Today we’d like to introduce you to Tino Herrera.
Hi Tino, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. My family was Catholic — I was baptized, confirmed, and we went to Mass regularly when I was little. But when you’re young, you don’t always remember every detail. What you do remember are those big, life-shifting moments — the ones that shape how you see faith, family, and yourself.
For me, one of those moments came when my parents divorced. I was about seven. Life changed quickly after that. My mom was working two or three jobs, often on weekends, just trying to keep things together. Church fell to the side — not because faith wasn’t important, but because survival was. We’d still make it to Mass on the big days — Christmas, Easter — but it wasn’t the same.
I’ll never forget one Sunday when we did go. My mom went up for communion, but the priest told her she couldn’t receive because she hadn’t “talked with him” about the divorce. I didn’t fully understand what that meant, but I’ll never forget the look on her face — the quiet tears that followed. In that moment, I made a silent decision: If this is what church is, I want nothing to do with it.
And for a long time, I didn’t. I kept my distance from religion, from church, from anything that felt like it could hurt people like that again.
Then, almost twenty years later, something unexpected happened. I was invited to go on a mission trip to Las Vegas. I didn’t know what a mission trip was — but I did know what Vegas was, so I said yes. I figured, why not?
That trip ended up changing my life. I went thinking I was going to “help” others, but instead, I was the one transformed. Being surrounded by thirty middle schoolers — watching their energy, their faith, their willingness to serve — it broke something open in me. I saw a glimpse of what church could really be: people loving God and one another without judgment or walls.
I’ve always known I wanted to impact people’s lives. For a while, I thought that meant following my sister’s path and becoming a nurse. But that trip changed everything. It stirred something deeper — a call I didn’t know was there.
That experience led me to seminary. And eventually, to pastoring a beloved community of faith — a place where grace is real, where questions are welcome, and where people like my mom would always have a place at the table.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy for me. I’m a third-generation Mexican American, married to a beautiful Black woman, and we’re raising a Black daughter. There’s so much love in our family, but I’d be lying if I said there haven’t been challenges—both from the world around us and even from people close to me.
Growing up, I was pretty assimilated. I remember asking my parents one day why they never taught my sister and me Spanish. Their answer was simple—they wanted us to focus on English, so we could “make it,” so we’d be safe. I understand now that it came from love and protection, but it also meant losing a part of our story. I carried that tension with me—wanting to be proud of who I was, yet unsure if I’d ever fully belong anywhere.
When I stepped into ministry as a young student pastor, that feeling followed me. I found myself in spaces where people would make comments or jokes that crossed lines of bigotry or racism. Sometimes they didn’t even realize how harmful their words were—but I did. And it hurt. It made me question where I fit, not just culturally, but even within the church.
Even in my own family, I faced rejection. My father once told me that if I married a Black woman, he wouldn’t have a relationship with me. Hearing that from your own parent—it shakes you. But even in that pain, I held on to my faith. Because my faith reminded me that God’s love isn’t conditional. It doesn’t stop at the borders we create or the biases we hold.
Through it all, it’s been my faith that’s compelled me to keep going—to keep believing that God’s story for my life is bigger than the pain I’ve faced. And I’ve seen that truth unfold through the love and strength of my wife, Samara, and our daughter, Samaiyah.
God has surrounded us with people who embody grace. The community at Trinity UMC has been one of those gifts. They’ve welcomed us, loved us, and empowered us to live out our calling fully—without having to leave parts of ourselves behind.
I’ve learned that faith isn’t just about what you believe—it’s about who you choose to be in the face of adversity. It’s about choosing love over fear, reconciliation over rejection, and hope over despair. And by God’s grace, that’s the path I continue to walk today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Lead Pastor at Trinity UMC and an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. I have now been serving at Trinity for a little over three years. When I first arrived, I was given the task of helping Trinity grow—and I am proud to say that our growth has exceeded my expectations. At Trinity, we strive to create a space where everyone is truly welcomed, and we don’t take that welcome lightly. We believe in the empowerment of representation and in encouraging people to use their gifts for the greater good of our community.
When you worship with us at Trinity, you’ll see a living picture of what “belonging” really looks like. Too often, faith communities say all are welcome—but that welcome isn’t always reflected in what you see on Sunday mornings. One of the things I am most proud of is how Trinity has fostered a multi-generational, multi-racial community over the past few years. That sense of belonging and shared purpose is at the heart of who we are.
My passion is creating and living into God’s beloved community—a phrase made famous by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who envisioned God’s kingdom as a living reality wherever people are empowered to use their gifts for the greater good. I love the day-to-day work of walking alongside people, sharing in their joys and challenges, and helping them see the ways God is at work in their lives. There is no greater gift than journeying with others for the betterment of themselves and the communities we inhabit.
I am currently pursuing my doctorate at Wesley Theological Seminary, continuing to grow both academically and spiritually. Outside of ministry, I enjoy fishing, reading a good book, and watching a good movie.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am a huge believer in community. As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Now more than ever, we need to work together for the good of our communities. No matter what path we’re on, we can learn from one another, share with one another, and work toward human flourishing.
One of the most powerful ways to do this is for the Church itself to get involved. Too often, I see churches along Troost with signs offering “thoughts and prayers.” While prayer is important, I believe it must be paired with action. Come pray on Troost, but also come pay on Troost—invest in locally owned businesses, support neighborhood restaurants, and build real relationships with people who may look different or believe differently than you. In my experience, you’ll often find that you have far more in common than you might expect.
Another way to collaborate with us and impact our community is through volunteering at Trinity UMC. We offer weekly meals for our friends in the community: Mondays from 12:00–1:00 pm and Saturdays from 11:30–12:00 pm. We also distribute diapers to families in need on the third Sunday of every month. These are tangible ways to show love, build relationships, and work together for the greater good.
Ultimately, supporting our work, volunteering, or simply showing up in love and solidarity is how we all contribute to God’s beloved community. Together, we can make a difference that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trinitykc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trinitykcmo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinitykcmo
