Rev. Ira Shields grew up in the small town of Ledbetter Texas and attended high school in Giddings, graduating in 1960. In 1962, he moved to Austin where he now resides. Rev. Shields is very active in the work of the Lord. He has held many positions in the church including: Sunday School Superintendent, Senior Women’s Sunday School Class Teacher, Mid-Week-Service Director, Mission Two Adviser, and many others.

In May of 1980 Rev. Shields was granted his license to preach the Gospel and he was officially ordained by St James Missionary Baptist Church at Austin on November 18, 1987. He received his Seminary diploma in Pastoral Ministry through the Austin Extension of Ft. Worth’s Southwestern Seminary in May of 1997. Currently he is furthering his education by taking classes at Austin Community College.

Rev. Shields and his faithful and lovely wife Helen have been married for forty-eight years and are parents of three adult children, Phyllis, Monterra, and Deborah. As evidenced by his ongoing educational endeavors, Rev. Shields believes that one must study to show oneself approved unto God, a workman that must not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.