Clearspring Church
Report and Accounts Year to 31 December 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
CLEARSPRING CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 48 Abbotswood Road BROCKWORTH GLOUCESTER GL3 4NZ GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 13 December 2022 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1201405 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Paul Lyndon Burtwell MANAGING THE CHARITY Sarah Kathleen Burtwell Jay Jamie Wynn (resigned May 2025) Daniel Barrie Cratchley Stephen Leslie Taylor (resigned January 2024) Corie Robinson (appointed 1 March 2024) Bradley Burtwell (appointed 1 March 2024) Daniel Cooney (appointed 1 March 2024) Finney Burtwell (appointed 1 March 2024) Stuart Taylor (appointed 1 March 2024) Kim Burtwell (appointed 1 March 2024) Will Adkins (appointed 7 September 2025) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2-7 Trustees' Report Page 8 Independent Examiner's Report Page 9 Receipts and Payments Account Page 10 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Page 11 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
Clearspring Church CIO reg no. 1201405 Trustees Report 2024
Introduction
Clearspring church, based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The primary objective of our charity is, for the public benefit, the advancement of the Christian faith in Gloucestershire and other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as globally, as determined by the Charity Trustees.
Objectives and Activities
Throughout 2024 and 2025, our church has engaged in a variety of activities and services designed to advance the Christian faith in Gloucestershire and beyond. These activities include:
Regular Sunday Morning Services: We hold weekly Sunday morning worship services, which are open to everyone. These services provide an opportunity for communal worship, prayer, and the teaching of Christian principles.
Tuesday Evening Bible College: Every Tuesday evening, we host Bible College and this in-depth study is open to all. These classes are aimed at deepening participants ’understanding of the Bible and fostering a strong sense of community and spiritual growth.
Kids Church: In addition to our main services, we also offer weekly Kids Church for primary school aged children. These classes provide ageappropriate Christian education, helping young members of our community to learn about the faith in an engaging and supportive environment.
God of Hope Outreach Events: We have organised and participated in the “God of Hope” outreach event, which took place in Cheltenham Gloucestershire. This event aimed to spread the message of hope and faith to a local audience, engaging with various communities and encouraging new connections.
Social Media and Sermon Promotion: We have actively promoted our church and its activities on social media platforms. Additionally, we have created and shared Christian sermons through these channels to reach a wider audience and spread our message beyond our immediate community.
Page 2
Achievements and Performance
We have seen significant growth and positive outcomes as a result of our activities:
Increased Attendance: All of our regular services, including Sunday morning worship, Tuesday evening Bible College and Kids Church, have experienced steady growth in attendance. This indicates a growing interest in and commitment to the Christian faith within our community.
Positive Community Feedback: We have received numerous positive testimonials from new attendees particularly in response to the “God of Hope” events. These testimonials reflect the meaningful impact of our work and the value it has brought to others.
Commitments of Faith: A particularly notable achievement this year is that at least another 100 individuals have made a commitment of faith to Jesus through our church’s activities. This milestone is a testament to the effectiveness of our efforts in advancing the Christian faith and supporting spiritual growth within the community.
Financial Review
In our first year as a registered charity, we have primarily relied on donations as our source of income. The following provides an overview of our financial position:
Income:
The opening bank balance was: £44.465. Our total income for the second year as a Charity amounted to £59,221. All income was generated through free will offerings and donations, which were collected during our Sunday morning services and Tuesday evening Bible studies. Additionally, we received regular donations via standing orders and through a Stewardship account from committed givers.
Expenditure:
Our expenditures for the year totalled £52696, which were allocated as follows:
Administrative Expenses: £2,586 Benevolence & Outreach Expenses: £384 Communications & Media: £9778 Facilities and Maintenance £6218 Fellowship & Hospitality: £2527 Loan to a church member: £1000 Ministry & Program Expenses £803 Professional Fees: £33024 Safeguarding Expenses: £163
Financial Position:
As of the end of the year, the charity’s financial position is as follows:
Page 3
Our closing cashbook and bank balance was £51675. This includes the sum of £10,613 which is reserved for the new worship centre. Reserves: We currently have reserves of £41,062 , which we aim to maintain to ensure the sustainability of our operations and to cover any unforeseen expenses. (This is the £30000 reserve agreed with trustees plus £11,062 profit in the bank account and not including the building fund).
Surplus/Deficit: Our financial activities resulted in a surplus of £6,524 for activities in the current year.
Financial Challenges:
We have managed our finances prudently and were able to cover all expenses. However, as we continue to grow, we anticipate that managing costs, particularly in expanding our outreach activities and supporting our ongoing operations, will require careful financial planning and potential fundraising efforts in the future.
Structure, Governance, and Management
Our charity operates with a clear governance structure to ensure effective oversight and administration:
Trustee Structure:
We have a board of ten trustees. The trustees are responsible for overseeing the administration and ensuring that the charity’s activities align with its objectives. We hold four trustee meetings each year to review progress, make decisions, and plan for the future.
Appointment of Trustees:
Apart from the initial Charity Trustees, all subsequent trustees are appointed through a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity Trustees. When selecting new trustees, we carefully consider the skills, knowledge, and experience required for the effective administration of the charity. Additionally, all Charity Trustees are required to subscribe to and adhere to the Statement of Faith, both in belief and lifestyle.
Spiritual and Administrative Governance:
The spiritual governance and leadership of the Church Fellowship, for which the CIO has been established, is maintained by the Spiritual Leadership. If the Charity Trustees are not synonymous with the Spiritual Leadership, their role is limited to the management and administration of the charity, always in accordance with the charity’s constitution and with due regard to the Spiritual Leadership.
Key Management Personnel:
The day-to-day operations and spiritual guidance of the church are led by Pastor Paul Burtwell. His role is central to the spiritual and organisational life
Page 4
of the church, providing leadership both in worship and in the broader outreach activities of the charity.
Plans for the Future
As we look forward to the coming year, our church has several key objectives and initiatives that we plan to pursue to further our mission and accommodate our growth:
Expansion to a Larger Location:
Due to the continued growth in attendance at our services and events, we moved to a larger venue in Cheltenham town within the Gloucestershire region. This has allowed us to better serve our congregation and expand our capacity for outreach and community engagement.
Building Fund Initiative:
In addition to finding a new location, we have continued a building fund with the long-term goal of securing our own permanent church building. This fund will be a critical component of our future development, enabling us to establish a dedicated space for worship, community activities, and outreach. Donations to the Building Fund amounted to £10613 in 2024. This amount is shown in the main account and held in reserve.
Growth of the “God of Hope” Outreach:
We plan to continue expanding the “God of Hope” outreach program, both geographically and in terms of impact. We aim to travel further afield, reaching more communities across the UK. Additionally, we are launching a regular newsletter to increase awareness of our activities, engage a broader audience, and share testimonies and updates from our outreach efforts.
Enhanced Community Engagement:
Through our social media channels, regular newsletter, and other
communication efforts, we will work to deepen our engagement with the local community and beyond. By doing so, we hope to foster stronger relationships and encourage greater participation in our services and events.
Anticipated Challenges:
Venue Transition: One of the key challenges will be managing the transition to a larger venue, ensuring that we can maintain continuity in our services and activities during this period.
Fundraising for the Building Fund: Building a sufficient fund for a permanent church building will require ongoing fundraising efforts and careful financial planning.
Page 5
Logistical Expansion: Expanding the “God of Hope” outreach to new areas will present logistical challenges, including coordinating travel, securing venues, and effectively promoting events in new communities.
Public Benefit Statement
Our church is committed to providing a public benefit through all of our activities, in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission:
Free Services and Events: All of our services, including Sunday worship, Tuesday evening Bible College, Kids church and the “God of Hope” outreach events, are offered free of charge. We believe that everyone should have access to the message of the Christian faith without financial barriers.
Inclusivity: Our church welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, to attend and participate in our services and events. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all individuals feel valued and can explore and grow in their faith.
By providing these services and fostering a sense of community, we ensure that our activities offer a significant public benefit, contributing to the spiritual and social well-being of our local community and beyond.
Statement of the Trustees ’Responsibilities
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Conclusion
The trustees are excited to reflect on the progress and growth our church has experienced in its first year as a registered charity. We have been encouraged to see not only an increase in numbers but also in the spiritual maturity and education of our congregation. The positive response to the “God of Hope” events has been particularly heartening, demonstrating the potential of our outreach efforts to make a meaningful impact.
As we look ahead, we are filled with anticipation for the future. We believe that our church has the potential to continue blessing both our local
Page 6
community and the wider country with the message of Jesus. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to what the coming year will bring.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Name: Sarah Burtwell Sarah Burtwell
Sarah Burtwell (Oct 26, 2025 19:28:02 GMT) Date: Oct 26, 2025
Page 7
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
CLEARSPRING CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Clearspring Church ('the charity') for the year to 31 December 2024 on pages 9 to 11 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: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- 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 (Oct 28, 2025 15:36:58 GMT)
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Oct 28, 2025
Page 8
CLEARSPRING CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Income receipts Transfer in from unregistered church Donations Capital and similar receipts Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds 4 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Purchase of fixed assets Loans made Loan repayments |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ - - 49,426 - 49,426 - 200 - 200 - 49,626 - 51,312 - 384 - 51,696 - - - 1,000 - 1,000 - 52,696 - (3,070) - - - (3,070) - 35,544 - 32,474 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - 9,595 9,595 - - 9,595 - - - - - - - 9,595 - 9,595 9,607 19,202 |
2024 £ - 59,021 59,021 200 200 59,221 51,312 384 51,696 - 1,000 1,000 52,696 6,525 - 6,525 45,151 51,676 |
2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds £ - 49,426 49,426 200 200 49,626 51,312 384 51,696 - 1,000 1,000 52,696 (3,070) - (3,070) 35,544 32,474 |
|||||
| 37,946 53,205 |
|||||
| 91,150 | |||||
| - | |||||
| - | |||||
| 91,150 | |||||
| 42,716 236 |
|||||
| 42,952 | |||||
| 2,447 600 |
|||||
| 3,047 | |||||
| 45,999 | |||||
| 45,151 - |
|||||
| 45,151 - |
|||||
| 45,151 |
The notes on page 11 form part of these accounts.
Page 9
CLEARSPRING CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Petty cash B Other monetary assets Loan C Liabilities Falling due within one year Other creditors (credit card) Fee for Independent Examination D Assets retained for charity's own use Music and PA equipment |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 32,474 - - - 32,474 - 1,400 - 1,400 - 1,894 - 960 - 2,854 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 19,202 - 19,202 - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs |
2024 £ 51,676 - 51,676 1,400 1,400 1,894 960 2,854 Cost £ - - |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44,466 685 |
||||
| 45,151 | ||||
| 600 | ||||
| 600 | ||||
| 1,383 900 |
||||
| 2,283 | ||||
| Current value £ |
||||
| 4,846 | ||||
| 4,846 |
E Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Sarah Burtwell
Sarah Burtwell (Oct 26, 2025 19:28:02 GMT) _____Sarah Burtwell Date:_____ Oct 26, 2025
The notes on page 11 form part of these accounts.
Page 10
CLEARSPRING CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Payment for services (see note 3) Ministry expenses Evangelism/Marketing Hall Hire IT costs Other running costs Admin costs Independent examination Insurance |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - - - - - - - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 33,024 1,949 6,956 5,792 534 1,631 100 900 427 51,312 |
Total 2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 33,024 1,949 6,956 5,792 534 1,631 100 900 427 51,312 |
||||||
| 27,845 2,308 5,322 3,730 2,571 257 273 - 410 |
||||||
| 42,716 |
3 Transactions with related parties
Paul Lyndon Burtwell served as a church leader and was paid £33,024 (2023: £26,838) for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
4 Movement of funds
| General funds Restricted funds Worship Centre Fund Total funds |
Opening balance £ 35,544 9,607 9,607 45,151 |
Receipts £ 49,626 9,595 9,595 59,221 |
Payments £ (52,696) - - (52,696) |
Transfers £ - - - - |
Closing balance £ 32,474 19,202 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19,202 | |||||
| 51,676 |
The Worship Centre Fund is for the future purchase of a building for church activties.
Page 11