A Church Built on Three Connections
Virginia Beach First Church of the Nazarene, known locally as VB1Naz, gathers on Wishart Road in the 23455 zip code with a single calling: connecting people. The church lifts up 2 Corinthians 5:18 as its banner verse, the passage that speaks of God reconciling the world to himself through Jesus and giving his people the ministry of reconciliation. Every part of congregational life flows from that mission.
Upward, Inward, Outward
VB1Naz organizes its ministry around three relationships. The Upward Connection is about worship and growth, the relationship between a believer and God. The Inward Connection centers on community and fellowship within the church family. The Outward Connection looks beyond the walls to service and outreach, building relationships with neighbors in Virginia Beach and beyond. Together the three form the simple pattern the church uses to disciple its members.
Sunday Mornings
Sunday School for adults and children begins at 9:30 AM, followed by Sunday worship at 10:45 AM. Children's Church for Kingdom Kids follows the service, with classes designed for children from birth through age 12.
Wednesday Nights Around the Word
Wednesday Discipleship Groups meet at 7:00 PM. In a single hour the church gathers four groups at once: the Men's Group, the Women's Group, the Legacy youth group for ages 12 to 18, and Kingdom Kids, all digging into Scripture together.
A Group for Every Generation
Age-specific Connect Groups meet alongside the Sunday School hour. Reflectors serves adults 65 and older, Son Seekers welcomes adults 45 to 65, Rooted gathers adults 18 to 45, Legacy brings together teenagers 12 to 18, and Kingdom Kids covers birth through age 12. The structure means that whether a family walks in with a toddler or a teenager, there is a classroom ready.
Pastors and Leadership
Pastor Marlon King has served VB1Naz with his wife Bobbie Jo King since October 2012. Marlon, a native of Paris, Kentucky, has spent more than 30 years in ministry as a pastor, missionary, church planter, and trainer of pastors. His life verse is 2 Corinthians 4:5-7, the passage about light shining out of darkness through jars of clay. Bobbie Jo grew up in Vinton, Virginia, and has served in many roles over the years, including teacher, missionary, prayer pastor, children's pastor, youth pastor, and worship team leader. She now serves as Associate Pastor.
Kay Lynn Perry, a native Texan, joined the staff as Executive Pastor in January 2021. She also works at Regent University and directs theatre in the community. Pastor Bill Dillon, who retired in January 2020 after 44 years of pastoral ministry, came onto the VB1Naz pastoral team in December 2020 and continues to invest himself in the congregation, singing with the worship team when he is not on the golf course.
Giving and Staying Connected
Tithes and offerings can be given online, and the congregation is always looking for volunteer servants to help carry the ministry forward. A church app offers a deeper connection between Sunday gatherings, and updates flow through the church's Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.