It all began in 1924 with the vision of a young backwoods preacher, Ivan Q. Spencer. The message he embraced, seemingly emblazoned in lights, was "revival" - and he was captured by the need to train young people for the work in the renewal movements he believed would soon sweep throughout the world. The trademark of that young man's subsequent ministry, and of the school which he founded in 1924 (Elim Bible Institute), centered around the importance of seeking God daily, renewing of vision, and dependence on the resources of God. From the beginning the school experienced the sweet and powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit, which over the years has drawn thousands to the Elim campus.

As the original "Elim" in the Bible (Exodus 15:27) was an oasis in the desert, a respite with "12 springs of water and 70 palm trees," a place of renewal and refreshing, so the ministries of Elim have served as sources of spiritual renewal where people meet with God and experience the freshness of new life in Him, and embrace the fullness of His Holy Spirit.

Other ministries have flowed out of Ivan Spencer's Bible School, such as Elim Fellowship, an affiliation of hundreds of ministers, missionaries and churches who share the vision for renewal.  Our church, Celebrate! Family Church of Leicester, is a member of this rich affiliation.

what is elim?

Ivan & Minnie Spencer

Celebrate! Family Church of Leicester, NY