Gino A. Austin was born in East St. Louis, IL. to the Late Eugene Earl and Willie Lou Austin and reared in East St. Louis, IL. He is a graduate of East St. Louis Sr. High School, in East St. Louis.

Pastor Austin earned his Associate of Arts Degree from State Community College in East St. Louis IL., his Associate of Applied Science Degree from Belleville Area College in Belleville, IL. and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ministry and Leadership from Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis MO.

Pastor Austin began his pastoral experience at age 34 at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church (Alton, IL) where he served as under-shepherd from October 1992 to January 2001.

He continued to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit and organized God's people at the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church (Alton, IL) from February 2001 to present.

Even more significant than Pastor Austin's many pastoral accomplishments and academic credentials, is his genuine love for the people of God. He is a “tender shepherd” who takes his calling seriously.