CHURCH
ABLAZE
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
AGM
Annual General Meeting
Annual Report & Financial Statements
1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024
Church Ablaze
88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 SQL
Charity No. 1051958
Pastor Sarah Renton

CHURCH
ABLAZE
PENTECOST AL CHURCH
Contents
Trustees Report
Governance
Objertives & Activities
Public Benefit Statement
Achievements & Performance
Financial Review
Risk Management
Reserves Policy
•5 Independent Examiners Report
+% Financial Statements
Pastor Sarah Renton's Report
Annual Reports & Financial Statements
Period 1° April 2023 to 31 March 2024
Church Ablaze, 88 Wellington Street, Batley, WF17 SQL
Registered Charity Number- 1051958

Church Ablaze
Charity number 1051958
Annual Report and Financial Statement
For the year ended 31st March 2024

Church Ablaza
Trustees, report for the year ended 31st March 2024
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees, and advisors
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was
approved were".
Name
Kevin Foster- resigned 2151 August 2023
Luke Crompton - appointed 21st August 2023
Sarah Renton - appointed 13th August 2023
Charity number 1051958
Principal address
88 Wellington Street
Batley
WF17 SQL
Registered in England and Wales
Bankers
Virgin Money
46 Market Place
Dewsbury
WF13 1DN
Independent examiner: E A Malko
Registration history: registered 15th January 1996
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees.
The trustees of the charrty are appointed by trie members at the AGM.
Objectives and Activities
The objects of the church are for the benefit of the public
a) To advan￿ the Christian faith in accordan￿ with the statement in such ways
and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Church Council
from time to time will see fft
b) To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good
health by the provision of funds. goods and ServI￿S of any kind including
through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United
Kingdom or the world as the Church Council from time to time think fit.
c) To advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom
or the world as the Church Council from time to time may think fit.

The charity's main activities.
We are a Church who gathers together to worship God. preach the word of God. and
reach out into the community around us with the love of God.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our trustees have given serious
consideration to the charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and performance
The year ending 31 st March 2024 the church continues to be a well-used and
important resource for the local community. A full weekly schedule is in pla
creating a vibrant and busy location providing crucial day to day support for many
local people.
Financial review
The net expenditure for the year was £32,164 including net expenditure of £31,901
on unrestricted funds and net expenditure of £263 on restricted funds.
Risk Management
The board have identified the major risks and keep their mitigation policy under
regular review.
Reserves pollcy
The charity's free reserves at the year-end were £10,766.
The trustees will aim lo hold free reserves of 3 to 6 months total expenditure.
Signed on behalf of the board of trustees
Signatur
Printed name: Luke Crompton, Trustee
Date:

Church Ablaze
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for
the year ended 31 March 2024
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in
accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,).
I report in respect of my examination of the charitys accounts as carried out under
section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carying out my examination I have followed all the
applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the
Act
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to
my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in
any material respect:
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by
section 130 of the Act.
2 the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the
examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Printed name: E A Malko
Dated: 4th October 2024

Total Recei
s&Pa
m&nt$ kcount for the
ear ended 31103124
LhYeslr￿ted
Restricted
Total
Premous
ear
Rocelpts
Church offer1r￿S
Grants
Acli¥Atie$
Verue Ffjre
Donation
ot￿r I￿orne
Total recel ts
Payments
Minister
Ministry Expenses
Utilities
Premises Costs
Assemblies of God SLbs¢riptlor
Resources
0gvelopn*nt
ChLWth maintai￿r
Transport
Events
Olk*r
8ark ¢harges
Other exp8ndllLY8
PrirtirKJ Postage S18tK>￿ry
Eas
Worshi
Subscri
IK)r
Total pa
ments
21445
21445
9520
8700
8700
7150
4829
34974
1359
18029
34974
18868
762
5921
1002
555
636
18868
762
5921
1002
555
696
16852
744
3140
6528
480
97
60
92
143
215
3702
63
145
32104
92
143
215
3702
63
145
32164
497
250
173
554
60
29314
Net rec•lpl$ I Ipaym•ntsl
2869
2809
.11285
Bakir￿e bro
lrt fs)nvard
8alan¢• carr5•d fon¥ard
3501
11592
14401
22877
11592
10959
Madg LP of..
Cwrent accolnl
14401
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 1211112024
Signature..
Printed name: Luke Crompton, Trustee
2024
Funding accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in fvrtherance of the
general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on Iheir expenditure imposed by the donor.
Trustee expenses
No trustee received any expenses for being a Trustee during this year or the previous year
Trustee remuneration and benefits
One trustee re￿iVed a remuneration of £18.867.68 to act as Minister of the church

CHURCH
ABLAZE
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
Pastorfs Annual Report- April 2023 to 31st of March 2024
Isl Year Anniversary- What a wonderful evening it was on the 30th of April when we celebrated
the 1st Year Anniversary of the Church becoming Church Ablaze. In the service various church
members shared testimonies and the evening wa5 fi'nished off with the surprise of an awesome
cake specially made for the occasion.
With the sUPPOrt of Pastor Kevin Foster, Pastor Luke Crompton and New Life Church in Wakefield,
we were able to re-establish the AOG Church in Batley. It's been a year of spiritually rebuilding
the foundations of the Church
and numerically it has grown from being a Church of just 4
members {prior to our stepping in) to having 30 people most weeks in regular attendance,
although in the winter months we have seen these numbers drop due to the dark nights.
Kings Coronation- At the beginning of May it was the Coronation of King Charles, and whilst we
prayed for our new King, it was also an opportunity for us to reflect and focus on the Sovereignty
of God and King Jesus- Looking at the various royal objects and emblems used in the Coronation,
and their biblical significance to King Jesus.
AOG Events
An.rTriJal Cnnfp.renc• ?0?3 - During the first week of May it was the National Assemblies of God
Conference in Harrogate. There were a few changes to the National Leadership team, with new
leaders and departments being established. It was a valuable tsme away, and the preaching and
teaching seminars were excellent, and God confirmed several things for me regardin8 Church
Ablaze, and so 5 look forward to seeing what God is going to do as the vision and ministry for
Church Ablaze unfolds and expands.
Equipping Day- AOG held an equipping day where our National leaders endeavoured to address
some of the challenging issues facing the Church today, giving guidance as to where AOG stand
on these topics- which is of course in line with Biblical scripture.
Hijb, 7.nne & 4rp? Days-AOG hold various days throughout the year for Pastors and their Church
leaders to meet relationally, and to be equipped through teaching and ministry. It ha5 been good
for those who serve in leadership to attend these events, and for them to connect with people
across our region.
3D Missions Conference - In October 2023 it was the 3D Missions Conference in Birmingham.
Each Church is encouraged to have its very own 3D Missions Champion, Someone who has a
heart and passion for mission both overseas and in the backyard of their local Church. As Church
Ablaze is still relatively young, we have yet to find the right individual to take up this post, but
until that time I will stand in the gap. It was an inspiring and challenging conference.
Church IAin:_
SLindcJii FiorJirp.i-We continue to hold our Sunday services in the evening at 5pm. We are blessed
in that those from New Life Church who initially chose to support the work at Batley continue to
do so, and several other people have now joined us.

We are blessed that God's tangible presence is with us in our services, many people encountering
Jesus and their lives being touched. We give God all the glory for what He is doing amongst us.
Woryhip We are blessed to have such a gifted and anointed worship leader Steve Lloyd who
leads the congregation into some wonderful times of praise and worship.
Dwell Nights - The fi.rst Sunday of the month we dedicate the whole service to ministering to the
Lord in worship. This gives the Church the opportunity to seek God and to dwell in His presence.
Steve primarily leads 'Dwell' along with myself. These are extended evenings of worship that give
room for people to encounter God. Holy Spirit leads us into times of intercession, prayer and
ministry.
This year Steve gave the opportunity for other musicians and singers to join him on these
evenings and l am delighted to say that one of our Church members Carolyn Voice now sings
alongside Steve. We are also joined by fellow musicians and singers from 'New Life, on occasions
which is not only a pleasure, but a real blessing.
PrÈachlng
The primary focus initially was preaching the gospel, and when teaching we always ensure that
room is made to share the gospel when visitors have joined us. Following the preaching of God's
Word, we always allow time for ministry and prayer.
Guest Speakers- We have been blessed to have various guests join us over the year from other
ministries and churches- Evangelist Andrew Murray of Generation Builders, Evangelist Barry
Woodward of Proclaim Trust, Pastor Johnny Haigh from Sowerby Bridge Elim Church, Jamie and
Christine Tonge and of course Pastor Kevin Foster and Luke Crompton from New Life Church
Wakeh'eld-who are very much a part of the Church and regularly minister and bringGod's Word.
C7pprnwr3y Team
In February we were blessed to have a team of Bible students from
Capernwray join us. 4 students shared their testimonies, and it was so good to hear what God is
doing in their lives. There was a great atmosphere as people from both churches gathered to
support them.
Bring & Share Evenings - This year we held 'Bring & Share, evenings, informal nights of sharing
food & testimonies together. These were well attended and great evenings of fellowship and
encouraging one another in the Lord.
ThlE is my Story - Are evangelistic evenings where an invited guest or member of the Church
shares their story of how they came to faith in Jesus, and how Jesus changed and transformed
their lives. These have been powerful evenings, and evenings where church member5 are
encouraged to bring unsaved family and friends.
Midweek Ministry
Prayer- Throughout the year we have held regular times of Prayer. For many months we held
days of prayer on Wednesdays, having early morning prayer meetings at 6am and evening prayer
meetings at 7pm. These have grown in attendance, and we have seen many answers to our
prayers.
Discipleship - In October 2023 following on from some evangelistic events we ran 'The Start
Course,. This was a 6-week course that was put on for various clients that attend 'The Batley
Community Outreach, which is held in the Church building. Sadly however, we found there were
challenges when it came to people's commitment to the course. We will look at other avenues

of discipleship moving forward... but with the various evangelistic events that we have held we
trust that seeds were sown, and people will come to full faith.
B?.trle.y
n￿￿￿V￿1￿1 C)iJtreacb. Grouns-Tuesday. Wednesday and Fridays are days when the Batley
Community Outreach Groups run from the Church building. These are led by some key members
of the church- Eileen Green and Denise Fotherby, with other members volunteering to help with
the workload. These groups offer actrvities and hot cooked meals for people in the community.
Eileen and Denise do a fantastic job in serving God and the community through these groups.
Easter
Good Friday Sendice - I was invited to take part in an Ecumenical Good Friday service held at the
Methodist Church and was delighted to accept the invitation. Several people from Church Ablaze
attended, with others gathering from across the various Churches in the Batley area.
It was good to meet with fellow Ministers of the Town, and I was pleased to learn that they are
open to doing more services together. It was also encouraging to learn that they have heard good
things about Church Ablaze.
Ecumenical Mlnisters Lunch Following on from the Easter Service myself and other ministers
from the Town have begun meeting once a month together for lunch, to pray and to discu55
avenue5 in which we can work together in the community.
Christma* ServiceE
Throughout the month of December, we held Christmas services.
CornTI I￿nitY Carol Singing- On the 10th of December, rather than having our Sunday evening
service we took the opportunity to go out into the community and bless people by carol singing.
It was a fantastic evening- Ethan and John Pearson played guitars whilst Kay led us. We had 300
flyers printed with details of our Christmas services to hand out and post through letter boxes.
We focused on the area around church which is a housing estate, as well as singing in the Town
Centre. It was a great atmosphere and start to the Christmas celebrations, and we had a few
conversations with local people.
Contemporary Carol Service- On the 17th of December we had a Contemporary carol seNice with
a mix of traditional and modern carols, goody bags and activity books were ready for any children
who came. It was another great evening, traditional in style with carols interspersed with bible
readings and 3 short sermons
various members of the church took part. The theme of the
evening was 'The King is Coming, _ focusing not only that Jesus came that fi'rst Christmas, but
that He is coming again.
Caro15 by Candlelight Christmas Eve Service- Christrnas eve wa5 our candlelight service. Whilst
some church members were unable to attend, we had plenty of visitors join us. The building
looked beautiful with 100 candles lighting up the room.
New Year5 Fve Th?.nksgiving Service - New Years eve was a night of giving thanks to God for His
goodness and faithfulness to us over this last year. I was amazed at how the church responded
to this opportunity of glorifying God and sharing testimonies of His goodness. There was laughter
and tears- and I was overwhelmed and humbled and felt so incredibly blessed to be working in
this corner of God's vineyard with such beautiful people.
Outreach Christmas Dinner- On Friday the 22. of December it was the Outreach Christmas
dinner. We had 2 sittings serving over 60 people a 3 course Christmas dinner. It was a great
atmosphere,. all the clients went away with bags of groceries and Christmas gifts.

Other Events
Love Batley Valentines Day- Valentines Day was a great opportunity to get out into the
community and share the love of God. Roses with Bible verses attached were given out to ladies
in the Town Centre, whilst chocolates were given to men. We had a fabulous time sharing the
love of God, had some great conversations, and were even able to pray with people.
Faith Leader Round Table - Throughout the year Local MP Kim Leadbeater continued to gather
faith leaders from across her constituency, and when I was able l attended. These meetings were
with a view of discussing local needs and issues in the community- and with the hope of fi'nding
ways in which to address them.
02 Volunteers- We were blessed in having a group of volunteers from 02 come to help do some
job5. They tidied up the outside area, front and side garden, and also began some work in the
office. They have been doing this for many years and their kindness and help is greatly
appreciated.
Chlld & Adult Safeguarding Training - Various Child and Adult safeguarding Courses were run in
the building, these were for the volunteers of the Batley Community Outreach Groups- but also
other workers and leaders in the community who work with vulnerable people. The sessions
were well attended.
Br43ak in -. On the 26th of June I received a phone call from a local lady who said it appeared the
bottom panel of the Church doors had been broken. Sadly, on arriving at Church I discovered that
the Church building had been broken into. The thief had caused a great deal of damage, also
stealing tithe5 and offerings. Since that occasion the Church no lon8er leaves money on the
premises.
Myself and our finance officer spent a great deal of time liaising with Police, insurance companies
and with joiners etc. The doors at the time were secured, but it was many weeks before the doors
were replaced and the damaged caused repaired,
Name C.hangp Charity fommission - The Church name has been changed with the Charity
Commission, along with all legal documents, bank accounts etc. The large front sign will also be
changed in time.
Unforeseen circurnstances - Sadly, at the end of February the Senior Pastor, Luke Crompton, of
New Life Church and Trustee of Church Ablaze took seriously ill. At this tsme and throughout
Luke's recovery I took on the role of Pastor in both churches. As you would expect this did have
an impact on my time and what I was able to do at church Ablaze, however, l am grateful that
everyone pulled together and also for Ministers such as Kevin Foster, Henry Drabble and Johnny
Haigh who helped with preaching. l am pleased to say that in time Luke made a full recovery
which we are thankful to God for.
Summary- Overall it has been a good year with many positive things to rejoice in and be
thankful to God for- but as we do, we also recognise there is still much to be done if we are to
continue to see the Church flourish, and to see the community impacted with the love of God.
We pray-'Lord let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, in our community of Batley, Amen.