IPC Abu Dhabi is a Spirit-filled fellowship of believers, serving the UAE community with love and faith. We gather to worship, grow in God’s Word, and build one another up in Christ while reaching out with compassion and the Gospel to those around us.
History
Origins
IPC Abu Dhabi had its humble beginning which mirrors alongside the growth of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. New chapter of Abu Dhabi began in 1958 following the first Oil discovery and subsequent export of first Oil cargo in 1962. Both the events led to the influx of migration from various parts of the world to Abu Dhabi, most of the migrant workers were associated with either oil industry or its support services, this has led to the growth of mass migration of Keralites also, who already had historically established trade relations in Arabian Peninsula.
Early Malayali Migration and Spiritual Awakening
Early Malayalis, who built their life being part of the growth story of Abu Dhabi, worked in all walks of life, among them were many Malayali brothers who were looking for spiritual enrichment & fellowship. This period was also significant as a time of great Pentecostal awakening movements in Kerala. The Malayali Pentecostal movements, which began in Kerala, gradually developed into an organized movement and spread beyond Kerala to various states across India & to every corner where early believers migrated.
Beginnings of Fellowship in Abu Dhabi (1965–1968)
During this period, a small prayer meeting began in Abu Dhabi in 1965, which later developed into the Malayali Christian Congregation (MCC), around twenty members from various Christian denominations participated in this fellowship.
In 1968, Thomas Varghese alias Thankachayaan of Moolamannil, Pathanapuram, arrived in Abu Dhabi from Bahrain, being a Pentecostal, he was curiously looking for a place of fellowship and worship, this eventually led to his meeting with Brother K.M. Samuel at a meeting of the Malayali Christian Congregation (MCC), this meeting and acquaintance marked the beginning of Pentecostal activities in Abu Dhabi and subsequent formation of IPC Abu Dhabi in 1968.
Foundational Prayer Meeting and Early Growth
On May 5, 1968, Brother K. M. Samuel, along with his wife Kunjukunjamma and Brother Thomas Varghese, gathered for prayer at the home of Brother K. M. Samuel in Abu Dhabi. This prayer meeting became a significant milestone in the history of Pentecostalism in the UAE and of IPC Abu Dhabi. Although this gathering was not initially regarded as a serious beginning by traditional churches or church leadership, it later proved to be foundational to the growth of the Pentecostal movement in the region. Anyone who studies church history understands that great things often begin with small beginnings. In December of the same year, a fourth member, Brother Alexander Daniel, joined the prayer meeting. In the meetings that followed, more people came and became part of the congregation.
First Holy Communion and Church Organization (1969)
On January 7 and 8, 1969, Pastor K. E. Abraham and Pastor George Varghese arrived in Abu Dhabi while returning from the United States. In connection with the arrival of these servants of God, the first Holy Communion service in Abu Dhabi was held on January 8, 1969. At that service, three new members joined the church: (the late Brother M. T. Thomas and his family, Brother Benjamin Thomas, and Brother V. E. Paulos.)
K. M. Samuel served as the first secretary of the Church. During this period of growth of the church on September 5, 1969, M. C. Chacko relocated to Abu Dhabi from Bahrain, this has given a significant boost to the ministry. Later, in December 1969, to further expand the work, Pastor P. M. Philip prayed and separated K. M. Samuel, M. C. Chacko, and V. E. Paulos as evangelists.
Ordinations and Pastoral Leadership
As the ministry continued to grow, Pastor T. G. Oommen visited Abu Dhabi on March 27, 1973, and on that occasion ordained Brother K. M. Samuel and Brother M. C. Chacko as church ordained Pastors.
In the early years, many servants of God from India, representing IPC and various other Pentecostal churches, visited the congregation to minister the Word of God. Among them were the late Pastor K. E. Abraham, Pastor George Varghese, Pastor P. M. Philip, Pastor T. G. Oommen, Pastor P. D. Johnson, Pastor Chandappillai Philip, Pastor Manganam Joseph, Pastor C. K. Daniel, Pastor T. S. Abraham, Pastor George Oommen, Pastor K. T. Thomas, Pastor PV Ashari (Ashari Upadeshi) and others. For many decades any Malayalee Pentecostal church leaders visiting UAE, IPC Abu Dhabi always remained as a first congregation to visit.
Worship Locations and Outreach Ministries
In the early days of church activities, services were held alternately at the homes of Pastor K. M. Samuel and Brother Thomas Varghese. As membership grew and logistical challenges arose with holding meetings, church services were shifted to St. Andrews Center, depending on the availability of space and time. The church began holding regular worship services, gatherings, and active outstation ministries. The brothers carried out ministry work in areas such as Mussafah, Saadiyat Island, and Bida Zayed. As a result, many people joined the Congregation.
Baptism and Dedication Milestones
Baptisms were conducted during the early years of the ministry. On December 4, 1971, Pastor P. M. Philip performed the first baptism service, with Brother P. T. Samuel and Brother K. A. John receiving baptism. On the same day, Pastor P. M. Philip also conducted the first baby dedication prayer.
Expansion of the Ministerial Team
In 1987, Brother O. C. Baby and Brother M. M. Samuel were ordained as evangelists by Pastor P. L. Paramjyothi. In 1989, Brother P. Abraham was also added to the ministerial team. Later, in March 1999, Evangelists O. C. Baby and M. M. Samuel were ordained as church ministers.
Relationship with St. Andrews Church
It is worth highlighting the support and care shown to IPC Abu Dhabi by the authorities of St. Andrews Church during its early years. Rev. Michael Mansbridge, the vicar of St. Andrews Church, played a prominent role in this cooperation. During this period (1982 – 1983), IPC Abu Dhabi contributed one hundred thousand UAE Dirhams toward the construction of the St. Andrews Church building.
Establishment of PYPA (Youth Movement)
At IPC Abu Dhabi, PYPA, the youth movement of Indian Pentecostal Church of God, was established in June 1977. Pastor K. M. Samuel served as its first president, and Brother O. C. Baby was the first secretary. Brother P. C. Thomas was elected as treasurer, while K. G. Varghese, Varghese Mathew, T. M. Abraham, G. Danielkutty, and others were appointed as committee members.
Leadership Transitions and Consolidation
When Pastor K. M. Samuel left for America, Pastor M. C. Chacko was appointed as the chief pastor of the church. He was entrusted with leading the associate pastors and ministers. On May 8, 2003, the church consecrated Brother K. George Mathew as a minister, along with Brother Thomas Varghese, Brother C. George, and Brother Jacob Samuel as additional ministers.
During this period, Evangelists O. C. Baby and M. M. Samuel retired from their job and ministries and returned to their homeland. Subsequently, Pastor MC Chacko continued to serve as the chief Pastor, with Pastor Thomas Varghese and Pastor Samuel M. Thomas as associate ministers.
At the end of 2010, Pastor M. C. Chacko concluded his ministry in Abu Dhabi and returned to India.
Mergers and Recent Pastoral Leadership (2011–Present)
In February 2011, IPC Immanuel and IPC Salem churches in Abu Dhabi merged with IPC Abu Dhabi, contributing significantly to the church’s growth and expansion. Following this merger, Pastor John Varghese began serving as the chief pastor from 2011 to2013 After the tenure of Pastor John Varghese, Pastor Money. P. Mathew became the Senior Pastor of the Congregation from 2014 to 2015-, upon completion of his ministerial tenure Pr. Aju Jacob joined IPC Abu Dhabi as the Senior Pastor until his return in 2016-2018. During the tenure of Pastor Aju Jacob, IPC Abu Dhabi could thankfully complete its Golden Jubilee, a magnificent period of 50 years of service to God and humanity, from 1968 to 2018.
Following this period Pr. KM James ministered as the Chief Pastor until -2019-2021. Pastor Alex John joined as the Senior Pastor of the Congregation from 2022 till March 2026. Pastor Sabu Mathew joined as the Senior Pastor of the Congregation from April 2026.
Legacy and Gratitude
Today, as we almost nearing six decades from where we started, IPC Abu Dhabi remains as a mother church for many of Malayalee Pentecostal congregations in Abu Dhabi, almost a quarter of the Pentecostal churches in Abu Dhabi traces their roots to IPC Abu Dhabi.
Looking back, IPC Abu Dhabi is thankful to God almighty and the authorities of United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the rulers of Abu Dhabi for the freedom of worship and the care provided to the church and its community throughout the years, a great testament of tolerance and brotherly love that we experience today stands as a reflection and testimony of the openness and tolerance shown by the rulers of the UAE toward the expatriate communities and their religious freedom.