Dr. Tracy Paino is filled with passion, humor, and a sense of adventure which bring life to his speaking and teaching.  Dr. Paino strived to be intentional, relational, and missional in his years as a youth pastor, church planter, pastor, college professor, dean, and motivational speaker.  He has traveled the world inspiring students, teachers, congregations, pastors, schools, and leaders in well-known companies such as 3M, General Mills, IKEA, and Jenny-O.  Fifteen years in pastoral ministry, over twenty years in higher education, a two year stint as a national ministry representative for a missions organization that helps meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in poverty-stricken areas of the world. 

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One of his many passions is to challenge people to go deeper in their faith, to make the Bible come alive, and to serve as a teaching guide for trips to the land of the Bible. He enjoys opening up new paths of insight into the Bible and the Christian faith using the context of biblical history, language, culture, and spirituality. High School students, College students, pastors, church leaders, and people from all walks of life benefit from his unique style of combining these elements with a pastoral approach while using the geographical and archeological realities of the biblical setting. 

His educational background includes a B.A. from Evangel University (Springfield, MO) in Biblical Studies, a Masters of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University (St. Paul, MN), and post-doctoral work in Biblical Languages, Biblical Geography, and Ancient Judaism.  Along with his wife, Debbie, he resides in Apple Valley, MN. They have two daughters, one son, and their families which include seven gorgeous granddaughters.   As a self-diagnosed adrenaline “junkie” he participates in many different outdoor activities like biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, and camping.  He enjoys traveling and continues to be a contributing professor and teacher on trips to Israel, Jordan, and other biblical locations. This unique combination of pastoral, biblical, and recreational acumen gives a sense of adventure to all of his teaching, guiding, and leadership.