Pastor Ballard was born on June 13, 1960 in Baton Rouge Louisiana. He grew up attending Central Baptist Church under Pastor Bob Smith and then Pastor Bob Buchanan. He grew up in Christian home where his dad and mom faithfully served in the ministries of Central Baptist church. Pastor Ballard graduated from the Christian academy and surrendered to preach the Gospel. He married his high school sweetheart Mrs. Susan Ballard who also attended and served in the ministries of Central Baptist church. He attended and graduated from Hyles Anderson College. Pastor Ballard began to work for Pastor Keith Gomez at Northwest Bible Baptist Church in Prospect Heights Illinois for and then became the youth pastor for Dr. BG Buchanan for 11 years. He was called to be the pastor of Grace Baptist church in 1993 where he is presently serving. Pastor Ballard and Mrs Susie have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren.