Jerry Shoaf began preaching the gospel at the early age of 14. While continuing his high school education, he met and later married the love of his life and partner in Christ, Carolyn Jean File. He was ordained in 1967 at Miller Street Baptist Church by the Rev. Thurmond Aldridge of the Cabarrus County Baptist Association. Together, Jerry and Carolyn have raised 4 wonderful children that have grown up in a Christian home and gone out into the world to start their own families. The Shoafs cherish 5 grandchildren as well that have been inspired by the lives of their grandfparents.

Jerry Shoaf has strived his entire ministry career to seek out churches in need of an agressive leader who can assist them with increasing numbers and winning hearts to Jesus Christ.