Calvary's Leaders
Eric Wakeling
Executive Pastor of Ministry
Hometown?
Capo Beach, CA, but now I live in Irvine
Family?
I have been married to Bea for 10 years. We have two daughters named Grace (4) and Ella (6 months).
Ministry/Professional background?
I have been here at Calvary Church since 2001. Before that I was a Jr High Pastor at Ocean Hills Community Church in San Juan Capistrano since 1994.
Your dayjob?
I am the Executive Pastor of Ministry, which means I help empower our staff to do radical ministry for the Kingdom of God. I’m also a Teaching Pastor in our Elevation service and provide leadership for our Men’s Ministry.
Your greatest indulgence?
I absolutely love gourmet foods of many kinds. The Black Sheep Bistro is an amazing restaurant with fabulous Spanish cuisine. I would eat there every night if I could afford it.
Most influential person in your faith?
My dad is probably the most influential person in my faith. I would see him spending time with God almost every single day in the mornings and carry around a card filled with people’s prayer requests. He is a great pastor, entrepreneur of ministry, and husband to my mom for over 55 years.
Favorite Bible verse?
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Favorite family tradition?
This shouldn’t be my favorite, but it is. My mom is Swedish and makes this absolutely disgusting white fish called Lutefisk every Christmas Eve. I never eat it, but I would be sad if it wasn’t there.
Favorite sport/sport team or boardgame?
I love sports! This is a tie for me between the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks. I always root for the home team and my Canadian roots make me love hockey even though no one else cares.
If you could vacation anywhere…where would you go?
The ideal vacation is on a tropical beach with my bride. Give me any tropical beach with good waves, a good book and tasty food and I’m a happy man. Sayulita, Mexico and Kauai are two of my favorites
Hidden talent?
I was the Orange County Spelling Bee Champion in 6th grade.
Most memorable experience here at Calvary?
I have a picture of Brandon Wronski and myself in my office after I baptized him. That reminds me of the privilege it is to point people to Christ and see them believe and get baptized. Our Beach Baptism day in the summer is usually a highlight of every year.
What do you like best about working at Calvary?
I love the people of Calvary Church. The people I work with every day in the office are some of my best friends and I love seeing them help connect people with Jesus.