CHURCH Annual Report of Freedom Church Network Registered Charity Number 1195962 For the year ended 31 December 2024
Contents Poge Reference and administrative details Trustees, report Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees Statement of financial activities Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements 10-16
Reference and administrative details For the yeur ended 31 December2024 Name of charity.. Freedom Church Network Charity registration number.. 1195962 Trustees: Rev Dr David A. Hull (Chairl Adrian Lewis (Treasurer) Sarah Whybrew Iresigned 8 June 20251 Kate Kernahan (appointed 8 June 20251 Andrew Fleet lappointed 14 April 20241 Michael Cocklin (resigned 14 April 20241 Deborah Bedingfield (resigned 14 April 20241 Michaela Willcox Iresigned 14 April 20241 Registered office and principal address: Freedom Church Network clo Freedom Church Bristol Acorn House The Kingswood Estate Britannia Road Bristol B515 8DB Independent examiner.. Burton Sweet Ltd Cooper House Lower Charlton Estate Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5QE Bankers: Co-operative Bank plc PO Box 50 Skelmersdale WN8 6YL
Trustees, report for the year ended 31 December 2024 The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 2. In submitting their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, the trustees have adopted the provisions of The Charities Act 2011 in preparing the Annual Report and financial statements of the charity. Charitable Objects In summary, Freedom Church Bristol exists to: advance the Christian faith,. further the work of the Free Methodist Church, including through: regular church services, educational services. grants to relieve financial hardship, public outreach, missionary work, the establishment of new churches according to the same basis of faith. Structure, Governance and Management 2024 marked a transformative year for the charity, with a restructuring of its constitution and an accompanying change of name from Freedom Church Bristol to Freedom Church Network, taking legal effect on 14 April 2024. These changes, which replaced the original Association Model with a new Foundation Model, created a governance structure suited to a network of three distinrt church communities, reflecting the organic development of the charity's mission beyond its origins in Bris- tol to encompass its growing church plants in Wiltshire and South Lincolnshire on a more equal footing. The charity continues to be part of the Free Methodist Church UK IFMC UKI. Underthe new consti- tution, each location - as it moves towards becoming a 'Full Society, within the FMC UK- is repre- sented by a locally-elected trustee. As mandated in the FMC Book of Discipline, these trustees are each appointed for a period of one year Iwith the possibility of re-appointment) by the Annual Soci- ety Meeting of the respective church. This ensures local voices are heard in network-wide decision making and maintains appropriate oversight and accountability. Seeking to balance strategic oversight with operational efficiency, the trustees delegate day-to-day decisions to the respective Church Leadership Teams ICLTSI, which have responsibility for local min- istry decisions, pastoral care, and community engagement. This allows the trustees to focus on legal compliance, network-wide coherence. and fostering cooperation across the three locations. The trustees hold three formal business meetings per year, with additional ad hoc meetings as neces- sary.
The constitution continues to allow for trustee remuneration subject to appropriate controls, with which the trustees have complied. The Chair of Trustees, in his capacity as Lead Pastor of Freedom Church Bristol. is the sole remunerated trustee. The level of remuneration is recommended by the Annual Conference of the FMC UK and approved by a majority of non-remunerated trustees. Part of his remuneration was covered through the generous financial support of individual donors, ena- bling him to be released for an average of two days per week. to offer a ministry of Wesleyan evan- gelical leadership across the UK. Activities, Developments and Achievements The year 2024 saw significant developments across all three locations within the Freedom Church Network, each building on established foundations while pursuing local growth and mission oppor- tunities:_ Freedom Church Bristol continued its established pattern of Sunday morning worship, chil- dren's activities, youth group, and mid-week home groups, alongside a monthly women's gathering and men's prayer breakfast. The church welcomed new members during the year, with particular encouragement from the addition of mature believers who strengthened the communit(s spiritual foundation. A steady stream of children continued to attend, often accompanied by young mothers who frequently spent time in the creche. Home group participation remained strong with new lead- ers emerging to support this vital aspect of church life. Young adults, ministry developed well throughout the year. The church's American Sports Camp, held at Lees Hill in late July, attracted over 30 young people and served as an effective outreach initiative. By the autumn, the leadership team was actively considering how best to facilitate continued growth as Sunday morning attend- ance at times approached capacity. Freedom Church Wiltshire experienced substantial growth in both attendance and commu- nity engagement. Sunday worship, mid-week home groups and monthly prayer meetings contin- ued. The congregation's covenant to contribute £10,000 annually for three years, combined with a grant from the FMC UK'S Kingdom Builders fund, enabled the church to complete the recruitment process for a part-time pastor, to take up the post in 2025. The church deepened its community connections through regular participation in coffee mornings in Wanborough and the development of valuable relationships within the local farming community in Brinkworth. The congregation con- tinued its support of a network of seven churches in Belarus, hosting visits from trainee pastors as part of this international partnership. Within the church at home, a growing sense of fellowship and unity was fostered through practical initiatives such as circulating a church directory to encourage greater sharing of prayer requests. Freedom Church South Lincolnshire achieved the significant milestone of relocating its Sun- day services from a private home to the local village hall, reflecting steady growth in the congrega- tion. The life of the church continued to develop, as It celebrated with one attendee who made a commitment to Christian faith during the year, and an in-per50n home group was launched in the autumn, supplementing the existing community activities. The move to public premises represents both practical growth and increased visibility within the local community.
Central to the life of all three churches has continued to be the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ, and the encouragement in Christian discipleship of his followers. All churches have sought to equip and inspire their members to live out their Christian faith through personal witness and practical service within their respective communities, which is at the heart of the network's ap- proach to local mission. Public Benefit Statement The charity complies with the public benefit requirement through its charitable objectives. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. Volunteer Leadership and Service Freedom Church is dependent on the volunteers from within its membership and wider community who give so freely of their time, gifts and energy in leadership and service, as well as in financial giving. The trustees record their gratitude to all who share so generously in this work. Similarly, the Chair & Lead Pastor records his very great thanks to the board of trustees which serves alongside him in leadership of the charity. Financial review Total Bristol general fund receipts for 2024 were £54,876, receipts for Wiltshire £11,539 and for South Lincolnshire £2.721. Additionally, £69 was received for the S Lincs Missions Fund la desig- nated fund), and for restricted funds, receipts of £14,945 have been received for Personal Support, Receipts of £1,000 for the PA Equipment Fund, receipts of £256 for the Wiltshire Charity Collections Fund and receipts of £20,130 for the Wiltshire Pastor fund. Reserves policy It is the policy of Freedom Church Network to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds when availa- ble to meet unforeseen situations. Reserves may be held in a separate deposit account to enable the charity to benefit from accrued interest. Total reserves held at the end of 2024 (see note 111 amount to £77,460 of which £19,696 are re- stricted funds. Total unrestricted funds are £57,764 of which £2,979 is the value of unrestricted fixed assets. Free reserves are therefore £54,785 which equate to 9.5 months of 2024 unrestricted fund expenditure excluding depreciation12023 - 7 months) a 36% increase on the reserves posi- tion relative to unrestricted fund monthly expenditure in 2023. The trustees feel this level is pru- dent in view of the charity's current and expected level of income and expenditure in 2025.
Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the above trustees, report. Signed on behalf of the trustees of Freedom Church Bristol, Acorn House Kingswood Estate Britannia Road Kingswood Bristol BS15 8DB Rev Dr Davld A. Hull 28th October 2025 Chair & Lead Pastor Freedom Church Network
Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Freedom Church Network I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Freedom Church Network Ithe Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in ac- cordance with the requirement5 of the Charities Act 20111'the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Charity'5 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 14515llbl of the 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 respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records,. or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities IAccount5 and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter con- sidered as part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 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. 02kkn LL &¥fjit Josh Kingston ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol B548 IUR 28th October 2025
Statement of fina ncial activities For the year ended 31 December2024 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Totsl Unrestricted 2024 funds Restricted fund5 Total 2023 Income from: Donations and legacies Investrnent5 68,287 918 36,331 104,618 918 62,799 835 18,893 81,692 835 Total income (see Notes 3 & 41 69.205 36.331 105,536 63,634 18,893 82,527 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 72,750 19.912 92.662 99.794 19,814 119,608 Total expenditure (see notes 5, 6&71 72,750 19,912 92.662 99.794 19,814 119,608 Net incomellexpenditurel 13,5441 16,418 12A74 136,1601 19211 137,0811 Fund transfers in Fund transfers out 75 75 75 75 Net movement In funds 13,6191 16,493 12A74 136,1601 19211 137,0811 Recontiliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 61,383 3,203 64,586 97,542 4,125 101,667 Total funds carried forward 57,764 19,696 77A60 61,383 3,203 64.586
Balance sheet As at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Fixed assèts.lsee Note 81 Tangible a5setS 2.979 2,747 Current assets: Isee Note 91 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Prepayments 1.297 74,022 3,146 57,470 77.286 62,790 Llabllltles.. (see Note 101 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 12,8051 19511 Net current assets 74,481 61,839 Total a55ets les5 current liabilities 77A60 64,586 Credltors.. amounts falllng due after more than one year Net assets 77A60 64,586 Funds of the charlty Unrestricted funds.. (see Note 121 General funds Designated funds 54.841 2,923 58,184 3,199 Total unrestricted funds 57.764 61,383 Restricted funds Isee Note 131 19.696 3,203 Total charity funds 77N60 64,S86 Rev Dr David A. Hull 28th October 2025 Chair & Leod Postor, Freedom Church Network
Notes (forming port of thefinanciul statements) General information and basis of preparation 1.1 Busls of octountlng Freedom Church Network is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission England and Wales. The address of the registered office and the nature of the charity's operations and principal activities are given in the Trustees, Report. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accourit5 in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 i55ued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021, the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as It applie5 from l January 2015. The financial statements have been prepared to eive a 'true and fair. view and have departed from the Charities (Accounting and Reportsl Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to piovide a 'true and fair view,. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5= Statement of Recornmended Practice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20151- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, including "Amendments to 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" The f1nancial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out in note 2, which have been conslstently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. 1.2 Changes to accountlng estlmates No changes to aceouniing estimates have occurred in the reporting period. 1.3 Materialprioryeor errors No material prior year error has been identified in the reporting period. 10
Notes (forming port of thefinanciul statements) Accounting policies 2.1 Income These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities ISOFAI when: the charity becomes entitled to the re50urce5', the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources.. and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliabilitv. There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses. unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102. Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the general income recognition criteria are met. Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration frorn the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise. Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do 50. The cost of any stock of goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries is deemed to be the fair value of those gifts at the time of their receipt and they are recognised on receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised a5 an expense at the carrying amount of the stock5 at distribution. The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees, annual report. Income from interest is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount reteivable Can be measured reliably. 2.2 Expenditure and liabilities Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty. No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts. The charity ha5 creditor5 which are measured at settlement amounts le55 any trade di5count5. 2.3 Assets Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year. and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation less any residual value of each a55et over its expected useful life, a5 follows.. Freehold property Fixtures, fittings and equipment 2% per annum on cost 12.5- 25% per annum on cost Debtors lincludingtrade debtors) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade di5count5 or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are rneasured at the cash or other consideration expected
to be received. Notes (forming port of thefinanciul statements) Accountlng pollcles Icontlnuedl 2.4 Leaslng Rental charges under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a Straight line basi5 over the term of the lease. 2.5 Penslon costs The pension costs charged in thefinancial statements representsthe contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period. 2.6 Funds Restricted fund5 are to be used for Specific purpose5 a5 laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets the criteria is allocated to the fund. Unrestricted funds relate to incoming resources received or generated for the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the charity's trustees for particular purposes. 2.7 Statement oAcoshfvws The charity has opted to prepare the accounts under Charities SORP IFRS1021 and has adopted Update Bulletin l and is exempted from preparing a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is a small charitv. 12
Notes (forming part of thefinancial statements) 3 Income from donations and le8acie5 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Donations & planned giving Tax recoverable on Gift Aid Other receipts 54.852 11,016 2,419 33.094 3,237 87,946 14,253 2,419 61.363 12,277 8.OSI 68,287 36,331 104,618 81,692 4 Income from Investments Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Bank interest 918 918 835 S Expenditure on tharitsble activitiès Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Staff costs Donations & mi55ion giving Administration expenses 29,587 7,439 35,724 18,318 594 47,905 8,033 36.724 67.225 7,158 45.225 1,000 72,750 19,912 92.662 119,608
Notes tforming part of thefinancial statements) Trustee Remuneratlon Remuneration Name of trustee or related party Legal Authorltv Amounts Pald 2024 2023 D Hull as Lead Pastor Governing document J Greene as Assistant Pastor (resigned 311081231 Governing document 47,905 44,643 22,582 6.2 Expenses 2024 2023 Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses Varlous Travel Total amount paid 1,087 1,498 'Expenses 2024 covered travel, accommodation. subsistence, printing costs, reimbursement of church licence costs etc. Staff costs and numbers Staff Costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Salarie5 Employer's Nl Employer's Pension Group Life coverlincome Protection scheme 43,062 581 3,424 838 59,088 1,924 4,830 1.383 67,225 47,905 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more. 7.2 Stuff Numbers Avergge numberoAstoAAemployed 2024 2023 Full time Part time Averoge numberoAfvII-time equivolentemployees in the year 2024 2023 Charitable activities 7.3 Key ManugementPersonnel The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees and the other key management personnel as listed on page l. The total amount of employee benefits (including employer pension contributions) received by key management personnel foi their Services to the charity was £47,90512023- £67,225). 14
Notes (forming port of thefinanciul statements) Defined Contribution Pension Scheme The charity contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. Contributions payable for the year are disclosed in note 7.1 above. At the year end and the previou5 year end there were no outstanding contributions. Tangible Flxed Assets Fixtures. Fittings & Equlpment Total C05t At I january 2024, Additions 5,975 2,180 8,993 5,975 2,180 8.993 At 31 December 2024 Depreciatlon At l January 2024 Charge for year At 31 Decembèr 2024 3,228 1,948 5,176 3,228 1,948 5.176 Net book values At 31 December 2024 2,979 2.979 At 31 December 2023 2.747 2,747 Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments 1,297 1,967 3,264 3,146 2,174 5,320 Amounts fallin8 due within one year 2023 Amounts falling due after more than one year 2024 2023 10 Creditors 2024 Taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income 645 2,160 2,805 951 951
Notes (forming p(Jrt of thefinancial statements) 11 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Fund balances at 31 December 2024 as represented bv: Tangible fixed assets Current assets 2,979 57,590 12,8051 57,764 2,979 77,286 12,8051 77,460 19,696 19,696 12 Unrestrlcted funds At l January 2024 At 31 December 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Bristol @eneral fund Wiltshire general fund South Lincs general fund 45,686 7,068 5,429 54.876 11,539 2,722 154,2651 17,8201 13,2261 15,7421 11,1541 12721 40,555 9,633 4.653 Designated funds.. Bristol mission fund Bristol benevolent fund Wiltshire mission fund South Lincs mission fund 1,355 28 1,526 291 16,1671 12551 19651 1521 5,487 255 1079 272 675 69 S80 61,383 69,206 172,7501 1751 57,764 13 Restrirted funds At l January 2024 At 31 Dècember 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Bristol personal support Bristol PA Equipment Fund. Wiltshire Charity Collections Wiltshire Pastor Fund 2,590 14,945 1,000 256 2Q,129 36,330 118,3181 11,0001 15941 17831 513 ic 75 250 20,229 19,696 3,203 119,9121 75 'new fund in 2024 Purposes of restricted funds Bristol Personal Support fund-This fund con5i5t5 of donation5 Specifically for the National re5ponsibilitie5 of the Lead Pastor in Bristol. Und&r his contract terms any deficit is covered frorn the Bristol General Fund. Bristol PA Equipment Fund- this fund consists of donations specifically for the purchase of new PA and associated electronic equipment for use by the church in its activities. Wiltshire Charity Collections fund-This fund receives donations for specific charities. Wiltshire Pastor Fund-this fund receives donations towards the employment of a pastor forthe Wiltshire church. 14 Transaction5 Wlth related parties Nts related party transactions took place in the period of account. other than certain trustees. remuneration and expenses already disclosed in note 7. 16