The Beacon Elim Churches (CIO) Park Road, Grimshaw Park
Blackburn, BB2 3DJ
Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended:
31st December 2024
Charity No: 1173561
Trustees:
Emmanuel Ofosu (ex-officio Chairman)
Brenda George
Peter Warren
Finance:
Andrew Fisher (Treasurer)
Elizabeth Edwards (Finance Officer) Rebekah Holt (External Examiner)
Overview
Following the significant leadership transition of the previous year, 2024 has been a period of consolidation and adjustment for The Beacon Elim Church. As a congregation, we have been gradually settling into new leadership and reshaping some of our internal processes to ensure we are fit for purpose in the season ahead.
This journey of adaptation continued throughout the year, as we also said farewell to three key staff members and volunteers who, having reached the end of their time with us, moved on to new chapters in other churches. We are grateful for their service. Navigating transition and adapting to unforeseen circumstances has been a key theme for us over the last two years.
Despite this period of change, our core mission has remained steadfast. The Beacon continues to be a vibrant, healthy church dedicated to positively impacting our members and the wider Blackburn community.
We believe the true strength of our church lies in its spiritual foundation. Built on the solid rock of our Lord Jesus Christ, we strive to be a church where the love of God is evident. Our mission is to be a light in Blackburn and beyond, and we are a congregation committed to knowing God and discerning His will.
This spiritual health is demonstrated in several encouraging ways:
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We have once again had the joy of welcoming new believers into the Kingdom through baptism.
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We have seen new individuals and families join our fellowship and make the Beacon their spiritual home.
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We have witnessed continued growth in the personal faith of many in our congregation.
In terms of attendance, our Blackburn campus now welcomes an average of 60 adults and 15 young people and children each Sunday. Our Shadsworth campus sees around 10 attendees weekly, and our online service reach has grown to an average of 80 people.
Our church remains resolutely outward-focused, actively seeking to address the needs of our community. This is put into practice through initiatives such as our life groups, the Beacon Football Academy, and other outreach events. Our 'Beacon Basket' project, which provides accessible food to those in need, has grown significantly and is impacting more and more people within our local area.
From a financial perspective, the church experienced a decrease in total income over the past financial year. This reduction is largely attributable to an 8% decline in general donations, which we believe may be linked to the cost-of-living pressures faced by many during this period.
However, we were greatly encouraged to see strong, designated support for our outreach projects. Contributions to the Beacon Basket initiative saw a remarkable 67% increase, and donations specifically for our work in Shadsworth rose by 7%. This focused generosity allows us to sustain and expand our vital outreach projects, ensuring we can continue to serve both the wider Blackburn community and our congregation, regardless of the wider financial climate.
Governance
The constitutional oversight of the church is managed by our Board of Trustees. The current board includes Emmanuel Ofosu, who serves as Ex-officio and Chair, alongside Brenda George and Peter Warren.
In parallel, the spiritual leadership of the church rests with the Leadership Team, which comprises Emmanuel Ofosu as Senior Leader, Peter Warren, and Tony Hedley. Both Emmanuel Ofosu and Peter Warren also serve as trustees.
Each year, our church members gather for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), an important occasion for reporting on church activities and addressing key matters, including the election or re-election of Leaders and Trustees. While our constitution grants the existing leadership team the exclusive right to nominate candidates for election, we always welcome and value suggestions from church members.
In the interest of transparency, it is pertinent to mention that throughout the year, no Charity Trustee reported a conflict of interest in any deliberated matter.
Management
To ensure efficient and effective oversight of the various aspects of church life, practical management has been entrusted to designated department heads. These appointments are carefully made by the Leadership Team, ensuring that each area is led with diligence and vision. At present, our church departments include:
1. Finance
- Safeguarding and Children work
3. Youth work
4. Worship
5. Tech and Media
6. Stewarding
7. Health and safety
8. Buildings management
9. Dorcas Project
10. Over 50’s
Objectives and Activities
The primary mission of our church is to advance the Christian faith, a mission that is expressed both locally and internationally through our Central Church and our church plant in Shadsworth. Throughout the year, we have worked diligently to fulfil our charitable aims through a variety of activities, including:
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Holding regular Sunday services, with live streaming available for those unable to attend in person.
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Hosting regular prayer meetings.
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Providing pastoral care and support.
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Engaging in children’s and youth ministry to guide and nurture the next generation in their faith.
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Offering training, mentoring, and discipleship to deepen our members' spiritual growth and commitment.
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Extending our outreach through evangelism and community events.
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Collaborating with other denominations as part of our interdenominational unity efforts.
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Supporting local education through dedicated school outreach programs.
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Organizing food bank collections to assist those in need.
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Supporting global mission work by partnering with missionaries.
Should you require a more in-depth insight into our activities, please reach out to us at info@thebeaconblackburn.org.
Membership
As of the current reporting period, our membership comprises 65 adult members 20 young people and children (this does not include those who regularly attend our weekly youth activities).
Financial Overview
Over the past financial year, the church experienced a decrease in total income. This reduction can be largely attributed to an 8% decline in general donations, potentially linked to the cost-of-living pressures faced during the last twelve months. However, the Beacon Basket initiative, introduced last year, continues to perform strongly, with a 67% increase in contributions compared to the previous year. Donations specifically designated for Shadsworth have also risen by 7%.
For more details, please see our financial statements.
Trustees Statement
We the Charity Trustees attest the Charity’s compliance with its constitution and the fulfilment of its objectives. For more information on our financial activities, please see the attached financial statement and the independent examiner’s report.
Faithfully,
Emmanuel Ofosu (On behalf of the Charity Trustees)