At Churches Mutual we are ideally placed to help those in ministry because we have an excellent understanding of the financial products that people in ministry need.  We understand that certain stages of life have very specific needs.  For this reason, we offer two products specifically designed for you, one suitable if you are about to enter into stipendiary ministry and the other for when you are approaching retirement.

First Post Loan – Available up to four months before starting stipendiary ministry, repayments begin once your stipend begins

Is this loan for me?

This loan is for you if:

• you are due to commence your first stipendiary post (e.g. curacy, first charge, probationer) in the next three to four months
• you have significant expenditure to make before you start your new post
• your present income is insufficient to apply for a personal loan from Churches Mutual or elsewhere
• your new post is with a denomination (see below) who will send us the repayment direct from your stipend

Before you apply

The First Post Loan is designed for members (and those eligible for membership) who are about to finish training, to apply for a payroll deduction loan (usually for a car but we also accept applications for smaller items such as a course of driving lessons, furniture or a holiday) up to four months BEFORE the first payment of salary or stipend is due.

Funds are made available to you immediately the application is approved, usually within one week of our receiving the application form and all supporting information, but you will not start actual repayments until you receive your first payment of salary or stipend, although interest will of course accrue in the meantime.

First Post Loans are available if you are taking a stipendiary post within the following denominations:

• The Methodist Church of Great Britain
• The Church in Wales
• The Church of England
• The Church of Scotland
• The United Reformed Church

In order to assess your application, we will also need:

• Confirmation of your new post (letter/email from training incumbent, DDO, District Stationing Officer, Synod Moderator, Presbytery Clerk or similar) and your permission to contact them.
• Proof of your new address if not included in above
• The date your new appointment will commence

Remember – Non-Stipendiary or Self-Supporting Ministers may apply for a personal loan from Churches Mutual at any time.