1977 Tom & Judy Brazell held the “Love Joy Peace” crusade in the Lovejoy District of Buffalo. The original date of the crusade was postponed for a week by the Blizzard of 77.
1978 Tom & Judy Brazell started a Bible Study in their home on Benzinger Street in the Lovejoy District of Buffalo, NY.
The first storefront church was located at 1212 Lovejoy Street in Buffalo
1980 the church incorporated under the name: Elim Full Gospel Fellowship.
1983 Tom Brazell changed the name to Love Joy Gospel Church. “Love Joy” stands for the first two fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22 as well as the neighborhood we started in.
The church moved to 1578 Clinton Street in Buffalo
1984 Pastor Tom & Judy Brazell left for the mission field in Africa and Pastor Ron & Judy Burgio took over the leadership as pastor and worship leader.
1987 the church moved to 1050 Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga, NY.
1994 revival started on Sunday, April 10 with Evangelist Ray Sell. Church attendance doubled in one year.
1997 construction started on a new building in Lancaster, NY.
1998 the church moved to 5423 Genesee Street in Lancaster.
2017 Jonathan & Nicki Burgio come on staff.
2018 Jonathan Burgio becomes lead pastor & Dr. Ronald Burgio’s role changes to senior pastor.
Lead Pastor Transition 2018
After over three decades as Lead Pastor, Dr. Ron Burgio transitioned the leadership of Love Joy Church to his son Jonathan Burgio.
The Timeline
Interested in how this came to be and where we’re going from here?
2014
2016
2017
2018
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the process for hiring Pastor Jonathan?
What distinguishing factors led to Pastor Jonathan being selected as Pastor Ron’s successor?
What are Pastors Ron & Judy doing next?
After Pastor Jonathan is installed as lead pastor what will be Pastors Ron & Judy’s roles?
What kind of changes should I prepare for?