children. At the age of nine, he was baptized into Christ under the the guidance of his uncle, Bro. Willie Headspeth. It was later in his teen years he realized God had blessed him with the gift of singing. Since then he has been using his gift to minister and encourage others. Marqus currently serves as the Music Minister as well as the director of the New Beginning Acappella Singers. Now under the leadership of our pastor, Marqus has begun to teach God’s word in a dynamic fashion.

Marqus is married to his wife, Miracle for 9 years and they have two beautiful children. Life hasn’t always been easy for them but by the grace and word of God, they have been able to withstand the trials of this world. Brother Chester is still standing on his faith that was deeply rooted in him at a young age. Today, one of his favorite scriptures is Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good work and glorify your father which is in heaven.” As he continues his spiritual journey, his prayer is that God uses him in a mighty way so that he can be an encouragement to others.