Grace Baptist Church – Edinburgh Trustees Report & Financial Statements for period 1[st] April 2024 - 31[st] March 2025
Registered Charity No. SC048066
Charity Name
Charity Number
Trustees:
Independent Examiner:
Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 31/03/2025
Page 2 of 11
Trustees Report
For the period ending 31/03/2025
Constitution
Grace Baptist Church – Edinburgh has been a registered Charity since 16 January 2018.
Trustees
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the constitution.
Objectives and Activities
Charitable Purposes
The charity’s purpose is the advancement of religion. The principal object of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to Baptist principles and in accordance with the Basis of Faith found in the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith.
Summary of Activities
Whilst Grace Baptist Church, Edinburgh became a charity in 2018, the church planting work began in 2013, and was constituted as a church later that year.
Worship services continue to be open to all, twice on a Sunday and has welcomed many visitors throughout the year, some from the local area, and many holidaymakers. Pastors from around the UK have also been invited on occasions to preach at the church.
The church regularly seeks to reach out to the Edinburgh locals through online advertising, leaflet distribution, open air music and preaching, and other activities. As is now customer, the church was able to hold a Week of Evangelism, which focused to reaching Alloa with the Gospel. Two additional activities were held over the Christmas period which were a Christmas Crafts Event for families and a Christmas Meal for those living away from family.
The church continues to actively support the Church planting work in Alloa in administration, finance, through prayers and volunteering. On 29[th] March 2025 the church ordained a
(a currently serving Elder at the church in Edinburgh) at a special service. It is the church’s expectation to send ~~a~~ s a full-time pastor for the church in Alloa in the summer of 2025. The church in Bydgoszcz, Poland continues to be supported in a similar way. Additionally, members were sent to Bydgoszcz to assist with their evangelism efforts. The church has been able to send out a church planter out to the Middle-East/North Africa region. The church continues to work closely with Grace Baptist Partnership and Anchored in Truth Ministries on various projects.
A total of 5 ministerial trainees were supported during the year, where they work alongside the full-
Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 31/03/2025
Page 3 of 11
time pastor. Three of them were enrolled at Edinburgh Theological Seminary. Throughout the year an additional of two trainees were added. One of these men are given financial support by the church, with their training concluding in April 2025. These men were also supported over the summer to spend a month in Alloa to follow up with contacts made during the Week of Evangelism. Over the year, two of the trainees have left the training due to changes in personal circumstances. The remaining trainee enrolled at Edinburgh Theological Seminary has completed his studies as in May 2025.
Young people from across Scotland and beyond have been blessed by the twice annual Salt Youth Conference as well as monthly Light meetings. And ladies have been greatly helped and supported through the Edify Group as they study various books applicable to their needs. There is also a premarital course for those engaged to be married. This year, an additional meeting for men has started in the church as they study a book on the Christian life. The members of the church have also benefitted from a 3-week study lead by the elders, regarding church membership and healthy church life.
Achievements and Performance
For various reasons such as changes in personal circumstances, location and theological matters, a number of members have moved on from the church, however, Grace Baptist Church hosts their Membership Course for those new to the church and has continued to baptise and add to the membership.
The church has been supported by Anchored in Truth Ministries and the church gratefully received a team to help in a Week of Evangelism, seeking to reach people in Edinburgh and Alloa with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They have kindly arranged a grant for the purposes of sending a member of Grace Baptist church as a church planter overseas beginning April 2025.
One of the ministerial trainees has successfully completed the course, has been ordained, and is currently in the process of becoming the pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Alloa.
Financial Review
The income for the period was £105,623 (2024: £102,250) and the expenditure for the period was £106,792 (2024: £113,356), meaning that the deficit for the period was £1,168. This was largely due to bursaries given to the Ministry Trainees and considered a worthwhile investment in the future.
The main source of funding is from regular donations from its members. Grants are received from Grace Baptist Partnership for our Polish-based staff member.
All services held by Grace Baptist Church and run by the church are free of charge, so that the Gospel message is freely offered with no obligation to pay. However, those who do regularly attend are encouraged to donate to the work, as it is encouraged and demonstrated in the Bible.
Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 31/03/2025
Page 4 of 11
baptist church A new fund has been set up for the purposes of work In the Mlddle-Easi/North Africa region fofApril 2025. Reserves Policy Grace Baptist Church aims to build in reserve 3 months of salaries and accommodation costs, which as of March 2025, is £9,468. The unrestricted reserves as of March 2025 was £11,107. Plans for the Future The church V4ill continue to invest in and support the church planting in Alloa, Bydgoszcz (Poland) and the Middle East & North Africa. It will continue to explore different methods of evan8elism and outreach throuehout theyear. The church is currently in the process of looking for a new Pastor. The usual annual Weekof EvanBelism will be deferred to 2026. The Church is planning to invest some funds towards the maintenance and improvement of the building on Logie Green Road. Approved by the Trustees and signed by: Role: I1& Date: Tru5rees Report & Financial Statement5 Period ending 3110312025 Pa8e 5 of 11
Independent Examiners Report
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (d) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 3/10/2025
Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 31/03/2025
Page 6 of 11
baptist church statement of Receipts & Payments For the period l April 2024 to 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total funds Total funds current period previous period Receipts D(ationS 88,672 5,702 11.250 94.373 11.250 90.250 12.000 Grants Receipts from other charitable aclivib'es Total Receipts 88.672 16,952 105.623 102.250 Payments Payments relating direclly to charitable aclivits'es 92,454 14.338 106.792 113.356 Total Payments 92,454 14,338 106,792 113,356 Surplus for year -3,782 2,614 -1,168 -11,106 Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 3110312025 Page 7 of 11
baptist church Statenieiit of Balaiices At 31 March 2025 202&25 202>24 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds Opening cash at bank and in hand 25.996 14,889 14,889 Surplu5 for the period -3,782 2.614 -1,168 -11.107 Closing cash at bank and in hand 11.107 2,614 13.721 14,889 Fixed Assèts Logie Green Gospel Hall Ihtld in trust by named tiustees lor Grace Bapiisi Church- Edinburihl loo,000 loo.000 loo,000 Approved by the Trustees and signed bv: Role: lid Date: Iq/io/z@LS Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 3110312025 Page 8 of 11
Notes to the Accounts
For the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
1. Basis of Accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
2. Nature and purpose of funds
Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. The trustees maintain a single unrestricted fund for the day-to-day running of the organisation.
Restricted funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes.
3. Related party transactions
As per the constitution, the church leadership, made up of pastors or elders are trustees of the charity. Two trustees were remunerated at different amount as remunerated £14,459 (2024: £13,434) while as remunerated £167.
Rent was paid for accommodation of the pastor, totalling £17,482 (2024: £16,524).
Expense claims of £4,342 were paid to seven trustees in 2025 (2024: £4,318 to four trustees).
4. Analysis of Income
4.1 Donations and Legacies
| 4.1 Donations and Legaciesgaciesacies | 4.1 Donations and Legaciesgaciesacies | 4.1 Donations and Legaciesgaciesacies | 4.1 Donations and Legaciesgaciesacies | 4.1 Donations and Legaciesgaciesacies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Donations 2023-24 £ £ £ £ |
||||
| Regular donations 65,820 0 65,820 68,222 |
||||
| Gift Aid 20,171 0 20,171 15,622 |
||||
| One-off donations 2,681 5,702 8,382 6,404 |
||||
| 88,672 | 5,702 | 94,373 | 90,249 |
4.2 Grants received
| 4.2 Grants received | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | Total Grants | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Grace Baptist Partnership | 0 | 11,250 | 11,250 | |
| 0 | 11,250 | 11,250 |
Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 31/03/2025
Page 9 of 11
5. Cost of charitable activities
| 5. Cost of charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Cost 2023-24 Direct Charitable Activity Payments £ £ £ £ |
5. Cost of charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Cost 2023-24 Direct Charitable Activity Payments £ £ £ £ |
5. Cost of charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Cost 2023-24 Direct Charitable Activity Payments £ £ £ £ |
5. Cost of charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Cost 2023-24 Direct Charitable Activity Payments £ £ £ £ |
5. Cost of charitable activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Cost 2023-24 Direct Charitable Activity Payments £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salaries 14,459 11,250 25,709 25,434 |
||||
| Pastor Accommodation 17,482 0 17,482 16,524 |
||||
| Payroll Costs 15,010 0 15,010 14,938 |
||||
| Trainee Bursary 13,012 0 13,012 11,000 |
||||
| Hall Rent 6,340 0 6,340 7,808 |
||||
| Other Accommodation 5,005 0 5,005 4,235 |
||||
| Week of Evangelism 4,633 0 4,633 3,115 |
||||
| Utilities & Internet 4,627 0 4,627 5,674 |
||||
| SundryMission Costs 920 2,918 3,838 3,792 |
||||
| Travel & Conference 2,543 170 2,713 1,255 |
||||
| VisitingSpeakers 2,393 0 2,393 1,550 |
||||
| SundryExpenses 1,997 0 1,997 2,042 |
||||
| Insurance 1,514 0 1,514 1,386 |
||||
| Salt Conference Costs 734 0 734 2,058 |
||||
| Benevolent Gifts 667 0 667 52 |
||||
| Literature & Tracts 653 0 653 378 |
||||
| IT Equipment 230 0 230 0 |
||||
| BuildingWork 190 0 190 11,732 |
||||
| Music Expenses 46 0 46 382 |
||||
| Total Payments 92,454 14,338 106,792 113,356 |
||||
Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 31/03/2025
Page 10 of 11
baptist church 7. Restrlcted funds Opening balance Incoming resources Outgoing resources Transfers Closing balance Grace Baptist Church Bydgoszcz AC MENA GBP Conference Philippines 11,250 11,250 4.455 170 902 175 1,841 170 902 175 2,614 16.952 14.338 2,614 Purposes of Restrlcted Funds Grace Baptist Church Bydgoszcz Grant received for staff at GBC Bydgoszcz. AC MENA Funds raised to cover expenses for church planting work in the Middle-East/North Africa region. Grace Baptist Partnership Conference Funds raised to support members to be able to attend the GBP Annual Conference in 2024. Phillpplnes Funds raised to support a church in the Philippines. Funds raised to be given as a gift for a member that has moved countries. Trustees Report & Financial Statements Period ending 3110312025 Page 11 of 11