What the Fund does
The Fund exists to support Baptist ministers and churches in Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man who accept the doctrines of Particular Redemption. This is defined as sharing the faith and order generally expressed in the London Baptist Confession 1644, the Somerset P.B. Confession 1656 and the Second London P.B. Confession 1677/89.
The Fund's main areas of interest are the education and financial support of those in full time ministry. This includes those working in local churches as pastors, youth workers and evangelists. It also seeks to help churches with their building programmes.
The following list is not exhaustive, but gives a good idea of what the Fund does:
- Mission Grants
New church plants or churches that might be revived receive grants. Any proposal is investigated thoroughly to ensure that the project is viable and is in tune with the Fund’s theological position. Grants of up to 80% of the cost of employing a pastor/evangelist are available, but this is reduced after the second year by ten percentage points per year. The number of projects undertaken by the Fund at any one time is of necessity limited in view of the sums involved.
- Educational Grants
- Grants to Institutions. Two Baptist colleges get regular grants for the education of new ministers undertaking their first full time theological training. Other colleges and institutions have received grants from time to time.
- Grants to Individuals. Students undertaking training for the pastoral ministry and full time ministers who undertake further study which will help them in their work as pastors may receive grants. One off grants to buy suitable books are also given to full time pastors on an income lower than that Baptist Union’s Standard Minister’s Stipend, or for those seeking to do a guided Sabbatical study.
- Benevolent Grants
Retired full time pastors and their widows who are on a low income may apply for grants. Occasionally a grant might be given to a serving pastor in special financial need.Some retired pastors who are on
low incomes also receive help from the Fund.
- Building Project Loans
Interest free loans are given to churches who are undertaking a building project. This includes extensions, improvements, or new purchases of church buildings or manses. The Maximum loan is £50,000 with regular repayments over 10 years.
If you believe that you may qualify for one of these grants or loans,
please contact the Secretary using any of the means listed on our 'Contact
us' page.
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