The life of Bishop Marvin C. Pryor is one of servanthood as an exemplary visionary leader with a heart for people from all walks of life. Although the needs of the people far exceed any man’s ability to take care of it all, Bishop Pryor is committed to give as much of himself and his time to help make a difference. He has served the ecumenical and secular communities collectively for more than forty-five years as an educator, spiritual advisor, mentor, pastor, bridge-builder, bishop and friend.

The central theme of his ministry at Victorious Believers Ministries (VBM) is to empower everyday people for victorious living. Victorious living is a way of life! Believers are challenged to walk not in defeat, but inspired to walk in victory, according to I Corinthians 15:57 & II Corinthians 2:14, But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ and causes us to triumph and make manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Victorious Believers’ worship services are POWERFUL, FRESH & ANOINTED, where the Holy Spirit reigns supreme and the Holy Bible is the foundational stepping stone. Youth are a primary focus and the spirit of family, friends and fellowship is embraced. Charity begins at home and VBM offers more than 70 diverse ministries and services to the community and members of all ages and across socio-economic backgrounds. Its mission outreach extends beyond its locality and supports ministries and missionaries in South Africa, Trinidad, Haiti and other foreign fields. The church’s 501c3 faith-based corporation, VBM Community Outreach, Incorporated (VBMCO) offers local, state, federal and privately-funded programs and activities to empower everyday people for purposeful living. This is accomplished through information-dissemination, mentorship academy, training & development, counseling, health and educational programs held year round in the Family Life Center.

Bishop Pryor is a graduate of Michigan State University (B.A., Political Science & History), the University of Michigan (M.A., Guidance & Counseling) and doctoral studies in Educational Leadership & Administration from the University of Michigan. He has attended a host of development and training seminars, retreats and conferences endeavoring to build a ministry and jurisdiction of excellence. He served a 30-year career with the Flint (MI) Public Schools as a counselor, teacher, contract negotiator, assistant principal and principal of the largest high school in the county, with 24 years of school administration. Bishop Pryor has also served as a guest lecturer at the Living Word Bible College in France.

Bishop Pryor has been saved and Holy Spirit-filled since his early childhood for 57 years. The church and his family are his life. He is committed to holy living and served the church in numerous capacities. He has a passion for training and developing clergy, church leaders and laity for the work of the ministry. He previously served as the National Director of Church Growth & Development appointed by former Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson and a member of the Presiding Bishop’s 2000 & Beyond Church Growth “Dream Team” facilitators appointed by former Presiding Bishop C.D. Owens. This team of pastors traveled the breadth of this country teaching and inspiring pastors and elders with practical tools for church growth and development. Bishop Pryor feels blessed and honored to have his wife of 45 years, Evangelist Ruth C. Pryor and adult children: Derrick, Missionary Vonda, Elder Mel and Elder Chris serving alongside him in ministry. They have 3 grandchildren. Among his most cherished awards is: “Father of the Year,” conferred by the former Mayor, City of Flint (MI) in 1990.