Bryant Mitchell Anderson was born in Lubbock, Texas, and spent most of his childhood in Ventura, California. When he was twelve, his family moved to Holland, Michigan, and four years later they moved to Naples, Florida, where he finished high school and where his parents still live. His mother is a teacher, his father is a pastor, and he is the middle of three children. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Florida, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. His engagement with the academic study of religion challenged his faith profoundly, leading him to a deeper understanding of his faith and a strong sense that God was calling him to ordained ministry. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 2008.
Bryant's wife, Kristen, teaches third grade.