Bishop Robert L. Sanders enjoys serving as the Pastor of the Greater Refuge Temple of Christ. He loves the saints and friends of this wonderful church and will celebrate his 32nd year as Pastor and Shepherd of this congregation in November 2005.

Bishop Sanders is an anointed preacher and teacher of God’s word. The ministry of Bishop Sanders is to reach the “total person.” Under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Sanders, many positive and encouraging changes have been made at Greater Refuge Temple and the surrounding community.

Bishop Sanders is a man of vision and realize that he must be busy about God’s business. He is an anointed speaker and author who has conducted and coordinated conferences, workshops and seminars enhancing spiritual growth and development.

As God’s word go forth from Bishop Sanders through the airways by radio, tv and the pulpit, people from all over the city and surrounding areas have become a part of the Greater Refuge Family. One of Bishop Sanders vision that has been fulfilled is the beautiful new worship and praise center. This sanctuary seats approximately 1000 people and everything in the sanctuary has a biblical significance. Another vision has become a reality—The Family Life Center. The Family Life Center provides a positive atmosphere and brings families together in a supportive and safe environment.

We are also grateful for the Christian Academy that is housed at the Greater Refuge Temple Complex. Located just a couple blocks away is the Citadel of Hope. This site gives young men hope that were hopeless and without a future. Another area for children is God’s Little Children Child Development Center. This center will not be just another daycare but a learning center. Most recently, Greater Refuge Temple purchased property and remodeled the structure to become “Refuge Plaza.”

In December 2003, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Bishop Sanders and the Greater Refuge Temple of Buffalo a grant for its Supportive Housing Program called “The Greater Refuge Temple Transition House.” This facility will provide residential services as well as programs for homeless individuals, persons released from correctional institutions and Housing for person with A.I.D.S. In addition to the above community services, he also provides: a food pantry to those in need of food, free clothing give-aways and an annual thanksgiving dinner for Senior Citizens.

Bishop Sanders has been the recipient of many awards. He is also a member of many boards. He is the Bishop of the Western New York and Canada Diocese, President of the Pentecostal Apostolic Ministerial Alliance of Buffalo and Vicinity, Founder and Executive Director of the Greater Refuge Temple Bible Institute, President of the Interdenominational Religious Confederation and recently elected as a Regional Apostle of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ where he serves over several states.His most recent appointment came on August 12, 2004, Bishop Sanders was appointed as Vice-Presider of the Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bishop is married to the lovely Janice Sanders and they have three sons and three daughters-in-laws (Robert and Anitris, Mark and Danielle, Timothy and April) and 8 grandchildren (Robert III, Kala, Deja, Mark, Dominique, Zoe, Timothy and Jadon).

As Greater Refuge Temple continues in its quest to be a church that makes a difference, we thank God for a man of vision and leadership such as Bishop Robert L. Sanders.

To God Be The Glory!