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2022-12-31-accounts

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG)

STRONG TOWER PARISH

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG) STRONG TOWER PARISH

TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2022

1

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD (RCCG)

STRONG TOWER PARISH

Page
Corporate Information 3
Board of Trustee’s Report 4
Independent Examiner’s Report 10
Statement of Financial Activities 11
Statement of Financial Position 12
Accounting Policies 13
Notes 14

2

Corporate Information

Registered Charity Number: 1084588
Registered Office: 923 – 927 Oldham Road, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 2EB
Principal Office: 923 – 927 Oldham Road, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 2EB
Pastor in Charge: Pastor Wellington Obadimeji
Board of Trustees: Pastor Musa Bako - Chairman
Mr Taiwo Adegbola
Mrs Aderonke Edem
Mrs Bola Adewusi
Mr Feyisayo Afolabi
Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc
Manchester University Branch
137 Oxford Road
Manchester
M1 7DY

3

Board of Trustee’s Report

Introduction

The Trustees present their annual report and the financial statements of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Strong Tower Parish (the Charity) for the period ended 31 December 2022. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005.

Public Benefit Statement

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charites Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit "Charites and Public Benefit".

Structure, Governance and Management

The Charity is a parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God which has parishes all over the world. The parish's relationship with other parishes is governed by an 'Agreement for Common Purposes'.

The charity was constituted under a trust deed dated 11th December 2000 and is registered in England and Wales with charity number 1084588

Appointment or Election of Trustees

Trustees are elected and or co-opted under the terms of the trust deed.

Policies Adopted for the Induction and Training of New Trustees

The induction process for a newly appointed trustee comprises an initial meeting with the Chair and other Trustees, followed by short meetings with the Pastor in Charge on the powers and responsibilities of the Trustees.

Organisational Structure and Decision Making

The charity is organised so that the Trustees meet regularly to manage its affairs. The Pastor in Charge manages the day to day administration of the church.

Objectives and Activities

The principal object is the advancement of Christian faith worldwide and the relief of poverty. To promote any charitable activity for the benefit of the local people. To achieve its objectives, the church adopted the following strategies:

4

Board of Trustee’s Report

The activities for achieving its objectives include:

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance advancing religion and relieving poverty when reviewing the charity's aim and objectives and in planning future activities and grant making policy for the year.

Achievements and Performance

Aim and purpose

The aim of RCCG Strong Tower Church is to advance the Christian faith locally and nationally in alignment with the doctrines established by our parent church - The Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide. Strong Tower Parish Manchester actively collaborates with the council and wider community to foster faith, love, and charitable initiatives in Newton Heath and its surrounding areas.

Objectives

Strong Tower Church remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitate worship experiences and community integration for a diverse group of individuals. Through a variety of activities, the church endeavours to engage its members, involving them in parish life. The leadership, along with church workers, continuously oversee worship activities, incorporating suggestions from various groups within the church to enhance services. Our worship services emphasize the practical application of faith through prayer, scripture, and music.

Activities

In planning the 2022 activities, the church aimed to encompass a broad spectrum of individuals, including various gender groups, children, families, and aligning with the council's guidance on public benefit and religious charity. These actions were structured to enable ordinary individuals to actively live out their faith within the church community, focusing on Worship, Word, Prayers, and Evangelism.

Unique services are conducted every Sunday, including a dedicated thanksgiving service on the first Sunday of each month. The second Sunday features an interactive session designed for couples, singles, single mothers, and families to address everyday questions that many Christians may typically avoid.

The Parish Pastor provides a platform during Wednesday services for upcoming ministers to impart teachings. This serves as both a training opportunity and a means for the attendees to deepen their understanding of the gospel while fostering relationships between scholars and church members.

5

Board of Trustee’s Report

The church comprises dedicated prayer warriors and spiritual supporters who uplift the pastorates and the congregation. By utilising social media, including the Church website, YouTube live streaming, and recorded messages, the church maintains outreach to community members, especially those unable to attend physically. The technical team continually improves technology utilisation to enhance engagement with members and community friends.

The Children Church continues to flourish, actively participating in church programs and events, showcasing their talents in song, dance, mime, and drama presentations. The children actively engage in Sunday sessions, except during thanksgiving and youth Sundays when they unite with the adult service. Sunday School lessons are conducted using the RCCG children and teens manual, focusing on Bible stories and teachings, with an average attendance of 60 children, reaching up to 100 on thanksgiving and special Sundays. The annual Children’s Day celebration in May 2022 was a testament to the children's knowledge of the Word of God, featuring praise and worship, dance, bible memory verses, drama, and sermons.

The youth department, known as Gdep , caters for the younger youths, it is open to age 11-18, Those 19 and above serves as youth leaders, providing opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Successful events in 2022 included "Gdep’s Got Talent" in August, attracting an impressive attendance of local youths and participants from the Greater Manchester area. Activities involved mimes, musical dramas, dancing, singing, and band presentations. This was followed by the annual residential in September, with a total of 47 attendees during the weekend, including leaders. These initiatives aimed to recharge the youths after a demanding period of school exams and a summer of intense preparation for the GDep talent show.

GDep sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, and every Friday, except the last Friday due to other church programs. The Friday sessions focus on supporting the spiritual, physical, mental, and material needs of the young participants, encompassing various activities like games, educational sessions, skill development, and mentoring. Additionally, the third Sunday of each month, labelled "The Youth Sunday," is dedicated to empowering the youth by allowing them to lead various aspects of the service, fostering spiritual awareness, confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills.

The Young professional group, "Revive," interacts through the Revive WhatsApp group and Zoom platform, engaging in catch-up sessions, group discussions, prayer, interactive games, and bi-weekly Bible studies. These activities support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the members, offering support and guidance regarding careers, job opportunities, mentoring, and networking.

The church hosts two ministries, "Men of Valour" (MoV) and "Women of Dignity" (WoD), focusing on social and spiritual care to maintain balance within church families and the broader community. These ministries are vital outlets for welfare networking, evangelism, and empowering men and women within the church, nurturing relationships with attending families. Men and women in the Church and in the community.

6

Board of Trustee’s Report

The Men of Valour (MoV ), with support from other members, organised a community party in June 2022 in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This event aimed to reinvigorate community engagement post-pandemic and achieved good attendance. The MoV also reinstated night vigils, extending engagement beyond Sunday services. Plans are underway to establish sports and recreational activities accessible to the community, including a men’s football team for fitness and monthly talks covering health, finance, career, family matters, and spirituality.

The Women of Dignity (WoD) continue to meet on the second Sunday of every month via Zoom. This platform offers women a forum to discuss and learn about various topics ranging from marriages, homes and children, to careers, investments, and skills.

Christmas Charity Donations

The church engaged in its annual Community Christmas engagement program, distributing Christmas gifts to households in the church's immediate vicinity and first-time attendees. This initiative serves as a means to support the most vulnerable and spread joy within the community during the Christmas season.

The church is grateful for the faithfulness of God to its members and the members of the wider community. Testimonies of God’s faithfulness continue to pour in on a weekly basis, motivating the church to persist and progress in its mission.

Grant Making Policy

The church supports visiting ministers of the gospel both within and outside the United Kingdom. The church supports other charities and missionary that shares its objects in advancement of Christian faith and relief of poverty.

Risk Management

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied the systems are in place to mitigate our exposures to the major risks.

Financial Review

The church continues to enjoy tremendous growth in its physical and spiritual life during the year, and in the advancement of Christian faith in accordance with the doctrines set out in the Statement of Faith as contained in our Trust deed.

During the year to 31st December 2022, the church had a total income of £209,422. Total operating charitable expenditure was £178,179 giving an operating surplus of £31,243.

The Charity’s principal funding sources has been provided mainly through tithes and offerings by church members and through gift aid. Pledges are also taken for specific projects.

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Board of Trustee’s Report

Investment Policy

The Trustees have decided that at present, funds should be retained in Banks and Building Societies, and as far as possible in interest bearing accounts.

Reserves Policy

The trustees' policy is to have unrestricted and uncommitted funds (free reserves) to cover 3 to 6 months of resources expended which equals to roughly £20,000 to £40,000 in general funds. They feel that this would enable the current activities to continue if there is a significant drop in funding. It would obviously be necessary to then consider how the funding would be replaced or activities changed. The trustees have set aside £30,000 as free reserve within its policy range but the trustees are continuing to seek additional unrestricted funds to build up its reserves.

Volunteers

The church is grateful to its volunteers who gave their services for free to the charity. It is estimated that over 3,000 hours were provided by volunteers during the year. If this is conservatively valued at £9.50 per hour, the volunteer's effort will amount to over £28,600.

Future Development

The charity continues to explore various ways of spreading the gospel of Christ in an effective manner. The charity is also looking to grow in membership and continue to develop its members to make lifechanging impact in society.

8

Board of Trustee’s Report

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net income or expenditure of the charity for the year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 07 November 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Full Name: Musa Bako

Signature: Position: Chairman

Date: 07 November 2023

9

Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/members of: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Strong Tower

Parish On accounts for the year ended: 31st December 2022 Charity No: 1084588

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Signed: Date: 07 November 2023

Name: Tobi Labeodan, for and on behalf of Chedders Ltd

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACCA

Address: Ground Floor, Synium House, r/o 94-96 High Street, Henley in Arden B95 5FY

10

Statement of Financial Activities: Year Ended 31st December 2022

Notes
Income:
Donations and legacies
1
Other income (Grants)
1
Total Income
Total Income
Expenditures on:
Charitable Activities
2
Other Charitable Activities
2
Other Costs
2
Total Expenditures
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed
assets
Gains/(losses) on investment assets
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward at 1 Jan 2022
Total funds carried forward at 31 Dec 2022		 2022
2022
2022
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
159,711
159,711
49,711
-
49,711
209,422
-
209,422
209,422
-
209,422
144,336
-
144,336
31,853
-
31,853
1,990
-
1,990
178,179
-
178,179
31,243
-
31,243
-
-
31,243
-
31,243
191,685
-
191,685
222,928
-
222,928		 2021
2021
2021
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
143,888
-
143,888
36,807
-
36,807
180,695
-
180,695
180,695
-
180,695
134,595
-
134,595
27,399
-
27,399
1,100
-
1,100
163,094
-
163,094
17,601
-
17,601
-
-
17,601
-
17,601
174,084
-
174,084
191,685
-
191,685

11

Statement of Financial Position: Year Ended 31st December 2022

Notes
Fixed Asset
Tangible assets
3
Total Fixed Asset
Current Assets
Loans & Advances
Accrued Income
Cash at bank and in hand
Other Debtors
Total Current Assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other Creditors
Other Current Liabilities
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets (liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Total Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Total net assets (liabilities)
The funds of the charity:
Restricted Reserve
General reserves
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Total charity funds		 2022
£
371,103
371,103
49,780
13,114
-
62,894
17,912
920
18,832
44,062
415,166
192,238
192,238
222,928
191,685
31,243
222,928		 2021
£
323,595
323,595
27,000
42,649
-
69,649
21,621
1,650
23,271
46,378
369,973
178,288
178,288
191,685
-
174,084
17,601
191,685

12

Accounting Policies

Scope and Basis of the Financial Statements

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities published in March 2005.

Income

Revenue is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt once the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Expenses

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) on an accruals basis and is recognised at the point when a legal or constructive obligation arises. The majority of costs are directly attributable to specific activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Fixed assets

Fixed assets with an individual purchase of £500 or more are capitalised and stated at cost less depreciation which is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life as follows:

Fixtures and fittings 20%
Equipment 20%
Vehicles 20%
Building 2%

13

Notes

1.
Income
Income
Donations and legacies
Restricted Income
Total donations & legacies
Other income
Gift Aid Receipts
Other income
Total other income
Total Income
2.
Expenditures
Charitable Activities
Premises
Utilities
Travel
Motoring & Transportation
Insurance
Administration
Advertising
Operations
Finance Charges
Depreciation
Honorarium
Total Charitable Activities
Other Charitable Activities
Outreach
Central Office
Welfare & Benevolence
Charitable Donations
Total Other Charitable Activities
Other Costs
Professional fees and services
Other costs
Legal fees
Accountancy fees
Total Other Costs		 2022
£
159,711
-
159,711
22,780
26,931
49,711
2021
£
143,888
-
143,888
11,750
25,057
36,807
209,422
2022
£
6,581
5,245
719
13,751
2,093
61,227
516
16,671
7,440
14,830
15,261
144,336
4,932
13,400
9,898
3,623
180,695
2021
£
3,529
5,003
-
7,853
1,603
48,395
400
43,852
5,119
9,363
9,478
134,595
20,799
6,600
-
-
31,853 27,399
970
1,020
1,990
-
1,100
1,100

14

Notes

3. Tangible Assets

Cost
At 1st Jan 2022
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31st Dec 2022
Depreciation
At 1st Jan 2022
Charge for the
year
Adjustments
At 31st Dec 2022
Net Book Value
At 1st Jan 2022
At 31st Dec 2022		 Property
£
440,000
440,000
123,200
8,800
132,000
316,800
308,000		 Motor
Vehicle
£
50,450
50,450
3,363
3,363
-
47,087		 Machinery
&
Equipment
£
53,691
2,800
56,491
48,592
570
-
49,162
5,099
7,329		 Fixtures
&
Fittings
£
45,445
-
-
-
45,445
45,445
-
45,445
-
-		 Computer
Equipment
£
98,839
9,088
107,927
97,143
2,097
-
99,240
1,696
8,688		 Total
£
637,975
62,338
-
-
700,313
314,380
14,830
-
329,210
323,595
371,103

4. Related Party Transactions

During the year, the church made donations and contributions to other RCCG and charitable organisations as shown in note 3 under Central Office and Charitable Giving.

5. Trustee Remuneration & Expenses

During the year, there were not payments or reimbursement of expenses to trustee members.

6. Staff cost and numbers

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in the year.

Wages and salaries
Other benefits
Average number of staff
Pastoral
Charity administration		 2022
£
46,885
9,600
56,485
2022
2
2		 2021
£
38,034
9,600
47,634
2021
2
2

15