African Anglican Mission of the Emmaus Ministry at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shakopee
African Anglican Mission of the Emmaus Ministry at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shakopee
A New Anglican Community Taking Root in Shakopee
The African Anglican Mission of the Emmaus Ministry is a growing worshiping community within the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (ECMN), gathering at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shakopee. The mission was born from a long-held desire among members of the Anglican Church from Kenya and other African countries to establish a place where they could worship together, nurture their faith, preserve their Anglican tradition, and build community in Minnesota. The mission was founded by The Rev. Moses Tebui following his licensing in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota in April 2026. Although the vision had been quietly held for some time, the opportunity to bring it to life came through the support and encouragement of the Emmaus Ministry, a church-planting mission of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota.
From a Living Room Community to a Place of Worship
The African Anglican Mission held its first worship service on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Sixton Apartments in Shakopee. The service was hosted by the Rev. Moses Tebui, with The Rev. Jeckonia Okoth of the Emmaus Ministry serving as preacher. Through the support of ECMN, represented by the Rev. Okoth and others, the growing community was able to find a welcoming and reliable place to worship. This led to a partnership with St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shakopee, whose leadership graciously opened its doors to the new congregation. The mission held its first service at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 7, 2026, presided over by the Rev. Tebui. Since then, members have gathered faithfully each Sunday, giving thanks to God for the opportunity to worship together. The congregation continues to grow, with new visitors joining the community regularly. The mission is becoming a place where African Anglican traditions, Christian faith, fellowship, and a spirit of welcome come together.
Celebrating New Beginnings Through Baptism
One of the mission's early milestones was a Baptismal Service held on July 12, 2026, during which six children were baptized into the Christian faith. The joyful celebration brought together families, clergy, children, and members of the wider worshiping community. It was a significant moment for the young mission and a visible sign of its growing life and ministry.
Leadership and Anglican Roots
The Rev. Moses Tebui brings a rich Anglican background to the mission. He was ordained 4 decades ago and has served in various capacities within the Anglican Church of Kenya, including in the Diocese of Eldoret and later the Diocese of Kapsabet, before continuing his ministry in Minnesota. As the congregation takes its first steps, an interim leadership committee has been elected to help guide the mission and support its ministry:
• Vicar’s Warden: Bethwel Korir
• People’s Warden: Eliseba Kiyeng
• Secretary: Vincent Korir
• Treasurer: Albert Kiyeng
Together with the clergy and wider congregation, the leadership is committed to nurturing a welcoming,
faithful, and growing Anglican community in Shakopee.
A Community Built Through Partnership
The establishment of the African Anglican Mission has been made possible through the generosity, encouragement, and partnership of many people. The congregation offers its sincere gratitude to all who have helped make this vision a reality. The Episcopal Church in Minnesota through The Rev. Kesley Schuster (Canon to the Ordinary), The Rev Blair
Pogue and The Rev. Jen Asp, is especially thanked for helping marshal financial support through the Emmaus Ministry, enabling the mission to secure a worship space for the coming year, and for continued support of the music ministry.
The Rev. Jeckonia Okoth is deeply appreciated for helping the congregation navigate the church-planting process, assisting in finding a worship space, and offering pastoral encouragement, guidance, and support throughout the mission's early journey. Along with him The Rev. Carmen is thanked for her willingness to preach during the second church service.
The congregation also extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Matt and the leadership of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Shakopee, for generously opening their church building to the African Anglican Mission. Their hospitality has provided the mission with a welcoming home in which to worship and honor God.
Looking to The Future
The African Anglican Mission of the Emmaus Ministry is still young, but its story is already one of faith, partnership, perseverance, and hope. What began as a quiet dream among African Anglicans has developed into a growing worshiping community. As the mission looks to the future, it hopes to continue welcoming people from African countries and beyond, strengthening families in faith, nurturing children and young people, developing its music ministry, and participating fully in the life and mission of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. Above all, the congregation gives thanks to God for the many people who have opened doors, offered their gifts, shared their ministry, and helped this new community take root.
To God be the glory for the great things God has done—and for the journey that lies ahead.