Our Founder

Shay was born in Anderson, South Carolina, and also has deep family roots in Columbus, Ohio—two places that shaped his sense of community, perseverance, and faith. His story of faith began early: as a child, he watched his grandmother lead the teenagers in their small church in South Carolina. It was through her quiet strength and joyful leadership that Shay was first introduced to Jesus.

Although he grew up surrounded by faith, it wasn’t until his twenties that Shay made his relationship with Christ truly his own. Like many young adults, he wrestled with questions of purpose, identity, and belief—but those questions became the soil where his faith took root deeply. Through that process, Shay discovered a lifelong love for learning about God’s Word, for understanding why he believed what he believed, and for helping others find that same confidence. He finished his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Liberty University and became a Chaplain in the United States Air Force to share his faith with those in need and provide opportunities for people to find their relationship with God as well.

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Over the years, this passion led him to lead in multiple levels of church ministry, to travel to remote places around the world, teach students, and guide others through both the intellectual and spiritual challenges of faith. His grandmother’s example of mentorship continues to inspire him today—fueling his mission to pour into the next generation with the same love, patience, and truth that shaped his own walk with Christ.

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Shay founded A2GG Apologetix to help equip teens to defend their faith with confidence, logic, and grace.  With 28 years of distinguished military service — including 21 years as a U.S. Air Force Chaplain — Shay brings a rare blend of discipline, compassion, and cross-cultural wisdom to his ministry. His approach blends intellectual rigor with pastoral care and practical exercise — helping young believers not only know what they believe, but why it’s true.