Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
CHINESE GOSPEL CHURCH OXFORD
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
WORKING NAME Oxford Chinese Gospel Church ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 82 Frenchay Road Oxford OX2 6TF GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution for a CIO Association dated 1 November 2021 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1151974 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Dr Kai Wing Norman Lee MANAGING THE CHARITY Mrs Shan Wai Ms Jing Xiao INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Ajay Rajani FCIE Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-9 Trustees' Report Page 10 Independent Examiner's Report Page 11 Receipts and Payments Account Page 12 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Page 13 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Trustees present their report and the charity’s financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025.
Summary of the charity’s main activities and achievements
Introduction
“…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)
Our mission is to help believers grow in spiritual maturity by embracing God’s truth, bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and living as faithful witnesses to the transforming power of the gospel.
This ministry report has three focus areas: 1) Pursuing God’s Word and growing in truth, 2) Discipleship and building life together, 3) Proclaiming the gospel through outreach.
Pursuing God’s Word and Growing in Truth
Sunday Worship and Sermon Series
Last year’s theme, “Chosen in Love, Living in Holiness,”[1] guided us through the books of Genesis and 1 Corinthians. In Genesis, we traced God’s plan of redemption following humanity’s fall and his election of a family to become his covenant people. 1 Corinthians reminded us that accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ is just the beginning. We are called to live in holiness, not driven by the flesh or shaped by the world but transformed by the power of the gospel.
Our theme for this year, “Fearing the Holy God, Living Out the Power of the Gospel”[2] , has centered on Exodus and will continue on 2 Corinthians. In Exodus, we witnessed God’s mighty deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He made a covenant with them, lived among them and calling them to serve him as a holy nation. The story reminds us that salvation is not just about being set free from sin, but living in reverent fear of God and serving him in unity.
God did not choose Israel to set them above others but to make them a blessing to all nations. After completing our series in Exodus, we turned our attention to the mission of God’s chosen people, reflecting on how we, too, are called to intercede for the nations and engage thoughtfully with pressing issues such as war, abortion, euthanasia, the suppression of Christians values in society, and hope for those weighed down by poverty and debt. These are not distant and abstract topics; they shape the world we live in each day.
1 In Chinese 蒙愛立約，活出聖潔
2 In Chinese 敬畏聖潔上帝，活出福音大能
Page 2
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
In the second half of the year, we will begin our study of 2 Corinthians where Paul proclaimed a gospel rooted in the cross. To those experiencing weakness, suffering, and persecution, God brings comfort and strength. His power is not displayed through worldly success or human glory, but through vulnerability, perseverance, and hope. In his trials, Paul did not boast in himself but found strength in the grace of Christ. This is the true power of the gospel.
Investing in the Next Generation
Our church currently runs 7 ministries for children and youth, most of which take place on Sundays.
In the Mandarin congregation, all three Sunday School classes are taught in English: Preschool (ages 2–6), Primary (ages 7–11), and Youth (ages 12–17). Each class has around a dozen students. In Preschool, some younger children attend with a parent, and a few have special learning needs, so the support of both teachers and assistants is essential. Primary class is made up mostly of boys who are lively and energetic, hence traditional teaching methods often are not effective. The class is therefore more activity-based, and students have developed close friendships with one another. Youth has been following the same theme and studying the same books of the Bible as the adults. A new female teacher joined this year, which has helped strengthen relationships and encouraged classroom sharing. We also thank God for three new births in our Mandarin congregation this year. A nursery has been added where parents can join the service via livestream while looking after their young ones.
For the Cantonese congregation, we currently have two Cantonese Sunday School classes to serve the many newly arrived immigrant families from Hong Kong.
When Cantonese children's worship first began in January last year, only three children attended. Since then, weekly attendance has grown to 8–12. As we stepped out in faith, God brought new families into our church. This has not only allowed children to grow up learning God’s Word, but also freed parents to participate fully in the adult service. At the same time, God has raised up new volunteers to serve in this growing ministry.
For Cantonese youth, we hosted a two-day retreat last summer to help them reflect on their identity and explore their gifts. Throughout the year, God has brought new young people into our community, including some who are not yet believers. Our Cantonese youth group now has over 20 participants. These young people treasure their close-knit friendships, supporting one another and growing together through regular Bible study. It helps them build a strong spiritual foundation to face the challenges of university and life beyond.
Despite the limited classroom time each week, we are committed to building a church culture where children grow up learning Scripture and walking in God’s ways. Still, the most impactful influence is the spiritual atmosphere at home where children encounter Jesus’ love and truth in daily life.
Page 3
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)
We launched a new partnership with BSF by hosting an online Bible study on the book of Revelation with more than 35 participants. Through daily personal study, weekly group discussions, and short teaching sessions, members were encouraged to stay rooted in their faith and look forward to Christ’s return.
While the group was initially led by our pastoral staff, this year we have trained and added a new leader with support from BSF. The next study, “Exile and Return”, has already attracted over 48 participants. We are excited to see that our partnership with BSF continues to foster a deep hunger for God’s Word. Even long time believers have found that BSF helps reignite their love for Scripture and strengthens their daily walk with the Lord.
Discipleship and Building Life Together
Life Together in Small Groups
Our church currently has 11 small groups. Most meet weekly; others gather fortnightly or monthly. While the majority meet in person, a few continue online. These groups engage in a range of activities, including Bible study, prayer, life sharing and book discussions.
Each group draws people in a specific neighborhood, often meeting in members’ homes or hired venues like churches or community centers. This approach reflects the incarnational nature of the gospel by bringing faith into local communities. It also makes it easier for members to invite friends and neighbors. Over the past year, several newcomers came to faith through these small groups. Such gatherings are a vital expression of God’s kingdom on earth where we learn to love one another in real, practical ways. While misunderstandings and differences arise, especially among people from diverse backgrounds, through practicing forgiveness and acceptance, we grow by imitating the sacrificial love of Christ.
Serving in Unity and Love
Our church has 8 ministry departments. Among them, Worship and Hospitality have the most volunteers. The Sunday refreshments team alone has over 40 members, many of whom serve not because of their unique talents but because they are willing to offer what they have, similar to the boy with five loaves and two fish.
In between the Mandarin and Cantonese services, the church gathers to share refreshments and connect across language and culture. The combined Christmas choir also exemplifies this unity, with members from both congregations learning to worship in each others’ language, humbly serving and bearing witness together.
Page 4
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Discipleship and Leadership Training
Our Church Council began meeting online monthly not just to plan ministries but to study Scripture, share life and pray together. As leaders called to serve the church, we need to build strong relationships and walk together in Christ.
We are preparing to launch a training program for small group leaders. The aim is to equip leaders not only with biblical knowledge but also in life-sharing, building relationship and developing spiritual gifts.
Worship service leaders play a significant leadership role in our church. Each leader is personally invited to join the ministry after in-depth conversation and prayer with our pastoral staff. Before stepping into the role, they receive training in both spiritual formation and the theology of worship, along with rehearsals to help them lead the congregation in God-centered worship.
In March, we hosted a marriage retreat led by a missionary couple. They began by preaching on “Healthy Singleness, Healthy Marriage,” emphasizing that strong marriages are built on healthy personal relationships with God. A total of 12 couples attended the two-day retreat which offered rich biblical teaching and space for reflection and conversation between the spouses. Many described it as transformative and expressed a desire to continue journeying with the other participants. The marriage mentors also led a special session for our youths who came with many questions on dating and marriage.
We launched a beginner guitar class with 12 participants. They learnt the basic skills of guitar playing so they may serve through music and help build up the worship life of our church community.
We ran a four-session evangelism training course, equipping members to share the gospel clearly and confidently, ready to speak of Christ whenever the opportunity arises.
Proclaiming the Gospel through Outreach
During the year our church hosted “Fun Days” by using traditional Chinese holidays as a bridge to welcome friends and family into the life of the church. Last year’s Chinese New Year Carnival left a strong impression, as members experienced the joy of serving together. More than 260 people attended. Different groups performed on stage; even some first-time visitors commented that we were like professional entertainers! The vibrant and joyful atmosphere helped challenge and reshape outdated views of church as dull or overly traditional. Game booths brought fun for all ages, and small gifts donated by members added a special touch that made everyone feel cared for.
Page 5
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Mid-Autumn Festival was another outreach opportunity. With festive food and games the event once again drew over 260 attendees. Activities like riddle guessing and ball games created a relaxed and friendly environment, opening the door for new friendships and preparing hearts for the gospel.
Our annual Christmas Evangelistic Service was the largest outreach event of the year. While public responses to the gospel may be few, especially among Chinese who are often hesitant to respond openly, it was a powerful moment to proclaim Christ and prepared the hearts of the seekers.
Exploring Faith and Walking with God
Following the Christmas Evangelistic Service, we launched a seekers class in January to introduce the gospel. More than a dozen attended regularly. Most were not believers and came with many questions. The small group setting created a safe space for exploring faith. Over the three-month journey, many began to see the gospel more clearly and reflect personally on their own spiritual path.
In addition to the seekers class, nine individuals from both congregations joined our baptism preparation class which consisted of 12 sessions covering the foundations of the Christian faith. After much prayer and thoughtful conversations, three chose to be baptized. Their decisions, often the fruit of long periods of spiritual searching, were a great encouragement to the entire church family.
Global Missions: Responding to the Great Commission
The church is much more than a building. It is the local congregation as well as the universal body of Christ. Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into all the world, and we are committed to cultivating that global kingdom mindset within our own congregation.
As in previous years, missionaries came to share their stories with us on several Sundays. Besides setting aside part of our budget for missions work, we launched some new initiatives this year. The International Mission to Jewish People (IMJP) hosted a missions learning experience participated by over 20 of our members. They took part in a Jewish heritage tour of museums in London and gained deeper insight into Jewish history and identity.
An IMPJ missionary led a Passover meal that connected with our sermon series on Exodus, allowing us to experience the gospel through its rich symbolism. We are discussing with IMJP on a three-day outreach in London, including evangelism training, street outreach, home visits and engagement with the Jewish community.
We are also making preparations to send a short-term mission team with Operation Mobilization (OM) to serve Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The trip will focus on community-building, teaching Bible stories and English, sharing music and art, and offering emotional support. Volunteers will also help distribute supplies and support logistics at a local resource center.
Page 6
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Beyond Our Walls: A Vision for Unity and Mission
Every 3 months, pastors from various churches in Oxford, including our own, gather to pray, share, and encourage one another. We long to move beyond the traditional boundaries of a Chinese church, engaging meaningfully with society, interceding for the nations, and bringing the love of Christ into places of real need.
In John 17, on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed with deep longing that His followers would be one. Unity is God’s will, the work of the Holy Spirit, and a powerful witness to the world, though it is never easy.
As a trilingual church we experience both blessings and challenges. Yet we believe God has brought us together for a purpose: to grow in holiness, live faithfully, and serve as one body in Christ. So let us press on, casting off every burden and sin, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, until the day we stand united, shoulder to shoulder, worshiping in the new heaven and new earth.
In planning our activities, we have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Governing Instrument
The charity, Chinese Gospel Church Oxford, also known as Oxford Chinese Gospel Church (OCGC), is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 10 May 2013. OCGC is governed by a Constitution filed with the Charity Commission. Its Organisation Rules, first approved by members at the AGM on 29 August 2021, provides guidance to its operations.
The charity’s principal objective is to advance the Christian Faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith stipulated in the Constitution primarily but not exclusively among people of Chinese descent in Oxfordshire through:
-
praising and worshiping God and carrying out his will for the Church,
-
preaching, studying and following the teachings of the Bible,
-
nurturing the spiritual life of Christians,
-
promoting Christian fellowship,
-
spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ,
-
caring for those in need,
-
sending missionaries and supporting mission work and
-
cooperating with other Christian churches and organisations who share our general aims and beliefs to carry out God’s work.
Page 7
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Corporate Governance
The Trustees have adopted 31 March as the end of OCGC’s financial and reporting year in 2025, and for the future. An Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 6 July 2025.
According to the guidelines of the Charity Commission (CC3 – The Essential Trustee ), the Trustees are responsible for the overall management of the Church as a charity, including but not limited to financial governance and legal compliance. While the Trustees bear the legal responsibility for the Church, spiritual leadership, ministry and pastoral care etc. are delegated to the Board of Elders in accordance with the Organisation Rules.
The Trustees, supported by the Board of Elders, Pastoral Team and the Coworkers Committee, administered the charity during the period covered by this report.
Risk Management
The Trustees regularly assess the risks associated with OCGC activities and annually review insurance coverage. The venue where most activities are held, namely, Oxford High School (Belbroughton Road, Oxford OX2 6XA), is insured. The residential property owned by OCGC (11 Arlington Drive, Oxford OX3 0SH) is also insured. OCGC is covered by public liability insurance as well as employer’s liability insurance.
The Trustees have put in place policies and procedures to meet legal and regulatory requirements and to ensure OCGC can operate effectively under proper guiding principles. These include Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, Complaints Handling Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Disciplinary Procedure, Donation Acceptance Policy, Grievance Procedure, HR Procedure, Paying Staff Policy, Privacy Policy, Reserves Policy, Risk Management Policy and Volunteer Management Policy.
On Safeguarding, a 3[rd] party service provider, Christian Safeguarding Service, has continued to support us in the development of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures as well as training to our Designated Safeguarding Officer, Trustees and volunteers working with our children and youth.
The Trustees have taken steps to ensure that adequate management and internal control procedures are in place to reduce the Charity’s exposure to financial and operational risks.
Financial Review
As OCGC is a charitable incorporated organisation, it has elected to present receipts and payments accounts.
This year income has increased by £24,000 to £138,000, and expenditure has increased by £19,000 to £120,000. As a result the surplus for the year was £18,000 and the cash held by the charity increased by this amount to £120,000, all of which was unrestricted.
The charity holds its cash with two separate banks and is protected fully by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Page 8
Chinese Gospel Church Oxford
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Reserves Policy
The level of reserves is determined by the Trustees in order to safeguard the operations of OCGC in meeting its charitable objectives, taking into due consideration such risks posed to OCGC, and the possible need for reserves to meet cash flow difficulties, as well as statutory laws and regulations.
The Trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold free reserves (which they define to be unrestricted cash) of no less than £30,000, which equates to about 3 months’ of projected unrestricted expenditure. At year-end the charity held unrestricted cash of about £120,000 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
Responsibilities of Trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Norman Lee
Norman Lee (Jun 19, 2025 21:11 GMT+1)
Dr Kai Wing Norman Lee
Trustee Date: Jun 19, 2025
Page 9
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
CHINESE GOSPEL CHURCH OXFORD
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Chinese Gospel Church Oxford ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 on pages 11 to 13 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’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 Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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 accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ajay Rajani
Ajay Rajani (Jun 20, 2025 09:38 GMT+1)
Ajay Rajani FCIE Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Jun 20, 2025
Page 10
CHINESE GOSPEL CHURCH OXFORD
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes Income receipts Donations and related gift aid Donations Gift aid received Donations received for Mission Fund Gift aid received for Mission Fund Income from other sources Income from food and hospitality Income from letting Fellowship House Interest Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Grants paid in support charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly |
Unrestricted Funds £ 111,108 17,162 - - 1,540 - 3,958 133,768 112,138 4,017 116,155 17,613 - 17,613 102,524 120,137 |
Restricted Funds £ - - 4,158 50 - - - 4,208 - 4,208 4,208 - - - - - |
2025 £ 111,108 17,162 4,158 50 1,540 - 3,958 137,976 112,138 8,225 120,363 17,613 - 17,613 102,524 120,137 |
2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94,445 14,517 1,280 50 1,735 2,269 - |
||||
| 114,297 |
||||
| 93,754 7,562 |
||||
| 101,316 | ||||
| 12,981 - |
||||
| 12,981 89,543 |
||||
| 102,524 |
The notes on page 13 form part of these accounts.
Page 11
CHINESE GOSPEL CHURCH OXFORD
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Cash at bank on term deposit B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity C Liabilities Sunday venue hire Fee for Independent Examination Ministry expenses Other creditors D Assets retained for charity's own use Fellowship House Fixtures, fittings and equipment |
Unrestricted funds £ 41,179 78,958 120,137 20,135 20,135 281 1,230 770 427 2,708 |
Restricted funds £ - - - 645 645 - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Unrestricted Unrestricted |
2025 £ 41,179 78,958 120,137 20,780 20,780 281 1,230 770 427 2,708 Cost £ 313,206 5,570 318,776 |
2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27,524 75,000 |
||||
| 102,524 | ||||
| 13,730 | ||||
| 13,730 | ||||
| 1,367 1,200 553 330 |
||||
| 3,450 | ||||
| Current value £ |
||||
| 540,000 - |
||||
| 540,000 |
The trustees have used Zoopla to estimate the current value of Fellowship House.
F Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Norman Lee
Norman Lee (Jun 19, 2025 21:11 GMT+1)
-------------------------------------------Dr Kai Wing Norman Lee
Date: Jun 19, 2025
The notes on page 13 form part of these accounts.
Page 12
CHINESE GOSPEL CHURCH OXFORD
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| Unrestricted funds £ 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Staff costs 73,187 Sunday venue hire 17,413 Fellowship House expenses 2,875 Ministry expenses 10,687 Food, hospitality and related supplies 3,341 Speakers honoraria 2,403 Examiner's fee for preparing and examining the accounts 1,200 Legal and professional fees 1,032 112,138 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - |
Total 2025 £ 73,187 17,413 2,875 10,687 3,341 2,403 1,200 1,032 112,138 |
Total 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57,956 13,190 6,980 8,275 3,079 2,140 1,140 993 |
|||
| 93,754 |
| 3 Grants paid to support charitable activities undertaken by others Grants to other charities engaged in mission Chinese Overseas Christian Mission 651 Faith, Truth and Hope 650 OMF International 650 Open Doors 650 Oxfordshire Community Churches (Safe Families) 417 International Mission To Jewish People - Grants to help individuals training for ministry 1,000 4,017 |
1,000 875 875 875 583 - - 4,208 |
1,651 1,525 1,525 1,525 1,000 - 1,000 8,225 |
1,800 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,000 262 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,562 |
4 Movement on restricted funds
| vement on restricted funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission fund | Opening balance £ - - |
Receipts £ 4,208 4,208 |
Payments £ (4,208) (4,208) |
Closing balance £ - |
| - |
The Mission fund was created from donations received to support mission.
Page 13