# **Barnt Green Baptist Church**
# **Trustees Report for 2024/2025**
## **and**
## **Annual Accounts for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024**
## **Trustees Report for 2024 and an Update for 2025**
## Governance
## 1. Constitution
Barnt Green Baptist Church (BGBC) is governed by a document which is its Constitution. The current Constitution came in to force on 21[st] September 2011.
## 2. Basis of Faith
BGBC is established and administered according to the principles of the Church as defined in the Bible. The members seek to fellowship together in love, care, prayer and the study of God’s word.
## 3. Charity Registration
BGBC is registered as a Charitable Trust with the Charity Commission (CC) – Registration Reference 1144228, and is subject to Charity Law and CC directions as applying to a Church Charity.
## 4. Trustees
The appointed Trustees at the time of this report – September 2025 – were:-
|||Appointed|
|---|---|---|
|Rev Peter Worth|Minister|May 2000|
|Andy Titmarsh|Elder|23rdMarch 2025|
|Shirley Titmarsh|Deacon|23rdMarch 2025|
|Elizabeth Kelly|Deacon|30thMay 2025|
|Nigel Stevens|Treasurer|18thMay 2025|
-1-
Trustees who resigned during the period 1[st] January 2024 to the current date:-
|||Resigned|
|---|---|---|
|John Grundy|Elder|11thMarch 2025|
|Sue Marks|Elder|1stDecember 2024|
|Rev Peter Cook|Mission Deacon|11thMarch 2025|
|Stuart Marks|Fabric Deacon|11thMarch 2025|
|Hannah Jefferey|Family Deacon|11thMarch 2025|
|Elizabeth Kelly|Secretary/Treasurer|30thMay 2025|
## Note
Elizabeth Kelly resigned as Secretary/Treasurer with effect from 30[th] May 2025. She will, however, continue to serve as a Deacon without specific responsibilities for the remainder of her appointed term. Rev Peter Worth will cease to be a Trustee on 30[th] November 2025 when his tenure as minister comes to an end.
## Trustees Statement
With one exception none of the present Trustees served during the year 2024. Elizabeth Kelly serves as Secretary/Treasurer for a very short period at the end of 2024.
The present Trustees, in submitting this report, ask for understanding as the events in the Church in 2024 and through into 2025, have caused considerable difficulties with the Governance of BGBC. Every attempt is being made to ensure that BGBC is able to continue with a stable and bible based foundation as a fully functioning Church and place of witness in the Barnt Green and local area.
The BGBC minister, Rev Peter Worth, will be resigning his position with effect from 30[th] November 2025. The Trustees are actively working with the Heart of England Baptist Association (HEBA), to appoint a “Moderator” to act as interim minister until a new minister can be appointed. The appointment of a new minister is likely to be a lengthy process.
The present Trustees wish to place on record their appreciation for the faithful service rendered by Peter Worth to BGBC over more than 24 years. His record of service to so many in the Church and in the wider community will be hard to replicate. We also extend our thanks to Pete’s wife Cathryn, and daughters Livvy and Carrie for their loyal support to Pete, and to BGBC.
-2-
## Safeguarding
Safeguarding of all persons attending BGBC whether for Services or Community Use, is a legal requirement. A Safeguarding Officer has been in post during the period covered by this report.
During 2024/2025 a Church member was involved in causing various incidents of verbal abuse and one incident of physical abuse. The Safeguarding Officer and a Trustee interviewed the member concerned as this was regarded as a serious matter. The member agreed to resign their membership of BGBC and has not attended Church since.
There were no other Safeguarding Issues in this period which need to be recorded.
## Data Breach
The Trustees recently became aware that there had been a Data Breach affecting the Church. This breach involved the illegal recording of Church Business meetings and Trustees Meetings. There were also instances of illegal recording of personal conversations. The Trustees sought legal advice on this matter and were also required to report the breach to the ICO (The Government’s Information Commissioner’s Office).
The Trustees are satisfied that their actions to deal with this situation have followed legal requirements. The present position is that the Data Breach activity has ceased and that they have been informed that all illegal recordings have been deleted. Whilst it is open to any Church member to take legal action against the perpetrator, the Trustees propose to take no further action.
## Sunday Worship Services
Due to the difficulties mentioned above, the numbers attending Sunday Worship have declined considerably. The services have continued each Sunday, and the Trustees would like to thank all who have assisted in recent days in worship and the ministry of the word.
## Children’s Ministry
During 2024 BGBC has been blessed by having so many children and young teens attending Church. The Trustees wish to extend their thanks to all members who have assisted in any way the nurturing of these young ones, who are “precious to God”. This work at the moment is not continuing due to a lack of children attending.
-3-
## Coffee Morning
When the “Warm Space Project” was suggested by the Government in 2023, BGBC commenced a weekly coffee morning each Wednesday. At the request of those attending this has continued and has been a successful feature of Church life for over 2 years. It has had a regular attendance of between 7 and 15. The Coffee Morning has attracted several people from outside the church congregation, at least two of whom are now attending Church services regularly. A number have been blessed in coming, particularly one who was suffering grief over the loss of his wife _._
## Monday Morning Bible Study
We have been holding a weekly Bible Study on Monday mornings at 11.30 mainly for those who cannot easily get out at night. We have been running for about three months, and after a two -week break have continued together with a good lively participation by all concerned. It is a further extension of the outreach of BGBC to others. It is hoped this will continue as a regular feature of Church life.
## Stay and Play
The weekly Stay and Play activity operated by BGBC ceased to operate. A new activity has commenced although in a different format. Church members are no longer involved in any of its organisation or operation. In its new format it has been well attended. To assist in the startup of this new venture a grant was received from the Onesimus Trust, a local based Christian Charitable Trust.
## Community Use
The Church premises have been made available to a number of organisations. The major user are Barnt Green Pirates who provide an after school club on weekdays during term times. They also operate a holiday club during some of the school breaks. The Barnt Green Women’s Institute meet monthly, and there are also weekly activities for young children for ballet and drama classes. A Pilates group also meet weekly. BGBC make a charge for the use of their facilities, but this is based on an “at cost” basis.
## Financial Report
The Accounts for the calendar year 2024 form part of the report of the Trustees. Although the currently appointed Treasurer prepared the Accounts, he was not responsible for any of the financial transactions recorded. As required by the Charity Commission the accounts have been “Examined” by accountants – Matthew Elmes & Co. Their certificate of a satisfactory examination forms part of the accounts. A full audit was not undertaken as the level of BGBC annual income is below the threshold for this requirement.
-4-
## Financial Reserves Policy
Due to the circumstances of the latter part of 2024 a financial review, including a reserves policy was never completed. The thoughts of the present trustees, to be agreed by a church members meeting, are the following.
It would appear that BGBC have substantial financial reserves. These reserves are due to the sale of the Church Manse in 2023. Due to two factors the Trustees believe that the level of reserves is at the correct level:
1. Due to much diminished giving to the Church due to the substantial reduction in membership, BGBC is needing to draw on these reserves each month to keep its finances in balance.
2. If, and when, a new Minister is appointed, it is possible that the Church will be required to purchase another manse for that person. The cost of such a purchase would, with the current cost of properties in Barnt Green and surrounding areas, almost certainly need all of the reserves and also require additional finance by borrowing.
## Future Policy and Aims
The task of re-building BGBC into a fully functioning Church is very likely to put further pressure on the Trustees. Members confidence in each other and in the Leadership needs to be fully restored. We trust that this will be achieved by much prayer but also by repentance for and forgiveness of past actions which have proved to be very destructive. The need for new members, particularly families, is paramount, if the Church is to grow again.
Another major item which will require Trustee consideration is the Baptist Union’s (BU) support for the “Net Zero” objectives. The BU are supporting ambitious action towards the implementation of such policies. They recommend that individual Churches explore options such as:
1. Solar PV Panels: Installing solar panels on church roofs to generate clean, renewable electricity.
2. Heat Pumps: Utilizing heat pumps and other low-energy solutions for heating.
- 3 **.** Energy Audits: Conducting energy audits to identify areas for energy reduction
- and efficiency improvements.
4. Green Tariffs: Switching to 100% renewable electricity from green energy providers.
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**C a ty eg st at o N u be**
Registered Charity Number : 1144228
**BARNT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH** FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|||**Year ended**
**31 Dec 2023**
**£**
33,283
8,233
10,990
16,106
**68,612**
58,944
20,852
18,259
2,937
**100,992**
**(32,380)**
40,857
483,999
(100,103)
**392,373**|
|---|---|---|
|**BARNT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH**|||
|**TATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**|||
|OR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024|||
||||
|**Financial Activity**
**Notes**|**Year ended**
**31 Dec 2024**
**£**
54,454
9,265
18,168
10,291
**92,178**
65,181
9,715
20,846
2,104
**97,846**
**(5,668)**
392,373
-
-
**386,705**||
|**Income:**|||
||||
|Donations and other income
2|||
||||
|Income tax recovered on gifts|||
||||
|Investment income
3|||
||||
|Church rents|||
||||
|**Total Income**|||
||||
|**Expenditure:**|||
||||
|Minister and manse costs
4|||
||||
|Mission (including Worship + Youth)
5|||
||||
|Upkeep of church premises
6|||
||||
|Administration
7|||
||||
|**Total Expenditure**|||
||||
||||
|**Net movement in funds –**
**inflow/(outflow)**|||
|Total cash funds brought forward
9|||
||||
|Proceeds of sale of Manse|||
||||
|Repayment of mortgage|||
||||
|**Total cash funds carried forward**
9|||
||||
||||
## **BARNT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
7
##
##
|FinancialActivity|Notes|3lDec2024
f,|3lDec2O23
f,|
|---|---|---|---|
|FixedassetsretainedforChurchuse||||
|ChurchBuildingand Contents|8|1,565,000|1,009,455|
|Currentassets||||
|Cash Deposits|9|386,705|392,373|
|TotalAssets||l,g5l,705|l,40o,g2g|
|Funds oftheCharitv||||
|UmestrictedFunds|10|1,951,705|
I,400,828|
|Totalfunds||1,951,705|1,400,828|
## **BARNT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
## **1. Accounting policies**
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Charity, which is a public benefit entity, in the preparation of the accounts are as follows.
## **1.1 Basis of preparation**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of charitable properties and fixed asset investments and investment properties at valuation.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
These accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
## **1.2 Going concern**
The Trustees have prepared financial projections, taking into consideration the current economic conditions and have, at the time of approving these accounts, a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
## **2. Donations and other income**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Year ended Year ended
Analysis
31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023
£ £
Gifts, donations and covenants 54,119 33,141
Other income 335 142
54,454 33,283
**----- End of picture text -----**
9
## **3. Investment income**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Year ended Year ended
Analysis
31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023
£ £
Bank Interest 18,168 10,990
4. Minister and manse costs
Year ended Year ended
Analysis
31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023
£ £
Minister 44,616 42,133
Pension 5,233 4,431
Expenses 2,344 1,777
Miscellaneous (Housing/NI) 12,988 7,804
Mortgage Interest - 1892
Maintenance - 31
Council Tax - 663
Water - 32
Telephone - 181
65,181 58,944
5. Mission costs
Year ended Year ended
Analysis
31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023
£ £
Home Mission (Baptist Union) 1,200 8,400
Baptist Mission Services 1,200 2,400
Judy Cooke Hope Home 5,520 5,520
Local Mission - 1,900
The Message Trust - 1,440
Worship and Pastoral 1,400 940
Sunday School 395 252
9,715 20,852
**----- End of picture text -----**
10
## **6. Upkeep of church premises**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Year ended Year ended
Analysis
31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023
£ £
Gas 10,163 3,770
Electricity 2,215 4,484
Water 191 167
Telephone/Broadband 489 346
Cleaning 933 1,918
Waste Collection 738 1,319
Insurance 1,544 1,168
Planned Maintenance 2,967 1,377
Unplanned Maintenance - 2,194
Equipment 1,606 1,115
Miscellaneous - 401
20,846 18,259
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **7. Administration**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Year ended Year ended
Analysis
31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023
£ £
Catering 398 176
Stationery - 137
Affiliation Fees/Licences 523 1,052
Bank Charges 2 1,072
Miscellaneous 1,181 500
2,104 2,937
**----- End of picture text -----**
11
## **8. Church building and contents**
## **£**
|**Cost or valuation**
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
Revaluation
Transfers
At 31 December 2024||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||
|||||||
||||||1,008,455|
||||||-|
||||||-
556,545
-
**1,565,000**
-
-
-
-
-
**-**
1,008,455
**1,565,000**
**31 Dec 2023**
**£**
4,737
4,019
380,411
3,206
**392,373**|
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|**Depreciation and impairments**||||||
|At 1 January 2024
Charge for the Period
Disposals
Revaluations
Transfers
At 31 December 2024||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|**Net book value**||||||
|At 1 January 2024
At 31 December 2024||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|**9. Cash deposits**||||||
|**Analysis**||**31 Dec 2024**|||**31 Dec 2023**|
||**£**||||**£**|
|||||||
|UnityTrust Bank Current Account|10,697||||4,737|
|UnityTrust Bank Deposit Account|11,397||||4,019|
|HEBA Deposit Accounts|361,332||||380,411|
|BU CorpLtd Deposit Account|3,279||||3,206|
|||||||
||**386,705**|||||
|||||||
12
## **10. Unrestricted funds**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Fund Fund
balance balance
Income Expenditure Revaluation
Fund names brought carried
forward forward
£ £ £ £ £
General Fund 1,400,828 92,178 (97,846) 556,545 1,951,705
**----- End of picture text -----**
13
(HARITY (OMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Report to the trustees
BARNT GREEN BAPTIST CHURCH
On accounts for the year
ended
31 December 2024
Charity no
(If any)
1144228
Set out on pages
1-13
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity ("the Trust.) for the period ended 31112 12024.
Responsibillties and
basis of report
As the charty's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
("the Act'i.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I
have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Chariiy Commission
under section 145{5)Ibl of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
examinels Statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me
cause to believe that in, any mater¢al respect..
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130
of the Charities Act., or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements
concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities
{Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any reqU1ment
that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examination.
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 in
order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Slgn8d:
PJ?
Dats:
8 September 2025
Name:
Matthew John Elmes
Relevant profèssional
qualificationls) or body
lif any):
ICAEW I ACCA
Address:
11 Swan Street
Alcester
Warnickshire, B49 5DP
IER
Oct 2018