MONKSTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH
Trustees, Annual Report
For the year ended 31" December 2023
mon
own
BAPTIST CHURCH
Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC108254

MONKSTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the charity for the year ended
31" December 2023.
PURPOSE
The principal charitable object of the church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to
the teachings of Scripture, understood in its historical and evangelical sense, the Doctrinal Statement
and Baptist Principles.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on provision
of public benefit and are satisfied that they and the Church have complied with their duty in this
regard throughout 2023.
During the year, activities included the following:
Church Services (2 each Sunday and a midweek bible study & prayer meeting). Well attended
meetings where members, adherents and visitors benefited from bible teaching, worship and praise,
gospel outreach and general fellowship and encouragement.
Children's Sunday School, Children's Church and Youth Bible Class each Sunday. Children of members,
adherents and visitors received bible teaching, took part in scripture verse learning, sang choruses
and generally enjoyed good times of learning and fellowship.
Campaigners {Wednesday Evenings). A uniformed organisation for girls and boys aged 3-14 years.
Children were taught the bible but also enjoyed learning life skills and played games and sports.
Youth Club. (Friday nights) Attended by post primary school young people mainly from the
surrounding local area. A range of active sports played using the church halls and an area provided
for young people to come in from the cold and mix and socialise in a safe environment. Each evening
included a short epilogue of Christian outreach.
"New Dawn" Our church organisation aimed at outreach to older folk, both of the church and local
area, was held once monthly, with morning meetings which were very well attended and enjoyed by
the community. A variety of subjects of interest were covered, always with a Christian perspective
and refreshments were also served.
"Open Door". Affettionately referred to as "youth club for older men" meetings were held and
enjoyed once a month (October to April) on Thursday evenings. Various sports were played in the
halls with age-appropriate levels of competitiveness and the night rounded off with refreshments
and a speaker.
Ladies Meeting. Once a month meeting (Thursday) involving the women of the church together with
guests. Good time5 of fellowship were enjoyed along with refreshments and guest speakers.
Youth Fellowship {Takeaway)- meetings were held on alternative Saturday nights during term time
plus occasional other events. For Year 8 and above- social mixing/ fellowship and Bible based talks.

Missionaries. The church provided financial funding, prayer support and general love and
encouragement to 3 missionary families from our fellowship who serve with Acre, CEF and Friends in
Action Nl Ltd respectively. There was also support to other missions as outlined in the financial
report.
In addition to the various meetings and activities in the church, there was a considerable amount of
visitation of the sick, consolation and support of members and adherents suffering bereavement and
general home support visits throughout 2023 as the Pastor, together with others from the fellowship,
sought to provide comfort, support and spiritual encouragement.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISORS
Charity Name: Monkstown Baptist Church
Church Address: 200 Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 OLZ
Email: pastor@monkstownbaptist.org.uk
Website: wv4w.monkstownbaptist.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MonkstownBaptistChurch
Youtube- www.youtube.com/channel/UCtn5Tn6gi-9EINZWcOOeaoQ
TRUSTEES
The Charity Trustees are all members of the Church Oversight Committee which consists of Pastor,
Elders and Deacons.
The Church's constitution requires a two-thirds majority of those voting for the appointment of
Deacons, Elders and Pastor. Deacons are appointed ft)r a period of 3 years and are eligible for re-
election if they so desire. Elders are elected for life unless they choose to retire or leave the
fellowship. Pastors serve for the period of their pastorate.
Following appointment, all newly appointed trustees receive an Induction Pack containing a copy of
the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's publication, 'Running Your Charity,. They are also
encouraged to access further information available on the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's
website. This procedure has been applied retrospectively to all existing trustees.
The Trustees in office at 31 December 2023 were:
P. Cameron
Pastor
P. Collier
Eldernreasurer
R. Cole
Secretary & Health & Safety Officer
P. Agnew
S. Adams
Safeguarding Officer
D. Coulter

J. Jenkins
A. Kernoghan
S. Mcmullan
M. Mcclean
P. Taylor
PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES
No Trustee received payment for undertaking trustee duties. Payments to the Pastor relate to
expenses incurred in performance of the duties of a Pastor. Where trustees purchased items on
behalf of the Charity, these costs were eligible for reimbursement.
CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES
The Church premises are held under trust by the Northern Baptist Corporation (NBC). The sole
function of the NBC is to hold the property assets of the Church and to act in accordance with the
wishes of the Church members as expressed in a Church Business meeting.
The Church manse and a small area of land in Ballyduff are held under a separate trust by"Custodian
Trustees" appointed by the Church members who are required to act in accordance with the wishes
of the Church members as expressed in a Church Business meeting. The current four "Custodian
Trustees" are also Trustees of Monkstown Baptist Church.
ADVISORS
Bankers..
Ulster Bank, 202- 206 York Street, Belfast, BT15 IHY
Independent Examiner5.'
P. McDonald FCCA
S. McF3rland CGMA
In5uronce Advisors."
Todd Insurance, 127 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 15H
(Public liability and church buildings & contents)
Abbey Autoline, 4-6 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR
(Church Manse)
Solicitors..
Hewitt & Gilpin, 73 Holywood Road, Belfast, 8T4 3BA

STRucfuRE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Monkstown Baptist Church has been in existen￿ for over 100 years and throughout that time it has
been a member of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. The current constitution, which
outlines the biblical basis for our beliefs and gives structure to the way in which the Church
functTrons, was approved in October 2021. The registration of Monkstown Baptist Church with the
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland was approved on 15/10/2021 and allocated the reference
number NIC108254.
Management
The Trustees met each month (excluding July & August) to discu55 the work of the church, to make
general decisions, to instigate actions and to review finances. Detailed records were retained.
Mattersldecisions deemed of signifiG3nt importance (for example, major church refurbishment) were
referred to the bi-annual Church Members Meetings, held in March and September. Report and
Accounts were also presented at those meetings.
Matters requiring approval at a Church Members Meeting is by simple majority. However, election of
elders, deacons, trustees and appointment of pastors requires a two thirds majority. There are also
rules regarding quorum for Trustee and Church Members Meetings.
Much of the work of the church is carried out by volunteers who lead and serve in the various
sections and groups. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to all who serve so faithfully. Trustee and
Church Members Meetings ensured direction and oversight of all activitie5.
Risk Management
The Trustees have conducted an assessment of the risks to which the charity is exposed and have
reviewed systems and procedures to mitigate such risks. Risk assessments have been completed for
each of the individual settrons of the work as well as for the generic areas of fire, health & safety and
the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Risk Management is an ongoing process and is reviewed at Trustee meetings. The church has
appointed a Health & Safety Officer who is a serving trustee. In addition, the church has appointed a
Safeguarding Offi'cer (again a trustee) and a deputy. Reports are standing agenda items at monthly
Trustee Meetings.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Church is funded by voluntary gifts and donations and use is made of Gift Aid and the Gift Aid
Small Donations Scheme. The only other source of funds is an annual grant from the Education
Authority towards the running of the Campaigner Clan, a uniformed organisation for girls and boys
aged 3 - 14 years.
The Church re￿iVeS both Restricted and Unrestricted Funds. Restricted Funds are monies donated to
the Church for specific purposes, e.g. Missions, Youth Ministries etc. Unrestricted Funds from general
offerings are used for all other purposes. Any shortfalls in Restricted Funds are made up by transfers
from Unrestricted Funds.
During 2023 work was undertaken to repair the roof and to renovate the car park and slgnage of the
Church premises. As the cost of the work exceeded the existing money in the Property Fund the
shortfall was met by transferring £26,053.27 from the unrestricted General Fund.
A special offering received at the Carol Service in December 2022 was to aid outreach work
undertaken by the Lo-Debar Trust. This money1£4,966.001 was forwarded to the Trust in January
2023.
On Sunday 01 October 2023 A special offering in memory of lan and Claire Gray, raised £3072.50 and
this was forwarded to Wycliffe Bible Translators in support of Bible translation work in Ghana.
The Church also makes monthly payments towards the support of 3 married couples who work with
other missionary organisations, (Child Evangelisation Fellowship in Northern Ireland; ACRE Gospel
Mission in Portugal; Friends in Action Nl in West Africa}.
The only liability that the Church had at 31 December 2023 was an uncashed cheque to the value of
£10.45.
RESERVES POLICY
This policy on reserves has been reviewed and agreed by the Trustees. The income of the Church is
stable and in the event of an unexpected financial need the Trustees are confident that members
would respond accordingly. The Trustees are satisfied that a figure equating to approximately three
months planned expenditure is an appropriate level of reserve balances at the present time. Cash
balances at the end of the year exceeds the level of reserves deemed necessary.
APPROVED BYTHE TRusfEES ON 07
10
2024AND SIGNED ON THEIR BEHALF BY:
P. Collier
R. Cole
Church Treasurer & Trustee
Church Secretary & Trustee

Statement of Receipts and Payments
Pagelof2
Monkstown Baptist Church
Period.. 01/0112023 to 3111212023
Notes
Unrestrirted
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
Totsl Funds
2022
fte￿Ipts
Direct Giving
113,575.95
38,127.97
151,703.92
165,308.12
Other Income
1,061.24
1,057.50
2,118.74
2,227.31
Investment Incorne
787.59
787.59
175.10
Totsl R￿eIPtS
115,424.78
39.185.47
154.610.25
167.710.51
Payments
Mission of the Congregation
141,620.041
1251.501
141,871.S41
143.520.651
Grants to Missions & Charities
141.475.(Kil
125,123.151
166,598.151
161.679.841
Property & Equipment
113,996.021
140,268.321
154.264.341
(141,938.551
Tffjol Payments
197.091.061
(65,642.971
1162.734.03)
1247.139.04)
Net Receipts I (Payments) Before
Transfers
18.333.72
126,457.501
18,123.781
179,428.511
Transfers
126,363.071
26,363.07
Net Receipts / (Payments) After
Ttartsfers
18.029.351
194.43)
18,123.78)
179.428.511
Openlng Balance as at l January 2023
74.418.33
4,404.93
78,823.26
158.251.77
Closlng Balance as at 31 Lle¢ember 2Q23
66.388.98
4,310.50
70.699.48
78,823.26

Statement of Receipts and Payments - Notes
PaÉe2of2
Monkstown Baptist Church
Period: 0110112023 to 3111212023
l. Dlrect Glvlng
2023
2022
Regular Giving + Gift Aid
Special Offerings + Gift Aid
111,4SO.95
129,233.77
151,703.92
165,308.12
2. Other Incorne
2023
2022
Congregational Actwtties
Education Authority fjrant
1,118.74
827.31
2,118.74
2.227.31
3. Investment Income
2023
2022
Bank Irte￿$t
787.59
787.59
175.10
175.10
Mlssion of the Congregatlon
2023
2022
Ministry Costs, Congregational
Activities & Local costs
41871.54
141,871.541
520.65
143,520.651
5. Grants to Missions & Charities
2023
2022
Camp SO￿ShIne
Exodu5
Wycliffe BT
Tel Romania
Slavic Gospel Mission
Serving in Mission ISIMI
Designated Grfts to Missions
8aptist Missions
Church Missionaries
1661.501
1936.021
13,072.501
1112.381
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
15,172.501
15.045.501
111,553.901
19,069.971
30 837.97
161,679.841
119,250.751
19,480.001
33 085.(
166.598.151
6. Property & Equipment
2023
2022
Utiltties & Rates
Repairs. Maintenance & Equiprnent
Insu￿nCe
19.686.391
140,863.521
3 714.43
154,264.341
19,802.561
(128,692.741
(141,938.551

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Pagelofl
Monkstown Baptist Church
As at 31 December 2023
A55ets
2021
Bank Accounts
Ulster Bank Buslness Reserve Account
50,457.27
64.776.81
Ulster Bank 8uslness Current Account
9.158.01
5,964.
Ulster 8ank Business Current (Covenant) Account
11,084.20
8.082.20
Total Bank Bala￿e5
70,699.48
78￿13.26
Estlmated Values of Property and OtherA55Èt5
Held IFor Infomatlon Purpose$ Onlyl
Church Buildings IRebuildin8 Costsl
2,048.CKK)
2,000.OC
Church Manse IRebuilding Costs)
375,(X)J
315,000
Fixture/Fittings/Equipment (Replacement Costs)
180,000
2CQ,O
Small Area of Landlocked Land at Balwduff
2,000
Llabllllles
2023
1022
Uncashed Cheques
10.45
APPROVED BY THE TRUSTEES ON 07
io
2024 AND SIGNED ON THEIR BEHALF BY:
P. Colller
R. Cole
Church Treasurer & Trustee
Church Secretsry & Trustee

Independent examinerfs report to the charity trustees of
Monkstown Baptist Church
(Unqualified report for a charitythat is not a company and has an
income of £250,000 or less)
We report on the accounts of Monkstown Baptist Church for the year ended
31" December 2023.
Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiners
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is our
responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65{9}(b) of the
Charities Act
state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiners, report
We have examined your charity account5 as required under section 65 of the
Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the
general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under
section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
Our examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the
charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also
included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and
seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention
giving us cause to believe:
l. That accounting records were not kept as required by section 63 of the
Charities Act
2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
3. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the
Charities Act
4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Independent examiner's report
We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the
matters (l) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions
of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters
that require drawing to your attention.
Name: Peter McDonald
Relevant professional qualification or body: FCCA
Address: 14 Henryville Lodge, Ballyclare, County Antrim, BT39 9FZ
Signed
Date c-7 201¥fr
Name: Stephen McFarland
Relevant professional qualification or body: CGMA
Address: 67 Meadowlands, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, BT37 OUR
Signed
Date