Our Founding Father and Presiding Archbishop Dr. Deric Neale Bircham was appointed as Presiding Bishop to New Zealand and the South Pacific Nations for The International Fellowship of Christian Churches (USA) in 1996 with the Title of The Reverend Bishop with the authority of an Archbishop.

His Appointment to the worldwide office of The Spirit Filled Fellowship Global Church was on July 28, 2005 when he was elected Inaugural Archbishop on July 28, 2008. His guidance and sphere extends globally on behalf of the Fellowship with many Bishops and Pastors under his spiritual influence, direction, guidance & mentoring in Africa, Europe, the Far East and the Pacific.

Also in May 2008 his Appointment was confirmed as the Archbishop for Oceania, Australasia, and South East Asia for the Old Russian Orthodox Church by the Holy Russian Cathedral Council (Synod) along with Chief Membership to the Intercontinental Knyaz Zaobor (Synod). Appointment endorsed by His Eminence The Most Rev. Patriarch Vladiko Antonio (Korbat) International Patriarch and Head of the Old Russian Orthodox Church, St. Petersburg, Russia. Status conferred under Church privilege of The Old Russian Orthodox Church and endorsed by the Russian Orthodox Church with the blessings of His Holiness Patriarch Krill.

He was married in 1960 to his much loved wife Patricia and together they have 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren and one great grandson. His interests are many and varied.