Kyle Walling

Director of College / High School Ministries

I was born in Southern California as a pastor's kid, and moved with my family to Melbourne, Australia when I was four years old where we served as missionaries involved with church planting and leadership development. It was in these formative years that I saw God work in miraculous ways to love, guide and provide for my family, effectively wreaking me for life and placing me squarely on a trajectory to discovering what it looks like to follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Fast forward through the years, my family and I returned to the U.S. spending some time in Southern California before finally settling in Chico (my mom's hometown). Attending one of the local high schools, I was active in student leadership and athletics. During these years, I continued working out my faith as I attended a local church pastored by my dad, Terry. Though convinced Jesus was the way, the question always lingered, "do I actually believe this, or is this just how I was brought up?"

During my first year away at college, I found the answer to that question. What I now recognizes as a profound shaping experience, during a college-age church worship service I found himself amongst my peers with our arms and voices collectively raised in passionate worship. It was then that I was finally convinced that this faith was not that which has been handed down, but uniquely my own. I was all in. Since then, I have found myself fully committed to learning and growing as a disciple of Jesus and leading other to do the same.

After graduating from San Diego State University in 2007, I married my high school sweetheart, Megan and together we promptly moved to Fort Worth, Texas where I worked as a graphic designer for an advertising agency. Through a series of events Megan and I felt the Lord calling us back home to Chico in the spring of 2009. Upon returning we quickly became involved as volunteer leaders with the Neighborhood Church college ministry, Zoe. One thing has led to another, and now I find myself embarking on the most wild adventure I could ever imagine: high school and college ministry!

It's a privilege to be on staff here with such an amazing group of passionate, talented and loving people. I'm thrilled to continue to be a part of the big things that our good and beautiful God is doing in Chico!

Megan and I have one incredibly amazing son, Blaine, and two endearing but slightly neurotic dogs, Sadie and Chase. In my free time I enjoy being with family and friends, creating, playing guitar, home improvement projects, sunny days on the lake and bike rides through the park.

Ministries
College and High School Ministry

Education
I graduated in 2007 from San Diego State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in Religious Studies.

Interesting Facts:

• I have traveled to every continent with the exception of Africa (and Antarctica)
• I have a deep rooted passion for the game of baseball
• I was once attacked by a flock of hungry pelicans
• A walk or bike ride through Bidwell Park is all it takes to remind me how blessed I am to live in this amazing place