OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-12-31-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 2023

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 2023. 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 2023 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 is blessed with dedicated prayer warriors and spiritual supporters who uplift the pastorates and congregation. By leveraging social media, including the church website, YouTube live streaming, and recorded messages, we maintain outreach to the community, especially for those unable to attend physically. The technical team continuously enhances technology utilization to increase engagement with members and community friends.

The Children’s Church continues to thrive, actively participating in church programs and events. The children showcase their talents through song, dance, mime, and drama presentations, and are consistently involved in Sunday sessions. They join the adult service during Thanksgiving and Youth Sundays. Sunday School lessons, guided by the RCCG children and teens manual, focus on Bible stories and teachings, with an average weekly attendance of 40 children, and up to 80 on Thanksgiving and special Sundays. A notable highlight was the celebration of Children's Day on May 28, 2023, where the children led the majority of the service, ministering through songs, drama, memory verses, and sermons.

The Children's Church achievements this year include providing Christian education for ages 3-11, engaging them during services, offering spiritual and intellectual counselling, and nurturing future leaders who are well-grounded in the Word of God. The church has raised confident, morally upright, and goaloriented children, who positively impact the community.

The youth department, known as GDep, caters to younger youth aged 11-18, while those 19 and above serve as youth leaders, offering opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. A major event in 2023 was "GDep’s Got Talent" in August, which saw significant attendance from local youths and participants from Greater Manchester. The event included mimes, musical dramas, dancing, singing, and band performances. This was followed by the annual residential retreat in September, where many youths attended, accompanied by their leaders. These events aimed to recharge the youth after the school exam season and prepare them for the talent show.

GDep friday sessions focus on addressing the spiritual, physical, mental, and material needs of the youth, with activities such as games, educational sessions, skill development, and mentoring. The third Sunday of each month is designated as "Youth Sunday," empowering youth to lead the service and build their confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills. The Young Professionals group, "Revive," engages members through WhatsApp and Zoom, where they participate in catch-up sessions, group discussions, prayers, interactive games, and bi-weekly Bible studies. These activities support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of members while also providing career guidance, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

The church’s Men of Valour (MoV) and Women of Dignity (WoD) ministries continue to serve as crucial support systems for social and spiritual care, helping maintain balance within families and the broader community. These ministries are vital in evangelism, welfare networking, and empowerment for men and women in the church and community.

6

Board of Trustee’s Report

MoV, with support from other members, organised various events throughout the year. Highlights include the Couples Retreat from May 5th to 7th at the Village Hotel in Bolton, which featured prayers, Q&A sessions and discussions on future careers. Father's Day was celebrated in June with men choir ministrations, career talks, and drama presentations. The MoV also held successful night vigils, interceding for men, marriages, jobs, children, and newcomers. Additional activities included mini parties in the park in July and August and the launch of the men’s football team, promoting fitness and monthly discussions on health, finance, career, family and spirituality.

The WoD continues to meet monthly via Zoom, offering a platform for women to discuss topics ranging from marriage and children to careers, investments, and personal development.

Lastly, the church participated in its annual Community Christmas engagement program, distributing gifts to households in the vicinity and to first-time attendees, bringing joy and support to the most vulnerable during the Christmas season. The Lord continues to bring new members to the church from various parts of the world, each with diverse experiences in ministry. Many have now settled in and are actively contributing to the work of God, adding tremendous value to the church. We are continually blessed by testimonies of God's faithfulness, motivating the church to press forward in its mission to serve the community.

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 2023, the church had a total income of £233,203. Total operating charitable expenditure was £198,615 giving an operating surplus of £34,589.

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.

7

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 £10.44 per hour, the volunteer's effort will amount to over £31,300.

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.

Charity 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: 30 October 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 2023 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: 30 October 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 2023

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 2023
Total funds carried forward at 31 Dec 2023		 2023
2023
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
201,191
201,191
32,013
-
32,013
233,203
-
233,203
233,203
-
233,203
169,225
-
169,225
28,470
-
28,470
920
-
920
198,615
-
198,615
34,589
-
34,589
-
-
34,589
-
34,589
222,928
-
222,928
257,517
-
257,517		 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
145,286
-
145,286
30,903
-
30,903
1,990
-
1,990
178,179
-
178,179
31,243
-
31,243
-
-
31,243
-
31,243
191,685
-
191,685
222,928
-
222,928

11

Statement of Financial Position: Year Ended 31st December 2023

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		 2023
£
354,847
354,847
-
39,780
58,137
-
97,917
17,045
920
17,965
79,952
434,799
177,282
177,282
257,517
222,928
34,589
257,517		 2022
£
371,103
371,103
49,780
13,114
-
62,894
17,911
920
18,831
44,063
415,166
192,238
192,238
222,928
-
191,685
31,243
222,928

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		 2023
£
201,191
-
201,191
31,923
90
32,013
233,203
2023
£
7,181
9,245
720
10,679
3,427
64,193
598
16,962
12,545
23,070
20,603
169,225
2,649
8,050
10,870
6,900		 2022
£
159,711
-
159,711
22,780
26,931
49,711
209,422
2022
£
6,581
5,245
719
13,751
2,093
57,529
516
20,369
7,440
14,830
16,211
145,286
4,932
13,400
8,848
3,723
28,470
-
920
920		 30,903
970
1,020
1,990

14

Notes

3. Tangible Assets

Cost
At 1st Jan 2023
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31st Dec 2023
Depreciation
At 1st Jan 2023
Charge for the year
Adjustments
At 31st Dec 2023
Net Book Value
At 1st Jan 2023
At 31st Dec 2023		 Property
£
440,000
440,000
132,000
8,800
140,800
308,000
299,200		 Motor
Vehicle
£
50,450
-
50,450
3,363
10,090
13,453
47,087
36,997		 Machinery
&
Equipment
£
56,491
5,497
61,988
49,162
2,251
-
51,413
7,329
10,575		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£
45,445
-
-
-
45,445
45,445
-
45,445
-
-		 Computer
Equipment
£
107,927

1,317
109,244

99,240

1,929
-
101,169

8,687

8,075
 Total
£
700,313
6,814
-
-
707,127
329,210
23,070
-
352,280
371,103
354,847

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
 2023
£
53,480
9,600
63,080
2023
2
2		 2022
£
46,885
9,600
56,485
2022
2
2

15