Bishop A. John McCoy Sr., a revered metro St. Louis faith leader whose ministry spanned more than seven decades, died last week at age 92, just hours after leading his final Monday prayer call.
McCoy, the founding pastor of Grace Apostolic Worship Center in Florissant, was known as a gentle giant with “quiet power,” a disciplined and humble leader who nurtured many aspiring ministers and helped form congregations across the region.
“A. John McCoy was a leader of leaders who birthed over a dozen churches from his ministry, and a spiritual father to countless souls across Missouri and beyond,” said his son, Art J. McCoy II, CEO and social entrepreneur for SAGES LLC and a distinguished fellow and superintendent-in residence in Saint Louis University’s School of Education.
Born and raised in St. Louis, McCoy endured challenges early in life. He lost his leg at age 3 after a playground accident, then as a teenager left high school during his 11th-grade year, experiencing poverty, drugs, gang activity and crime. It wasn’t until he saw his sister get shot that McCoy made a pivot that would change the course of his life, leading him into the ministry, his son said.
McCoy was baptized in October 1955, and by November he was drawn into preaching. His mission took him across Missouri into prisons and jails, onto radio stations and street corners, where he believed ministry was most needed.
Bishop Larry Jones, pastor of Greater Grace Church in Ferguson, began watching McCoy from afar before entering ministry himself. Later, he worked alongside him as McCoy became a district elder.
“He was very gracious, very kind, consistent and truthful. Someone you could turn to,” said Jones, who will deliver the eulogy at McCoy’s homegoing service, 11 a.m. Nov. 8 at Greater Grace. “He has a legacy that will not be forgotten.”
Those who knew him recall his storytelling as part of his ministry.
“He always attempted to speak the truth wrapped in a story of love. He knew that a story would connect with people and have them remember it for a lifetime,” McCoy II said.
McCoy and his wife, Norma Jean McCoy, were married 69 years and raised four children — Belinda Fennessey, the late Timothy McCoy, Crystal Swanigan and Art J. McCoy II — each serving the church in various ways. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, many of whom are involved in ministry in Missouri, Florida and beyond.
In August, the couple celebrated the 58th anniversary of Grace Apostolic Family Worship Center with congregants. Under their leadership, the church grew through multiple relocations, renovations, bus purchases and the creation of a daycare and learning center. McCoy also served as district elder and then suffragan bishop, as well as assistant treasurer of the Midwestern District Council. He earned a doctor of theology and a doctor of Christian service from the Institute of Theology of the International Association of Apostolic Apologetics.
His drive, family and colleagues said, came from a deep belief and perseverance. Despite the challenges he experienced, he went on to raise a family and build a ministry. Later in life, he survived colon cancer before developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Even then, he continued leading, preaching and praying — including on the morning of his death.
“He taught us that you can face obstacles with courage and that God will not place any more on you than you’re able to bear,” his son recalled. “You can be more than a conqueror, more than victorious.”