Bishop Marion P. Patterson, Senior Pastor

“For I know what I have planned for you, says the Lord. I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Chosen and anointed by God, Bishop Marion P. Patterson is the eighteenth of twenty children born to Deacon Horace and Mother Lucy Kearney Perry of Warrenton, NC. She is the Senior Pastor and Presiding Prelate of Victory In Christ Ministries, Inc., Durham , NC , USA .

A firm believer and advocate for education, Bishop Patterson has earned several degrees including: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Counseling from North Carolina Central University , Durham , NC ; Bachelor of Theology from United Christian College , Goldsboro , NC ; Associates in Homiletics and Religious Education from Virginia Union Theological Seminary, Richmond , VA. She has also participated in some post-graduate and doctoral level classes.

She has worked as an educator in the Durham Public Schools for well over twenty years. Presently, she serves at Forest View Elementary School as a Certified Reading Recovery Instructor for the State of North Carolina .

Truly a Pastor and Shepherd after God's own heart, she is concerned about the total well-being of the lives of God's people. She has dedicated her life to the up building of God's kingdom and to the mandate of Christ; to preach the Gospel, to feed those that hunger, to shelter the homeless, to clothe the naked, and to set the captives free. As a 21 st Century Apostle of Jesus Christ, her desire is that as VICM continues to unfold, she will be able to shepherd and help other struggling churches and ministries. She is a much sought after preacher, teacher, friend, mother, mentor, and counselor to many.

Bishop Patterson's ultimate life goal is to be a productive citizen wherein her life can enhance others that are hurting by bringing comfort and healing to those less fortunate. She has a strong passion and drive for children and desires to enrich their lives through education, motivation, and salvation. She firmly believes that educating children will strengthen their self-image and encourage them to be lifelong learners and not victims to street and gang violence.

Her community involvement includes, but is not limited to: Youth Community Outreach; Tutorial Programs at VICM, Durham Public Library, and Fred Astaire Dance Studio; Mentor for young ladies in the third grade; Mentor/Trainer of Candidates for Masters in Counseling for Duke and North Carolina State Universities ; and private, marriage, family, and group counseling.

She is a member of the following Professional Organizations:

Bishop Patterson loves the Lord and His people. She desires to be used as an instrument in God's service, boldly proclaiming as a trumpet in Zion that Jesus Christ is the way, and He is a deliverer of mind, soul, and body to all who will receive.