The Rev. Dr. Michael Walker became a Christian during his sophomore year at Cornell University. He attended Bethel Grove Bible Church, and participated in the campus ministry. Shortly after, he began dating Marie Kane, a student at Ithaca College. Clearly this was God’s divine direction and Michael and Marie were married at Bethel Grove Bible Church in December 1974.
The newly married Walkers moved to Dallas, Texas where they both attended Dallas Theological Seminary. He graduated in l978 with a Master of Theology, majoring in Pastoral Ministry. His academic excellence led to an opportunity to serve on the Seminary’s faculty in the department of Pastoral Ministries for the year following his graduation.
Rev. Walker’s first call was as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Peabody, Massachusetts from 1980 to 1985. He then accepted a call as Senior Pastor of Elim Chapel, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Following his ministry in Winnipeg, Rev. Walker accepted the call to pastor Crossroads Community Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. During these years, he served on numerous boards and task forces. He continued his academic pursuits and mentoring by teaching Preaching at Winnipeg Theological Seminary. During this time he also completed coursework for the Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.
While in Canada, the Walkers spent a lot of time hiking, cross country skiing, and cultivating their love for the mountains, and the national parks of Canada.
The Rev. Dr. Michael and Marie Walker raised their two daughters in Canada. Their oldest daughter, Kelly continues to live in Vancouver, B. C. Their younger daughter, Kristen, came to California with her parents. There she attended Bakersfield College and San Diego State University. She now lives in San Diego, and visits her parents frequently.
The Walkers came to California in 1998, and Dr. Walker began teaching high school Biology. Marie soon returned to Fresno State, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Currently, the Walker’s are both employed with the Norris School District. Marie is a Speech Pathologist, and Dr. Walker teaches Life Science at Norris Middle School. The Walkers are active in ministry at Parkside Church in Bakersfield.
Dr. Walker greatly enjoys the opportunity to contribute to providing the pulpit ministry of preaching God’s Word at Westminster Presbyterian.
