Remembering Troy Anthony Bronner, Founder of Elim Christian Fellowship

Bishop Troy Anthony Bronner, a nationally respected preacher, author and the founding pastor of Elim Christian Fellowship in Buffalo and Rochester, died this week, leaving behind a transformative legacy that reshaped urban ministry in Western New York and beyond. He was 62.

Elim Christian Fellowship announced his passing and asked the community to keep his family and congregation in prayer. [Funeral arrangements are listed at the end of this article.]

A Dynamic Preacher and Visionary Builder

Bronner, a native of Philadelphia, was widely regarded as a “preacher extraordinaire” — a minister whose creativity, scholarship and passion drew thousands to Christ and inspired pastors across the country. He founded Elim Christian Fellowship in Buffalo on Nov. 7, 1999, and later launched Elim Christian Fellowship of Rochester on Nov. 17, 2002.

Before establishing Elim, Bronner served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Buffalo. Fresh out of Colgate Rochester Divinity School, he was called to Calvary in 1992 at just 29 years old. His ministry took off immediately.

Within his first six months at Calvary, nearly 500 people joined the church, drawn by his bold preaching, scholarship and evangelistic passion. He led early-morning regional prayer meetings — gatherings that became his trademark and a precursor to the revival that later birthed Elim. His prayer crusades grew so large that Calvary hosted a citywide gathering at the Buffalo Bison baseball stadium, drawing thousands.

Bronner also embraced innovation in worship, securing concert halls for major Easter and New Year Eve services as attendance swelled into the thousands. He expanded youth programs, built scholarship funds and helped Calvary grow from a few hundred members to more than 1,500 by the time he left in 1999.

Birth of a Movement: The Founding of Elim

Bronner felt called early in his ministry to become a church planter — a conviction formed while he was an undergraduate at Temple University, where he founded the Bridge the Gap Campus Ministry.

After years of leading daily regional prayer gatherings, Bronner formally launched Elim Christian Fellowship on Nov. 7, 1999. Over 600 people attended its first service at the Buffalo Christian Center, committing their “head, heart and hand” to the new ministry’s vision. Within six months membership doubled, prompting a move to Turner Carroll High School. In 2000, the church purchased land for its Worship & Youth Center, which opened in 2006 on Chalmers Avenue in Buffalo.

Bronner chose the name “Elim” — a biblical oasis where weary travelers found refreshing — to reflect his belief that Buffalo needed spiritual renewal. He envisioned Elim as a diverse, multicultural community committed to racial, gender, cultural and denominational reconciliation.

In 2002 Bronner opened the Rochester location, securing the former St Luke’s Church building on the corner of Main and Alexander streets. The first service commenced on November 17, 2002 with more than 500 in attendance.

Bronner was no stranger to the Rochester community—having attended Colgate Rochester Divinity School and was active at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in his earlier years.

Leadership Beyond the Pulpit

To support the expanding ministry, Bronner founded Turning the World Upside Down Covenant Fellowship (TWUDCF) — a national network providing pastoral training, revival meetings, workshops and ecclesiastical oversight to churches connected to Elim.

Believing that all faith leaders should have access to formal theological education, he also founded the Sound of the Genuine Biblical Institute (SGBI), an affordable training program that later became an accredited partner of Northeastern Seminary, offering a Certificate in Christian Education Ministry.

Bronner was a sought-after revivalist, conference speaker and lecturer. He served as an adjunct professor of homiletics at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, teaching courses such as Introduction to Preaching, Black Church Homiletics and Preaching History.

He earned a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School with an emphasis in biblical studies, a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Temple University and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Northeastern Seminary.

Author and Mentor of Preachers

Beyond the pulpit, Bronner was deeply committed to developing other spiritual leaders. A published author, he wrote several books including “Strength for the Journey: A Word of Empowerment—a devotional that provides daily inspiration through God’s biblical truths to encourage, empower, and strengthen the minds of everyday people.”

Bronner recently penned Preaching Made Doable: A Blueprint to Effective Preaching, a comprehensive guide for ministers at every stage of their journey. Drawing from decades of pastoral leadership, he provided step-by-step instruction on biblical interpretation, sermon construction, introductions, conclusions and practical application.

The book is described by colleagues as “not just a manual, but a mentor,” reflecting Bronner’s lifelong commitment to training and equipping preachers.

A Family Man and Humble Servant

Despite his accomplishments, Bronner often said his greatest moment in ministry was the day a Calvary deacon first called him “Pastor.” “I can’t number how many lives have been changed,” he once said. “I can only be grateful to God for choosing to use me.”

Bronner is survived by his wife, Linda King Bronner; daughters Jordyn Imani and Nia Jael (Rev. Dr. Jill F. Bradway); and step-daughter Tami and granddaughter Taylor.

A Lasting Legacy

Bronner’s imprint on Buffalo’s faith community is immeasurable. Through Elim, TWUDCF, SGBI and his preaching ministry, he cultivated generations of leaders, built thriving churches and anchored communities in prayer.

As Elim Christian Fellowship mourns its founder, leaders say his vision — revival, renewal and radical hospitality — will continue to guide the ministry he built.

Community Leaders Reflect on the Life and Legacy of Bishop Troy Anthony Bronner

Mayor Byron Brown, City of Buffalo“Bishop Bronner was more than a pastor — he was a stabilizing force in our city. His leadership at Elim Christian Fellowship brought hope, unity and spiritual grounding to thousands of families. Buffalo has lost a giant.”

Rev. George Nicholas, Senior Pastor, Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church“Troy Bronner was a shepherd in every sense of the word. He nurtured pastors, empowered young leaders and brought people to Christ with humility and strength. His absence will be deeply felt across the entire faith community.”

Bishop Darius G. Pridgen, True Bethel Baptist Church“Bishop Bronner served with grace and consistency. He was a friend, a confidant and a spiritual brother. His legacy is cemented not only in Elim, but also in every life he touched.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz“Bishop Bronner’s ministry extended far beyond the walls of his church. His commitment to community service and lifting up disadvantaged families made a lasting impact on Western New York.”

Pastor Joyce Rogers, Elim Christian Fellowship“He taught us the power of prayer, not just in words but in practice. Everything Bishop Bronner built was rooted in intercession. His book, his ministry, his teachings — all were infused with the belief that God still speaks.”

Minister Carla Jenkins, former Elim worship leader“Bishop believed in people before they believed in themselves. He mentored us, challenged us and loved us deeply. Elim exists today because he saw possibility where others saw limitation.”

New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy“Bishop Bronner’s passing is a profound loss for Buffalo. His voice brought both conviction and comfort. He reminded us of who we are and what we can be as a community united.”

Elim Christian Fellowship Press Statement“Our founder built this ministry on prayer, faith and perseverance. Bishop Bronner’s legacy will continue through every servant-leader he trained, every sermon he preached and every life transformed under his guidance.”

THE NECROLOGICAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Most Reverend Troy Anthony BronnerSenior Pastor of Elim Christian FellowshipEstablishmentarian & Presiding Bishop, Turning the World Upside Down Covenant Fellowship

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd | PUBLIC VIEWINGTwo o’clock until Five o’clock in the Post MeridianCathedral at Elim Christian Fellowship70 Chalmers Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24th | PUBLIC VIEWINGTen o’clock Ante Meridian to Three o’clock Post MeridianCathedral at Elim Christian Fellowship70 Chalmers Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24thElim’s Celebration of Pastor T. Anthony BronnerFour o’clock until Six o’clock Post Meridian

The Church and Community of Western New York CelebratesBishop T. Anthony BronnerSix o’clock until Eight o’clock Post MeridianCathedral at Elim Christian Fellowship70 Chalmers Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25th | THE EPISCOPAL & APOSTOLIC LITURGYTen o’clock Ante Meridian

Gathering of the Saints and Final ViewingEleven o’clock Ante Meridian

The Commencement of the Next Day Episcopal Celebration