By Antonio Mansueto on October 4, 2024
Pastor Modestino DiSiena, fondly known as Pastor Tino, has been leading Free Gospel Assembly of God Church since 1998, making an indelible impact on the community of Flushing, New York. Pastor DiSiena’s journey into ministry is deeply rooted in his personal relationship with Christ and his desire to serve the diverse and ever-changing neighborhood where the church is located. Having earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in theology and family counseling, Pastor Tino combines his academic knowledge with a heartfelt passion for pastoral care, leading his congregation with wisdom and humility.
A Dynamic Ministry Partnership: Pastor Tino and Tatiana DiSiena
He is not alone in this journey. Pastor Tino is married to Tatiana DiSiena, who plays a vital role in the church as the Music Director. Tatiana is not only a talented musician but also a skilled vocal teacher, voice therapist, and vocal coach. Together, they form a dynamic team, working in tandem to enrich the spiritual and creative life of the congregation.
Tatiana’s expertise in music complements Pastor Tino’s leadership, as they both share a deep passion for ministry, helping individuals grow spiritually while nurturing their creative gifts. Their shared commitment to the church and each other creates a powerful partnership that strengthens the church’s outreach and worship experience.
A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion
Free Gospel Assembly of God Church is not just a place of worship but a vibrant hub for the local community. Reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the Flushing neighborhood, the church supports multiple language ministries, including Spanish and Chinese-speaking congregations. Pastor Tino has been a driving force behind these inclusive efforts, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background, has access to the message of the Gospel. His leadership emphasizes that the church’s mission is to minister to all people, offering spiritual guidance and tangible support.
One of the standout services the church offers is its after-school program through the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, which provides an affordable, nurturing environment for children in the community. This program is a testament to the church’s commitment to holistic care, addressing both spiritual and practical needs.
“We as a church have a mission to present a balanced Gospel,” Pastor Tino explains, “not an unbalanced gospel but a gospel that is based on Matthew 6:33, ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’.” This balance extends to the church’s outreach efforts, which include collaborations with local organizations to provide food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need.
A Balanced Gospel: The Heart of the Ministry
Pastor Tino’s ministry is guided by what he calls a “balanced Gospel.” This approach encourages a deep and thoughtful understanding of Scripture, while also promoting forgiveness, grace, and love. It is not enough to merely believe in the Gospel on a doctrinal level; Pastor Tino also emphasizes the importance of living out the Gospel in everyday actions and relationships. (James 1:26-27)
For him, the Gospel is not about strict adherence to rules or rigid interpretations but about cultivating a relationship with God that is filled with mercy and grace. This perspective is evident in his preaching, where he integrates theological insight with practical advice for living a life of faith. (Matthew 22:36-40; 1 Corinthians 13)
“We encourage people to not only believe the right thing but do the right thing,” he says, highlighting the importance of behavior and personal growth in the Christian Walk. Pastor Tino often draws from his background in family counseling to guide individuals through their personal and relational challenges, always pointing them back to the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
The Podcast: “1 Pastor’s Point of View”
In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor Tino reaches a broader audience through his podcast, “1 Pastor’s Point of View.” The podcast is an extension of his desire to share the Gospel in a relatable, conversational manner. The name of the podcast reflects Pastor Tino’s humility and openness; he emphasizes that his interpretation of Scripture is fallible and open to discussion. The primary theme of the podcast is living out the Gospel, not just believing in it. Pastor Tino aims to engage his listeners in thoughtful conversations about faith, psychology, and everyday life.: Integrating all Three.
The podcast serves as a platform for him to reach individuals who may not be able to attend church services, including those outside of the Flushing area. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Listen Notes, Player FM, Overcast, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, Goodpods, and Truefans. Through his episodes, Pastor Tino hopes to foster a deeper understanding of God’s word and encourage listeners to live out their faith in practical ways.
You can follow his journey and listen to the podcast via the Free Gospel Assembly website, its Facebook page, and Instagram. Additionally, you can join the Bible Study every Thursday at 7:45 P.M. by phone at 646-558-8656, using Meeting ID: 841 1338 7116 and Passcode: 15615.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Like many churches, Free Gospel Assembly of God has faced its share of challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily disrupted in-person gatherings. However, under Pastor Tino’s steady leadership, the church has been able to navigate these difficulties and is now regathering in strength.
One of the ongoing challenges the church faces are the limited availability of parking in the densely populated neighborhood, making it difficult for some people to attend in person. However, the church’s location near public transportation helps mitigate this issue. Free Gospel Assembly is located at 156-15 Sanford Ave., Flushing, NY 11355, making it easily accessible for visitors by train or bus. When commuting from Queens, you can take the 7 Train and get off at Main Street, Flushing, and then transfer to the Q12 bus, which stops right in front of the church. Pastor Tino remains hopeful that the church’s outreach efforts will continue to grow despite the obstacles.
He is particularly passionate about reaching young people and college students in the area. “We want to minister to all levels, all age groups, but we also really want to reach out to the younger generation,” he says. Pastor Tino’s vision for the future includes expanding the church’s evangelism efforts and finding new ways to engage with the diverse communities surrounding the church.
A Ministry Focused on the Whole Person
One of the hallmarks of Pastor Tino’s ministry is his focus on ministering to the whole person. This means addressing not only spiritual needs but also physical, emotional, and relational needs. The church is actively involved in charitable activities, partnering with organizations like the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association to provide essential services such as food and clothing to those in need, as well as an after-school program.
Pastor Tino believes that the Gospel cannot be separated from practical acts of love and service. Citing the teachings of the Apostle James, he reminds his congregation that “faith without works is dead.” For him, helping people with their physical, relational, and emotional needs is just as important as preaching the Gospel. We are not just saving a soul, but Christ wants to heal the person.
This holistic approach is also reflected in his pastoral counseling, where he collaborates with individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges. Whether through his podcast, Sunday sermons, or one-on-one counseling sessions, Pastor Tino’s goal is always to help people experience the fullness of life in Christ.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
As Pastor Tino looks back on his years of ministry, he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that shaped his own faith journey. Having grown up in the neighborhood and come to faith at Free Gospel Assembly of God, his leadership is deeply personal. Over the years, he has watched the church grow and evolve, and he is excited about what the future holds.
Through his academic background, diverse experiences, and deep love for the people he serves, Pastor Tino has created a ministry that is both compassionate and intellectually robust. His desire to reach people of all ages and backgrounds is evident in everything he does, from leading the church to hosting his podcast.
For those seeking a church that combines solid biblical teaching with a heart for the community, Free Gospel Assembly of God Church is a welcoming and vibrant place to call home. As Pastor Tino continues to lead with grace and wisdom, the church remains a beacon of hope and love in the Flushing community.
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