ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Period Ended 30 September 2025
Registered Charity No. 1200254
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS ............................................................. 2 CHAIR’S STATEMENT .................................................................................................. 3 TRUSTEES’ REPORT ...................................................................................................... 4 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ................................................ 4 Governing Document & Legal Structure ........................................................... 4 Recruitment & Appointment of Trustees ........................................................... 4 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ................................................................................ 5 Our Mission ........................................................................................................... 5 Objectives ............................................................................................................ 5 Activities ............................................................................................................... 5 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE .................................................................. 6 Relocation to St George’s Catholic School (December 2024) ...................... 6 Friends and Family Service (December 2024) ................................................. 6 Serve Team Bootcamp (May 2025) ................................................................... 7 Introduction of “Spirit Muscle” (July 2025) ........................................................ 7 Worship in the Park (August 2025) ..................................................................... 7 Baptism Night: “Step In” (September 2025) ..................................................... 7 Public Benefit Statement ..................................................................................... 8 FINANCIAL REVIEW ................................................................................................ 8 Reserves Policy .................................................................................................... 8 APPROVAL OF THE TRUSTEES’ REPORT ................................................................... 9 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ....................................................................... 10 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ......................................................................................... 11
EMPOWERMENT WORSHIP CENTRE - 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity Name: Empowerment Worship Centre
Registered Charity No: 1200254
Board Of Trustees
Chair: Rev. Joseph Stein (Appointed 1 January 2025)
Trustee: Pastor Genevieve Stein
Trustee: Jessica Hagan
Trustee: Rev. Gideon Danso (Resigned 1 January 2025)
Principal Address
167-169 Great Portland Street
London, W1W 5PF
Service Address
St Georges Catholic School, Lanark Road
Maida Vale, London, W9 1RB
Independent Examiner
Tyrone Baxter MAAT, CIMA
40 Templewood Point
NW2 2AX
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CHAIR’S STATEMENT
We are pleased to present the Annual Trustees’ Report for Empowerment Worship Centre for the year ended 30 September 2025.
While we had previously connected through online services, annual Worship in the Park, and other events, this year marked a milestone for us. On 18 August 2024, we officially launched our weekly in-person services and have been gathering consistently ever since.
Throughout the year, much of our focus centred on establishing the foundations necessary for the church. This included reviewing and developing governance structures, strengthening administrative systems, equipping volunteers and acquiring essential resources.
As with many new organisations, the year presented both opportunities and challenges. Nevertheless, God's faithfulness has been evident throughout.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our leadership team, volunteers, members and donors for supporting us in various ways.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to fulfilling our objectives, strengthening the church and continuing to serve both our congregation and the wider community.
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TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The Trustees present their Annual Report and the financial statements of Empowerment Worship Centre for the year ended 30 September 2025. These have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document & Legal Structure
Empowerment Worship Centre is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), governed by its Constitution dated 15 July 2022.
The day-to-day governance and overall direction of the church are overseen by the Board of Trustees. The trustees ensure the charity remains legally compliant, financially sound, and well-managed in terms of risk. Alongside the trustees, church leadership and team leads support the operations of the church and provide insight and recommendations that inform the Board of Trustees’ decision making.
During the reporting period, Rev. Joseph Stein was appointed as a trustee, while Rev. Gideon Danso stepped down from the Board of Trustees. As Global Lead Pastor of Empowerment Worship Centre, he continues to lead and oversee the wider Empowerment Worship Centre ministry.
Recruitment & Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed in accordance with Clause 10 of our Constitution during a properly convened meeting of the Board. When considering potential trustees, the Board looks for individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the church's vision and statement of faith, alongside the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to serve effectively.
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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Our Mission
Our hope is to engage today’s people by creating an atmosphere where they can be born, grow, serve and eventually lead others into Christ.
Objectives
The primary objects of Empowerment Worship Centre, as set out in its Constitution, are:
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To advance the Christian faith through worship, teaching, discipleship
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and evangelism.
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To promote the welfare of individuals and families, particularly those who are vulnerable, through practical support, charitable initiatives and pastoral care.
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To advance education and human resource development through teaching, training and leadership development.
Activities
To fulfil its charitable objectives during the reporting period, the charity carried out these core activities:
Weekly Gatherings
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Sunday Worship Service: Our primary weekly service includes corporate prayer, worship, and biblical teaching. Each service is followed by a post-service fellowship session featuring a complimentary coffee and refreshment station, encouraging community interaction, mutual support, and personal connection.
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Friday Prayer Service (Spirit Muscle): Held every Friday, this service is dedicated primarily to intercessory prayer and pastoral support. It offers a dedicated space for individuals to lay down personal burdens, receive prayer, and experience targeted emotional and spiritual support.
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Annual & Outreach
- Community Events: Throughout the year, we host targeted outreach initiatives including Worship in the Park, Friends and Family Sunday, and Step In (Baptism). These events are specifically structured to welcome non-members and engage the broader community.
Periodic
- Online Fasting & Prayer Gatherings: Held periodically throughout the year as needed. We meet via zoom to pray and share the word. These virtual gatherings are open to the general public and announced across social media channels.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Relocation to St George’s Catholic School (December 2024)
As attendance continued to grow, the Trustees made the decision to relocate the church’s weekly services to St George's Catholic School. The move provided a far more suitable venue with greater operational flexibility, additional meeting rooms, and a significantly improved cost structure.
The additional facilities have enabled the church to introduce new services and programs that were not possible in our previous venue. Ultimately, this relocation made a major positive impact on the church, both financially and in terms of our overall progress and reach.
Friends and Family Service (December 2024)
The Friends and Family Service was organised to encourage members to invite relatives, friends, and members of the local community to experience church. The day combined worship, prayer, and biblical teaching with shared food, games, and fellowship.
It strengthened relationships and encouraged meaningful connections across different generations, backgrounds, and within families themselves. Most encouragingly, a number of first-time visitors continued attending our regular services following the event.
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Serve Team Bootcamp (May 2025)
In May, the church held its Serve Team Bootcamp, bringing our volunteers together for a full day of practical training, teaching, games, refreshments, and fellowship. The program focused on clarifying the church's vision and values, exploring servant leadership, and grounding our teams in the biblical principles that underpin our service. Above all, it was a dedicated space to pour back into, equip, and appreciate the volunteers who serve our community week in and week out.
Introduction of “Spirit Muscle” (July 2025)
During the year, the church launched Spirit Muscle, a fortnightly prayer gathering dedicated to prayer. It was established to encourage deeper spiritual growth, a personal prayer life, a safe, supportive environment where individuals facing personal, emotional, or spiritual challenges can receive prayer and support. For many attendees, Spirit Muscle has become a genuine place of personal transformation and spiritual grounding.
Worship in the Park (August 2025)
The church hosted its annual Worship in the Park event in Hyde Park, taking worship beyond the traditional church building and directly into the heart of London. The day included live open-air worship, interactive games, and fellowship. It created an inviting environment where passers-by could hear the Gospel, ask honest questions, and share a meal with us. Members of the church prayed with individuals, offered practical support, and shared the Gospel with people from the community. The event made a lasting impact, with individuals making personal commitments to follow Christ on the day.
Baptism Night: “Step In” (September 2025)
We concluded this reporting year with Step In, our Baptism Night. Sixteen individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ through baptism. The service welcomed candidates and guests from both Empowerment Worship Centre and neighbouring churches. This event brought together guest ministers, family members, and friends to celebrate this major milestone.
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Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when planning and directing the charity's activities. All of our services, events, and support programs are freely accessible to the general public.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
This year, the church saw an increase in income, growing from £19,051 in the previous reporting period to £76,799.28 for the year ended 30 September 2025 . This growth can be attributed to the transition to regular in-person services, together with the continued growth of our community. All income received during the year was generated through tithes, offerings and restricted donations.
During the reporting period, the church transitioned from a Monzo Business account to a Wise Business account. At the time of preparing these accounts, Monzo continues to hold £14,626.00 of the charity’s funds following the closure of the account. The Trustees are actively working to resolve this matter. The Board also intends to explore alternative banking arrangements that better support the charity’s long-term operational needs.
The church ended the financial year with unrestricted reserves of £14,064.30 . The Board of Trustees is satisfied with the church’s overall financial position, as these reserves are sufficient to cover at least three months of the church’s core operating expenditure, in line with the charity’s reserves policy. The Trustees believe that the charity remains financially stable and is able to continue carrying out its objectives.
Reserves Policy
Empowerment Worship Centre aims to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to three to six months of core operating expenditure . Core operating expenditure includes the recurring costs of delivering the charity's regular activities, such as venue hire, essential equipment hires, and administrative and compliance costs.
The charity maintains reserves to ensure continuity of its activities, provide a financial buffer against unexpected reductions in income, meet essential operating costs, and support future growth.
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Based on the church's current recurring operating expenditure, the Trustees estimate that an appropriate level of unrestricted reserves is approximately £11,311 for three months and £22,622 for six months.
As of 30 September 2025, the charity held unrestricted reserves of £14,064.30. This means the charity has met its minimum three-month reserves target. While we have not yet reached our longer-term objective of maintaining six months of reserves, the Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the church’s financial position carefully and build its reserves over time through prudent financial management.
APPROVAL OF THE TRUSTEES’ REPORT
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Rev. Joseph Stein Chair of Trustees
EMPOWERMENT WORSHIP CENTRE - 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Empowerment Worship Centre
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Empowerment Worship Centre for the period ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) 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 which give me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; or
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the financial statements 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 this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Signed:
Tyrone Baxter MAAT, CIMA
Independent Examiner
Address:
40 Templewood Point,
NW2 2AX
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Statements for the year ending 30 September 2025 Statement of Financial Position
| Statement of Financial Position | ||
|---|---|---|
Notes RECEIPTS Donations - Tithes and Offerings 1 Total receipts EXPENDITURE Direct Costs 2 Charitable Activities 3 Administrative Costs 4 Total Expenditure Net Income Reconciliation of Funds Balance b/d Net Income Balance c/d Assets 5 Cash at Bank Cash in Hand Debtors (Funds held by Monzo) |
Restricted Unrestricted 11,625.00 65,174.28 11,625.00 65,174.28 47,921.30 300.00 267.78 |
2025 £ 76,799.28 76,799.28 47,921.30 300.00 267.78 |
| 0.00 48,489.08 |
48,489.08 | |
| 11,625.00 16,685.20 |
28,310.20 | |
| 3,742.00 28,310.20 |
||
| 32,052.20 | ||
| 14,064.30 3,361.90 14,626.00 32,052.20 |
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NOTES
RECEIPTS
| RECEIPTS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Restricted | Unrestricted | |
| Donations | (£) | (£) | £ |
| Tithes and Offering (Bank) | 11,625.00 | 63,084.28 | 74,709.28 |
| Tithes and Offering (Cash) | 2,090.00 | 2,090.00 | |
| 11,625.00 | 65,174.28 | 76,799.28 |
Restricted funds are donations given for a specific, restricted purpose. Unrestricted funds are general donations given with no specified restrictions. During the financial year, the charity received £11,625.00 in restricted funds specifically designated for the purchase of musical instruments. These funds form part of the balance currently held in the Monzo account. All remaining income received comprised unrestricted donations.
EXPENDITURE
2. Direct Costs
| EXPENDITURE |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2. Direct Costs | £ | |
| Van Hire | 200.00 | |
| Rent and Venue Hire | 20,737.00 | |
| Events | Baptism | 6,440.99 |
| Worship In The Park | 3,690.74 | |
| Insurance | 225.59 | |
| Equipment | 2,598.98 | |
| Videography Hire | 1,600.00 | |
| Leadership Training | 228.00 | |
| Instruments Hire | 12,200.00 | |
| 47,921.30 |
Direct costs comprise expenditure directly incurred in running the church's core operations, services and community outreach. The majority of venue costs relate to rental spaces for weekly worship, including Vue Cinema prior to relocating to St George’s Catholic School. Event costs reflect community programs, specifically our Baptism event and Worship in the Park. Videography and instrument hire represent external media production and equipment required to conduct weekly worship services.
3. Charitable Activities
3. Charitable Activities £ Welfare 300.00 300.00
Expenditure on charitable activities relates to direct welfare support provided to individuals in accordance with the church’s charitable objectives. During the year, £300.00 was provided to support a member with living expenses.
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4. Administrative Costs
Administrative Expenses
£ 267.78
267.78
Administrative costs encompass general operational expenses incurred to support the administration and governance of the church. Expenditure during the year includes registered office service fees and banking setup charges.
| 5. Assets |
£ |
|---|---|
| Cash at Bank | 14,064.30 |
| Cash in Hand | 3,361.90 |
| Debtors | 14,626.00 |
| 32,052.20 |
Total assets comprise cash held in the charity's bank account, cash in hand, and funds due to the charity that are retained by Monzo. Monzo is holding £14,626.00 belonging to the charity following the closure of the account. The charity is actively taking steps to recover these funds. The trustees consider these funds to be fully recoverable and have therefore recognised them as a debtor as at 30 September 2025.
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