Greg & Linda Wallace
Greg
I am the Chief Operating Officer for Harvest Apostolic Center (HAC), an umbrella organization consisting of HRock Church, a 1200-member church in Pasadena, Calif.; Harvest International Ministry (HIM), a growing network of more than 20,000 churches, ministries and missions located in 50-plus nations around the world; and Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI), an international network of training centers that focus on practical ministry.
I love teaching and helping others to pursue their life’s passion. I myself am passionate about developing leaders, building organizations and helping people and groups thrive in the midst of change.
Personal Background
I typically say that my brother, Julian, and I are “Texifornians.” Texas blood (both of our parents were born in Texas) flows through our veins, but we were born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California.
Julian and I were active in sports during our childhood, so it is not too surprising that I gave my life to Jesus during a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp in June of 1977 after my junior year in high school. During the last night of camp, I saw the love of God being poured out, and I realized that there was something bigger than myself that touched the hearts of people like me and also people who were different from me. I wanted to be a part of it.
The next Sunday I joined a church my parents had visited on a couple of occasions. I immediately became active in the youth group, and I have been serving churches in various capacities pretty much ever since—from children’s church helper to executive pastor and lots of different areas in between.
I also serve my community. I have served on the boards of organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children, college students, young adults and families
Education Background
My postsecondary education has taken me on a “wonderful tour of the greater Los Angeles area.” I started my college education in central Los Angeles at USC when I thought I wanted to be a sportswriter. A closer look at the inner-workings of the sports department of a major metropolitan newspaper changed that desire.
I eventually decided to become an attorney and transferred to Cal State Northridge in the San Fernando Valley, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science. I earned a law degree in West Los Angeles at UCLA in 1986, and some 20 years later, I earned a Masters’ degree in Human and Organizational Development from Azusa Pacific University in the San Gabriel Valley.
More About My Family
My greatest joy is being part of a blended family with my wife, Linda. We have been married for 17 years, and together we parent four adult children, Donavin, Judy, Tiffany and Justin; and six grandchildren, Kyle, Kayla, Talia, Cassius, Asia and Kaialyn.
If you believe my wife, neither of my two sons have my personality, but both of my grandsons ‘act just like you.’ One of my favorite sayings about myself is “Pa-Pa is my name, spoilin’ is my game.”
Favorites and Interests
Linda is my favorite hobby: We enjoy dinners, movies and quality time with our grandchildren. We love each other’s company. Vacations are a treat just for that reason. And driving four hours to see our grandchildren (and their parents) in North Las Vegas sometimes feels like an excuse to spend time together just the two of us.
Favorite verse
My favorite Bible verse is from Proverbs 11: “There is safety in the multitude of counsel.” Too often, we are tempted to go it alone, but there are so many smart, experienced and gracious people all around us who are willing to help us if we just ask them.
Linda
For years, one of my mottos has been “Every Mary needs an Elizabeth.” It is based on the biblical story of the mother of Jesus, who sought counsel from her older relative while both were pregnant. I have been mentored by strong women, and in turn, I enjoy mentoring women. As a pastor at HRock, I get to pursue this passion even more often. Not surprisingly, I am involved in women’s ministry.
My Family
I love spending time with my family! Two sons, one daughter and a daughter-in-love, six grandchildren, including two sets of twins, ranging in age from high school to preschool. I'm a grandmother to different generations, which means I have to keep up on the latest technology and kids stuff. I make frequent trips to Las Vegas to visit my grandchildren, and I even ride the Megabus!
Of course, Greg and I enjoy doing things together, but we also love just hanging out—so long as we’re in the same room (being empty nesters is heaven!).
Education Background
I am a graduate of Wagner Leadership Institute with a Doctorate of Practical Ministry and also a Doctorate of Theology from The Practical Christianity Institute of Evangelism. Additionally, I am a Certified Life Coach with One Woman Movement and Coach Academy International.
Interests & Favorites
I started a non-profit organization called “A Company of Women.” Our mission is to mentor through relationships, but we also have a passion for missionary work to support women and children. I’ve been to several countries, empowering women; it is so rewarding.
- Places: Maui or any beach location with a great spa!
- Music: Lots of praise and worship music; I love anything that helps usher in the presence of God. I enjoy listening to podcasts from various ministries and life coaches.
- Books: Hiddenness and Manifestation by Graham Cooke and Feminine By Design by John D. Garr. I love autobiographies about great influencers, especially women.
- Sports Teams: Any team one of my grandbabies plays on. I also love watching gymnastics.
- Movies: I didn’t used to like movies, but now I like the movies with heroines and overcomers.
- Hobbies: My girls! I love my girls! I love being there for them. I love supporting them. I love sharing in their good news. We have traveled together across town and halfway around the world for ministry assignments. We have showed up in large numbers to support one another in speaking engagements, the opening of businesses, weddings and for the birth of children. We do life together!
Favorite Passage
I love the book of Esther and the stories of women in the Bible. I have many life Scriptures that motivate and encourage me. From Esther 4: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”
Fun Fact
I spent my teenage years in Anchorage, Alaska.