Dr. Melvin O. Marriner

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

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

Faithfully and diligently, Dr. Marriner has guided Grove Baptist 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 Baptist houses over forty ministries under the umbrella of Visions of Truth Ministries (VOTM). These ministries serve any person of need.

Currently, Dr. Marriner serves as chairman of the Portsmouth Ethics Commission and is a member of Portsmouth Notable, Portsmouth Rotary, Rotary International, the Tidewater Metro Ministers’ Conference, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 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 Baptist 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 and his wife, Melody, have three sons, Courtland, Isaiah and Joshua.

Dr. Marriner is a servant who desires to share with others what God has shared with him in a variety of settings. Unfortunately, he is unable to do so due to time limitations. Trust that all invitations will be considered prayerfully and will receive a timely response. Please use this Engagement Request Form to submit your request..

FACTS ABOUT DR. MARRINER

Born February 14, 1962, Chesapeake, Virginia

1969 Joins Little Zion Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Virginia

1983 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia

1983 Licensed to the Gospel Ministry

1984 Married the former Melody A. Coleman of Virginia Beach

1987 Master of Divinity Degree,
Virginia Union University School of Theology,
Richmond, Virginia

1987 Ordained to the Ministry,
Shiloh Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia

1987 Assistant to Dr. John Foster, Shiloh Baptist Church, then President of Lott Carey
Baptist Foreign Mission

1989 Called to lead Grove Baptist Church,
Portsmouth, Virginia

1994 Doctor of Ministry, United Theological Seminary,
Dayton, Ohio

1997 Martin Luther King Award, Old Dominion University,
Norfolk, Virginia

2000 Completes new 3.5 million dollar sanctuary,
Portsmouth, Virginia

2001 Excel Award, Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals,
Norfolk, Virginia

2001 Begins weekly radio ministry, 102.9FM,
Norfolk, Virginia

2003 House Joint Resolution 624, given on January 16, sponsored by Delegate Johnny Joannou, Richmond, Virginia

2004 Senate Joint Resolution 245 from Senator Mamie Locke, March 8, Richmond, Virginia

2004 February CBN 700 Club Church of the Week for Homeownership Program.

2004 October Portsmouth NAACP Minority Economic Award.