GACC: A Thriving African Immigrant Church in St. Louis
Grace Africa Christian Connection (GACC), a two-and-a-half-year-old church in St. Louis, Missouri, is making waves in the local African immigrant community. Led by the Rev. Mtipe Koggani, a Tanzanian native ordained after graduating from esteemed theological seminaries, GACC serves immigrants from at least 15 African countries. The church, a plant of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, is supported both financially and spiritually by the diocese.
GACC's unique worship services blend the traditional Book of Common Prayer with African styles, using Rite 3 of the Holy Eucharist. The church's recording studio, set up to harness the musical and video production talents of its members, supports multimedia evangelism efforts. Bishop Deon K. Johnson, who met with seminary student Mtipe Koggani in 2020 to found GACC, believes in devoting more resources to planting churches like GACC.
GACC's impact on the African immigrant community is evident in its free music lessons for children. These young musicians now play in the church band, boosting church attendance among their families. The church also provides housing and support to international students, such as Lynne Mumbe from Kenya and Kenneth Chimwaga from Tanzania.
With an average Sunday attendance of about 40 and another 80 involved in community life, GACC is more than just a church; it's a community hub. Its innovative approach to worship, support for international students, and outreach through music lessons are transforming the lives of African immigrants in St. Louis. As GACC continues to grow, its impact on the local African immigrant community is set to expand.
