ANTRIM BAPTIST CHURCH TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT 2023 The trustees present their annual report and the financial statements of the charity forthe year ended 31 December 2023. Registered charity name.- Antrim Baptist Church Charity Registration no . 108171 Trustees . Matthew Curry Lex Mcvicker { Chair ) David Ellison Mark Moorhead Tracy Ellison { Appointed Secretary 14/11/23) Paul Norwood Stephen Glasgow { TaSurer ) Robert Phair Niall Johnson Stephen Porter Evan Mcclean Richard Mayrs Wilbert Mcmaster Philip Vance ( Pastor ) Paul Solari ( Secretary- Resigned 14/11123 } David Bannister ( Resigned 2818124) Purpose Antrim Baptist Church acknowledges the headship of Jesus Christ over his Church and exists to glorify God by promoting his worship. Its members devote themselves to the teachings of Scripture, to fellowship, breaking of bread , prayer and evangelism. They commit with the help of God to witness to the saving and sustaining power of the Lord Jesus Christ and to work for the extension of his kingdom. The principal charitable object of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the teachings of Scripture, the Doctrinal Statement and Baptist principles. Public Benefit Statement. The Trustees of the Church confirm that they have had due regard for the guidance prOdUd on public benefst by the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland and are pleased to report that during the year the Church has continued to provide public benefit5 through our activitie5. In particular, the Trustees consider how those activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set out. The church's charitable objectives are primarily focused on the advancement of religion, which is recognised as a charitable purpose having public benefft. The public benefit that flows from this is the adoption and maintenance of a moral framework which encourages people to be good citizens. The provision of this benefft is evidenced by: • The provision of a place of worship open to all sections of the community. • Facilities for pre-school children for development of social and educational skills. All activities of the church are open to all sections of the community as defined by the Equality Commission Governance The Church Constitution is the governing document which gives Trustees responsibility for overall governance and management of the Church. The Trustees are made up of Church Elders and Deacons who are elected by the church membership.
2023 Report Regular church services, prayer and other meetings were held during the year and we were encouraged again by quite a number of new folkjoining the various church events. Around 150-160 children and adults attend Sunday morning service each week and we had 100 church members listed at the end of 2023. The ongoing ministries of the church include - Sunday services, 'Jam' and 'ClicY children's clubs, Sunday School, Bible Class, 'ImpacY Youth ministry, a weekly Parents and Tots group, monthly Women and Men events and coffee / lunch events for seniors from the community. A weekly language class Outreach to the migrant community in Antrim continued during the year with good ongoing contacts and developing friendships with refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine among those attending. A Holiday Bible Club for children was arranged in the summer and women in the church organised 'Walk For Life, events in the month of May. We were pleased that many from the local community joined in these outreach activities. Four believers were baptised in the year demonstrating a new life in Christ and a living hope in the lives of these individuals. Four new members were accepted into formal church membership. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner and help support wider mtssion organisations. Members of our church are involved on a full-time basis with the Irish Baptist College, Baptist Missions, Coaching For Christ, Real Hope { Romania ) and Belfast City Mission. Staff at Antrim Baptist Church recelving a stipend or payment during 2023 included our Pastor, Phil Vance, the Youth Ministry Worker, Josh Orr and for part of the yearAndrew Eliott, a member who is a Baptist Missions worker and who was responsible for evangelism training at Antrim Baptist Church in 2022/3. We are thankful to God for the large group of committed church volunteers engaged in serving in the various ministries outlined. The trustees and members of Antrim Baptist church give much thanks to God for his faithfulness and grace towards us as a fellowship. The financial statements for 2023 and the independent examinerfs report are as attached. Signed ...... ................................. Chair of Trustees