It is impossible to accurately detail all the wonderful things God has done for and through City Covenant Church. This page is designed to give a snapshot of some of the events that God orchestrated in the creation of City Covenant Church.
The beginning community years 2005 – 2006
City Mission a 501©3 nonprofit organization founded by Nicole Aikens in 1998 and built on a Christ centered approach to alleviating poverty in communities like Brightmoor. Building on the foundation of afterschool programming included mentoring, life skills, and family development all designed to provide greater opportunities for the residence in the Brightmoor Community. Later a Christian Academy for children K –5th grade was initiated.
How God works
In 2005 Pastor Semmeal was a minister of outreach at Detroit Baptist Temple where a fellow member Tony Stove attended. Tony was a social worker and intricate part of City Mission. Each year an annual evangelism outreach was held by City Mission in the Brightmoor community. After extending the invitation to Pastor Semmeal to be a part of this wonderful event he humbly accepted. Following witnessing the amazing work that God was doing through City Mission with the children and families, Pastor Semmeal became a volunteer at City Mission. The shared passion for the poor and the city of Detroit made this partnership a perfect fit.
Years 2007 – 2008
While doing the challenging work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, City Mission was approached by the superintendent of the Great Lakes Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Dr. Larry Sherman. Dr. Sherman was an incredible and humble man who saw the potential of City Mission planting a church in our community. After nurturing a relationship with the Executive Director Jamail Aikens and the Director Nicole Aikens they agreed.
A church planting team was selected which included Semmeal, Patricia Thomas, Jamail Aikens, Nicole Aikens, and Tony Stove who were all assessed and approved by the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Look at what God has done
Greater Southern Baptist Church located directly across the street from City Mission at 13624 Stout was under the wonderful leadership of Pastor Salisbury. Greater Southern was growing and looking to move or build a larger facility. This was during the recession, and a generous donor had gifted City Mission a 25,000 square-foot building in another community of Detroit. So, through the provision of God, City Mission and Greater Southern Baptist Church agreed to do a land swap with the two facilities and City Covenant Church now had a home.
Year 2009
- Pastor Semmeal Julius Thomas signed the contract and took possession of City Covenant Church at 13624 Stout, Detroit, MI 48223
- Sadly, City Mission ended up being a casualty of the recession as they were not able to survive. But through the provision of our Lord the opportunity arises for City Covenant Church to purchase and continue the core ministry in our community.
- City Mission closed and Mission City under the direction of Executive Director Patricia Jackson Smith began a new and fresh journey. Championing the four pillars of Education, Health, Career Development, and Financial Literacy.
Years 2020-2024
- During the COVID-19 pandemic in the year of 2020 God’s blessings flowed even more. His faithfulness was ever present. A season when the whole world was shut down due to the virus, Pastor Semmeal implemented carry-out hot meals to continue in serving the Brightmoor community.
- 2022 City Covenant/Mission City would begin a blessed partnership with Jessi Feliz of Spanish S.W.A.G. This Learning Center provides culturally sensitive education in the Spanish language.
- 2023 City Covenant was awarded a grant of $150,000 to totally remodel the kitchen which is now called Five Loaves and Two Fish. We distribute over 40,000 meals a year with the leadership of Patricia Thomas and April Graves.
- 2024 After 20 years of service, Pastor Semmeal Julius Thomas would officially announce his decision to retire as Senior Pastor of City Covenant Church. He was in full support of Pastor-Elect, Mohamed Lamin Fadika.
Year 2025
- 2025 Pastor Semmeal continued his vision of “Homes for Hunger” and building sponsor and partner relationships to secure funding.
- 2025 (June) Mohamed Lamin Fadika, Pastor-Elect by unanimous membership voting held Wednesday June 18, 2025, and Sunday June 22, 2025, was elected by the City Covenant membership as the new Senior Pastor.
- 2025 (July 19th) Mohamed Lamin Fadika is officially installed Senior Pastor of City Covenant Church with acknowledgement by Garth McGrath from the Great Lakes Conference of Evangelical Covenant Churches.