Why did I start AbidanShah.com?
Often I am asked about my perspective on faith, values, and politics. Having spent 17 years in India and the past 20+ years in the United States, I have been able to view these subjects from both eastern and western lenses. Moreover, my PhD study on the impact of postmodernism on biblical studies has enabled me to understand the changing philosophical landscape of our culture. As a pastor and concerned citizen, I feel compelled to give answers that are clear and biblical.
About Abidan Paul Shah – Abidan came to the United States in 1991. After completing his Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism, he answered God’s call to enter full-time ministry. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity with languages and was called to be the pastor of Clearview Church in Henderson, NC. In the past 24 years, God has greatly blessed the church through his leadership and vision. In the past couple of years, the church has purchased new facilities and further expanded it to accommodate the rapidly growing ministry at Clearview. Pastor Shah preaches expository messages that are simple to understand and apply. Every sermon is a challenge to grow in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Abidan has his PhD in New Testament Textual Criticism (ancient biblical manuscripts) and is a Teaching Fellow at Carolina University in Winston Salem, NC. He has read scholarly papers at the National Evangelical Theological Society and is a columnist with the local newspaper. Abidan is also involved in an evangelistic outreach towards university students.
Testimony: Abidan was born in India to Paul and Edith Shah. Abidan’s father (Paul) was born in a wealthy and influential Muslim family. Paul (Hassan at the time) remembers watching his grandfather do the namaz (prayer) 5 times a day. One day at the end of the prayer, Paul remarked to his grandfather that he was such a pious man and surely Allah will welcome him into heaven someday. Immediately, tears began to flow down his grandfather’s face. He said: “Son, there is no guarantee that I will be in heaven.” That statement sowed a seed of doubt in Abidan’s father’s heart and a few years later he came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior. Needless to say, he was disowned by his family. He went from city to city preaching the gospel and was often beaten for his faith. Later, a missionary heard about him and encouraged him to attend a seminary. After graduation, he began his first and only pastorate in a town near Bombay. 50 years later, he continued pastoring that church and had a powerful evangelistic and revival ministry in India and Asia until his death in 2021.
Abidan lives in the community in Henderson, NC, with his beautiful wife Nicole and their 4 kids (Rebecca – 28 yrs, Abigail – 25 yrs, Nicholas – 20 yrs, and Thomas – 17 yrs). Nicole’s father was also a pastor for about 30 years until he passed away due to cancer. She served on the mission field to Chile with her parents and family.