Calvary's Leaders
Eric Wakeling
What do you do at Calvary?
I’m the Executive Pastor of Ministry which means I help develop our staff team, start practical steps to furthering our vision, provide leadership for LifeGroups, and participate as a member of the Teaching Team in our worship services.
How did you come to Calvary and how long have you been here?
I was a Junior High Pastor at a church in south Orange County for seven years. Then I came to Calvary in 2001 as the Junior High Pastor after my good friends Matt Davis and Jason Krusiewicz suggested I turn in my resume.
What is your educational background and training?
I graduated from Biola University in 1996 with a BA in Christian Education and a minor in Biblical Studies. Then I went to Talbot School of Theology and received an MA in Christian Education. After that, I went to Cal State Fullerton and earned a M.S. in Educational Leadership with a thesis in age-stage transitions in the church. Finally, after one semester in a PhD program, I dropped out of school and haven’t returned.
I was in full-time ministry for almost every year of this education which helped me to balance my book smarts with some ministry “street smarts.”
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Fullerton, CA and raised on the beaches of Laguna Beach and San Clemente.
Tell us about your family...
I have been married to Bea since July 5, 1997 and we have two wonderful daughters who attend Calvary Christian School. We live in Tustin and love hanging out as a family.
Tell us how you "popped the question," or how it was popped to you.
I actually asked Bea to marry me in front of the whole crowd at a concert at Biola. We were so young that she was only a Junior in college and I had just graduated. When the singer of the band brought us onstage, Bea still had no idea what was going on.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Calvary Church?
The first was the time I meant to “pretend punch” Victor in the face for a picture but it ended up being a solid shot to the chin. The second is Beach Baptisms. It’s awesome every single time to see people proclaiming Christ.
Who have been the biggest spiritual influencers in your life?
The biggest spiritual influence in my life is definitely my dad. I still can picture him sitting on the living room couch reading his Bible and praying for people. He was an Executive Pastor too so I’m following in his footsteps.
Favorite place you’ve been in the world and where do you want to go next?
My favorite place in the world is anywhere with sandy beaches, warm water, good waves and tasty food. This could be Sayulita, Mexico or Hawaii.
Next, I would love to take my wife to the Cinque Terre in Italy and kick back on the beach and eat pasta all day.
When I can't be found at Calvary, I can be found...
…hitting infield grounders on the softball field with some friends.
Hidden Talent?
I was the 6th Grade Orange County Spelling Bee Champion. Very nerdy, but mildly impressive.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years?
The greatest invention of the last 100 years is the motorized skateboard. I need to get one of those bad boys.
On what reality show would you most want to be a contestant?
I have actually printed off a Survivor application but then I wimped out on completing it. But I would probably rather be on the original People’s Court with Judge Wapner. I would sue Victor for stealing my guitar. By the way, it’s a 1999 American Deluxe Telecaster.