Pastor Mike was raised the oldest of 5 adopted children. His family lived primarily in Malibu, California. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1970. In 1968 while attending a high school summer retreat on Catalina Island Pastor Wallman received Christ as his Savior and Lord.
Pastor Mike graduated from California State University Northridge in 1975 with a BA in Speech and Communication. He then attended Fuller Seminary in Pasadena and received his Master of Divinity degree in 1979. Pastor Mike obtained his Doctor of Ministry degree from Dubuque Theological Seminary graduating in 1990.
Following graduation from Fuller Seminary, Mike has served churches in Colorado, California, and Louisiana in a Pastoral role. He was then called to First Presbyterian Church of Santa Maria, California in 1991. He served that church for 14 years and was very active in the Presbytery of Santa Barbara over 17 years including his service as Moderator in 2007.
Since 2005, Pastor Mike has served as Interim Pastor in 6 congregations in Southern California, including right here at Grace Pres.
Pastor Mike is married to Joni Wallman who has served on church staff’s in North San Diego County for many years. Between them they have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Pastor Mike still loves to surf, ski, cycle, and play his guitar. “I gotta keep moving and staying in shape so I can serve the Lord with all my might!”