Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 DECEMBER 2024
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1135831
Cound & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Princes Court Royal Way Loughborough Leics LE11 5XR
Tel: 01509 214163
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
CONTENTS
| 1 | - | 4 | Report of the Church officers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Independent Examiners’ Report | ||
| 6 | Statement of Receipts and Payments | ||
| 7 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities | ||
| 8 | - | 10 | Notes forming part of the financial statements. |
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 1 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The officers present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 8 and comply with the Church’s trust deed and applicable law.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS:
Inland Revenue Charity Ref: XN 26557
Charity Number: 1135831
Holding Trustees:
A Davis D Eagles W Easton P Harrison
Church Elders:
Rev D Eagles (Pastor) A Davis W Easton P Harrison
Church Deacons:
Ivan Timson
Church Premises:
Burleigh Avenue, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 1FH
Independent Examiners:
Cound & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Princes Court Royal Way Loughborough Leics, LE11 5XR
Bankers:
NatWest plc
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 2 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Until 2010, the Church was constituted under a trust deed dated 9 December 1981, and was an “excepted" charity by virtue of its affiliation to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches. However, in order to comply with the Charities Act 2006, a new Constitution dated 9 March 2011 using an approved governing document issued by the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches has been adopted and the Church has become a “Registered Charity”.
Appointment of Trustees
In accordance with the constitution, the Managing Trustees comprise those persons appointed as Pastors, Elders and Deacons. There is provision for a minimum of three trustees at any one time. A number of Holding Trustees are appointed from amongst the Managing Trustees to take responsibility for the Church buildings and property.
Trustee Induction and Training
As trustees are drawn solely from the ranks of Church Elders and Deacons, they are already very familiar with the workings of the Church. As such, no specific formal training is given to new trustees, although they are briefed to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and duties as trustees.
Organisation
The Holding Trustees and officers who have served during the year and since the year-end are set out on page l. Pastors, Elders and Deacons are Managing Trustees and must all be in full agreement with the Church's doctrinal basis and “Church Matters” policy document:
Pastor: The appointment of a Pastor shall be by the unanimous recommendation of the Elders and Deacons and by the wholehearted spiritual witness of the Church Members’ Meeting, evidenced by the wholehearted approval of at least three quarters of those present at the Church Members’ Meeting.
Elders: Recognising the biblical pattern, the existing Elders are to be the ones who normally identify new Elders, with the membership being invited to give their wholehearted agreement (Titus 1:5) at the Church Members’ Meeting, evidenced by the approval of at least three quarters of those present at the Church Members’ Meeting.
Deacons: Following the biblical pattern, Deacons shall be adult members who conform to the scriptural qualifications (1Tim 3:8-10, 12 and 13 Acts 6:3). Church members will give recommendations to the Elders and Deacons for their consideration. The Elders and Deacons will bring persons with their consent to the membership for their wholehearted agreement at a Church Members’ Meeting, evidenced by the approval of at least three quarters of those present at the Church Members’ Meeting.
The Pastors, Elders and Deacons shall normally serve without time limit up to the age of seventy, unless removed from office. However, Church Officers may be requested to continue in their office past this age, by the agreement of the other Church Officers and with an annual review. The following considerations should be taken into account when agreeing to continuation in office: health, gifts, mental capacity and the individual’s personal circumstances. A Pastor, Elder or Deacon may voluntarily resign by submitting in writing a letter to that effect to the remaining Church Officers. The Pastor will normally retire from office at the statutory retirement age.
Missionary Support Policy
The Church has continued to support several missionaries, both in the UK and Overseas, through discretionary support and designated gifts. In addition, the Church is currently supporting two other missionary couples serving with missionary organisations on a monthly basis. Often, those supported have been sent out from Bethel to their new work and/or previously worked or served at Bethel Church.
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 3 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The purposes of the Church shall be:
-
The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within Wigston and the surrounding neighbourhood;
-
And such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the members of the Church in general meeting and the Managing Trustees, further the work of the Church.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives in planning future activities and policies.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
All of the Church Sunday and midweek meetings are held in person, although the service is also available online or via DVD, for those who cannot attend in person.
The Church generally holds one service on a Sunday, as well as mid-week and ad-hoc meetings to teach the Christian faith and to provide opportunities for worship. Bethel Connect groups are part of the mid-week meetings and are house-group based to allow those attending to get to know each other better. In addition, the Church hosts activities for all ages, from tots and parents, through children, teenagers, young adults, ladies, men and 55+, which combine social activities with opportunities for teaching. The Church also arranges outreach events to raise awareness of the local Church in particular and the Christian faith in general. All the above activities and meetings are open to society in general and are not restricted to members of the Church.
Specific activities for children and young people include weekly Kids at the Corner and Youth Meetings, as well as special opportunities such as an Easter Children’s Holiday Club, and the Bible Exhibition for local schools. The Church also holds regular meals, at least quarterly, to allow those attending to get to know each other better. For the wider community there is also a Summer BBQ and the Christmas Carols by Candlelight service, as well as special events.
“The Corner” coffee area and church hall are used widely by the Church, and also to provide an open door to the local community. This now hosts four regular sessions, Community Night (held on Monday evening) “Coffee and Company” (held on Wednesday Morning), Friendship Café (held on Thursday morning) and “Craft and Chat” (held on Friday evening), which are very well attended.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income received during the year totalled £58,130, principally from donations to the Church, and was higher than the corresponding amount received in 2023 (£55,571). Note that 2023 also benefited from a £2,654 insurance refund. The underlying increase from 2023 to 2024 was mainly due to higher general giving, and this is expected to continue in 2025.
Total payments during the year were £84,312, which was higher than the expenditure in 2023 (£78,252), although 2024 included some exceptional one-off costs, including £10,945 to replace the church chairs and £6,723 for electrical surveys and remedial works. Overall, this meant that the Church reported a deficit for the year of £26,182 (2023: deficit of £22,681).
The church trustees felt comfortable running with a deficit in 2024 due to the one-off nature of some of the costs incurred, and also because there was visibility of significant legacy income in 2025 (£50,000 of which was received in April 2025).
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 4 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
RESERVES POLICY
Reserves are set aside to respond to any unforeseen funding difficulties. The Church officers produce a budget each year to forecast the amount of income that the Church expects to receive. Based on this, the Church will plan its expenditure for the future year, so that it keeps normal expenditure pegged to slightly below the level of income.
The overall budget is reviewed during the year at Church officer meetings to ensure that the Church can achieve its targets regarding planned expenditure and make any adjustments as necessary to keep within it.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The officers have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.
Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The laws applicable to charities in England and Wales require the officers to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Church’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the officers are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed
-
subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Church will continue to function.
The officers are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Church 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 Church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees and church officers on 30 June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
(phe8A0A73F636BC4C8... by: ………………………………………. A Davis Treasurer 30 June 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 5 -
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE OFFICERS OF
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
I report on the accounts of the Church for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 10
Respective responsibilities of the Church officers and examiners
The Church officers are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Church officers consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiners’ report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Church 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 you as officers 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 examiners’ statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
D R Gradon 07500400A2AD4D4... Cound & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Princes Court Royal Way Loughborough Leics, LE11 5XR 6 July 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 6 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Receipts: Donations and legacies Charitable activities: Use of Church facilities Other income Investment income Insurance claim Payments: Charitable activities: Pastoral ministry Evangelism and outreach Establishment costs Gifts Total Payments Net receipts/(payments) Transfers Surplus/(deficit) for the year Bank balances at 1 January 2024 Surplus/(deficit) for the year Bank balances at 31 December 2024 |
2024 2024 Other 2024 Designated Designated General Building 2024 2023 Notes Funds Funds Funds Total Total 611 56965 - 57576 52198 - 120 - 120 50 - - - - 125 - 434 - 434 544 - - - - 2654 _ _ 611 57519 - 58130 55571 _ _ 2 - 42544 - 42544 40355 3 - 2431 - 2431 3079 4 - 38697 - 38697 34368 640 - - 640 450 _ 640 83672 - 84312 78252 _ _ (29) (26153) - (26182) (22681) 29 (29) - - - _ _ - (26182) - (26182) (22681) _ - 45829 - 45829 68510 - (26182) - (26182) (22681) _ _ £- £19647 £- £19647 £45829 _ __ _____ |
|---|---|
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 7 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 2024 | Designated | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Designated | General | Building | Total | Total | ||
| Note | Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | |
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||||
| Freehold land and buildings | 5 | - | 292314 | - | 292314 | 292314 |
| Fixtures and fittings | 5 | - | 12501 | - | 12501 | 3342 |
| ____ | ______ | ____ | ______ | ______ | ||
| - ____ |
304815 ______ |
- ____ |
304815 ______ |
295656 ______ |
||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||
| Prepayments | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Bank balances | - | 19647 | - | 19647 | 45829 | |
| ____ | _____ | ____ | _____ | _____ | ||
| - ____ |
19647 _____ |
- ____ |
19647 _____ |
45829 _____ |
||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||
| Creditors and Accruals | - ____ |
1200 _____ |
- ____ |
1200 _____ |
1080 _____ |
|
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | - | 18447 | - | 18447 | 44749 | |
| ____ | _____ | ____ | _____ | _____ | ||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | - | 323262 | - | 323262 | 340405 | |
| ____ | ______ | ____ | ______ | ______ | ||
| FUND BALANCES | ||||||
| General Fund | 6 | - | 323262 | - | 323262 | 340405 |
| Restricted Fund | 6 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Designated Funds: | ||||||
| Building Fund | 6 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other Funds | - | - | - | - | - | |
| ____ | ______ | ____ | ______ | ______ | ||
| £- ____ |
£323262 ______ |
£- ____ |
£323262 ______ |
340405 ______ |
The Financial Statements on pages 6 to 10 were approved by the trustees on 6 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
(phe by:
………………………………..
A Davis
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 8 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Funds
General funds represent the funds of the Church that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the Church.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds that have been designated for a particular use, in this case representing the Church’s Buildings fund.
Restricted funds are those funds that must be spent on the restricted purposes as specified by the donor.
2 PASTORAL MINISTRY AND MISSIONARY SUPPORT
| 2024 2024 Other 2024 Designated Designated General Building Funds Funds Funds Pastoral remuneration and expenses - 39763 - Employer’s Pension Contributions - 981 - Employer’s NIC - - - Visiting preachers - - - Missionary support - 1800 - Training Costs - - - _ - 42544 - _ |
2024 Total Funds 39763 981 - - 1800 - _ 42544 ___ |
2023 Total Funds |
|---|---|---|
| 37652 923 - 580 1200 - _ 40355 ___ |
The Church employs a Pastor. All of the Elders (including the Pastor) and Deacons are Managing Trustees, as they are all included in making decisions on how the charity’s funds are expended. To avoid a conflict of interest, the Pastor continues to be excluded from all discussions relating to him and his remuneration. The Pastor is the only trustee to receive any remuneration or expenses; however other trustees have been reimbursed during the year for expenditure they have incurred on behalf of the Church.
3 EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH
| 2024 2024 Other 2024 Designated Designated General Building Funds Funds Funds Bible exhibitions - 1809 - Outreach expenses - 622 - _ _ - 2431 - _ _ |
2024 Total Funds 1809 622 _ 2431 _ |
2023 Total Funds |
|---|---|---|
| 2044 1035 _ 3079 _ |
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 9 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4 ESTABLISHMENT COSTS
| 5 | 2024 2024 Other 2024 Designated 2024 Designated General Building Total Funds Funds Funds Funds Rates and water - 1528 - 1528 Insurance - 1833 - 1833 Light and heat - 8446 - 8446 Repairs and maintenance - 10490 - 10490 Cleaning - 108 - 108 Telephone - 1072 - 1072 Postage, stationery and photocopying - 90 - 90 FIEC affiliation fees - 1000 - 1000 Catering - 1784 - 1784 DBS Checks - 178 - 178 Other miscellaneous costs - 23 - 23 Independent examination and payroll fee - 1200 - 1200 Fixed Asset Purchases - 10945 - 10945 Equipment Purchased - - - - _ _ - 38697 - 38697 __ _ FIXED ASSETS Freehold Fixtures Land and and Cost Buildings Fittings At 1 January 2024 292314 22654 Additions - 10945 At 31 December 2024 292314 33599 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 - 19312 Charge for the year - 1786 __ At 31 December 2024 - 21098 Net Book Value at 31 December 2024 292314 12501 __ _ Net Book Value at 31 December 2023 292314 3342 __ |
2023 Total Funds 1335 1416 12875 11960 388 422 139 800 2004 162 - 1320 - 1547 _ 34368 Total 314968 10945 325913 19312 1786 __ 21098 _ 304815 _ 295656 ___ |
|---|---|---|
Docusign Envelope ID: A4C83C44-F734-4E0F-85EE-6CD72C90B130
- 10 -
BETHEL EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Church’s freehold properties comprise:
-
a) The Church buildings situated in Burleigh Avenue, Wigston (acquired 14 October 1950).
-
b) The Church hall, bookshop and flat situated at the corner of Burleigh Avenue and The Crescent, Wigston (acquired 24 November 1955).
The Church officers estimate that the market value of the Church’s properties following the refurbishment project is about £750,000.
6 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
| 2024 Other Designated Funds Fixed Assets - Current Assets - Current Liabilities - _ - _ |
2024 2024 Designated General Building Funds Funds 304815 - 19647 - (1200) - __ 323262 - __ |
2024 Total Funds 304815 19647 (1200) __ 323262 ____ |
2023 Total Funds 295656 45829 (1080) __ 340405 ____ |
|---|---|---|---|
7 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Total donations received from the Trustees in the year was £15,990.