Pastor Gino can be found on any given Sunday speaking God’s word to our congregation through sharing a message or leading worship! Pastor Gino has made it his life commitment to help people pursue Jesus through a lifestyle of radical, transformational discipleship. Whether on Sunday morning at church, Saturday on the soccer field, or running errands throughout the week, Gino shares his simple guiding principles: love God, love people, and make disciples.
More about Gino
I grew up in Denver, CO, the son of a Broncos superstar and a schoolteacher. I played football at Oregon State, the Kansa City Chiefs, and the BC Lions in Vancouver. My wife, Michelle, and I met in Los Angeles, at church, of course, and became close friends when work together planting a church and starting a new campus ministry at the University of Texas in Austin. After establishing that ministry, we moved to San Diego in 1999 to do it again at San Diego State.
We were married in San Diego in 2001 and, after three miscarriages, were blessed with five, yes, five children — all girls! Michelle says, “The pace of life is like a roller coaster ride. I’m just trying to enjoy the ride rather than screaming.” We are more passionate than ever that Jesus is the medicine this hurting world is crying out for. We endeavor in everything we do to reproduce Jesus in our children, our community, and everyone we meet.
Pastor Gino is also a singer/songwriter and author of Black Belt Discipleship. As a former member of both the NFL and CFL, Gino learned early on the importance of dedication and sacrifice, but that was nothing compared to the adventure he found through understanding the call of Christ. Learn more about Pastor Gino and check out his book Black Belt Discipleship
Random facts and tidbits about Gino and Michelle
Gino:
- PC or Mac: PC
- Morning or Night Person: Morning (and NOT by choice!)
- Dogs or cats: Dogs
- Hometown: Denver, CO
- Favorite Dessert: Texas Sheet Cake / Mimi’s Fudge Cake with ice cream
- Beach or Mountains: Beach
- Favorite Music: Praise & Worship/Contemporary Gospel
Michelle:
- PC or Mac: iPhone! What century is this?
- Morning or Night Person: I was a night person until my kids broke me. I have a few good hours between 9:00pm – 2:00am!
- Dogs or cats: Dogs
- Hometown: Grew up in Atlanta but moved to Nashville
- Favorite Dessert: Chocolate
- Beach or Mountains: Beach
- Favorite Music: Good music of any genre, but I do love James Taylor, Journey & almost anything R&B