First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa

What First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa does

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa is a 501(c)(3) religious nonprofit and the first organized church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, founded in 1885 and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The church serves the greater Tulsa community through a multi-format worship program spanning five distinct Sunday services (traditional at 8 a.m. in Kerr Chapel, contemporary at 8:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall, traditional at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, contemporary at 11 a.m. in Stephenson Hall, and international at 11 a.m. in the Bernsen Great Hall), with remote participation via YouTube, Facebook Live, and Cox Cable Channel 3 broadcast. Its operational footprint includes a 22-person staff, a multi-building downtown campus at 709 S. Boston Avenue, the 186-acre Camp Loughridge, and the Bernsen Community Life Center (a 1925 former Masonic Temple acquired in 1994).

The church operates a diversified religious and community-services portfolio rather than a technology product. Core offerings include traditional and contemporary worship, multilingual Tulsa International Fellowship (T.I.F.) serving approximately 100 disciples from over 12 nations, age-tiered education programs (AWANA, Pathfinders, Exodus, Confirmation), music ministries featuring a 32-bell Paccard carillon and 6,520-pipe Austin organ, pastoral care, and a global mission network spanning Uganda, Malawi, Syria/Lebanon, and Latin America. The First Presbyterian Church Foundation, established in 1962 with 88 shares of stock, manages a $20 million endowment that distributed $530,000 in 2020 across five restricted ministry funds and a Forward Fund, totaling over $11 million in distributions over 25 years. The church generates operating revenue through weekly tithes and offerings, planned giving via the Legacy Society (charitable gift annuities, trusts, bequests, oil/gas royalties), and 8:10 Building commercial rental income fully dedicated to the local mission fund.

Name

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa

Legal name

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa

Website

https://firstchurchtulsa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1885

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, founded in 1885, is a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation operating multi-format worship services, education programs, and community outreach across a downtown Tulsa campus, a 186-acre camp, and a $20M endowment foundation. It serves the Tulsa community plus an international fellowship of disciples from over 12 nations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious and faith-based community services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Educational Services (61), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL), Religious Music & Worship Broadcasting (MPABALAN)

Keywords

• Religious worship services
• Christian education programs
• Pastoral care ministry
• Community missions outreach
• Faith-based community services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tulsa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: The primary revenue stream consists of weekly tithes and offerings from congregation members during worship services, supporting the church's operational expenses, mission work, and community programs.
2. Foundation Endowment: The First Presbyterian Church Foundation, established in 1962 with an initial 88 shares of stock, has grown to a $20 million endowment. Annual distributions from the endowment support mission and ministry operations. In 2020, the unrestricted Forward Fund and five restricted ministry funds distributed $530,000 to support music and worship, scholarship and education, mission, nurture and care of families, and long-term maintenance.
3. Planned Giving and Bequests: The Legacy Society accepts charitable bequests, charitable gift annuities, real estate assets, retirement assets, life income gifts through trusts, donor advised fund contributions, and oil and gas interests and royalties to support the foundation's endowment.
4. 8:10 Building Commercial Rentals: The 8:10 Building provides commercial office space for Tulsa businesses. One hundred percent of net rent income after building operations is dedicated to the First Church 8:10 Mission Fund for local missions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa delivers weekly Christian worship services in four styles (traditional, contemporary, international, and Kerr Chapel) across multiple venues on its downtown Tulsa campus. Beyond worship, the church provides Christian education programming for children and youth, pastoral care and counseling, music ministries, local and global mission partnerships, educational scholarships, and community outreach services including utility assistance, food distribution, and supportive housing.

Product overview

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa is a religious institution offering a portfolio of spiritual and community ministry programs. These include traditional and contemporary worship services across multiple venues (Sanctuary, Kerr Chapel, Stephenson Hall, Bernsen Center Great Hall), educational programming for children, youth, and adults (Sunday school, AWANA clubs, Pathfinders, Exodus, Confirmation, UKirk), music ministries (Chancel Choir, Contemporary Worship Team, Overtones Bell Choir, Gloria Women's Choir, Tower Bells), global and local mission initiatives, member care programs (Deacons' Ministries, Guild of Intercessors, Pray-ers Ministry), pastoral care and counseling, and facility rental services for weddings and events. The church also operates the Tulsa International Fellowship (TIF) for international worshippers and manages the First Presbyterian Church Foundation for scholarships and endowments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sunday Worship Services Weekly worship services offered in four styles for the Tulsa community: 8 a.m. Traditional in Kerr Chapel, 8:30 a.m. Contemporary in Stephenson Hall, 11 a.m. Traditional in the Sanctuary, and 11 a.m. International in the Great Hall of the Bernsen Center. Services include communion, music, and preaching.
• Educational Scholarships Multiple named scholarship funds administered through the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, including the First Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund, Clarence Warren, Ethel Frances Crate, Ullery Charitable Trust, Elsa Everett Memorial, Harry Allen Memorial, Cydna Ann Huffstetler Memorial, Greg Morris, and Vandetta S. Butler scholarships. Awards support undergraduate and graduate students at accredited institutions with priority for members pursuing Christian vocations.
• Youth Ministry Programs (Pathfinders, Exodus, Confirmation, T.I.N.A.) Christian education and fellowship programming for children and youth from birth through high school, including Pathfinders (grades 5-8), Exodus (grades 9-12), Confirmation (9th grade), T.I.N.A. (Totally Into Narley Adventures), POW!, and Sunday school classes. Includes mission trip opportunities.
• Tulsa International Fellowship (TIF) Worship Services Multicultural worship services held every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Bernsen Community Life Center, featuring songs in multiple languages, Bible study, fellowship, and pastoral counseling for immigrants from over 12 nations.
• Helping Hand Ministry Local outreach program providing short-term assistance to Tulsans in need, including help paying utility bills and prescriptions, plus food distribution from the pantry on Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - noon.
• Lindsey House Supportive Housing Ministry Supportive housing ministry initiated by First Presbyterian Church for newly homeless women with dependent children.
• Worship Service Broadcast and Streaming Television broadcast of the 11 a.m. traditional worship service on Cox Cable Channel 3 (Sundays at 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 10 p.m.) and live streaming via YouTube and Facebook Live, enabling remote participation from home or on the road.
• Wednesday Night Downtown Midweek Programming Weekly Wednesday evening programming during the school year including dinner at 5:30 p.m., adult classes, youth programs (AWANA, Pathfinders, Exodus), and special series.
• 8:10 Building Commercial Rentals Commercial office space for Tulsa businesses at the 8:10 Building on 8th Street, with 100% of net rent income (after building operations) dedicated to the First Church 8:10 Mission Fund for local mission projects in downtown Tulsa.
• Camp Loughridge Retreats and Events Independent nonprofit Christian camp, wedding, events, and retreat facility located on 186 acres in southwest Tulsa, operated by First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa.
• First Presbyterian Church Foundation Planned Giving Program Legacy giving program via the First Presbyterian Foundation's Legacy Society, accepting charitable bequests, charitable gift annuities, real estate assets, retirement assets, life income gifts through trusts, donor advised fund contributions, and oil and gas interests and royalties to support the foundation's endowment.
• Music Ministries (Chancel Choir, Tower Bells, Contemporary Worship Team) Music ministry programs including the Chancel Choir, Overtones Bell Choir, Gloria Women's Choir, Contemporary Worship Team, the 6,520-pipe Austin Organ (installed 1967-1968, renovated 2013-2015), and the 32-bell Paccard Tower Bells (largest 3,200 lbs, smallest 45 lbs) ringing every Sunday, during weddings, and on festive occasions.
• Deacons' Member Care Ministries Member care and outreach ministries led by an annually called Board of 30 Deacons, providing pastoral care, visitation, and community outreach including the Anderson Elementary Christmas party serving more than 350 children annually.
• Prayer Ministries (Guild of Intercessors, Pray-ers) Intercessory prayer ministries with approximately 70 members each in the Guild of Intercessors and the Pray-ers Ministry, who engage in daily prayer for the congregation, community, and ministry needs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supporting over 350 children annually at Anderson Elementary through Christmas programming
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Justice MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Justice Mission is an international, non-governmental 501(c)(3) organization focused on human rights, law and law enforcement. They partner with local justice systems globally to end violence against people living in poverty, with the goal of ending slavery in our lifetime.
• Petra Kids MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPetra Kids Ministries supports the Petra Christian School in Aduku District, Uganda. Of the more than 350 children enrolled, 90% are orphaned. Programs and activities are funded by child sponsorships, scholarships, and donations.
• Literacy and Evangelism International (LEI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEI develops biblically based reading materials and trains teachers to help reach the illiterate. FPC provides regular financial support and helps host LEI missionaries including James Kigamwa, Managing Director for Africa/the Middle East.
• The Outreach FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Outreach Foundation connects reformed Churches around the world to build bridges and strengthen the Church's ability to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
• H20 Project / Marion Medical MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery, Livingstone Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, and Bandawe Presbytery in Malawi. Focus on building sustainable clean water wells in rural African villages through fasting, giving, and prayer.
• Evangelical Synod of Syria & LebanonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvangelical Synod of Syria & Lebanon testifies to the gospel of Christ, cultivates Christian communion, supports ecumenical growth, promotes justice, raises up the next generation and accepts all people regardless of race, religion, sex or color.
• Helping Hand MinistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelping Hand Ministry is an outreach of First Presbyterian Church combining ministry and mission by offering short-term assistance to Tulsans in need. Volunteers help pay utility bills, prescriptions, and distribute food from the pantry on Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - noon.
• Anderson Elementary SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnderson Elementary is FPC's partner-in-education. Mentors connect with students through the 'Lunch Buddy' program, while deacons serve more than 350 children through a Christmas party with gifts and games annually.
• Masterwork Arts AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMasterwork Arts Academy enriches the academic and spiritual lives of elementary students, teaching visual art, dance, and music while helping children pay attention to God by finding and reflecting their Creator.
• Camp LoughridgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCamp Loughridge is an independent nonprofit Christian camp, wedding, events and retreat facility located in southwest Tulsa. Acquired by FPC in 1959 in memory of Reverend Robert M. Loughridge, pioneer missionary to the Creek Indian Nation. Operates independently as a 186-acre facility.
• Catholic Charities of Eastern OklahomaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic Charities serves those who suffer through adoption, housing, food, dental care, and immigration services, living out Christ's merciful love.
• Crossover Community Impact (CCI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCI is a Christian organization committed to restoring the community through reconciliation, love and justice, striving to be an outreach arm of the Church.
• Habitat for Humanity (Tulsa)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTulsa Habitat for Humanity builds safe, quality homes and offers affordable, low-interest mortgages to families who cannot afford traditional mortgages.
• John 3:16 MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJohn 3:16 Mission seeks to reclaim lives and restore hope to those in situations of poverty and homelessness.
• Lindsey HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiated by FPC, Lindsey House is a supportive housing ministry for newly homeless women with dependent children.
• Restore Hope MinistriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in 1978 by Tulsa area United Methodist congregations to meet emergency assistance needs for families in crisis, working towards hunger reduction, homeless prevention, and emotional and spiritual nurture.
• Tulsa Boys' HomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFPC was instrumental in establishing the Tulsa Boys' Home. Members volunteer their time mentoring young men while working to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and neglect.
• Goodland AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoodland Academy is a boarding school located three miles southwest of Hugo in southeastern Oklahoma. Founded in 1848 as a Presbyterian mission, it is the oldest private boarding school in Oklahoma still in operation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago: Large historic PCUSA congregation in downtown Chicago offering multiple worship styles, extensive mission programs, and a comparable endowment-driven operating model. Directly comparable denomination, urban footprint, and multi-ministry scale.
• Peachtree Presbyterian Church: One of the largest PCUSA congregations in the U.S., with similar extensive programming across age groups, missions, and contemporary worship services. Comparable scale and ministry breadth.
• National Presbyterian Church: Large historic PCUSA congregation in Washington, D.C. with similar endowment model, multiple worship services, and international mission partnerships. Directly comparable denomination and operational footprint.
• First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood: Large PCUSA congregation with comparable multi-style worship services, foundation-driven endowment, and diverse community programming. Closely aligned denomination and ministry structure.
• First Presbyterian Church of Nashville: Historic downtown PCUSA church of similar size and vintage, with comparable multi-style worship, foundation endowment, and community outreach programming. Closest denominational and structural peer.

Broad incumbents

• First Baptist Dallas: Large historic downtown church with extensive media ministry, foundation endowment, and broad community programming. Comparable scale and historic urban footprint, though Baptist rather than Presbyterian.
• Highland Park United Methodist Church: Large historic mainline congregation in Dallas with comparable multi-ministry scope, significant endowment, and downtown-style programming. Differs in denomination but matches size and operating model.
• The Riverside Church: Historic urban multi-ministry church with extensive programming, broadcasting, international mission work, and significant endowment. Comparable operational complexity though larger scale.

Regional players

• Boston Avenue United Methodist Church: Iconic historic downtown Tulsa church (Art Deco landmark) with comparable worship programming and community mission footprint. Direct local peer serving the same geographic market.
• Asbury United Methodist Church: Major historic mainline congregation in Tulsa offering similar multi-style worship, mission programs, and community outreach. Direct local competitor for congregants and donors in the same metro.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@firstchurchtulsa
• Facebookfacebook.com/FirstChurchTulsa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/firstchurchtulsa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa