By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Chuck Kelley recognized Mike Shaw, pastor of Pelham First Baptist Church, as a distinguished alumnus during the 2013 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Houston June 12.

In 1970, Shaw graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, and went on to earn a master of theology degree and doctor of ministry degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1973 and 1976. He has served as the pastor of Pelham First Baptist Church for 34 years.

“I don’t think there are many things God cherishes more than a long obedience in the same direction,” Kelley said.

Shaw is a volunteer chaplain for Pelham. He has served on the board of directors for The Alabama Baptist newspaper and on the State Board of Missions for the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

Shaw was president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention from 2010 to 2012. Last year, he was elected to serve as a trustee of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.