MEET OUR STAFF

Carl Jerome Vann was born and reared in Norfolk, VA. His parents, Inell Vann and the late Calvin Vann, Sr. provided an atmosphere for nurturing his Christian experience. He was born-again at twelve years old, went astray, and returned fully committed on October 31 (Halloween night), 1975. Six months later he was gloriously filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. In 1978, he received his call to the ministry by divine visitation and in August of that year he preached his first message from the pulpit of Mason Memorial Church of God In Christ.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphics from Norfolk State University. He has also completed courses in Homiletics and Eschatology and has studied on the graduate level at Regent University. In March of 2004, Dr. Vann was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Care from Oklahoma’s New Wine School of the Bible in Tecumseh.

Pastor Vann along with his wife Barbara, founded the New Life Chapel Mission in August of 1981. Eight years later, New Life Chapel became the New Life Worship Center church. New Life Worship Center is a non-denominational church which is a part of the AIM (Association of Independent Ministries) fellowship of churches founded by Dr. I.V. Hilliard, pastor of New Light Christian Center Church in Houston, Texas.

In 1993, Pastor Vann became the United States director of the International Christian Network (ICN) with headquarters in Capetown, South Africa. He has traveled to London, England and South Africa, having preached fifteen times in thirteen different churches, auditoriums and a tent in South Africa. He also became co-chair of the Publicity Committee of Hampton Roads United Christians (HRUC). He recently became a board member of Jesus to the World Evangelistic Association. He has been blessed to have ministered the Word of God from the east coast to the west coast, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

Pastor Vann met the beautiful Barbara Carney and they were married December 20, 1980. Pastor Barbara is a woman of wisdom and virtue, having built her home, and with her husband, her spiritual home New Life Worship Center with faith, love and integrity.

They are proud parents of Carl, II (CJ). CJ is an accomplished musician, having been recognized as a child prodigy in the music genre. He is a licensed minister and serves as Youth Pastor of the church. They also have a lovely daughter, LaBarbara Ann. LaBarbara’s involvements are many and she has proven herself more than capable in the responsibilities given her. Both are born-again and are serving the Lord faithfully.

Barbara C. Vann was born in Norfolk, Virginia. She was a faithful member of C H Mason Memorial COGIC for twenty years where she served in numerous ministries from her childhood to adulthood. She also met Pastor Vann there, whom she later married on December 20, 1980. Shortly thereafter, the Lord instructed them to establish New Life Worship Center in August of 1981, where she co-pastors. Pastor Vann and Pastor Barbara have two children, Carl J II and LaBarbara Ann. Both of the Vann children work for the ministry at NLWC in Norfolk, VA. They have been married for almost 30 years; all but eight months have been spent in the ministry that God called them to establish.

A faithful Christian since early childhood, Pastor Barbara has been proclaiming holiness and sanctification since that time and continues to do so until this day. She is making a difference in the lives of many whom she helps minister to alongside her husband wherever they go. Pastor Barbara heads the Ministry to Daddy’s Girls at NLWC which is a ministry to women of all ages. She also coordinates and helps structure the 33 Life Ministries at New Life.

Carl J. Vann was born on September 27, 1981 to Carl J Sr and Barbara Vann. He recognized his God-given passion for music at an early age. El. CJ, as he is affectionately called, attended Tallwood High School, where he was a part of the 1999 graduating class. CJ began his college career the summer of 1999 at Norfolk State University as a member of the NSU Marching Band. The “Marching Spartan Legion” had become one of his proudest achievements and a big part of his life for the next three years. As a student, he studied music education and received several honors. In his four and a half year college career he was inducted into the “Who’s Who Among American College Students,” “The National Dean’s List,” “The Golden Key International Honor Society,” and the “Norfolk State University Honors Program.” He graduated with honors from NSU in December 2003 and was awarded his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.

CJ is currently the band director at Atlantic Shores Christian Schools in Chesapeake and VA Beach, VA where he teaches elementary, middle and high school students. After many years of faithful service, he became the minister of music for New Life Worship Center at the age of 21 years old. At 23, he became an licensed minister and is currently the youngest minister on staff. In 2009, CJ became an Elder at the age of 28. In 2003, he started the “Sons of Destiny” ministry, which is a ministry for young men ages 14 and up. As a result of his passion and service for the youth, he was appointed youth pastor of NLWC in October of 2005.

Elder Robert Alonzo Williams was born and raised in Washington, DC. As a young man growing up his family seldom went to church, but the times that he did attend services had a profound effect upon him. Elder Robert knew the Holy Spirit was dealing with him even in his youth to surrender his life to Christ. Finally, after many years of believing life was over once you became a Christian, Elder Robert surrendered to the heavenly calling at the age of 30. He quickly realized that serving Christ was a journey in faith that brought great joy and wonderful adventures.

Elder Robert served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and has traveled around the world. During some of his travels overseas the Lord opened doors of ministry for him to preach in Korean churches and start a gospel service on one of the military installations. Elder Robert and his wife Elder Deloise Williams ministered to Christians of diverse/ethnic backgrounds and spiritual needs. The Lord anointed them to encourage and strengthen the brethren.

Elder Robert has been in minister for over 18 years. He has served as the District Sunday School Superintendent for the San Angelo District, Church of God In Christ in San Angelo, Texas. The Holy Spirit directed Elder Robert and his family to NLWC where he has served every since his arrival in 1995. He is the department head for the Christian Education Department which includes Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Firm Foundation/New Members Class, and the Children’s Chapel. Elder Robert has been serving as the Sunday School Superintendent since 1998 and assists his wife in the Kings Kids Youth Choir.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts Studies from Regents College of New York. Together with his wife Deloise, they have three talented children, Jessica, Joshua, and Joanna who the church affectionately calls J3.