Gregory Bernard Ballard was born to Mr. Clarence and Barbara Jean Ballard on January 21, 1962.  Gregory is the eldest of three sons born to this union.  Gregory was born and reared in Lorain, Ohio and is a product of the Lorain City Public School System graduating from Admiral King High School in 1980.

Upon completion of High School Gregory matriculated at the Wilberforce University, Wilberforce Ohio earning the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Religion.   While at Wilberforce University, he found and married his college sweetheart Ms. Elaine (Davis) Ballard.  This union produced three children, Gregory II, Joshua Allen, and Kiara Marie. 

Continuing his educational pursuit lead Gregory to the Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma where he earned a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology.  Not resting on his laurels, Gregory enrolled at the United Theological Seminary, Dayton Ohio where he earned the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry Degrees. 

Dr. Ballard has extensive experiences in many areas.  He serves as Senior Pastor of the JOY Baptist Tabernacle, of Houston Texas and Director of Baptist Student Ministry at Texas Southern University.   He has served many churches across the country including: Founding Pastor of the Greater Victory Christian Ministries, Lorain, Ohio, Founding Pastor of the New Era Christian Center of Charlotte North Carolina, Senior Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church, Lorain, Ohio, Senior Pastor of the New Era Baptist Church, Middletown Ohio, Senior Pastor of the Grayson Baptist Church, Enid Oklahoma, Youth Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Woodlawn Ohio, and the Friendship Baptist Church, of Tulsa Oklahoma.  His area of expertise includes specialized training in pastoral counseling, youth ministries, church growth, black church studies, music ministry, and new church development. 

Dr. Ballard is also no stranger to academia; he has served on the faculty, in an adjunct or guest professor capacity, of many colleges, universities, and seminaries including: Wilberforce University, Wilmington College, Xavier University, Hebrew Union College and Jewish Institute of Religion and Johnson C. Smith University. 

Dr. Ballard has had numerous honors and awards bestowed upon him including: Outstanding Young Men of America, Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, National Dean’s List of America.  He is also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.   

Dr. Ballard served as the Assistant Administrator for Lorain County under the County Commissioners.  He also served as Chaplain for the City of Lorain Police Department.  Dr. Ballard travels nationally and internationally consulting, speaking and preaching in a powerful manner blending intellect, humor, wit, and charm.