ABOUT
Agape Christian Center is an independent, non-denominational, charismatic, full-gospel church that ministers to the community and beyond metropolitan St. Louis through its outreach ministries.
Our Vision
“The Vision of Agape Christian Center is to be a people so committed to Jesus Christ that we are reflective of His teachings and lifestyle. And, who through balanced in our spiritual walk and lifestyle will effectively influence and change our world”
History of Agape Christian Center
An informational and organizational meeting was held on Saturday, June 2, 1979 with persons who had acquired knowledge of this new work and had expressed an interest in being a part of it. The purpose of the meeting was to explain the purpose plans and goals of Agape Christian Center.
During the interim of June through October, the charter members met periodically for Bible study and discussion on Saturday evening in the homes of the members. It began with an initial charter member of seven people.
An informational and organizational meeting was held on Saturday, June 2, 1979 with persons who had acquired knowledge of this new work and had exp
The first worship service was held on Sunday, October 14, 1979 at 10:30 am at the former Bel Air Hilton at 4th street Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis. The service was held in the Gallery Room. Nearly one hundred friends and well-wishers attended the first service, although there were few actual members. The congregation continued to meet at the Bel Air Hilton until September of 1980. At that time, they moved to their first building at 1722 N. 17th Street at Delmar Boulevard. After meeting there for three years, the congregation temporarily relocated to 4200 W. Kossuth from December of 1983 until July of 1984. In July of 1984, the congregation moved to 4131 E. Carter Avenue, which became their home until April 30, 1995.
At that time the church moved to 5306 Jennings Station Road. While there, the church secured additional properly and began additional ministries. The church remained at the Jennings Station Road Location until August 30, 2006, having sold the property to accommodate a county expansion project. The church then met at Jennings Sr. High school until June 8, 2008. The first service in the present facility at 2410 Gardner Drive was held on June 15, 2008.
Why is Agape referred to as a “Center” instead of a “Church?”
A center can be the headquarters of a variety of ministries, a church or fellowship being one facet. A church or fellowship refers to a group of believers that is united under the leadership of a pastor or pastors for the purpose of fellowship and teaching. These Groups meet regularly, usually in the same place on a temporary or permanent basis.
A church is a fellowship may not necessarily operate other branches or areas of ministry such as a school or a nursing home. However, they may become involved in assisting others in these efforts. Because the goals of Agape Christian Center include plans for other areas of ministry in addition to fellowship and teaching believers, it was incorporated as a center. Its endeavor Is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through multimedia communications and the arts. Among future ministries is a Day Care/Pre-School, a residence for new converts who are chemically dependent, a Bible Training Institute, and various social programs to assist the community.
The purpose of Agape Christian Center is to be a mechanism for spreading the gospel by presenting the reality of Jesus Christ to the lost and by expounding the way of God more fully to believers. (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15)
The specific goals and objectives of this Christian assembly are to bring glory and honor to God through corporate worship, disciplining of believers, evangelism, and demonstration of the love and power of God.
Through much perseverance, Agape has grown into a full-gospel fellowship that has practical biblical teaching, vibrant praise and worship, a warm caring body of believers with a vision toward a positive future.
About Our Worship
Why Do We Sing In Tongues And In English?
"For if I pray in tongues, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the mind (i.e. understanding) also; I shall sing with the spirit, and I shall sing with the mind also."
I Corinthians 14:13-15
Why Do We Sing Choruses As Well As Hymns?
"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. . ." Psalm 40:3 "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord."
Ephesians 5:18-19
Why Do We Encourage Individual Singing To The Lord?
"O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things." Psalm 98:1 "Praise the Lord!" "Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones."
Psalm 149:1
Why Spiritual Gifts In Worship Service?
Prophecy "Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy." I Corinthians 14:1 "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification, and exhortation, and consolation." I Corinthians 14:3
Tongues and Interpretation "If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; but if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent." I Corinthians 14:27-28
"Therefore, my brethren. . .do not forbid to speak in tongues." I Corinthians 14:39