Our Legacy

Remembering Our Roots

The Imani Community Church, was organized under the powerful anointing of God, on September 17, 1995 and upon being granted Texas corporation status, the IRS approved its tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3). The word “Imani” means “faith,” and inspires our hope in the salvation of God through our Lord, Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit to realize our visions and hopes for miraculous spiritual growth, biblical understanding, reflection, family development, and strengthened character for youth, children and the larger community.
Envisioning a need for new churches embracing the rich diversity of cultural heritage in Northwest Austin, the Imani Community Church, is a reality derived from the divine vision of the church’s founder and pastor, along with an initial 12 core church leaders. It aims to accomplish the goal of attracting and welcoming a diversity of races, ethnic cultures, and families of differing denominations with God’s message of good news and love, generosity and openness, while embracing and respecting its essential doctrines of African Methodism. Imani now widely offers more than 40 ministries to reach, teach and holistically address the vast variety of needs of families. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims, D. Min., has served as a dual career professional, full-time as pastor, and a manager of an international technology firm.

The Imani Community Church, was formerly associated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Full time pastoral management, the supportive husband, David, an Intellectual property lawyer and son, a public speaker and percussionist, supports Imani’s firm foundation. Its “purpose-driven” church mission is solidified by commitment to the five foundational biblical purposes:

  • “Love the Lord with all of your heart,” through Worship;
  • “Love your neighbour as yourself,” through Ministry;
  • “Go and make disciples,” spiritual and congregation growth through Evangelism;
  • “Baptize them,” through Fellowship;
  • “Teach them to obey,” through Discipleship.

This design fulfills God’s purpose for the church to be God’s people serving humankind with our mission, ministry goals, objectives, goodwill and financial influence of Imani Community Church. It cooperates and partners with a totally separate corporate entity, the Imani Community Foundation.


A strong commitment to meeting both tactical and strategic objectives, crucial to actualization is a full-time, seven day per week offering of community outreach services. Purpose-driven foundational purpose #2, “love your neighbor as yourself” defines the word, “ministry” outreach to the serve northwest communities and greater Austin, and ministry in-reach to serve others that support the church’s efforts on an ongoing basis with their volunteerism, and financial support and encouragement.