Kempsville Presbyterian Church sits at 805 Kempsville Road in the heart of Virginia Beach's Kempsville area. KPC is known for combining Presbyterian elder leadership with a distinctly charismatic worship culture, while its ministries extend from children and students to prayer, music, missions, and practical service through the Clothing Closet and Blessing Box. Its motto is To Know, Love, and Serve Jesus Christ.
A 1962 Beginning in the Kempsville Area
KPC began in 1962 with 20 charter members and an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Its first home stood on property now owned by Rock Church, just down the street from the present location. In 1979, the congregation purchased the land at Locke Lane and Kempsville Road. Construction began, and the new church building opened and was dedicated on January 1, 1980. In 1987, church members voted to break from the PCUSA and affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, known as the EPC.
Long-standing ministries give that history a tangible presence. Faithful Men began in 1988, and Dr. Nancy Klein has directed Celebration Choir since 1991. The Christian Education Scholarship Fund dates to 2005, the Clothing Closet has operated in various forms for about three decades, and KPC has sponsored GriefShare groups for 12 years. These are long commitments rather than short-lived programs, each contributing to KPC's identity as a multigenerational congregation.
Evangelical, Charismatic, and Led by Elders
As a member of the EPC, KPC adheres to the Essentials of its faith and the Westminster Standards, which include the Westminster Confession of Faith, Westminster Larger Catechism, and Westminster Shorter Catechism. Scripture is held to be infallible, and KPC affirms that the gifts of the Holy Spirit remain valid today.
- Evangelical faith
- Charismatic expression
- Promotion of the worship arts
- A missional emphasis
- A commitment to prayer
- Cultural awareness
- Spiritual warfare
- Investment in families
KPC's mission is to live by evangelical beliefs, express charismatic gifts, promote worship arts, support missions and outreach, pray without ceasing, uphold Christ in culture, practice spiritual warfare, and invest in families.
The church describes itself as both Presbyterian and charismatic. Presbyterian describes leadership grounded in a team of elders rather than one individual, with the Session providing wisdom and accountability. Charismatic conviction leads KPC to describe God as present and active in the present day and to worship expressively. That expressiveness does not replace biblical truth; the church remains committed to historic Christian orthodoxy while making room for singing, dancing, instruments, and the declaration of God's Word.
Sunday at 10 AM: What to Expect on a First Visit
All live worship services are held on Sunday at 10 AM and generally last about 90 minutes. The church is at 805 Kempsville Road, with directions to KPC available for those coming from around the Kempsville area.
- Visitor parking is in front of the lawn facing the main entrance, with the easiest entry directly from Kempsville Road.
- A drive-through curve runs directly in front of the main pedestrian entrance and provides an easy drop-off for people who have trouble walking from the parking area.
- Several accessible parking spaces are close to the main doors.
- The church is across the street from the Kempsville Area Library and next to Fairfield Shopping Center.
Approaching from Indian River Road, motorists make a U-turn at the Locke Lane and Kempsville Road intersection and turn right into the property. When coming along Kempsville Road from Witch Duck and heading away from the oceanfront, they cross Locke Lane and turn right into the lot.
Visitors are welcome without joining the church. KPC's dress expectation is simply to come as you are, with everything from jeans to dress clothes seen at services. A personal Bible is optional, and Bibles are available for those who do not bring one. Most church activities are open to the public, although admission tickets are required for the occasional concert.
Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month. All fellow believers are invited to receive the bread and wine, without distinction being made for church membership or denominational affiliation.
Those unable to attend in person can watch the 10 AM service through KPC's YouTube channel. A sermon archive and podcast are also available online.
Children, Students, and the Whole Family
KPC Kids provides care and teaching during worship from six weeks old through sixth grade. The ministry seeks to introduce the love of Christ and compassion for others in each child, beginning in infancy. Age-appropriate activities include music, games, Bible stories, crafts, and opportunities for student leadership. Teachers and volunteers work alongside parents and families in that mission.
Families visiting for the first time are encouraged to allow 10 to 15 extra minutes to orient themselves. From the front lobby, the route to the Family Ministries hallway turns right and then right again. A large KPC Kids logo marks the end of the hall, followed by a left turn and double doors. Families check in at the KPC Kids Ministry office, where a team member helps with children and classrooms. Newborns and preschoolers meet at 10 AM, while students in grades 1 through 6 go to their classrooms after worship. Nursing mothers have a quiet nursing nook in the nursery.
AWANA adds Bible discipleship for children ages 3 through 12. For older students, Crossfire serves grades 7 through 12, including public-school students, private-school students, and homeschoolers. It meets from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Wednesdays during the school year and welcomes students regardless of where they stand in their spiritual journey. Its activities extend beyond the weekly gathering to small groups, retreats, mission trips, service projects, worship, and fellowship.
Worship Arts: Song, Dance, Instruments, and Sign Language
The Worship Arts Ministry seeks the full expression of praise through singing, dancing, musical instruments, and the declaration of God's Word. Drawing on Psalm 149, KPC welcomes people of every generation to participate in worship rather than simply observe it.
Celebration Choir
The mixed-voice Celebration Choir provides worship and special music for Sunday services and other presentations during the church year. Its members range from 15 to 75 years old and rehearse Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. There is no audition, and instruction in musical reading, vocal production, and worship through song is offered during rehearsals. The choir sings with Celebration Orchestra, A Cappella, a Symphonic Artistry Wind Ensemble, and the KPC Praise Band.
Celebration Orchestra
Celebration Orchestra welcomes adults and students in grades 6 through 12 with at least two years of playing experience. It includes strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboards, and rhythm-section instruments. The group accompanies vocal and choral ensembles and also performs on its own. Rehearsals are held Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:15 PM, with occasional additions for special worship events.
Faithful Men and Women of Praise
Faithful Men began in 1988 as a small group of men who wanted to sing for a church occasion. More than 100 men have sung with the chorus over the years, ranging in age from 14 to 80. There is no audition, and the group rehearses and prays together every Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Women of Praise is an SSAA choir of approximately 20 women drawn from Celebration Choir. It provides music in varied styles for services, community events, and church occasions.
Arise Dance Ministry
Arise uses dance, movement, and pageantry in praise, worship, and intercessory prayer. Men, women, teens, and adults are welcome, and rehearsals meet Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.
Hands of Praise and River Wave Deaf Church
Hands of Praise is an American Sign Language choir for deaf and hearing participants ages 16 and older. ASL knowledge is helpful but not required, and Monday rehearsals run from 6:45 to 8:00 PM. KPC also supports River Wave Deaf Church, whose focus is leading Deaf people to Christ in their heart language, American Sign Language.
Prayer, Life Groups, and Support Through the Week
Congregational Care is intended to help people of every age and stage feel loved, nurtured, and supported as committed followers of Jesus Christ. Life groups span ages, interests, and backgrounds, giving congregants smaller settings for fellowship, discussion, and spiritual growth.
- Global Worker Prayer meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 3 PM in the Celebration Room.
- Prayer for the Nations meets Tuesdays at 4 PM in the A-wing.
- Prayer Warriors meets Wednesdays at 12:30 PM.
- Prayer for Revival meets Thursdays at 6:30 PM.
- Grandparents' Prayer meets on the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM.
The Men's Ministry is open to men of the church ages 16 and older and exists to help men grow in Christ together while serving the church and community. A breakfast meets every Wednesday at 6:30 AM, with another on the second Saturday of each month at 8 AM. The Women's Ministry has the vision of women pursuing God and expecting him to move in and through them. Its gatherings, held quarterly, include biblical messages, testimonies, activities, worship, food, personal prayer, and friendships.
Fusion is a Bible study community for Christians in their 20s. Members share dinner, study Scripture, and minister to one another on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the church.
GriefShare provides a compassionate, faith-based approach to the emotional, physical, and spiritual effects of losing a loved one. Videos, discussion, and practical coping skills are central to the group, along with confidentiality. KPC's groups run for 14 consecutive weeks in the fall and spring, with facilitators walking alongside participants through the process of grief.
Thirty Years of Clothing and Practical Relief
The Clothing Closet has operated at KPC for about 30 years in various forms. It is open Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and after Sunday worship by appointment. All items are free. The closet is now located inside the church building, behind the standalone building that formerly housed the food pantry. Quarterly Super Saturday events run from 10 AM to noon and often include food as well as clothing.
Donations are handled at the church, with weekday drop-off available at the entrance off Locke Lane during church hours and a designated lobby bin for Sundays. KPC prefers clothing, accessories, linens, and small household items. Car seats, computers, and large furniture cannot be accepted. Members are also invited to volunteer in the Clothing Closet.
The KPC Blessing Box provides another form of practical help for people who need a few essential items in a pinch. Donations go inside the church office or directly into the box and must be unopened, nonperishable, and unexpired. Frequently needed items include hearty soups, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, cup ramen, granola bars, shelf-stable milk, cereal, oatmeal, powdered milk, small containers of peanut butter, tuna, Vienna sausage, bottled water, and juice.
Local Support and a Worldwide Network
KPC supports several ministries in its local community: Crisis Pregnancy Center, Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, and Good News Clubs in public schools. Its global work includes long-term support for 22 cross-cultural workers.
Local and global work is highlighted at the Harvest Network Luncheon on the second Sunday of each month. The gathering begins immediately after the worship service in the Fellowship Hall and includes reports on the ministry supported by KPC.
Online giving supports KPC's own ministry, Prakash Ministries, and EPC World Outreach through KPC online giving.
A Native Garden, Library, and Learning Resources
The Welcoming Garden is built around native plants and has reached about 97 percent native coverage. It has been recognized by the Virginia Native Plant Society's South Hampton Roads Chapter, and the garden includes benches, a birdbath, a trellis, and plants that have attracted monarch butterflies. Volunteers are invited to help with planting even without gardening experience, while plant and monetary donations support its maintenance.
The KPC Library in the lounge is open whenever the church is open. Visitors can search the catalog by title, author, or topic, then use an honor system to record a borrowed book. The church also provides RightNow Media, including a streaming library of more than 20,000 Bible-study videos, to members and regular attendees at no charge.
The Christian Education Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $400,000 to hundreds of KPC families since 2005. It assists members seeking Christian elementary, secondary, higher, or home education. Assistance is based on need, the parent's involvement in the student's education, and Session-approved guidelines. Annual awards can reach $2,500 per student and $5,000 per family.
At Kempsville Presbyterian Church, the Sunday gathering stands at the center of a much wider life of worship, family formation, music, prayer, education, missions, and tangible care for people in Virginia Beach and beyond. The church's identity remains centered on knowing, loving, and serving Jesus Christ together.