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LOVE JOY CHURCH

LOVE - SERVE - LEAD

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          Love Joy Church
          5423 Genesee St
          Lancaster, NY 14086

           

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          On Route 33 in Lancaster, a suburb of Buffalo, NY

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          2 miles east of the Buffalo airport, use exit 49 of the I-90 Thruway.

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History

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
⊞

Fall 2014

Pastor Ron asks guidance and prayer from apostolic leaders such as Terry King and Tommy Reid regarding succession planning and to provide spiritual insight.

2016
⊞

February 2016

At the age of 69, Pastor Ron begins to prepare a document of transition for succession planning. Simultaneously Jonathan and Nicki begin praying for guidance of what to do after they fulfill their commitment to lead BASIC College Ministry.

September 2016

Jonathan receives several exciting job offers to become lead pastor at other churches but decides that his place is at Love Joy Church.

October 2016

Pastor Ron presents the first draft of a succession plan to the Love Joy Council of Elders for their prayerful input. The agreement is unanimous that Jonathan should come back on staff. The topic is discussed at each successive elders’ meeting as the succession plan is fleshed out.

2017
⊞

February 2017

Pastor Ron announces to the church that Jonathan will be joining the pastoral staff in the fall of 2017.

March 2017

The Love Joy Spring 2017 Newsletter communicates the details of the plan to the congregation. The elders unanimously approve the final draft of the Succession Plan.

May 2017

The Annual Communication meeting is held where active members will be able to vote in affirmation of Jonathan Burgio.

June 2017

The Love Joy Summer 2017 Newsletter gives an update on the transition. Jonathan’s official ordination will take place at Love Joy Church.

August 2017

Jonathan and Nicki have their first baby: Jonathan David Burgio Jr. born August 24, 2017.

September 2017

Jonathan joins the pastoral staff as executive pastor, assuming full responsibility for the church business affairs including a review of the staff handbook, a review of all policies and procedures and preparing the operating budget for 2018. The Love Joy Fall 2017 Newsletter is released.

December 2017

Transition process is progressing as planned. The Love Joy Winter 2017/2018 Newsletter is released.

2018
⊞

January 2018

On January 7, 2018, Pastor Ron hands over the Love Joy Church lead pastor role to Jonathan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the process for hiring Pastor Jonathan?

⊞
Besides growing up at Love Joy Church as the son of the pastors, Jonathan is currently an elder and the treasurer of Love Joy Church. He has been a guest speaker many times and has been known to some of our members and elders his whole life. At elders’ meetings he has shared his vision and passion for the growth of the church. Over a period of five months our elders met, prayed and sought the Lord for confirmation of the transition process.

What distinguishing factors led to Pastor Jonathan being selected as Pastor Ron’s successor?

⊞
Track record of biblical character & integrity. Healthy marriage and family life. World-class preaching and teaching gift. Doctrinal orthodoxy and maturity. Organizational leadership capacity. Strong value for global missions. Philosophy of ministry for evangelism, discipleship, small groups and leadership development. Ministry leadership experience as executive director of BASIC College Ministry. Honor for his parents and a desire to continue their vision to Work Together to Win Buffalo to Christ.

What are Pastors Ron & Judy doing next?

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They will continue to lead the church throughout the transition period until January 1, 2018.

After Pastor Jonathan is installed as lead pastor what will be Pastors Ron & Judy’s roles?

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Pastor Ron continues as senior pastor with a focus on pastoral care, Pastor Judy as associate pastor, overseeing Kids’ Church and adult education. Pastor Ron continues to use his apostolic authority and influence, not just in the Buffalo area but throughout the nations, ministering to pastors and leaders.

What kind of changes should I prepare for?

⊞
Pastor Jonathan’s desire is to simplify and clarify the process of discipleship at Love Joy Church.

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Love Joy Church

5423 Genesee St
Lancaster, NY 14086
Phone: 716 651-0400

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