ST. LOUIS — The Church of God in Christ is in St. Louis for a national convention that is expected to pump $10 million into the local economy. The organization of churches worldwide is in the city for the first time in years.
Local leaders are on a mission to keep the group coming back.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to have them back in St. Louis,” said Brian Hall with Explore St. Louis.
The organization, also known as COGIC, is made up of churches from all over the world. Some 15,000 people are in town for what's called the AIM convention. That stands for Auxiliaries in Ministry.
"Five major departments of our church, namely the music, youth, Sunday school, mission and evangelism,” explained Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard.
He said the conference is about training members in these categories and worshipping together. For years, the group brought a different convention to St. Louis every year, but that stopped a few years ago.
“We were really disappointed to lose them to Memphis but we’re in the process right now of bringing the Saints back here to St. Louis so we’re bidding on 2026 and beyond for the Holy convocation,” Hall added.
That's COGIC's largest convention, which is twice the size of the AIM convention, although this one is big too.
"This is huge…They're using a total of 10 hotels throughout the region, room blocks are scattered throughout the downtown core and even in St. Louis county,” Hall explained.
He said it's a sign of what's to come.
"The convention balance for the remainder of the year is solid. We have 17 events, including the epic Pink concert that's going to be taking place right next door at the Dome at America's Center in August."
"I want to thank the city of St. Louis for being so kind to us and we look forward to seeing this city again next year in May,” Bishop Sheard said, referring to the organization's National Women's Convention which is coming to the city next year.
Explore St. Louis said 2025 is slated to be the biggest convention year the city has seen in two decades.