Meet the Staff
Jeff Walling
Director, Youth Leadership Initiative
For more than 20 years, Jeff Walling has been speaking before thousands each year in inspirational and motivational workshops and seminars across the globe. Having preached for some of the largest churches in the country, he is regularly called on to keynote for youth conferences.
Prior to joining Pepperdine, Walling served as the preaching minister of the Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte, North Carolina since 1997. He also served churches in Orange County, California, for over 20 years.
Jeff serves as Pepperdine's Director of the Youth Leadership Initiative, working to raise up the next generation of young Christian leaders. Jeff and his wife Cathryn have three married sons: Taylor and Courtney, with children Finn and Imogen; Riley and Megan; Spencer and Gabby.
Rachel Higgins
Program Coordinator, Youth Leadership Initiative
Rachel Higgins grew up in the small town of Camas, Washington. While a Pacific Northwest local at heart, Malibu has become a second home to her. She graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Nonprofit Management. As a student, Rachel sang in Pepperdine's Christian A cappella group, Won by One.
Rachel serves as the Program Coordinator for the Youth Leadership Initiative and is passionate about raising up the next generation of Christian Leaders.
Mike Cope
Director, Ministry Outreach
Mike Cope was a minister for 33 years, preaching at Pine Valley Church of Christ in Wilmington, North Carolina (1982-84), College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas (84-91), Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas (1991-2009), and the Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, Texas (2011-2017).
In addition to directing Harbor, the Pepperdine Bible Lectures since 2013, he works with church leaders, speaks across the country, and directs three Pepperdine initiatives funded by the Lilly Endowment, inc.: Thriving in Ministry, Thriving Congregations, and Compelling Preaching.
Mike is the author of five books, including 2011's Megan's Secrets, and edited Wineskins magazine for 12 years. He also edited 21st Century Christian for 5 years, working with Helen and Norvel Young when they were the senior editors.
Mike and his wife, Diane, have been married 46 years. Their son Matt is a physician in Abilene, Texas; and Chris is a licensed marriage and family therapist in New York City. Their favorite pastime is being with their three grandchildren.
Valerie Tinker
Associate Director, Ministry Outreach
Valerie Tinker graduated from Texas A&M University and began a career in grant writing and serving non-profit organizations in various capacities.
Prior to working with Pepperdine's Thriving in Ministry and Thriving Congregations programs, Valerie served as the Executive Director of Unlock Ministries and as the Director of Community Outreach for Golf Course Road Church of Christ, both in Midland. She is the Associate Director and Grants Manager of Pepperdine's Department of Ministry Outreach.
Valerie has been married to John since 1998, and they have two children, Noah and Zoe.