History
In 1955, the neighborhoods of Kansas City were experiencing rapid change. Families were fleeing to the suburbs as African-American families moved in. Ministering to the new families presented a special...
In 1972, Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II, an eager, young, visionary, was appointed as Pastor of the church. A visionary; he saw what could be and refused to be limited by what was. He often said, “I just want to do God’s will.”
In the summer of 1973, two small Methodist congregations were struggling for survival. Its building was condemned, St. James was searching for a new home. Across the city, Gregory Boulevard was...
Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III was appointed Senior Pastor of St. James in July 2009. A dynamic teacher and preacher, Dr. Cleaver leads by word and example. He is devoted to...
With the membership of St. James spanning the metropolitan area, church leadership looked to expand its footprint. In July 2015, the Renaissance United Methodist Church became the St. James-Renaissance Campus. Located at...
On Pentecost Sunday 2023, Dr. Cleaver introduced the Next Movement, with the goal of returning the church to its roots through study, fellowship...