2025-09-30-accounts - Outpost Church

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OUTPOST CHURCH TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD 1[ST] OCTOBER 2024 – 30[TH] SEPTEMBER 2025

Contents:-	Page:-
Administrative & legal information	1
Objectives and activities	2
Achievements and performance	2
Financial review	4
Independent examiner’s report	6
Receipts and payments account	7
Statement of assets and liabilities	8
Notes to the accounts	9
Summary	10

OUTPOST CHURCH

Administrative & legal information

Registered Charity Name: Outpost Church Registered Charity Number: 1173519 Registered Office: Trustees: Roger Tanton (Chair) Peter Morris (Treasurer) Jessica Cayuela Joe Lillicrap Amanda Nunn Leadership Team: Roger Tanton (Pastor / Elder) Peter Morris (Deacon) Tom Clarke (Deacon)

Structure

Outpost Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), governed by a constitution registered 21[st] June 2017, under which the trustees (the elders, plus others appointed) are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of the Church. The appointment of new trustees is initiated by the elders and approved by the trustees once all necessary eligibility checks have taken place. Anyone may make suggestions to the elders for a proposed trustee appointment.

The beliefs and practices of Outpost Church are set out in our handbook, with the spiritual leadership of the Church resting with the elders. The elders are joined in leadership of the work by deacons who are appointed to lead and serve in practical and spiritual ways under the guidance of the elders.

Our handbook sets out the provisions whereby Christian believers at Outpost Church may join as members, partnering with us in the gospel. Any person wishing to join the church as a member should speak to an elder or deacon to request a copy of the handbook and/or to express their desire to join in membership.

We are an independent church affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC).

Charitable objects

The Church is required to comply with its legal charitable objects in all its activities:

a. The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, primarily, but not exclusively, within Kent and the surrounding area; and
b. such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity trustees, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, including but not limited to: the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness; the advancement of education; and the provision of community facilities;

provided that the advancement of such purposes must be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the Doctrinal Distinctives and Ethical Statements as may be adopted and amended by the CIO from time to time.

OUTPOST CHURCH

Objectives and activities

As a Christian church we aim to point people to who God is and what he has done for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are passionate about spreading the good news of Jesus to all and desire to see people experience his presence and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.

Our mission is to live as outposts of God’s kingdom by raising the flag of Jesus in our hearts, homes, church, communities, and the world.

The main activity of the week is our Sunday service where we gather for worship, prayer, praise, and Bible teaching. Our services are open to all and aim to be welcoming, friendly, and contemporary in style. During the service, primary school aged children are able to attend Adventurers where they learn about the Bible through games and craft. We meet up at life groups throughout the year to pray, encourage and support each other, and learn how to apply the bible to our lives.

A range of other public events were held during the year, including a Light Party, Christmas carol services, a Good Friday walk, harvest and summer celebrations, three baptism services, a wreath making event, and a music show.

In the planning of all our activities, the trustees have complied with their duty to have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and performance

Sunday Services

Our weekly services were held at the Woodchurch Community Centre, with numbers in attendance continuing to average above 80 this year. Newcomers generally found out about the church through our online presence, affiliation to the FIEC, or by invitation from those already attending.

Bible teaching has always been an important part of our services. In October 2024, we finished exploring the life of Gideon (Judges 6 to 8) and followed this with an extended Christmas series entitled ‘God with us’ reflecting on the gospel accounts in Matthew, Luke and John. From January to March 2025, teaching focussed on living in the spirit and power of Elijah (1 and 2 Kings). We then covered chapters 5 to 9 of the book of Acts from May to July 2025 and concluded the year with a series entitled ‘Rediscover Christianity’, looking at some of the foundations of the Christian life.

OUTPOST CHURCH

One of the highlights of the year was the baptism of eight people across three services, as we heard powerful testimonies of how Jesus has been at work in their lives.

Children and Young People

Primary school aged children met during our weekly services for Adventurers, where they explored the Bible through a mix of crafts, games, and teaching. In December 2024, the children took part in one of our carol services by performing the Nativity, which was a joyful highlight for all who attended.

With a growing number of secondary school aged young people within the church, we started a new Youth Life Group during the year. Meeting once a month, this group has provided a space for young people to spend time together, explore the Bible, build friendships, and have fun. The group has been well attended, and it has been particularly encouraging to see many of our young adults volunteering within these groups.

Mid-week groups

Throughout the year we continued to hold monthly life groups for men and women, and other groups open to all ages. In addition, a new life group specifically for young adults was launched. These groups have provided a valuable space for building friendships, sharing experiences, and offering support through life’s challenges. Each session typically revisited recent Bible teaching from our services, with opportunity to explore themes in more depth and consider and discuss application in everyday life.

Monthly prayer groups also continued throughout the year and were trialled across multiple locations. These gatherings enabled the church to come together to pray for our families, church, and wider issues affecting our local communities, the nation, and the world.

Other events

Our Light Party in October 2024 was a key opportunity to share the truth of Jesus as the light of the world. Many families attended the event and celebrated this occasion with us through games, craft and a short message.

In November 2024, we hosted the Michael J Tinker music show. It was a joy to follow his story of God’s goodness expressed through music and song writing.

Later the same month, we hosted a ladies wreath making event, giving opportunity for family and friends to hear the good news of Jesus in an informal setting. The evening was enjoyed by over 40 ladies, and many new connections were made.

OUTPOST CHURCH

Our Good Friday walk in Easter 2025 provided a meaningful opportunity to deepen friendships within the church family.

In September 2025, one of our members had the privilege of speaking at the Women’s Conference of the Kent Gospel Partnership. The topic was on the life of Elisabeth Elliot, and the talk was well received by those in attendance.

Financial review

Introduction

We have prepared our accounts using the simplified receipts and payments format accompanied by a statement of assets and liabilities. The totals for the previous year are given for comparison.

Two unrestricted funds were maintained during the year, and these could be used freely to advance any of the church’s charitable objects:

General Fund – for managing all regular income and regular expenses associated with running the church.
General Reserve Fund – for easily identifying and managing surpluses and reserves carried forward, to be used for larger one-off/extraordinary expenses, new opportunities, or as a means of meeting any potential shortfall in regular income against expenses.

In addition, one restricted fund was used to collect and forward donations for Michael J Tinker’s Ministry in relation to a music event held in November 2024. Restricted funds relate to donations received for a specific purpose and may only be used in accordance with those restrictions.

For simplicity of presentation, the two unrestricted funds are shown together in one column of the receipts and payments account, with restricted funds shown separately in a second column.

Receipts & Payments Account

We saw a significant rise in unrestricted income, from £54,881 in the previous year to £65,333 this year, due to additional and increased gifts received. This enabled us to cover outgoings of £51,011 leaving a year end surplus of £14,322 and a closing balance of £53,070. These funds are now available to spend in accordance with the church’s charitable objects.

Further analysis of income and expenditure items is given in the notes to the accounts.

OUTPOST CHURCH

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

The statement lists the assets held by the church and gives a broad understanding of the liabilities at year end. The liabilities shown is a list of the main payments that were immediately due at year end.

Reserves Policy

Our reserve policy is to hold four months of expenditure to enable the church to adapt to reductions in income, plus a further £2,000 to meet larger extraordinary expenses and to respond to new opportunities that may arise. The target reserves figure, based on the budget for the year, was £18,683. Reserves held at the end of the year were £53,070, so the policy was met.

It is acknowledged that reserves amount to more than the target figure and the trustees plan to utilise these funds in ways that will advance the work and mission of the church.

Employees

The church had one paid employee during the year; Roger Tanton. In line with the regulations and our governing documents, Roger’s employment related solely to his role as pastor of the church under a contract of employment. His work as a trustee was voluntary.

The trustees declare they have approved the trustees’ report.

Signed and dated on behalf of the trustees:

Amanda Nunn

Amanda Nunn (Apr 22, 2026 21:06:53 GMT+1) Amanda Nunn (Trustee) Apr 22, 2026

Joe Lillicrap Joe Lillicrap (Apr 30, 2026 22:05:34 GMT+1)

(Trustee) Apr 30, 2026

OUTPOST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF OUTPOST CHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Outpost Church ('the charity') for the year ended 30 September 2025 on pages 7 to 9 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:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011
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.

Sarah Crispin Sarah Crispin (May 6, 2026 12:24:59 GMT+1)

Sarah Crispin, ACA

Stewardship 1 Lamb’s Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

Date May 6, 2026

OUTPOST CHURCH

Receipts and payments account

Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 54,260 187 10,089 - 774 210 - -	This year 2024/25 TOTAL £ 54,447 10,089 774 210	Last year 2023/24 TOTAL £ 45,179 9,623 79 -
65,333 187	65,520	54,881
35,608 - 4,684 6 4,317 - 3,318 - 1,290 - 1,058 182 330 - 324 - 82 -	35,608 4,690 4,317 3,318 1,290 1,240 330 324 82	26,073 3,921 5,636 2,446 3,681 450 574 169 -
51,011 187	51,198	42,950
14,322 - 38,748 - - -	14,322 38,748 -	11,930 26,818 -
53,070 -	53,070	38,748

The notes on page 9 form part of these accounts

* Unrestricted funds comprise the General Fund and the General Reserve Fund, while restricted funds relate to the Michael J Tinker Ministry Fund, as described in the introduction to the financial review.

** Numbers may not add up precisely due to rounding.

OUTPOST CHURCH

Statement of assets & liabilities

Notes Assets Cash at bank with immediate access: General Fund (Unrestricted) General Reserve Fund (Unrestricted) Michael J Tinker Ministry Fund (Restricted) Cash in hand Gift aid still to be received Total assets Assets retained for charity’s own use 6 Liabilities FIEC annual membership Venue hire fees to be settled Accounts examination fee Pension liabilities Annual licence renewals Total liabilities	Unrestricted Funds £ Restricted Funds £ 2,371 50,699 - - - - - - 1,142 -	This year 2024/25 TOTAL £ 2,371 50,699 - - 1,142
	54,212 -	54,212
	996 - 737 - 630 - 566 - 304 -	996 737 630 566 304
	3,233	3,233

The notes on page 9 form part of these accounts

Numbers may not add up precisely due to rounding

The trustees declare they have approved the trustees’ report and accounts.

Signed and dated on behalf of the trustees:

Amanda Nunn (Apr 22, 2026 21:06:53 GMT+1) Amanda Nunn Apr 22, 2026 Joe Lillicrap (Apr 30, 2026 22:05:34 GMT+1) Joe Lillicrap Apr 30, 2026 Amanda Nunn Joe Lillicrap (Trustee) (Trustee)

OUTPOST CHURCH

Notes to the accounts

1 Event income

This relates to a wreath making event held in November 2024.

2 Wages & payroll costs

In addition to wages, the figure shown includes the monthly overheads and payroll administration costs.

3 Insurance, fees & memberships

The expenditure of £4,684 comprised the following:

Payment processing, accounting software, and accounts examination fees [£1,865]; FIEC membership [£912]; online/digital media [£482]; insurances including public liability [£471]; copyright licences [£328]; Kent Gospel Partnership membership [£250]; safeguarding [£188]; banking [£62]; pop up banners [£126].

4 Supplies for weekly activities & events

The expenditure of £3,318 comprised the following:

Weekly catering and supplies [£966]; life groups [£835]; special services (including baptisms, evening services/events, bring-and-share lunches) [£386]; Christmas services [£331]; light party [£292]; wreath making [£163]; Easter [£147]; communion [£87]; harvest [£57]; craft for all-age services [£42]; adventurers [£10].

5 Donations to individuals/organisations

The expenditure comprised honoraria for visiting speakers at Sunday services, hardship gifts, and contributions (including restricted gifts) toward Michael J Tinker’s ministry following a music event held in November 2024.

6 Assets retained for charity’s own use

The key assets retained comprise sound and visual (PA) equipment.

7 Other disclosures

There are no debts or guarantees to report in relation to the specific disclosures required under section 62 of The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012.

OUTPOST CHURCH

Summary

Once again, the trustees give thanks to God for another year of his grace and faithful provision upon the work and ministry of Outpost Church. During the year, unrestricted income amounted to £65,333, covering expenditure of £51,011, and leaving a surplus of £14,322. This brings our closing balance of unrestricted funds to £53,070, which is carried forward into the next year.

We give thanks for the consistent generosity of the individuals and families who support the church financially. Their giving is a great encouragement and a clear testimony to God’s goodness.

As we look ahead, we do so with thankfulness for all that has been, and with our hearts and minds fixed on the Lord, prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom and guidance as we continue the mission entrusted to us.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)

Rog, Jess, Amanda, Joe & Pete Trustees