Apostle Robert L. Sanders, B.R.E., M.TH., D.H.L., D.MIN.
Business leader, philanthropist, and pastor, Bishop Robert L. Sanders Sr. began fulfilling his call to the ministry by serving as pastor of Greater Refuge Temple of Christ, Inc., in Buffalo, NY.
More than 40 years later, he pastors what many call one of Western New York’s fastest growing churches. The Greater Refuge Temple of Christ, a multi-cultural, Pentecostal Apostolic church with 25 active outreach ministries, has dominated church growth records. In only a few years the church has grown tremendously. He also serves as one of twelve Apostles on the Board of Apostles for the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of The Apostolic Faith, Inc., where he was appointed as Vice Presider by Chief Apostle William L. Bonner and most recently elected as Presider of the Organization.
Bishop Sanders was born September 10, 1941 in South Carolina. His parents, business owners and entrepreneurs, the Late John and Mary Sanders, were charitable contributors in their community and to whom he credits for his own integrity, discipline and self-reliance.
Bishop Sanders has produced several major conferences such as “The Power of Pentecost Conference,” and “Males Committed to Manhood & Family Conference”, annually. He is also the Executive Producer of his Television Program “Rays of Hope” viewed weekly by thousands
In an effort to remedy social and economic voids in Buffalo, Bishop Sanders founded The Refuge Temple Education & Cultural Center and the Refuge Temple Community Development Corporation. These nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporations have sponsored home ownership conferences and youth mentorship programs.
These corporations also developed a job placement center, a skills training center, a business counseling unit and a housing development unit that include affordable homes for senior citizens, single-parent families and those in need of emergency housing.
A renowned religious author with several books to his credit; Bishop Sanders’ works have been featured at many conventions and conferences. Some of his most recent writings are: “The Blood” and “How to live Under an Open Heaven”
He is periodically interviewed by journalist and he contributes too many periodicals and newspapers. He has been a guest on religious programs as a source of spiritual advice. Presidents and statesmen have frequently asked for his wisdom and counsel. He received invitations to the White House during the administration to President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton as well as the recipient of a presidential award and honor from President Barak Obama.
Some his other past accomplishments are:
- Founder/Advisor 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
- Regional Apostle of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ (Region 2)
- Vice-Presider of the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.
- Vice President of the Jeremiah Collaboration
- Honorary Doctorate, Jesus the Liberator Seminary,
- NAACP Award for Community Service,
- SCLC Outstanding Community Service Award, Western New York Frontier Spirit Vision Award
- President’s Call to Service Award
- Currently serving as Presider of The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc
In addition, Bishop Sanders is a veteran of the United States Army. He served his country from 1960-1963 touring in Munich Germany.
Bishop is married to the Lovely Janice Sanders and they have 3 sons and 3 daughters-in-law (Robert and Anitris, Mark and Danielle, Timothy and April) and 8 grandchildren (Robert III, Kala, Deja, Mark, Dominique, Zoe, Timothy and Jadon).
His motto is to Pursue Excellence until Excellence is achieved. To God Be the Glory!
Apostle Robert L. Sanders overseas the following regions:
- Canada
- New York-Brooklyn
- New York- Greater Refuge Temple
- New York- Manhattan
- New York-Nassau
- New York-Tri Diocese
- New York-Westchester
- Western New York