2024-12-31-accounts - The Bridge Church Birmingham

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THE BRIDGE CHURCH BIRMINGHAM

Registered Charity: 1186458

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT

AND

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

Luke Silver Accountancy & Taxation Services 25 Ellicombe Close Minehead Somerset TA24 6DQ

Mobile: 07710 456376

E-mail: luke-silver@puresilver.org.uk

Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts

Receipts and Payment Accounts

Report to the trustees/members of The Bridge Church Birmingham

Registered Charity Number 1186458

On the accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024

Set out on the following pages

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity¹s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and

state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s 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 charity 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 trustees 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 examiner’s 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 2011 Act; and
• To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 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.

Signed L A Silver

Date: 7 October 2025

Luke Silver HNC Business & Finance Accountancy Practitioner

25 Ellicombe Close, Minehead, Somerset. TA24 6DQ

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees and Church Council

Introduction

Thank you for submitting the accounts for independent examination. They have been well maintained and the treasurer and others responsible are to be commended for their hard work. I will therefore keep my comments to a minimum.

Charity Law and Financial Regulations

The independent examination has been carried out in accordance with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 1995 (Statutory Instruments No 2724) and the Accounting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).

Signing of Accounts

I shall be obliged if you will please forward a copy of the signature page for my records after the accounts have been signed by a representative appointed by the Trustees and Church Council. A spare copy is enclosed.

Conclusion

There are no other matters I feel need to be brought to your attention.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further clarification or for further assistance.

Luke Silver

Date: 7 October 2025

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BIRMINGHAM

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND CHURCH COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

ACTIVITIES REVIEW

The financial results are set out in the enclosed accounts.

The object of the charitable incorporated organisation is the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of faith and in such ways as the Charity Trustees may from time to time, think fit.

TRUSTEES

The trustees during the year were as follows:

Errol Lawson

Yvonne Brooks

Tobi Labeodan Michelle Lynch

Kehinde Lawson

STATEMENT

We certify that the books, vouchers and information produced to enable the independent examination of our accounts to be conducted contain a full and correct record of our financial transactions and activities to the best of our knowledge and belief.

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES

Please print name: Date:

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Summary Receipts and Payments For The Year Ended 31st December 2024

	2023 £	2024 £		2023 £	2024 £
Giving (see note 1) Other Income (see note 2) Restricted Income (see note 3) Investment A/C (see note 4)	46,281 39,827 5,285 77	60,540 33,595 5,992 97	Pastoral & Ministry Costs (see note 4) Church Family (see note 5) Establishment Costs (see note 6) Administration (see note 7)	7,270 16,596 48,752 7,301	6,804 19,475 58,439 10,358
	91,470	100,224		79,919	95,076

Opening Balance 01.01.24 Benevolent Fund (Women) Barclays Women's Ministry Account 93251403 Tangible Assets Other Assets Creditors Building Fund Restricted Total		Closing Balance @ 31.12.24 1,477 Benevolent Fund (Women) 1,357 Barclays 139 Women's Ministry 4,000 Account 93251403 32,917 Tangible Assets 667 Other Assets 9,606 Creditors 5,135 Building Fund Restricted 55,298 Total			1,695 5,582 (81) 2,184 36,510 667 2,487 11,402
					60,446

LAS

Summary

14/10/2025

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Receipts for the year ended 31st December 2024

£ £ 2023	£ £ 2023	£ £ 2024	£ £ 2024
46,281 0	46,281 39,827 5,285 77	60,540 0	60,540 33,595 5,992 97
15,036 9,803 0 1,600 270 295 12 9,931 1,460 0 0 1,420		18,722 2,531 2,261 1,366 448 0 29 130 4,356 (95) 1,304 2,543
5,285		5,992
77		97

	91,470		100,224

LAS

14/10/2025

Inc

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Payments for the year ended 31st December 2024

£ £ 2023	£ £ 2023	£ £ 2024	£ £ 2024
2,395 1,600 1,032 400 1,500 343	7,270 16,596 48,752 7,301	84 1,189 1,400 280 2,950 901	6,804 19,475 58,439 10,358
42 550 4,407 197 8,952 300 950 953 0 0 45 200		588 1,200 5,478 428 4,021 517 1,987 124 1,170 317 3,645 0
0 0 532 3,861 3,942 797 36,000 3,620 0		0 64 0 5,290 860 12,794 38,000 1,219 212
63 2,270 1,281 136 75 0 187 232 425 1,199 758 0 675		56 3,083 551 0 1,195 120 163 120 450 1,563 830 153 2,074

	79,919		95,076

LAS

14/10/2025

Exps

The Bridge Church Birmingham Registered Charity No: 1186458

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As At 31st December 2024

	£
Fixed Assets Furniture & Fixtures Computer Equipment Total Fixed Assets Loan to Individuals Current Assets Bank Balances: Account 63895378 Benevolent Fund (Women) Building Fund Restricted Barclays Account 93251403 Women's Ministry Stock - Apostle Arome Osayi Total Current Assets Total Assets Current Liabilites Creditors Net Assets	33,182 3,328
	36,510 0 (3) 1,695 11,402 5,582 2,184 (81) 667
	21,446
	57,956
	(2,487)
	60,443

LAS

14/10/2025

Assets

The Bridge Church Birmingham

Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Administrative Information

The Bridge Church Birmingham is situated at 86 Watery Lane, Middleway, Birmingham, B9 HN .

It is part of the Assemblies of God and a registered charity with the Charity Commission ( No. 1186458 ).

Trustees who served during the period (January – December 2024):

Prof. Errol Lawson (Chair)
Kehinde Lawson
Yvonne Brooks
Tobi Labeodan
Michelle Lynch

Officer roles: No Treasurer and no Secretary were appointed during this period.

Safeguarding Co-ordinator: Jackie Lawrence

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance when planning and carrying out the church’s activities.

Aims and Purposes

The Bridge Church is an Assemblies of God fellowship in Birmingham. The trustees and church leadership work together to advance the mission of the church: to win souls and make disciples , providing worship, discipleship, pastoral care, and community outreach in alignment with the Great Commission.

Achievements and Performance

Worship and Prayer

The church maintained daily prayer for one hour , providing a consistent space for members to pray, worship, and intercede.
Regular Sunday services continued throughout the year, with an increase in participation across all age groups.
Children’s work ran weekly , offering teaching, worship, and pastoral support to our younger members.
Baptism and thanksgiving services took place regularly, celebrating lives transformed through faith.

Discipleship and Pastoral Care

Prayer cells continued to serve as the primary space for fellowship, discipleship, and pastoral connection.
Ministers-in-Training and departmental leaders received support and mentoring to strengthen leadership capacity within the church.
Pastoral care and follow-up remain a priority through one-to-one ministry, home visits, and prayer support.

Facilities and Venue

The church celebrated its 6th anniversary in 2024.
A Building Fund Team has been established to support our objective of acquiring a permanent church building .
The trustees continue to explore suitable venues that can facilitate growth and accommodate ministry activities more effectively.

Mission, Outreach and Community

The church continues to emphasise evangelism and mission as central to its vision.
• We provide monthly financial support to a local missionary serving in the Small Heath area , helping to extend the gospel and meet practical needs within the community.

Ecumenical Relationships

The Bridge Church remains an active member of the Assemblies of God UK and collaborates with other local churches for prayer, youth, and community engagement initiatives.

Financial Review

Income in 2024 was generated through regular tithes, offerings, designated gifts, and Gift Aid. Expenditure reflected our priorities in venue hire, outreach, worship resourcing, and children’s ministry.

The trustees continue to manage finances prudently, balancing ministry needs with long-term sustainability.

Reserves Policy

The trustees are working towards a reserves policy to maintain funds equivalent to six months of general running costs. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure the church remains financially secure.

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is governed by its trustees under its constitution and the oversight of the Assemblies of God UK . Trustees meet regularly to review governance, finances, and safeguarding.

Day-to-day ministry operations are overseen by the pastor and departmental leaders, supported by volunteers and ministry teams.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The trustees are responsible under the Charities Act 2011 for preparing financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the church’s activities and financial position. In preparing these statements, trustees must:

Select suitable accounting policies and 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.
Prepare financial statements on a going concern basis unless inappropriate to assume the charity will continue.

Trustees are responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records, safeguarding the assets of the church, and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud or irregularities.

By order of the Trustees, Prof. Errol Lawson Chair of Trustees