Venezuela Partner Churches and Organizations

Presbyterian Church of Venezuela (IPV)

Presbyterians began work in Caracas in 1896 by founding a church and a Christian academy, which today is one of the best primary and secondary schools in Caracas . The first missionaries working with the IPV approached evangelism and church ministry with cultural sensitivity in order for the church to grow more effectively. However, the missionaries that followed took a more controlling and authoritarian stance. Because of this the IPV rebelled and issued a moratorium on U.S. Presbyterian missionary involvement with the church. However, the local church members who became the new leaders took on an authoritarian style as well, introducing doctrinal and liturgical changes. This caused division within the church, and membership declined. The IPV remains a small church, but the new generation of leadership is striving to revitalize the church and renew its ecumenical partnerships. Their highest priorities are evangelization, the unity of the national Presbyterian family, and the program of theological education that trains pastors and lay persons. The church’s Web site is www.ipv.org.ve.