NINETY-FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1974
First Meeting
Monday Morning, October 14, 1974 – 10:00 a.m.
Chairman Jansen E. Hartman called the assembly to order. F. B. Hertzog led in prayer.
The roll was called and established as follows:
Allentown, Bethel – James G. Koch – John L. Deily
Allentown, Cedar Crest – Roy Hertzog – R. Glenn Rohrbach
Allentown, Salem – John H. Herb – Allan C. Palmer
Bethlehem – Frank L. Herb, Jr. – Warren L. Zimmerman
Blandon – Arthur R. Frable – John I. Mengel
Denville, N. J. – Willard E. Cassel
Easton – LeRoy C. Wilcox – Russell E. Dech
Emmaus – Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. – Clifford L. Kauffman
Ephrata – Robert W. Smock – Robert W. Gehret
Fleetwood – Austin G. Shelly – Norman L. Reed
Graterford – Keith E. Plows – Edward Stortz
Harleysville – Clayton Dietz
Harrisburg – R. C. Reichenbach – Darwin C. Wagner
Hatfield – Ronald C. Mahurin – Clyde W. Snyder
Lancaster – John Dunn – Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon – Bruce A. Ellingson – David Herb
Lehighton – – Ernest E. Bauer
Maple Glen – Carl K. Spackman – Byron C. Cassel
Mt. Carmel – Paul G. Zimmerman – Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Nazareth – James A. Beil – Norman W. Granda
Paradise – William A. Heffner – L. Donald Miller
Quakertown – Bert N. Brosius – L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading – Jansen E. Hartman – Robert Breitegam
Royersford – Robert F. Johnson – William R. Hunsberger
Shamokin – Harold C. Weaber – T. Lamarn Manney
Sinking Spring – Terris Byrd – Donald Long
Stroudsburg – Robert A. Minnig – Harold E. Snyder
Sunbury – LeRoy S. Heller – Clayton B. Brosius
Terre Hill – W. W. Hartman – Robert L. Weaver
Wallingford – David L. Branning – Edward Shockley, Sr.
Walnutport – – Oliver W. Beil
York – John H. Riggall – Sterling Baer
Zionsville – E. W. Bean – Bright N. Heist
Catasauqua – Roger Reitz – Arthur W. Deppe
Coopersburg – Donald D. Reitz – Michael Guttman
Finesville – D. Thomas Phillips – H. Walter Stout, Jr.
Phila., Calvary – Keith L. Yoder – Leon H. Naudasher
Phila., Emmanuel – Dana E. Weller – Horace Manuel
Scranton – Bernard N. Coble – Carl H. Kellerman
Spring City – Richard Taylor – R. Stanley Weidner
Staten Island, N. Y. – – Ralph D. Cole
CHURCH EXTENSION: Robert L. Draper, Donald R. Knauer, William W. Mull, Daniel G. Ziegler
PINEBROOK MINISTRIES: Carl C. Cassel, George E. Herb, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins
LEAVE OF ABSENCE: Donald T. Kirkwood,, A. L. Seifert
RETIRED MINISTERS: Paul E. Baer, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, E. J. Rutman, N. H. Wolf
ORDAINED MISSIONARIES: T. James Bigley, Brian H. Butler, Leonard E. Buck, Richard J. Gehman, Robert F. Gordon, J. Barclay Harley, Edward Moyer, Laird F. Stengele
Letters of excuse were read from H. Walter Stout, Paul E. Baer, Donald T. Kirkwood, W. F. Heffner, N. H. Wolf, C. E. Kirkwood, A. L. Seifert.
Requests for absences for various reasons were asked by Byron C. Cassel, Clyde W. Snyder, David J. Watkins, Carl C. Cassel, George E. Herb, David E. Thomann, Donald R. Knauer.
RESOLVED: that the above excuses and requests be granted.
RESOLVED: that the first 9 rows constitute the Conference Bar.
Secretary James A. Beil appointed Willard E. Cassel, Assistant Secretary and Harold C. Weaber, Recording Secretary.
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the Agenda be adopted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM (See page 37)
Report was accepted.
Chairman Jansen E. Hartman presented a Keynote message from Romans 1:1-15.
The Lord’s Supper was observed.
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12 noon with prayer by John Dunn.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 14, 1974 – 1:30 p.m.
The meeting was opened with prayer by E. W. Bean.
Moses Chow, Executive Director of Ambassadors for Christ, addressed the Conference.
The following Delegates, attending Annual Conference for the first time: Horace Manuel, R. Glenn Rohrbach, Michael Guttman, L. Donald Miller, Donald Long, were introduced to the Conference.
Men in various stages of development with the Ministerial Candidate Committee were introduced to the Conference.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (See page 38)
Report was accepted
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE. (See 40)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE (See page 43)
Report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that when a Probationer is called through the Pulpit Supply System, to serve as a pastor or in another ministerial capacity, he shall be a voting member of the Annual
Conference.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE TREASURER. (See page 44)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (See page 46)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION (See page 48)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING (See page 50)
Report was accepted.
The following budget was adopted:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Budgets for 1974-75
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Income:
1,300 subscriptions @ 2.50 3,250.
Donations from Boards 300.
Board subsidy 875. 4,425.
Expenditures:
Printing 12 Issues Fel. News 3,750.
Secretarial Help 100.
Editor’s Expenses 125.
Business Manager’s Exp. 250.
Maintenance of Machines 200. 4,425.
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Income:
Administrative Budget 2,500.
Year Books 1,550.
Faith & Order booklets 150. 4,200.
Expenditures:
Fellowship News subsidy 875.
Year Books 1,550.
Honorariums 250.
Debt Reduction:
Principal 600.
Interest 125.
Church Supplies 800. 4,200.
RESOLVED: that the month of January be designated as Fellowship News Subscription Month and that each pastor seek to increase his number of subscriptions to meet the goal of 1,300 subscriptions.
RESOLVED: that donations of $50.00 each be given from the following: Boards of Victory Valley, Foreign Missions, Church Extension, Christian Education, Pinebrook Junior College, Pinebrook Bible Conference. (Checks should be made payable to the Board of Publication and Printing and sent to the Business Manager by February 1, 1975).
RESOLVED: that the price of the Year Book be $1.50.
The following were appointed Tellers: Robert F. Johnson, Keith E. Plows, John L. Deily, Austin G. Shelly, Norman W. Granda.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE (See page 53)
Report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the following Duties of the Historical Committee be adopted at FIRST READING:
1. To determine policy and procedure by which the Archivist can maintain and supplement the historical materials of the Bible Fellowship Church.
2. To assist the Archivist in the collection of relevant historical materials.
3. To maintain denominational archives for the accumulation of materials and memoirs relating to the history of the denomination.
4. To encourage each local fellowship to maintain a file of important documents related to the historical development of their local fellowship.
5. To make an annual report to the Annual Conference.
The following appointments were made by the Chairman and approved by the Conference:
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS: R. C. Reichenbach, Bert N. Brosius, Terris Byrd, Warren L. Zimmerman, Russell E. Dech.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS: Robert W. Smock, Paul G. Zimmerman, David L. Branning, Carl K. Spackman, William R. Hunsberger, L. James Roberts, Jr., James G. Koch
TIME KEEPER: LeRoy C. Wilcox
REPORTER: Richard Taylor
COMMITTEE ON AUDITING: Norman L. Reed, Edward Shockley, Sr., Clifford L. Kauffman, Clayton Dietz
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE LOCAL CHURCH MINUTES: E. W. Bean, W. W. Hartman, R. Glenn Rohrbach, Arthur W. Deppe, Clyde W. Snyder, Ernest E. Bauer, Ralph D. Cole, Harold E. Snyder, Oliver W. Beil, R. Stanley Weidner, L. Donald Miller, Donald Long, Leon H. Naudasher, Horace Manuel, Bright N. Heist, John I. Mengel, Darwin Wagner, Harold L. Snyder, Jr., T. Lamarn Manney, Edward Stortz, Clayton B. Brosius, David Herb, Robert Weaver, Michael Guttman.
RESOLVED: that we extend the time.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE: (3 years) Jansen E. Hartman, James G. Koch, John L. Deily
CONFERENCE TREASURER: Robert W. Gehret
EDITOR-PUBLISHER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Willard E. Cassel
BUSINESS MANAGER: R. C. Reichenbach
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (3 years) Bright N. Heist
RESOLVED: that we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m. Adjourned at 3:36 p.m. with prayer by W. W. Hartman.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, October 14, 1974 – 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Dana Weller.
The minutes of the morning and afternoon meetings were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE: John H. Riggall, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Keith E. Plows, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Willard E. Cassel
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION (See page 54)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION (See page 67)
Report was accepted.
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension certified that the Englishtown, N. J. mission has attained the standards in Article 18 of the Faith & Order, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the Englishtown, N. J. mission be recognized as a church and received into Annual Conference membership.
Clinton W. Crankshaw, delegate from Englishtown, N. J. was invited to sit in the Conference bar.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME (See page 74)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY (See page 81)
Report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the following duties of the Board of Victory Valley be adopted at FIRST READING:
1. To formulate objectives and policy for the camp.
2. To plan the year-round camp program.
3. To develop and maintain the site of the camp.
4. To formulate and maintain the standards of the camp.
5. To secure and provide for the training of the camp staff.
6. To supervise the financial and business matters of the camp.
7. To promote the camp to the public.
8. To evaluate the camp and its program.
9. To report to the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (See page 85)
Report was accepted.
The following was adopted at SECOND READING:
MINISTERS’ RETIREMENT FUND OF THE BIBLE
FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
I. NAME
The name of this fund shall be the Ministers’ Retirement Fund of the Bible Fellowship Church.
II. PURPOSE
The Ministers’ Retirement Fund shall be a permanent fund to provide and pay annuities to ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church who by reason of age have retired from active service and also to widows of such ministers according to the rules hereinafter stated.
III. ADMINISTRATION
This fund shall be controlled by the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church and operated by the Committee on Pensions under the direction of the Annual Conference.
IV. ELIGIBILITY
A. Every minister who is licensed or who has been ordained by the Bible Fellowship Church is a member of the Fund so long as he is working under the direction of the Annual Conference and his name continues to appear on the list of men eligible to serve as a pastor of a Bible Fellowship Church.
B. When a man receives license with the Bible Fellowship Church, the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall notify him of the requirement for payments into the Fund and its benefits.
C. A man having less than thirty years of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church and no longer meeting both requirements set forth in Paragraph A of this section of these rules, ceases to be a member of the Fund, except as provided in Paragraphs D and E of this section. When a minister ceases to be a member of the Retirement Fund, the money he paid into the Fund shall be refunded to him; and he by receiving this refund shall forfeit all further claims on the Fund.
D. Should a minister no longer meet both eligibility requirements of Paragraph A of this section because he is awaiting a call to the pulpit of a Bible Fellowship Church, his membership in the Fund will continue so long as he desires, and this period between calls will be included as years of active service as this term is used in Section VIII, Paragraph A, 3. However, to maintain the continuity of his service, a minister covered by this paragraph shall on April 1 and at Annual Conference of each year make his contribution to the Fund in accordance with the provision of Section V, Paragraph B based on the minimum salary currently prescribed for a pastor by Annual Conference.
E. Should a minister, after having accepted a refund as provided in Paragraph C of this section, return to work under the direction of Annual Conference, he may return the refund to the Fund and the years of service represented by the refund, will be included in the base for calculating his annuity.
V. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND
The Fund shall be maintained by the following:
A. Contributions through the Annual Conference Administrative Budget.
B. Contributions from each member who shall pay into this Fund one and one-half percent of his salary. One half of this payment shall be forwarded to the Financial Secretary of the Board of Directors on or before April 1 and the balance shall be paid at Annual Conference each year.
C. Gifts, bequests and devises from any sources.
VI. RETIREMENT AGE
A. A minister of the Bible Fellowship Church who has attained the age of sixty five (65) years may retire from active service.
B. It is mandatory that a minister retire at the end of the month in which he attains the age of seventy-two (72) years.
C. A minister who has given thirty (30) years or more of service to the Bible Fellowship Church may retire from the active ministry prior to age sixty-five (65) and be eligible for an annuity at age sixty-five (65).
VII. DISABILITY
A minister who has given twenty-five (25) years or more of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church may become eligible for an annuity at the end of the month in which he becomes totally and permanently disabled.
VIII. ANNUITIES
A. For Ministers
1. No annuity will be paid unless a minister has met the requirements of Section VI and has paid in full according to Section V., B at least five years.
2. The annuity for a retired minister shall be calculated at the rate established annually by Annual Conference by a two-thirds majority vote at one reading.
3. A minister’s annuity will be based on his years of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church subject to a maximum of forty (40) years.
4. Services rendered after the age of seventy-two (72) years shall not increase the annuity.
5. If at any time the money in the Fund is insufficient to pay the annuities in full, the Board of Directors shall determine the amount of monthly installments pro rata.
6. No minister shall be entitled to the full amount of his annuity unless he has paid in full as according to Section V, B. The years of service shall be reduced for each year in which he was a member of the Fund, but failed to make the required payments.
B. Annuities for Widows
1. The widow of a deceased minister who had complied with the provisions of the Fund shall receive annuities beginning at the time of the death of the husband provided that the widow shall have attained the age of sixty-five (65) years or beginning at the time that she shall attain the age of sixty-five (65) years.
2. A widow’s annuity shall be calculated at one-half the rate of Section VIII, A. for each year that she was the wife of a minister during which he was in active service in the Bible Fellowship Church subject to a maximum of forty (40) years.
3. The annuity shall cease if the widow remarries.
C. All annuities cease at the time of the death of the annuitant.
RESOLVED: that the rate for annuities from the Ministers’ Retirement Fund for the 1974-75 year be $55.00 per year of service.
RESOLVED: that the petition of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home regarding payments into the Ministers’ Retirement Fund be referred to the Committee on Pensions.
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 9:00 p.m. with prayer by Oliver W. Beil.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, October 15, 1974 – 9:00 a.m.
During the devotional time, the Pastors’ Quartet sang; Keith L. Yoder spoke f rom Luke 12 and the members of Conference gathered in groups of four for prayer.
Laird F. Stengele, one of our missionaries to India, addressed the Conference.
The minutes of the Third Meeting were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE: Robert F. Johnson, Ronald C. Mahurin, Paul G. Zimmerman, David J. Watkins, Carl C. Cassel
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS (See page 97)
Report was accepted.
The following legislation relative to the election of the Board of Foreign Missions was adopted at SECOND READING:
The General Secretary be elected for a term of three years and that the Board be divided into three classes:
Two Pastors and two laymen elected for one year.
One Pastor and one layman be elected for two years.
One Pastor and one layman be elected for three years.
Thereafter each class shall be elected for three years.
RESOLVED: that the Board of Foreign Missions prepare general duties under which it is to operate.
Recessed at 10:40 a.m. Reconvened at 11:14 a.m.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE (See page 127)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE (See page 128)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE (See page 132)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE BOARD (See page 133)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF PINEBROOK SERVICE BOARD (See page 138)
Report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that we extend the time.
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12:16 p.m. with prayer by Norman L. Reed.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 15, 1974 1:30 p.m.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Donald Long.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: (3 years), Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Keith E. Plows, William R. Hunsberger, R. Glenn Rohrbach
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: Willard E. Cassel, Arthur H. Frable, E. Ray Burger, Gary Sterner
The minutes of the Fourth Meeting were read and approved as read.
The SECOND READING of Legislation concerning the Administrative Budget was adopted:
THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
The Administrative Budget was initially established by Annual Conference meeting in October 1964. The following summarizes that legislation and changes which have been made subsequently.
I. Preparation of the Budget
At Annual Conference, the Board of Directors shall present a proposed budget covering expected expenses for the conference year that will begin 12 months later. The Budget will include the following expense items:
A. Publication and Printing
B. Conference Entertainment
C. Beneficiary Fund
D. Ministers’ Retirement Fund
E. Moving Fund
F. Expenses for Board and Committee Business
G. Other Expense of Board of Directors
H. Ministerial Convention
I. Ministers’ Assistance Fund
J. Health & Welfare Ins. for Pastors & Dependents
K. Ministerial Candidate Committee Fund for Internships
II. Subscription to the Budget
A. By April 15, following Annual Conference, each church through its delegate, or an alternate officer, shall forward to the Financial Secretary of the Board of Directors his church’s pledge of the amount it will contribute toward the proposed budget.
B. At its May meeting, the Board of Directors will review the pledges received for the proposed budget.
C. The Board will distribute to each church a report of the total amount subscribed. This report shall be presented to the Board of Elders of each church.
D. Should the budget be undersubscribed, opportunity will be given to each local church to increase its pledge. Notice of increases should be forwarded to the Financial Secretary by August 15.
E. At its September meeting, the Board of Directors will consider any adjustments to proposed budget expenses that will bring the budget into balance with the total pledged. This recommendation shall be submitted to the Annual Conference as part of their Annual Report.
III. Adoption of the Budget
The recommendation of the Board of Directors will be presented to Annual Conference for approval. Increases in pledges or alterations to budgeted expenses may be proposed prior to adoption.
IV. Payment of Budget Pledges
A. Pledges to meet these budget needs should be considered as binding as any other vow made before the Lord.
B. Payments may be made quarterly or annually in advance. If monthly payment is preferred, one-eleventh of the pledge should be paid each month from October to August of the following year.
C. All payments should be completed by August 31, prior to the next Annual Conference.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: James A. Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Jansen E. Hartman, Frank L. Herb, Jr., James G. Koch, Horace A. Kauffman, James R. Cressman, Robert W. Gehret, Byron C. Cassel
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE LOCAL CHURCH MINUTES (See page 142)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE (See page 142)
Report was accepted.
The following legislation concerning Deacons was adopted for SECOND READING:
BOARD OF DEACONS
The Board of Deacons shall be composed of all deacons duly elected by and from the congregation, and who meet the qualifications of the Scriptures. They shall be mature men who demonstrate spiritual wisdom and compassion so that they might serve the needy in a Christ-like and merciful manner. The number of deacons chosen to serve on the Board of Deacons shall be established by the congregation by ballot vote upon the recommendation of the Board of Elders.
The Board of Deacons shall serve under the direction of the Board of Elders and shall elect a chairman and a secretary from among the membership of the Board. The secretary shall be responsible to report the actions of the Deacons to the Board of Elders. Two-thirds of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
The general responsibility of the Deacons is one of sympathetic and benevolent service to the church, the distressed, friendless and sick, showing the mercy and concern of the church for the material and natural needs of others. The Deacons shall assume the responsibility to care for such specific benevolent and material services as directed to them by the Board of Elders.
The function of the Deacons is to see that the material and natural needs of the church constituency are met so that the Elders can give freely of their time and concern to the spiritual needs of the congregation.
Electing and Installing Deacons
Each congregation may elect deacons in keeping with the qualifications set forth in Scripture. Deacons must be male members in full communion in the church in which they are to exercise their office.
The term of office shall be determined by the particular church by congregational vote, but shall not be for less than three years. Where possible, the Board of Deacons shall be divided into not less than three classes as determined by the congregational vote in each of the particular churches.
In the event of a vacancy by death, resignation or removal, one may be elected to fill the unexpired term of office.
In a service of worship, the minister shall state in a concise manner the warrant and nature of the office of deacon together with the Scriptural qualifications required for its exercise and the duties to be fulfilled. He shall then ask the candidate, in the presence of the congregation, the following questions:
1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and conduct?
2. Do you accept the office of deacon in the congregation and promise faithfully to perform this ministry of service?
3. Do you promise to promote the purity, peace and unity of the church?
After the deacon-elect has answered these questions in the affirmative, the minister shall ask the members of the church the following questions:
1. Do you the members of this church, acknowledge and receive this brother as a deacon?
2. Do you promise to give him all the honor, encouragement and support in the Lord to which his office entitles him?
After the members of the church have answered these questions in the affirmative by holding up their right hands, the minister shall proceed to set apart the candidate by prayer to the office of deacon and shall give to him and to the congregation an exhortation suited to the occasion.
Keith Anderson, missionary candidate to Ecuador, addressed the Conference.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION (3 years), William A. Heffner, Clyde W. Snyder
GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS (3 years), David E. Thomann
Donald D. Reitz requested to be excused from this evening’s meeting. This request was granted.
Recessed at 3:05 p.m. Reconvened at 4:10 p.m.
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Thiogarajan addressed the Conference.
RESOLVED: that we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m. Adjourned at 4:20 p.m. with prayer by Bright N. Heist.
Sixth Meeting
Tuesday Evening, October 15, 1974 – 6:30 p.m.
During devotions, the Conference body lustily sang: “The Full Reward” (authored and composed by the late C. H. Brunner, pastor among us for many years); LeRoy S. Heller sang: “Make Me a Captive Lord” and Horace A. Kauffman spoke on “I Love My Pastor.”
The minutes of the Fifth Meeting were read and approved as read.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS: (3 years) Paul G. Zimmerman, James R. Cressman; (2 years) Roy Hertzog, Robert Breitegam; (1 year) Austin G. Shelly, R. C. Reichenbach, Paul Truett, Kermit K. Gehman
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE: (3 years) LeRoy S. Heller, James Herrold, Clyde W. Snyder, Warren L. Zimmerman
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME: (2 years) E. W. Bean, John Dunn, Paul G. Zimmerman, Paul R. Cressman (1 year), William A. Heffner
RESOLVED: that we extend the time.
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 9:05 p.m. with prayer by James G. Koch.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday morning, October 161 1974 – 9:00 a.m.
During the devotions the Conference sang “No Other Plea;”
Richard Taylor spoke f rom Luke 9; Bert N. Brosius sang: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.” The body entered into a season of prayer.
The minutes of the Sixth meeting were read and approved as read.
RESOLVED: that the order of the day be consideration of Petitions and Recommendations.
The following petition was submitted by the Easton Bible Fellowship Church Board of Elders:
Whereas the Scriptures nowhere state that a divorced person or one married to a divorced person may not be an Elder,
Resolved: that we petition the Annual Conference convening in October, 1974, to amend Section E – By- Laws for Particular Churches, #5 – Miscellaneous By- Laws, letter I to read, “No person who has been illegitimately divorced or married to an illegitimately divorced person may be a member of the Board of Elders.”
RESOLVED: that we grant the petition of Beulah Bible Fellowship Church, Easton, Pa., as a FIRST READING (Resolution was defeated; 2/3 affirmative vote necessary; Yes – 46; No – 38).
RESOLVED: that the Chairman appoint a Committee of four ordained ministers and three laymen to reconsider our denomination’s definition of illegitimate divorce and standard prohibiting illegitimately divorced people or those married to illegitimately divorced people from holding the office of Elder.
RESOLVED: that we recess to meet at 1:30 p.m. Terris Byrd led in prayer.
Ernest E. Bauer led in prayer after the recess.
Whereas, the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church mandates that the Ministers’ Retirement Fund shall be sustained through the Annual Conference Administrative Budget, and
Whereas, the amount of individual church contributions to the Annual Conference Administrative Budget is voluntary so as not to burden churches in financial straits, and
Whereas, some of the Bible Fellowship Agencies which would be affected by the legislation of a mandated percentage payment into the Fund for each employee are in similar financial straits, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that all Bible Fellowship Agencies which employ men full time who are members of the Ministers’ Retirement Fund be required to make an annual pledge and payment to the Annual Conference Administrative Budget.
RESOLVED: that the above provision become effective immediately.
RESOLVED: that the above two resolutions be our answer to the petition of the Bible Fellowship Church Home.
The following petition from the congregation of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church was submitted:
The congregation of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church presents the following petition to the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, and requests that it be considered at the Annual Conference in session October 14-16, 1974:
Whereas, Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church of Allentown has had difficulties in the past over issues relating to our present Faith & Order, and
Whereas, most, if not all, members of the Official Board believe that various Articles of Faith do not clearly express (without serious loopholes) the position of our local congregation, and
Whereas, a hyper-Calvinist candidate for Pastor was recommended to Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church by the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, October 16, 1968, which we believe could have been avoided and should be avoided in the future with a Doctrinal Statement of Faith that presents a better balance between Divine Sovereignty and human freedom, and
Whereas, this hyper-Calvinist candidate (upon the recommendation of the Annual Conference) was accepted as Pastor of Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church and subsequently caused division and many other related problems, and
Whereas, this Pastor stated that his doctrinal position was closer to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church than that of the doctrinal position of the Cedar Crest Church. (And if this is true, we believe that the Articles of Faith should be altered so that hyper-Calvinistic individuals cannot subscribe to it); and
Whereas, we believe the balance between Divine Sovereignty and human freedom is inadequately described yet agreed to by many outstanding Calvinists. C. H. Spurgeon, for example states: “Brethren, be willing to see both sides of the shield of truth. Rise above the babyhood which cannot believe two doctrines until it sees the connecting link. Have you not two eyes, man? Must you needs put one of them out in order to see clearly?” and
Whereas, we believe “faith” to be of sufficient importance to merit a more significant place in our Faith & Order, and
Whereas, we, in formulating our By-Laws and local church government in accordance with Annual Conference, have experienced some hesitancy to accept the responsibilities of the position of Elder as expressed in the question, “Are you in basic accord with the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church?” therefore,
Resolved: By the Official Board that Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church form a Doctrinal Committee to establish the basic and common ground on which we of Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church can unite our efforts in the work of the Lord. The work of this Committee would be to formulate acceptable alterations and additions to the present Faith & Order (see attached preferred wording as agreed upon by the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church) and
Resolved; that we of Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church petition Annual Conference to establish a Doctrinal Committee to evaluate possible alterations and additions to the Faith & Order with one of the goals being to improve the balance between Divine Sovereignty and human freedom.
Resolved; that we request a decision concerning this petition from Annual Conference no later than October, 1975.
The Congregation of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church approved this Petition on August 7, 1974.
RESOLVED: that we establish a committee to study our doctrinal statement whose duty shall be to examine of the balance between Divine Sovereignty and human responsibility and if necessary to propose possible additions to the Faith & Order (Yes 70; No 14).
RESOLVED: that the Committee report concerning this petition no later than October, 1975.
Whereas, the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church petition to the 91st Annual Conference contains the statement that a particular Pastor was “recommended to the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church by the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church,” and
Whereas, some agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church have a considerably different interpretation of the events referred to in the statement quoted above, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that we affirm the right of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church to hold to the position which it has taken with respect to this incident, but that we make it clear the Annual Conference does not endorse their interpretation, and be it further
RESOLVED: that we inform our brethren from Cedar Crest that we sympathize with them concerning the difficulties which they have experienced in the past and assure them of our continuing prayers for their spiritual welfare.
The Pastor and Delegate representing Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church wish to assure the 1974 Annual Conference that no malice or ill-will was intended in the content of the petition calling for an evaluation of our Faith & Order. Rather, it was intended to give background to support the reason for their request.
Recessed at 3:05 p.m. Reconvened at 3:25 p.m.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS (See page 143)
Report was accepted.
Statistical Analysis, by Daniel G. Ziegler: The net increase of 174 in membership during the 1973-74 year is the highest increase in 46 years. This is the seventh straight year of increase.
The 468 baptisms is the second highest in our history. The total number of baptisms for 1972, 1973, 1974 which is 1234, is the highest three-year figure we have ever had surpassing the 1931-32-33 total by 59.
A word of caution: the 1234 baptisms for the three years has been balanced by a net increase in membership of only 339, pointing up the importance of encouraging and urging all who profess Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and follow Him in baptism to further follow His will by being incorporated into the membership of His Church on earth.
RESOLVED: that the Committee on Statistics make provision for the reporting of Disbursements for Pinebrook Bible Conference Board and Pinebrook Service Board on the Pastor’s Summary Statistical Sheet.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES OF 1973 (See page 145)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS (See page 145)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS
Whereas, Jansen E. Hartman has chaired the 91st Session of Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church with proficiency and charity, therefore
RESOLVED: that we express our appreciation to the Chairman for the leadership he supplied.
Whereas, A. L. Seifert has faithfully served the past six years as Director of the Pinebrook Bible Conference and has felt led to pursue other areas of service, therefore
RESOLVED: that we ask God’s blessing on Brother Seifert and continue to uphold him in prayer, and further
RESOLVED: that we pledge our prayerful support to the newly-elected Director, David E. Thomann.
Whereas, David J. Watkins, President of Pinebrook Junior College and Carl C. Cassel, Academic Dean of the College continue to display God-given wisdom and direction in the ministry of our school, therefore
RESOLVED: that we ask God to richly bless the President and Dean and to give them continued vision and purpose.
Whereas, the faculty and staff of Pinebrook Junior College have served with loyalty and dedication, therefore
RESOLVED: that we thank God for their commitment to this ministry.
Whereas, Daniel G. Ziegler has exercised great interest and concern in developing the ministry of Church Extension, therefore,
RESOLVED: that we continue to ask God to bless this ministry and give courage and strength to the Director.
Whereas, F. B. Hertzog has admirably served as Administrator of the Bible Fellowship Church Home, therefore
RESOLVED: that we praise God for our brother’s wise and loving leadership and that we express our deep appreciation and prayer support for him, and further
RESOLVED: that we commit ourselves to continued interest in the Home under its Administrators, F. B. Hertzog and James A. Beil.
Whereas, David E. Thomann, General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, has faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities of this office, therefore
RESOLVED: that we thank God for our brother’s labors and assure him of our prayers for the future.
Whereas, God has given to us a devoted and loyal missionary family laboring under the care of the Board of Foreign Missions, therefore
RESOLVED: that we praise God for them and their spirit of sacrificial dedication, and further
RESOLVED: that we pledge ourselves to consistent prayer and financial support on their behalf.
Whereas, Editor-Publisher Willard E. Cassel and Business Manager R. C. Reichenbach have once again demonstrated a diligent spirit in their preparation and circulation of FELLOWSHIP NEWS, therefore
RESOLVED: that we assure them of our deep appreciation for their labors.
Whereas, Robert W. Gehret, Conference Treasurer; James R. Cressman, Health and Welfare Secretary and Horace A. Kauffman, Financial Secretary, have sacrificially met their responsibilities, therefore
RESOLVED: that we express to them our thanks for their services during the past year.
Whereas, James A. Beil has diligently served as Secretary of the 91st session of Annual Conference, and
Whereas, Willard E. Cassel has ably assisted the Secretary and
Whereas, Harold C. Weaber has faithfully carried out the tedious job of Recording Secretary, therefore
RESOLVED: that we thank these brethren for their service and that each of them be given a token gift of $25.00 from the Board of Publication and Printing.
Whereas, the Lord has been pleased to bless our church with an unprecedented increase in the number of baptisms and members, therefore
RESOLVED: that we praise God for these evidences of His blessing on the Bible Fellowship Church ministry.
Whereas, there are a number of pulpit vacancies in our denominational churches, therefore
RESOLVED: that we beseech God to raise up men of his choice to stand in the gap, and further
RESOLVED: that we pray for an outpouring of the Spirit of the living God on our pastors and the churches to which they will minister this coming year.
Whereas, God has blessed the labors of the ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church; as they have faithfully served the Lord and His Church this past year, therefore
RESOLVED: that we thank God for these servants of Christ and that we uphold them in continual prayer.
Whereas, God has blessed the 91st session of Annual Conference with delegates from each of the churches, and
Whereas, these men have graciously given of their time and spiritual concern at the Conference, therefore
RESOLVED: that we thank God for these servants.
Whereas, the 91st Annual Conference has been most graciously entertained by the Pinebrook Staff and other volunteers, therefore
RESOLVED: that we express our appreciation to them with a rising vote of thanks at the evening meal on Wednesday.
Whereas, because of physical limitations, C. E. Kirkwood has felt led of the Lord to tender his resignation after many years of outstanding service to the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore
RESOLVED: that we pray the Lord’s guidance upon him and his ministry-in-retirement and further
RESOLVED: that we request his pastor to present to him at a local service a Bible containing the signatures of the members of this Annual Conference.
RESOLVED: that the 92nd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convene at Pinebrook on October 13, 1975 at 10:00 a.m.
RESOLVED: that the following become part of the Standing Rules:
1.Yearbooks shall be ordered and paid for at the Annual Conference. Payment shall be made to the Board of Publication and Printing.
2.All monies which are due to Conference Boards and Committees shall be forwarded to them prior to August 31 of the year in which they are to be reported.
Robert W. Smock, Paul G. Zimmerman, David L. Branning, Carl K. Spackman, William R. Hunsberger, James G. Koch, L. James Roberts, Jr., COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AUDITING (See page 145)
Report was accepted.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY: (3 years) Arthur H. Frable, John H. Herb, Robert L. Draper
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES OF 1972 (Corrections appear in certified copies).
The Budget of Pinebrook Junior College proposed for year beginning, July 1, 1974 was presented for information.
The following Budget was approved:
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET APPROVED FOR 1974-75
COMPARED WITH BUDGET APPROVED FOR 1973-74
Approved for Approved for
1973-74 1974-75
1. Publication & Printing 2,000.00 2,500.00
2. Conference Entertainment 2,400.00 2,500.00
3. Beneficiary Fund 1,000.00 1,000.00
4. Min. Retirement Fund 9,500.00 10,000.00
5. Moving Fund 1,000.00 2,700.00
6. Exp. for Bds. & Com.
while trans. A.C. bus. 2,250.00 2,250.00
7. Other exp. Brd. of Dir. 450.00 300.00
8. Min. Convention Exp. 450.00 500.00
9. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 100.00 100.00
10. Health & Welfare Insurance
for Pastors & Dependents 19,718.32 20,148.48
11. For use by M.C.C. for
Internships 250.00 150.00
12. Contingencies 1,080.16 (120.52)
TOTALS 40,198.48 42,027.96
RESOLVED: that the traveling expenses for all official Church business shall be 12 c per mile, effective, October 1, 1975.
The following budget was presented:
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET PROPOSED FOR 1975-76
COMPARED WITH BUDGET APPROVED FOR 1974-75
Approved for Proposed for
1974-75 1975-76
1. Publication & Printing 2,500.00 2,500.00
2. Conference Entertainment 2,500.00 2,500.00
3. Beneficiary Fund 1,000.00 1,000.00
4. Min. Retirement Fund 10,000.00 10,500.00
5. Moving Fund 2,700.00 5,250.00
6. Exp. for Bds. & Com.
while trans. A.C. BUS. 2,250.00 3,000.00
7. Other exp. Brd. of Dir. 300.00 400.00
8. Min. Conv. Expenses 500.00 500.00
9. Min. Assistance Fund 100.00 500.00
10. Health & Welfare Insurance
for Pastors & Dependents 20,148.48 20,600.00
11. For use by M.C.C. for
Internships 150.00 250.00
12. Contingencies (120.52) 1,000.00
TOTALS 42,027.96 48,000.00
RESOLVED: that we extend the time.
RESOLVED: that we suspend the rules and recess to meet at 6:30 p.m. Recessed at 5:14 p.m. in prayer by Paul G. Zimmerman.
Reconvened at 6:40 p.m.
During devotions the Conference sang “Praise the Saviour;” Daniel G. Ziegler sang: “Jesus, Where’re Thy People Meet.” Robert L. Draper spoke on the topic: “I Love My People.”
Recessed at 8:25 p.m. Reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
RESOLVED: that we suspend the rules and extend the time.
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension has asked for a revision of Article IX of our Moral Standards, therefore
RESOLVED: that Article IX read as follows: (FIRST READING)
Alcoholic Drinks: Since the use of alcoholic drink is the cause of incalculable misery in the world, the evil influences of which are enormous in their effects upon society at large, no person shall be permitted to become a member of the Bible Fellowship Church who makes such deals in them, or uses them as a beverage. Any member who does so shall be brought under the discipline of the Church. All members of our denomination should use their influence against this evil.
SECOND READING – 92nd Annual Conf., Oct. 13 – 17, 1975
R. Glenn Rohrbach, John I. Mengel, L. Donald Miller, Robert Weaver asked to be excused from Thursday morning meeting.
RESOLVED: that these requests be granted.
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 9:40 p.m. with prayer by Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Eighth Meeting
Thursday morning, October 17, 1974 – 9:00 a.m.
During devotions, the Conference sang, “Oh, to Be Like Thee;” Dana Weller spoke from Nehemiah 6, the Pastors’ Quartet sang and the body entered into a season of prayer.
Edward Stortz led in prayer at the opening of the business session.
The minutes were read and approved as corrected.
RESOLVED: that part d, of the Faith & Order Questionnaire as it appears in the Faith & Order on page 77, be changed to read:
d.If you desire to retain credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church this questionnaire must be returned by September 1. Failure to do so may result in your credentials being withdrawn. ( SECOND READING)
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Bernard N. Coble, Roger Reitz and Dana Weller for ordination and Donald D. Reitz for recognition of his ordination, and each of these brethren has served acceptably as a Pastor of a Bible Fellowship Church for several years, and
Whereas, after examination, we believe each of them to be called of God to the Gospel ministry and to be in accord with the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore
RESOLVED: that Bernard N. Coble, Roger Reitz and Dana Weller be ordained at a service of ordination to be held in Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, Pa. on November 21, 1974, 8:00 p.m. and that the ordination of Donald D. Reitz be recognized at this same service.
RESOLVED: that the following legislation be adopted for FIRST READING:
Categories of Ministry
All ordained men who hold Ordination Credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church subscribe annually to the Faith & Order.
The categories of ministry are as follows:
I. Ordained Ministers working under the Direction of the Bible Fellowship Church.
II. Ordained Ministers working under the Direction of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church.
III. Ordained Ministers working with other Organizations (See Article IX, p. 27 – Faith & Order)
IV. Ordained Ministers on Leave of Absence
1.An ordained minister, who for personal reasons, resigns from an active ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church may be granted this classification by the Credentials Committee.
2.An ordained minister having resigned from his active ministry and having accepted no other ministry with the Bible Fellowship Church within one year may be classified under this category.
3. This classification shall be reviewed annually by the Credentials Committee.
V. Ordained Ministers in Retirement
1. These men draw retirement benefits from the Bible Fellowship Church.
The following men are eligible to serve in the Bible Fellowship Church:
I. Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Bible Fellowship Church
Bean, E. W.
Beil, James A.
Branning, David L.
Brosius, Bert N.
Byrd, Terris L.
Cassel, Carl C.
Cassel, Willard E.
Coble, Bernard N.
Draper, Robert L.
Dunn, John
Ellingson, Bruce A.
Frable, Arthur H.
Fritz, Harvey J. Jr.,
Hartman, Jansen E.
Hartman, W. W.
Hertzog, Roy
Heffner, William A.
Heller, LeRoy S.
Herb, Frank L., Jr.
Herb, George E.
Herb, John H.
Johnson, Robert F.
Knauer, Donald R.
Koch, James G.
Mahurin, Ronald C.
Minnig, Robert A.
Mull, William W.
Plows, Keith E.
Reitz, Donald D.
Reitz, Roger
Reichenbach, R. C.
Riggall, John H.
Shelly, Austin G.
Smock, Robert W.
Spackman, Carl K.
Thomann, David E.
Watkins, David J.
Weaber, Harold C.
Weller, Dana E.
Wilcox, LeRoy C.
Ziegler, Daniel G.
Zimmerman, Paul G.
II. Ordained Missionaries
Bigley, James
Butler, Brian R,
Buck, Leonard E.
Gehman, Richard J.
Gordon, Robert
Harley, J. Barclay
Moyer, Edward
Stengele, Laird F.
III. Ordained Ministers Working with Other Organizations
Cassel, Alva C. Schaeffer, Donald B.
Dotts, Raymond R. Yarrington, Harold D.
Frank, Walter H.
IV. Ordained Ministers on Leave of Absence
Kirkwood, Donald T.
Seifert, A. L.
V. Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Baer, Paul E.
Kirkwood, C. E.
Heffner, W. F.
Rutman, E. J.
Hertzog, F. B.
Wolf, N. H.
Miller, C. Leslie
VI. Probationers Working Under the Direction of the Bible Fellowship Church
Bartron, William H.
Taylor, Richard
Dodge, Dennis
Vandegriff, John
Manney, David
Yoder, Keith L.
Phillips, D. Thomas
RESOLVED: that at FIRST READING the words Ministerial Relations Committee be substituted for Credentials Committee in Article XIV A, #3, ‘d’ of the Principles of Order.
The following were elected:
PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE BOARD: (3 years) Frank L. Herb, Jr., Norman W. Granda
PINEBROOK SERVICE BOARD: Robert Breitegam, George E. Herb, Donald Matz, Gerald Schlonecker, Sterling Baer, L. James Roberts, Paul Clymer
RESOLVED: that we extend the time.
The following were elected:
Chairman of the 92nd Annual Conference: Carl C. Cassel
Vice-Chairman of Annual Conference: Frank L. Herb, Jr.
Secretary of Annual Conference: James A. Beil
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12:24 p.m. with prayer by Roy Hertzog.
Ninth Meeting
Thursday Afternoon, October 17, 1974 – 1:30 p.m.
Robert F. Johnson led in prayer.
The minutes of the 8th Meeting were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: James A. Beil, John Dunn, Robert F. Johnson, James G. Koch, Norman W. Granda, Norman L. Reed, William R. Hunsberger.
Whereas, the Scriptures instruct us that men who minister the Word are entitled to and worthy of the financial support of the Lord’s people, and
Whereas, such support should be adequate to provide for the man of God and his family, and
Whereas, we are presently in a period of inflated and rapidly rising living costs, and
Whereas, each church should recognize its obligation to do all it can to be sure that the income it provides for its pastor increases with the cost, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has suggested that such increases should be at least 7 % for the 1974-75 Conference year, therefore,
RESOLVED: that we strongly encourage each church to strive to provide for its pastor a salary that is at least equal to the average gross income of its constituent households, and further
RESOLVED: that we encourage each church to increase its pastor’s salary for 1974-75 to at least 7 % above the previous year’s salary and further
RESOLVED: that it is the sense of this Conference that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church, including supplemental benefits, should be $7,500.00 for the 1974-75 year.
RESOLVED: that the following Budget be adopted:
PROPOSED BUDGET FOR CHURCH EXTENSION – 1975-76
Receipts:
Churches 57,000.
Interest 2,500.
Special Gifts 5,200. 64,700.
Expenditures:
Appropriations:
Existing Missions 20,500.
Two New Missions 16,600.*
PISCES 2,400.
Team 1,200. 40,700.
Administration:
Director’s Salary 8,000.
Director’s Sup. Benefits 1,450.
Parsonage 3,700.
Travel & Meals 2,775.
Office Expenses 2,000.
Board Expenses 650.
Con. Administrative Budget 125.
Workmen’s Compensation 250.
Fellowship News Assess. 50. 19,000.
Reserves:
Capital Fund 4,000.
Contingencies 1,000. 5,000.
Total Expenditures 64,700.
*Includes moving expenses for two families.
The following Committees were appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
TO STUDY THE PROBLEM OF DIVORCE: Paul G. Zimmerman, Robert A. Minnig, Keith E. Plows, William A. Heffner, R. Glenn Rohrbach, William R. Hunsberger, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy C. Wilcox
RESOLVED: that the following men who are under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee be accepted:
PROBATIONERS:
William H. Bartron, Belvidere, N. J.
Dennis Dodge, Staten Island, N. Y.
David Manney, Ecuador, S. A.
D. Thomas Phillips, Finesville, N. J.
Richard Taylor, Spring City, Pa.
John Vandegriff, Reading, Pa.
Keith L. Yoder, Philadelphia, Pa.
CANDIDATES:
Kenneth Good, Lehighton, Pa.
William Graybill, Paradise, Pa.
Charles Kramer, Spring City, Pa.
Jonathan Reynolds, Zionsville, Pa.
Thomas Rodway, Elysburg, Pa.
Thomas Shorb, Bethlehem, Pa.
Richard Schmoyer, Allentown, Pa.
Robert Ulrich, Tallman, N. Y.
APPLICANTS:
Frank DeJuana, Staten Island, N. Y.
John Grady, Denville, N. J.
Thomas Heimer, Nazareth, Pa.
Kenneth Keeler, Morwood, Pa.
Rodney Long, Elysburg, Pa.
Robert Lundeen, Harrisburg, Pa.
Richard Rohrer, Perkasie, Pa.
Jeffrey Stickler, Bethlehem, Pa.
Robert Smith, Coopersburg, Pa.
R. George Snyder, Orefield, Pa.
David A. Thomann, Stroudsburg, Pa.
James Wickstead, Hatfield, Pa.
Harold Wittig, Ramsey, N. J.
RESOLVED: that each church make a contribution to Pinebrook Bible Conference. Checks should be made payable to Pinebrook Bible Conference. (FIRST READING)
RESOLVED: hat the following duties of the Pinebrook Bible Conference Board be listed in the Bible Fellowship Church Faith & Order: (FIRST READING)
1. It shall provide a year round program for the proclamation of the Gospel.
2. It shall have the oversight of the spiritual ministry of all conferences and convocations planned throughout the year.
3. It shall elect annually the Pinebrook Conference Director. The Director shall be the executive and administrative officer of the Pinebrook Conference Program.
4. It shall be responsible for promoting its ministry and program.
5. It shall apply to the Service Board for the facilities needed to execute the program they have developed.
6. It shall review the adequacy of existing facilities and make recommendations to the Service Board for improvements and additions.
7. It shall promote the use of our facilities by evangelical groups in order to have the facilities occupied as close to capacity as possible throughout the year.
8. It shall submit a written report to Annual Conference.
The following Committee appointments were made by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
AGENDA: James A. Beil, Willard E. Cassel, Harold C. Weaber
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: Robert A. Minnig, Harold E. Snyder
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS: John Dunn, Willard E. Cassel, LeRoy S. Heller, Paul G. Zimmerman, Donald R. Knauer
RESOLVED: that the Service Board members be elected for a term of 3 years in classes as follows: (FIRST READING)
I. Three men for 3 years
II. Two men for 2 years
III. Two men for 1 year
Thereafter each class shall be elected for three years.
RESOLVED: that each church make a contribution to the Pinebrook Service Board.
RESOLVED: that the QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP be adopted at SECOND READING:
QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Anyone desiring to be a member of the Bible Fellowship Church shall give testimony and evidence of faith in Christ and the new birth. He shall be in sympathy with the FAITH & ORDER, be baptized by immersion subsequent to salvation and manifest holiness toward God and separation from the world (Acts 2:41-47).
Duties: Commitment to Christ and the Bible Fellowship Church shall be manifest by the joyful acceptance of the following responsibilities:
1.To live in keeping with the doctrines and standards of the church as found in the FAITH & ORDER (John 17:15-17; I Cor. 5:6-11; 6:14-18; Eph. 5:26,27; Titus 3:10; James 1: 26,27; II John 9,10).
2.To exercise willingly his spiritual gifts within the body (Eph. 4:11-16; I Cor. 12:4-31; Romans 12:3-8).
3.To minister under the direction of the church (Acts 20: 28; Reb. 13:7; I Peter 5:2,3; I Tim. 3:1; 5:17).
4.To bear the message of the church to the outside world (Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:8; Matthew 5:13-16).
5.To pray daily for the pastor and the ministries of the church (Romans 10:1; Matt. 9:28; Acts 4:29; Eph. 6:18,19; Acts 13:2-4).
6.To support the program of the church financially with the regular giving of tithes and offerings (Mal. 3:10; I Cor. 9:13114; 16:1)2; II Cor. 8:7-9; 9:6,7).
7.To submit to those God has ordained as rulers in the church (Heb. 13:17, cf. also references under #3 above).
8.To attend faithfully the stated meetings of the church (Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25).
9. To observe the Lord’s Supper (I Cor. 11:23-28).
10.To demonstrate mutual care and concern for the other members of the church (John 13:34,35; 15:12,17; Gal. 6:1, 2,10; James 5:9,16).
RESOLVED: that Section C (Narcotics) in the article on Harmful Indulgences in the FAITH & ORDER be revised at FIRST READING to read as follows:
Narcotics and dangerous drugs: Recognizing the dangers of the use of narcotics and other dangerous drugs, we solemnly warn and admonish our people to have no part with the illegal use of or traffic in them. The only legitimate use of narcotic and dangerous drugs is when they are prescribed by competent physicians. In all other instances our every influence should be exerted against this growing evil of drug abuse (Rom. 6:16; I Cor. 6:19,20).
The following were appointed by the Chair and approved by Conference:
COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM FOR 1975 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., William W. Mull, David E. Thomann, Carl C. Cassel.
RESOLVED: that the Chairman a point a Committee of 6 ordained ministers to study the doctrinal problem defined in the answer to the Cedar Crest petition.
RESOLVED: that Jansen E. Hartman be a member of this Committee.
The following were appointed by the Chair to serve on the doctrinal study Committee. They were approved by the Conference: Roy Hertzog, Carl C. Cassel, John H. Herb, Daniel G. Ziegler, Robert W. Smock, Jansen E. Hartman
RESOLVED: that we adjourn. Adjourned at 3:10 p.m. with prayer by Carl C. Cassel.