CCNI 108327
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moral integrity, and a spirit of service among its members and within the area it serves.
Trustees’ Responsibilities
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The Trustees are entrusted with the stewardship of the church’s property and assets, ensuring that the church building and all associated facilities are maintained to the highest possible standard. This is achieved through a programme of regular inspections conducted by Trustees and, where necessary, by external specialists. During the period under review, the Trustees commissioned a comprehensive review by fire protection engineers, ensuring that the church remains compliant with all prevailing fire safety regulations and legal requirements. These measures are undertaken to safeguard the wellbeing of all who use the premises and to uphold the reputation and operational integrity of the church.
Benefits of Organisational Purpose
The church’s activities, rooted in its organisational aims, confer significant and wide-ranging benefits, including but not limited to the following:
- . Weekly worship services and regular gatherings for prayer are open to members, visitors, and friends of the church. These meetings provide an opportunity for spiritual enrichment, the nurturing of family bonds, and the overall enhancement of wellbeing, encouraging all participants to make a positive contribution to society.
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~ The church offers pastoral support, and guidance to its members, deepening their understanding of the Christian faith as articulated in the Church of God Articles of Faith. This, in turn, equips individuals to serve the wider community with compassion and insight.
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The church maintains a regular schedule of Sunday morning worship, alongside a midweek programme of Bible study and prayer meetings. These activities are designed to promote religious engagement and spiritual development, while also supporting initiatives in education, poverty relief, and the provision of training and practical assistance to young people, children, the elderly, those experiencing homelessness, and a range of other charitable causes, both locally and nationally.
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The Trustees, in coordination with the pastoral team, ensure that regular visits are made to church members and friends, whether in their homes, residential care facilities, or hospitals. These visits are vital in maintaining ongoing pastoral care, offering prayer, and fostering a strong sense of fellowship and community.
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The church actively seeks to cultivate positive relationships with other churches, both within the local area, across the nation, and further afield. These collaborations are mutually beneficial and serve to further the charitable and spiritual objectives of all parties involved.
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Community Engagement and Collaboration
The Church of God at Ballymena remains committed to fostering relationships and work alongside other denominations to maximise the impact of its outreach and community service initiatives. During the period under review, the church successfully hosted an Alpha course, which brought together members of the congregation and the wider community in a spirit of open dialogue and shared learning. Following a positive evaluation, it was agreed that further Alpha courses would be scheduled for the coming year, enhancing the church’s efforts to engage with the community and provide opportunities for spiritual exploration. The Trustees expressed their intention to build upon existing ministries and to introduce new initiatives, thereby extending the reach and influence of the church's mission in the year ahead.
Remuneration of Trustees
It is hereby formally recorded that no Trustee received any form of remuneration or payment in respect of fulfilling their Trustee duties. The sole exception pertains to the church minister, who, in accordance with established practice, receives appropriate compensation solely for his pastoral responsibilities.
Financial Overview The church's financial statements for the year were presented, discussed, and formally approved by the Trustees. It was noted that the accounts reflected a deficit in excess of £6,627, attributable primarily to essential repairs and maintenance work undertaken on
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the church premises. The Trustees emphasised that these expenditures were necessary to ensure the ongoing safety, functionality, and compliance of the building and related facilities.
Forward Planning and Future Activities
The meeting included a comprehensive discussion regarding the programme of activities proposed for the forthcoming year. Plans were set in motion to strengthen outreach to the local community and to offer further support to those in need, both within Ballymena and the surrounding area. The Trustees and congregation resolved to continue working collaboratively, ensuring that all initiatives align with the church’s charitable objectives and spiritual mission.
Closure
The meeting concluded with a time of prayer, during which thanksgiving was expressed to God for His continued blessing, guidance, and provision for the Church of God at Ballymena.
Chairperson SGS—SS— Date: 22nd January 2026
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