Husband & Father

Pastor Chris married his high school sweetheart, Kenyatta Nelson, in 1996. Together, they share a deep bond that is strengthened by their shared love for quality time, which is both of their primary love languages. Whether riding bikes, playing pickleball, enjoying date nights, or traveling the world, they make it a priority to invest in one another. Their adventurous spirit has led them to visit nearly every continent, with one remaining to complete their travel dreams. Pastor Chris and Kenyatta are blessed with two sons, Carrington Drew and Chandler Blake, who bring joy to their lives. Pastor Chris is affectionately known as “Coach Pryor” by his sons' friends on the football, basketball, and soccer fields.

Family

Pastor Chris is the youngest child of the late Bishop Marvin C. and Evangelist Ruth C. Pryor. His parents instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of faith, family, and friendships, as well as an emphasis on education. As the youngest of three siblings, Pastor Chris shares a close and supportive relationship with his brothers, Bro. Derrick and the late Elder Mel, and his sister, the late Missionary Vonda Massey, all of whom have served alongside him in ministry.

Education & Occupation

A proud graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy, Pastor Chris earned a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University. He spent 13 years at Pfizer Inc., where he received numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year and the prestigious President’s Cabinet Award. His love for the Word of God led him to return to school, and in May 2020, he earned a Master of Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary.

Ministry Involvement

Pastor Chris’ ministry leadership extends far beyond his role as Senior Pastor. In 2019, he was appointed Superintendent of the Old Landmark District and, in 2022, elevated to Administrative Assistant for the Michigan Southwest Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He served faithfully for 16 years as Youth Pastor at VBM, overseeing Triumphant Teens (T2) and Children of Destiny ministries, and held key positions including Jurisdictional Youth President and AIM Chairman until 2022. Pastor Chris is also known for his dynamic worship leadership, using his anointed gift to usher others into the presence of God.

Community Service

Pastor Chris is deeply committed to community service, serving on multiple boards, including:

* Saginaw Community Foundation (2019–present)
* Saginaw Valley State University Board of Fellows (President, 2019–2022;     Vice President, 2017–2018)
* Saginaw Chamber of Commerce (2021–present)
* Saginaw City Rescue Mission (2016- present)
* Higher Purpose (2022–present)
* Disproportionate Minority Contact Initiative (DMC)

Notably, in March 2022, Pastor Chris received a Gubernatorial Appointment by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Community Service Commission. He is also a strong proponent of education, consistently partnering with local schools, such as Jessie Loomis Elementary, to provide motivational support to staff and students, as well as offering mentorship and guidance.

Honors and Recognition

Pastor Chris has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

* 2012: Fatherhood Award (Power of Dad Organization)
* 2014: One of the 100 Most Influential Pastors in the Church of God in     Christ
* 2016: Prestigious HIM Award (High Impact Male) and the NAACP                    Achievement Award
* 2017: SVSU Distinguished Alumni Award
* 2018: Heart of the City Community Award
* 2020: Honored as a recipient of the 10th Annual Pastor Salute

Vision and Legacy

Pastor Chris is deeply passionate about continuing God’s vision & mission for Victorious Believers Ministries to life.  Pastor Chris is deeply humbled and overjoyed by the collective efforts of the VBM family to build a new dormitory at the Royal Seed Orphanage in Accra, Ghana, in honor of his parents (2020).  He is incredibly grateful for the successful execution of a plan that has completely eliminated the church’s $2 million mortgage in just 8 years. Looking ahead, Pastor Chris’ vision includes expanding Victorious Community Development (VCD), the non-profit initiative founded by his father, by acquiring additional homes around the church to offer affordable housing to young families. In 2025, he and the VCD Board will open a new educational building in honor of his father, Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Community Center, who firmly believed that Salvation + Education = Success.

The expansion of Victorious Community Development is already making a profound impact on the Saginaw area. New affordable homes are being constructed to provide families with stable housing, fostering long-term community growth. The Mel A. Pryor Pantry (MAPP) continues to be a critical resource, offering food and toiletries to families in need. Additionally, the Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility, is under renovation and will serve as a hub for education, empowerment, and providing youth with opportunities they may have never imagined. Pastor Chris remains committed to partnering with local hospitals, banks, and public safety organizations, working together to drive the ongoing development and improvement of the Saginaw community.

Favorite Scripture & Life Credo

Pastor Chris’ favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

His life’s credo is, “Praise is what I do and worship is who I am.” He loves to share that he is living the dream for the King of Kings!

To read the entire article on Pastor Chris which was featured in Saginaw Valley State University's "Reflections" magazine (pages 26-27) click on the below...