Tim Dilena Biography: Age, Family, Career, and Times Square Church Leadership
In the landscape of urban ministry, Tim Dilena stands as a bridge between the foundational legacy of David Wilkerson and the future of the global church. As the third senior pastor of the iconic Times Square Church in New York City, Dilena brings nearly 40 years of experience to one of the most diverse pulpits in the world. By 2026, his leadership has focused on “spiritual grammar”—encouraging believers to trust God’s punctuation in their lives and move beyond surface-level faith.
Key Takeaways: Tim Dilena at a Glance
- Current Role: Senior Pastor of Times Square Church (NYC) since May 2020.
- Heritage: Son of Paul Dilena, a central figure in the classic book The Cross and the Switchblade.
- Educational Background: Studies at Baylor University, Wayne State, Moody Bible Institute, and Oxford University (Apologetics).
- 2026 Focus: Emphasizing “Deep Water Faith” and the “260 Journey” (a global New Testament reading movement).
- Family: Married to Cindy Dilena; father to four children: Christian, Anna, Grace, and Lauryn.
- Career Milestone: Successfully transitioned the leadership of Times Square Church from Pastor Carter Conlon in 2021.
Early Life and The Wilkerson Connection
Tim Dilena’s biography is inextricably linked to the history of urban missions in America. He is the son of Paul Dilena, a former New York City police captain who became the first treasurer of Teen Challenge and was featured in David Wilkerson’s best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade.
Growing up in this environment, Tim was a first-hand witness to the “miracles of the street.” He saw gang leaders like Nicky Cruz transformed by the gospel, which instilled in him a belief that no person or neighborhood is too “far gone” for God’s grace. This background served as the foundation for his own calling to the most challenging mission fields in Detroit and New York.
Education: A Blend of Finance and Apologetics
Pastor Tim’s academic journey reflects a mix of practical skills and deep intellectual rigor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Finance, having attended:
- Baylor University
- Wayne State University
- Moody Bible Institute
Beyond his finance degree, he pursued extended studies in Apologetics at Oxford University in England. This unique combination allows him to preach with “intellectual fire”—addressing the logical doubts of modern seekers while maintaining the passionate fire of a traditional revivalist.
Career Journey: From a XXX Theater to Times Square
The most famous chapter of Dilena’s early career began in 1984 in Detroit. At the request of Gary Wilkerson (David Wilkerson’s son), Tim moved to the city to assist with a church plant. What was meant to be “short-term help” turned into a life-defining mission.
Revival Tabernacle
In one of the boldest moves in modern church history, Dilena founded Revival Tabernacle in what was formerly a 900-seat XXX movie theater in Detroit. Under his leadership, the venue was transformed from a “sink of sin” into a “sanctuary of hope.” The church grew into a thriving, multi-ethnic congregation that continues to impact Detroit today.
Brooklyn and Louisiana
In 2010, Jim Cymbala invited Dilena to join The Brooklyn Tabernacle as an associate pastor. After five years of serving in Brooklyn, he moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, to lead Our Savior’s Church. These varied experiences prepared him for his ultimate return to Manhattan in May 2020.
Leadership at Times Square Church (2020–2026)
Tim Dilena officially succeeded Carter Conlon as the senior pastor of Times Square Church on May 5, 2020. This transition occurred during the height of the global pandemic, a period that required him to lead one of the world’s most famous congregations through digital screens before finally returning to the historic Mark Hellinger Theatre.
By 2026, Dilena has become a beloved figure in New York City, known for:
- The 260 Journey: A daily New Testament reading program that has gained international participation.
- Pro-Sports Ministry: Serving as a regular speaker for MLB and NFL chapels.
- Global Influence: Sitting on the board of World Challenge, the ministry founded by David Wilkerson.
Personal Life: Cindy and the Dilena Family
A central pillar of Tim’s life is his wife, Cindy Dilena. Cindy is an active leader at Times Square Church, often heading the TSC Women’s Speaker Series. The couple is known for their transparent approach to family and ministry, frequently sharing lessons from their journey of raising four children: Christian, Anna, Grace, and Lauryn.
Net Worth 2026: Financial Standing
As of 2026, Tim Dilena’s net worth is estimated between $1 Million and $3 Million. As the senior pastor of a historic non-profit institution, his compensation is structured through a board-governed salary. His additional income is derived from:
- Book Royalties: Author of The 260 Journey and Your Life is God’s Story.
- Speaking Engagements: High-demand keynote slots at global pastor conferences.
- Media Publishing: Revenue from digital devotional content.
Quick Facts Table: Pastor Tim Dilena
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Tim Dilena |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Education | Corporate Finance (Wayne State), Apologetics (Oxford) |
| Spouse | Cindy Dilena |
| Children | 4 (Christian, Anna, Grace, Lauryn) |
| Predecessor | Carter Conlon |
| 2026 Net Worth | $1M – $3M (Est.) |
This video documents the historic moment Pastor Tim Dilena officially took the torch to lead Times Square Church, providing insight into the legacy he carries and the vision he has for the future.
