Rev. Gino A. Austin, being saved during a revival service held at Macedonia Baptist Church, has been a member there for more than 30 years.
While under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Norman E. Owens he was called into the ministry and was licensed on September 21, 1981.
Rev. Austin is a native of East St. Louis, Illinois. He was educated in East St. Louis public school system and graduated in the bicentennial year of 1976 from the East St. Louis Senior High School. He attended the Higher Learning Center (formerly known as State Community College of East St. Louis), graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts in the mid 80’s; attended Southwestern Illinois College (formerly known as Belleville Area College), graduated with an Associates Degree in Applied Science (Radiological Technology) in 1992;and attended Missouri Baptist University (formerly known as Missouri Baptist College), graduated with a BPS in Ministry and Leadership in 2001 and is currently enrolled in the Master’s Program.
In 1987, Rev. Austin served at the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church as Minister of Worship and co-youth director for eight years under the Spiritual direction of Pastor Herman L. Watson, Sr., and out of the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Austin yielded to the will of God for the pastorate at Morning Star Baptist Church in Alton, IL from 1993 to 2001. As God refined the Ministry and Minister, Pastor Austin was called to organize, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church (Alton, IL). And to this date, the teaching, preaching, praying instructions and leadership of the Holy Spirit is yet a profound tool in the growth of many through Rev. Gino A. Austin.
Rev. Austin has served as a guest evangelist for Union Baptist Church, Alton, IL, Union Baptist Church, Springfield, IL, First Baptist Church, Quincy, IL, First Baptist Church, Davenport, IA, Union Baptist Church, Danville, IL, Macedonia Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL; served as second vice-moderator of the Wood River Baptist District Association; Scholarship Chairman, Ministers’ Division facilitator, youth speaker, Director of Christian Education for the (AAIMA) Alton Area Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; past President of the (AAIMA) Alton Area Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; leadership workshop conference speaker; and constantly attends all types of conferences, workshops, Institutes and seminars for the spiritual and emotional betterment of himself and all people.
Rev. Austin has been married for three years to Kimberly (Love) Austin; has three stepchildren, Kaneshia, Kennard and Kyonna; and has five grandchildren whom he loves dearly.
Rev. Austin’s zeal is to serve God and God’s people as he is commanded. God has given him a genuine love for his people. Rev. Gino A. Austin is a “tender shepherd” who takes his calling seriously.
