Dr. Melvin O. Marriner

"Excelling through doctrine, denomination and race, Dr. Marriner propels believers into a ministry of magnification."

My philosophy is shaped and driven by my understanding of theology and the holistic liberation that it generates, even in the most practical of situations. My underlined belief is that everyone has profound potential that needs to be nurtured, guided and if misdirected it needs to be redirected. When the least and the last of those on a spiritual, social, economic level understand their value or worth and are empowered, then our success is that much greater.  We must be as creative with character and spiritual building in helping people find and develop their God-given purpose as we are in achieving new technology. The strength of our community is not in any one individual but rather in a collective effort of many. I guess the most fascinating part of my ministry is believing and experiencing that through Christ even our past failures can be turned into lessons of instruction, that enable us to succeed and reach new milestones in life.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Melvin O. Marriner has been the Pastor of Grove Church in Portsmouth, Virginia since September 1989.  Dr. Marriner uses his anointing of God’s essence to care for, nurture and holistically lead all persons throughout Virginia, North Carolina and beyond.

Faithfully and diligently, Dr. Marriner has guided Grove Church from a small, historic community church, to an ever-increasing influential flock numbering over 5,000. In addition to three Sunday services, Tuesday noon and Wednesday night Bible Study, Grove houses over 60 ministries under the umbrella of Visions of Truth Ministries (VOTM). These ministries serve any person of need.

Currently, Dr. Marriner serves as co-chairman of the Martin Luther King Steering Committee, and is a member of Portsmouth Notable, Portsmouth Rotary, Rotary International, the Tidewater Metro Ministers’ Conference, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., board member of Portsmouth Partnership and Portsmouth Community Foundation, CEO Visions of Truth Community Development Corporation and serves as Chaplain for the Portsmouth Fire Department. Dr. Marriner has served on the Sickle Cell Anemia Board, as a mentor with Chesapeake Public Schools, as the first Vice President of the Norfolk Union Association/Baptist General Convention and as a board member of the American Red Cross Association.

Dr. Marriner received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Norfolk State University, a Masters of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology and a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Believing in the importance of knowledge, Dr. Marriner and Grove Church opened an institution of learning for ages two through five, the Dr. M. O. Marriner Christian Academy: Early Learning and Family Education Center, in September 2001.

Dr. Marriner’s dedication to the community has resulted in numerous honors and awards, including a commendation during the 2003 session of the Virginia General Assembly (House Joint Resolution Number 624), and the 2004 session (Senate Joint Resolution Number 245), the Eureka Community Man of the Year Award, Martin Luther King Award from Old Dominion University, the Outstanding Community Service Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Excel Award for Community Service presented by Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, CBN 700 Club Church of the Week for Homeownership Program, the Portsmouth NAACP Minority Economic Award, the L.D. Britt, M.D. Community Service Award, Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year Award, the Urban League of Hampton Roads Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award and the South Hampton Roads Pan Hellenic Council Greek of the Year Award 2006.

Dr. Marriner is a native and resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. He is the son of the late James and Magdalene Marriner. Dr. Marriner is the proud parent of three sons, Courtland, Isaiah and Joshua.