Darin Michael Shaw

Bio, Beliefs & Bookstore

On the professional side~

Darin Michael Shaw, MDiv, MA has spent over thirty years navigating the intersection of the sacred and the struggle. After 21 years of pastoral ministry, he traded the pulpit for the page. As a freelance collaborative writer and researcher specializing in mental health and addiction recovery, Darin’s work is defined by a unique ability to bridge the gap between deep theological truths and the practical, evidence-based science of healing.

Darin’s ability to speak into the lives of the hurting comes from twenty-one years in the trenches of pastoral ministry. While standing alongside families through their darkest valleys, Darin wrestled with his own addictive and emotional struggles. He experienced firsthand the terrifying isolation of being a leader who feels he must remain “whole” while his own internal world is fractured. This season of brokenness eventually led him to a deeper, more authentic rediscovery of his identity in Christ—one based not on his performance as a pastor, but on his status as a beloved son of God.

While he always counted it a privilege to speak to a couple hundred people on Sunday mornings, he is now honored to have hundreds of thousands read words he’s written every day.

Darin has written copy for several of the most well known and respected ministers, ministries, non-profits and humanitarian organizations in the world today. Books he’s ghosted or worked on collaboratively with his clients have become best-sellers. 

These days, Darin is also investing in fellow writers through Storysmithing—a practice built around a simple belief: every story deserves to be told well. Whether helping an aspiring author shape a manuscript, preserving a family’s history, refining a ministry message, or coaching someone through their first book, Darin loves helping stories find their voice. Through Writer’s Write, he shares free lessons, tips, and encouragement for writers of all kinds. Through BIC/WOP (Butt in Chair. Words on Page.), he offers coaching, editing, collaborative writing, ghostwriting, manuscript reviews, and other services designed to help writers move their stories from idea to finished page.

On the personal side~

Writers write. Storytellers tell stories. You’ll always find Darin with his laptop, tablet or a pad of paper and pen in hand. If he’s looking at you … you may have just become a character in his next story.

Darin and Shari raised four daughters and live today in wonder and awe of their amazing grandchildren. You wanna hear some stories?!?   

On the doctrinal side~

An Introduction to What Restores Me (Instead of a “Doctrinal Statement”)

I believe in a Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The word trinity doesn’t appear in the Bible, nor is the theology spelled out explicitly, but I believe it is beautifully present—a divine community of relationship that invites us in.

I believe the Bible is the inspired written word of God. I also recognize that we who read God’s word are human beings—we ALL far short of the capacity to perfectly grasp the mysteries of our God.

I believe Jesus Christ is the living Word of God (John 1:1-14). I find the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, teaching, ministry, and example to be a clear depiction of the love, mercy, grace, and purpose of God—the perfect revelation of who He is. He is the perfect representation of God’s truth and justice, fulfilling the ancient promises of a Wonderful Counselor, a Prince of Peace, and a Savior who carries our sorrows.

I believe that these two great witnesses God has given us—the written and living Word—are meant to reveal God to us… that we might find Him.

I believe that humanity was created in the image of God. I believe this is our foundational identity—we are ALL the image-bearers of God.

I believe humanity drifted away through disobedience, fracturing our original design and leaving us with a broken nature and a deep sense of distance from God.

I believe God revealed His heart in Jesus Christ. Jesus lived, died, and rose again from the grave to restore our relationship with God, so that those who follow Him can enjoy that renewed life—both here and now, and after this life is over.

I believe we find more hope, grace, mercy, and love revealed every time we open God’s word, every moment we spend in prayer, and every time we offer up praise or thanksgiving or worship to our God.

I believe Jesus when He said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I don’t believe He stands over us with a rule book and a ledger sheet; I believe He embraces us every step of our journey. When we wander away, He lovingly awaits our return. I believe He’s grieved when we blow it, not because He’s woefully disappointed in us, but disappointed for us, because we missed out on what would have been better.

I believe this is why those who followed Jesus on earth recognized, “He teaches as one who has authority”—not because He lorded over them, but because He loved them… and they felt it.

I believe these are the things that really matter. I have doctrinal and theological beliefs of my own, and I respect that you might too. But I don’t think they matter as much as the points above. If anyone ever wants to discuss finer doctrinal and theological thoughts, awesome! Let’s get a cup of coffee sometime and share. If you want to argue, move along.

Lastly, I once heard a Jewish rabbi say the best way to spell the word ‘Love’ was L.I.S.T.E.N.

I believe that to be true wisdom.

On the Author’s Book List~