First Ipc Presbytery of the United Kingdom

The First IPC Presbytery of the United Kingdom, registered as a charity since 2006 with roots in 1969 missionary efforts by Francis Schaeffer and others, serves as the governance and resource hub for English-speaking International Presbyterian Church (IPC) congregations across the UK. Grounded in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Reformed Presbyterian tradition per the IPC's Book of Church Order, its mission advances doctrinal fidelity, nurtures existing churches, plants new ones, supports pastors and elders financially and spiritually, and fosters theological education for future leaders. It emphasizes accountability, mutual collaboration, and expanding Reformed witness in the UK and Europe through transparent Presbyterian polity.

It funds activities exclusively advancing Reformed Christianity, including operational costs for member congregations, church planting (e.g., new works in York, Chester, Aberdeen), pastoral stipends, hardship relief for ministers, and theological training like seminaries or conferences. Beneficiaries are strictly IPC-linked or doctrinally aligned Reformed Presbyterian churches and ministries, primarily small to medium-sized local congregations.

Eligibility requires UK-based IPC member or closely affiliated entities; unsolicited applications are not accepted—proposals must come internally via church sessions or committees. No income thresholds apply, though support targets modest church plants and ministries. Grants, decided at quarterly Presbytery meetings, typically range from several thousand to £40,000 annually for church planting or stipends, with no public deadlines or forms.

Unlike general funders, it excludes secular or non-Reformed causes, prioritizing confessional fidelity and network-only support, distinguishing it as an international Reformed body fostering spiritual growth through governance, mentoring, and targeted aid.