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Eric Heard’s journey in life has not been an easy one having been raised in an alcoholic home where he was emotionally, verbally and physically abused. The pain in his life led him to start using alcohol in 3rd grade and drugs when he was in 6th grade. His addiction to both alcohol and drugs led him to make an attempt on his life at age 17. Several weeks later he was invited to put his faith in Jesus Christ that would allow him to have a personal relationship with God, have his sins forgiven, and ultimately have a home in heaven.

A year later, Eric’s Pastor encouraged him to start a youth ministry, which he did, and volunteered for 2 years at his church. After that, Eric has served in two prominent churches including 22 years as a Youth Pastor at Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton and for the last 22 years at Mariners Church in Irvine where he is presently serving as the Pastor of Stewardship and Pastoral Ministries.

Eric’s education includes a B.A. in Christian Education from Biola University, and a Master of Divinity from Talbot Seminary.

Eric has been happily married to his wife, Debbie, for the past forty years. Together, they have raised two awesome kids: 31-year-old Johnny and 29-year-old Crystal who is married to Michael and have given them two grandkids Sage and Bobby.

Eric’s interests include biking, working out, waterskiing, snowboarding, skimboarding, reading, going out to dinner, watching movies, and spending time with his family.