NINETY-NINTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1982
FIRST MEETING
Monday Morning, October 11, 198210:00 A.M.
The hymn, “How Can It Be?” was sung by the Conference. The Delegate from Harrisburg, Walter A. Schlagel, read Scripture, John 10:11-18, and led in prayer. Chairman Jansen E. Hartman spoke on “The Commitment of Pastors and Elders to the Lord.” David E. and Pauline G. Thomann sang a special number, “He Took My Place”. R.C. Reichenbach read from I Corinthians 11, after which the Lord’s Supper was observed.
Chairman Jansen E. Hartman called the 99th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church to order. Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. led in prayer.
The Roll was established as follows:
Allentown Cedar Crest – Ronald C. Mahurin, Roy A. Hertzog, Paul K. Clymer, Jay A. Fasnacht Allentown Salem – Charles J. McConnell, Jeffrey Stickler
Bethlehem – Robert F. Johnson, Warren L. Zimmerman, Herbert Wieand
Blandon – George R. Bryson, Kinzy Reed
Camden, DE – James G. Koch, Raymond E. Dotts
Catasauqua – (Probationer), Arthur W. Deppe
Coopersburg – Frank L. Herb, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder
Denville, NJ – John F. Moran
Easton –
Emmaus – Dana E. Weller, Clifford L. Kauffman
Ephrata – (Probationer), Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ – D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub
Fleetwood – Ronald P. Turner
Freehold-Englishtown, NJ – (Probationer), Clinton Crankshaw
Graterford – Richard D. Harris, Robert Gaugler
Harleysville – Paul C. Zimmerman, Harold Crider
Harrisburg – Walter A. Schlagel
Hatfield – John H. Herb, Lee E. Boyles
Howell, NJ – John Vandegriff, David M. Markuson
Lancaster – David A. Thomann, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon – Bruce A. Ellingson, Leroy O. Herb
Lehighton – (Probationer) Clair A. Greenzweig
Maple Glen – Carl K. Spackman, George A. Priestly
Mt. Carmel – Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Nazareth – Keith E. Plows, Ralph Hendershot
Newark, NJ (Mission) – Delbert R. Baker II
New Fairfield, CT (Mission) – Robert L. Draper
Oley – Henry A. Schell, Clayton Weber
Paradise – Kenneth L. Good, L. Eugene Brenneman
Philadelphia, Calvary – G. Wayne Clapier, Kenneth Cressman
Philadelphia, Emmanuel – Roger Reitz, Russel L. Davis
Quakertown – Bert N. Brosius, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading – Jansen E. Hartman, Robert Breitegam, Walter Raybuck
Royersford – Robert W. Smock, James Weidner
Poughquag, NY (Mission) – James Wickstead
Scranton – (Probationer), Carl Kellerman
Shamokin – Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., T. Lamarn Manney
Sinking Spring – Terris L. Byrd, David A. Lamm
Spring City – David W. Chappel
Staten Island, NY – Bryan G. Upton, Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg – Thomas P. Shorb, Dale J. Phillips
Sunbury – LeRoy S. Heller, Clayton B. Brosius, Bert E. Brosius
Terre Hill – William L. Graybill II, Paul A. Weber
Wallingford – Richard E. Taylor, William Singletary
Walnutport – Harold C. Weaber, David L. Musselman
York – Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Alan Lindstrom
Zionsville – James R. Batchler, Jr., David Weller
ORDAINED MEN SERVING BIBLE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES:
James A. Beil, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Bernard N. Coble, George E. Herb, John H. Riggall, David J. Watkins, Daniel G. Ziegler.
ORDAINED MISSIONARIES:
Brian H. Butler, Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald Hoyle, David L. Manney, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Laird F. Stengele, Philip E. Yerrington.
ORDAINED MINISTERS IN RETIREMENT:
Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, John Dunn, W. W. Hartman, F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, C. Leslie Miller, R. C. Reichenbach, David E. Thomann.
PROBATIONERS:
Daniel P. Allen, Larry A. Carpenter, David H. Jones, Philip E. Morrison, William L. Neff.
ORDAINED MINISTERS BETWEEN CALLS:
William A. Heffner, Austin G. Shelly, LeRoy C. Wilcox
Resolved: that excuses be referred to the Committee on Communications, to report back to Conference before the end of this day.
New members were introduced to Annual Conference.
Secretary Harold C. Weaber appointed Bryan G. Upton as Assistant Secretary and Bernard N. Coble as Assistant to the Secretaries.
Resolved: that the first twelve rows be established as the Conference Bar.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA:
Resolved: that the agenda be accepted, with amendment to adjourn Monday night at 9:00 P.M.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM: (See p. 64)
Report was accepted with corrections.
Resolved: that the election procedure as used by the 97th Annual Conference be followed, effective Monday afternoon:
A. Nominations be closed for all elections to be conducted at a particular meeting at the opening of that meeting.
B. A Ballot be prepared by the tellers and the associate members of the Conference for use during the day for those elections.
C. The ballots be marked by each member of the Conference and be submitted to the tellers.
D. The tellers shall with the aid of the Associate Members of the Conference tabulate the results, and prepare run-off ballots as needed.
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following appointments by the Chairman be approved:
Tellers: Robert F. Johnson, Keith E. Plows, LeRoy S. Heller, Carl K. Spackman, Harold L. Snyder, Jr., Jay E. Fasnacht, Leroy O. Herb.
Committee on Resolutions: Paul G. Zimmerman, Bruce A. Ellingson, William L. Graybill II, David A. Thomann, Henry A. Schell, John F. Moran, Paul Clymer.
Committee on Communications: Roy A. Hertzog, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Walter A. Schlagel.
Committee on Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Horace A. Kauffman, Warren L. Zimmerman, David L. Musselman, Ralph D. Cole, Robert Gaugler.
Timekeeper: Kenneth L. Good.
Reporter: Thomas P. Shorb
Resolved: that we adjourn. Adjourned in prayer by Keith E. Plows.
SECOND MEETING
Monday Afternoon, October 11, 1982, 1:30 P.M.
The following were elected:
EDITOR-PUBLISHER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Randall A. Grossman.
BUSINESS MANAGER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Bernard N. Coble
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE: (See p. 65)
Report was accepted.
Whereas: we strongly believe it is the Scriptural responsibility of the church to adequately meet the needs of its pastor, therefore be it,
Resolved: that we encourage each church to increase its pastor’s salary at least 7% above the previous year’s salary, and further,
Resolved: that it is the consensus of this 99th Annual Conference that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church, including benefits, is $12,840.00 for the 1982-1983 year.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS: (See p. 67)
Report was accepted.
Whereas: the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Herbert K. Lea, Philip E. Morrison, and Stephen R. Van Eck for examination for ordination, and Barry J. Minsky for examination for recognition of prior ordination, and,
Whereas: these brethren have served acceptably as ministers in the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time, and,
Whereas: after examination, the Committee on Credentials believes them to be called of God to the Gospel Ministry and to be in accord with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore,
Resolved: that Herbert K. Lea, Philip E. Morrison, and Stephan R. Van Eck be ordained at a service of ordination to be held on Tuesday, October 12, 1982, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, at 7:30 P.M.; and that the previous ordination of Barry J. Minsky be recognized at this same service.
The Credentials Committee shall be in charge of this Service of Ordination.
Whereas: the legal trials of Harold C. Weaber were attended by members of the Credentials Committee, and,
Whereas: the Credentials Committee believes the judgment of the jury of “Not Guilty” was a proper verdict, and,
Whereas: the Credentials Committee believes Harold C. Weaber is innocent of the charges brought against him, therefore,
Resolved: that Harold C. Weaber is considered exonerated, and that he is a Minister in good standing in the Bible Fellowship Church.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE: (See p. 70)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following men be accepted under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee:
PROBATIONERS:(Year of licensing in parenthesis)
Daniel P. Allen Ephrata, PA (1982)
Keith B. Anderson Ecuador, S.A. (1980)
Alvin L. Baker Dover, NJ
James L. Beaver Clearwater, FL
Douglas D. Bowne Collegeville, PA
Larry A. Carpenter Lehighton, PA (1982)
Albert J. Dommel Enola, PA
Harry L. Downs Ronks, PA
Ronald C. Erb Irvington, NJ (1981)
Arthur J. Frisbie Newark, DE (1976)
Randall A. Grossman Kutztown, PA (1981)
Dennis D. Huratiak Milford, IN
V. Kerry Inman Coopersburg, PA (1980)
David H. Jones Scranton, PA (1978)
Kenneth D. Keeler Harleysville, PA (1982)
Herbert K. Lea Wappingers Falls, NY (1980)
Gary W. Miller Bethlehem, PA
Barry J. Minsky Ft. Leonard Wood, MO (1980)
Philip E. Morrison Catasauqua, PA (1980)
William L. Neff Freehold, NJ (1978)
Calvin T. Reed Reading, PA (1982)
David H. Schoen Sinking Spring, PA
Stephan R. Van Eck Sunbury, PA (1980)
CANDIDATES:
William C. Aukamp Pequea, PA
Robert S. Commerford Pawling, NY
Ronald A. Honeywell Montrose, PA
W. Neil Harding Hatfield, PA
Hillary A. Nixon Madison, NJ
William G. Schlonecker Dallas, TX
Warren F. Shelly Lehighton, PA
Jeffrey C. Stickler Bethlehem, PA
Dean A. Stortz New Fairfield, CT
John E. Thompson, Jr. Darby, PA
APPLICANTS:
Thomas J. Beil Nazareth, PA
David W. Chappell, Spring City, PA
Gary R. Haver Reading, PA
Walter M. Johnson Wyomissing, PA
Richard P. Jones, Sr. Wescoesville, PA
Rodney H. Long Blaine, MN
Richard S. MacLaren Hatboro, PA
Kenneth D. Pfeiffer Rockledge, PA
Thomas F. Templeton Mabton, WA
Steven S. Trommler Portland, OR
Resolved: that the men approved for ordination be admitted to the Conference Bar.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: (See p. 72)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the rate for reimbursement for mileage traveled in responsibilities for the Bible Fellowship Church shall remain at 18 cents per mile in the 1982-1983 year.
Resolved: that the rate of payment for service to an annuitant under the Ministers’ Retirement Fund for the year beginning October 1, 1982 shall be $108.00 for each year of service.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE: (See p. 84 )
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See p. 86)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: (See p. 104)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the price of the Yearbook be $3.00.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS: (See p. 106)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE: (See p. 123)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CHURCH GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE: (See p. 138)
Report was accepted.
Whereas: the Faith and Order includes both legislative material and non-legislative material, and
Whereas: the legislative material requires afferent levels of commitment and different requirements of procedure for amendment, and
Whereas: there is some inconsistency in the present format as outlined in the Table of Contents of the 81 edition of the Faith and Order, and
Whereas: we call the material Faith and Order, therefore, be it
Resolved: that the material in the Faith and Order be divided into three major subdivisions as follows:
1. Articles of Faith
2. Principles of Order (This would include material that now appears as III through VIII in the Table of Contents of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order).
3. Appendices to the Faith and Order (Includes non-legislative material such as the history of the Bible Fellowship Church).
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH:
James A, Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Robert W. Gehret (3 years)
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS:
James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Frank L. Herb, Jr., Keith E. Plows, John H. Riggall. (1 year)
COMMITTEE ON MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES: John H. Herb. (3 years)
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING:
John H. Herb, James G. Koch, D. Thomas Phillips, Ralph D. Cole, Gary Sterner. (1 year)
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Frank L. Herb, Jr., Harold L. Snyder, Jr. (3 years)
Resolved: that the forms on pp 196-207 of the 1981 Yearbook be considered optional, with the exception of questions on admission of members and of baptism, and that they therefore be adopted at one reading.
Resolved: that we suspend the rules and adjourn until 6:30 P.M.
THIRD MEETING
Monday Evening, October 11, 1982, 6:30 P.M.
R. C. Reichenbach led the Conference in a time of Prayer and Praise.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See p. 139)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the Historical Committee’s proposed program plans for the 100th Annual Conference be adopted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY: (See p. 143)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: (See p.148)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See p. 151)
Report was accepted.
Whereas: the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the New Fairfield, Connecticut Mission meets the standards and qualifications of a church as specified in Article XVIII of the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it
Resolved: that the New Fairfield, Connecticut Mission be recognized as a church and that its delegate be received into the membership of the 99th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas: the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Poughquag, New York Mission meets the standards and qualifications of a church as specified in Article XVIII of the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it
Resolved: that the Poughquag, New York Mission be recognized as a church and that its delegate be received into membership of the 99th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
The pastors and delegates of these two new churches were introduced to the Conference, and their delegates were admitted to the Conference Bar: Denver Creekmore from New Fairfield and Thomas Ward from Poughquag. Special recognition was given to the 14 new churches planted since 1970.
Resolved: that the election of Daniel G. Ziegler to a three-year term as Director of Church Extension effective October 11, 1982, be ratified.
Resolved: that the proposed budget for the Board of Church Extension for 1983-84 be adopted.
CHURCH EXTENSION BUDGET FOR 1983-1984
RECEIPTS:
Churches – Prepaid 72,000
General (Current) Gifts 12,000
Designated Gifts 102,000
Interest 6,000
Transfer from Existing Fund 6,640
Total Receipts 198,640
EXPENSES:
Appropriations:
Newark – Baker 18,000
Irvington Mission 19,600
Mid-Hudson Missions 20,000
Delaware Missions 3,600
Whaley Lake Mission 15,000
Kutztown Mission 12,000
Eastwick Mission 10,000
Project Beachhead Missions 54,000
PISCES 2,400
154,600
Administration:
Director’s Salary & Benefits 17,440
Director’s Travel 5,800
Parsonage – Office Building 8,000
Office 7,800
Promotion 1,000
Board Expenses 1,500
Administrative Budget 400
Worker’s Compensation 600
42,540
Reserves:
Contingencies 1,500
Total 198,640
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME: (See p. 161)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS: (See p. 176)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the minutes and statistics for particular churches be at Pinebrook Bible Conference Center by the Monday of the week preceding Annual Conference.
Resolved: that the Statistical Committee and the Committee to Examine Minutes of Particular Churches jointly prepare directions for submitting statistical reports and minutes of particular churches to Annual Conference. These directions shall be submitted to the 100th Annual Conference and be included in subsequent Yearbooks.
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:06 P.M. with prayer by Paul A. Weber.
FOURTH MEETING
Tuesday Morning, October 12, 1982, 9:00 A.M.
The hymn, “When We All Get to Heaven” was sung. The Delegate from York, Alan Lindstrom, read I Peter 5:1-11 and led in prayer. Mrs. Laura Cassel played special numbers on the piano in connection with Christ’s return. Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. spoke on “The Commitment of Pastors and Elders to the Church.”
Carl K. Spackman led in a prayer of invocation.
Chairman Jansen E. Hartman called the meeting to order at 9:45 A.M.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION:
Robert W. Smock, Clayton E. Weber (3 years)
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE:
Willard E. Cassel (3 years)
BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS:
Roy A. Hertzog, Robert Breitegam (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE:
Bert N. Brosius, Alva C. Cassel, John H. Herb, Jay Fasnacht, Alfred G. Roberts, Allen D. Ruter (3 years)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE: (See p. 178)
Report was accepted.
The following missionaries were introduced to the Conference by R. C. Reichenbach, Chairman of the Board of Foreign Missions:
Michael and Jocelyn Easton with Word of Life in U.S.A.
Ronald W. Hoyle with Greater Europe Mission in France.
Timothy Kauffman with Unevangelized Fields Mission (under AIM) in Zaire.
RESOLVED: that the following be approved at SECOND READING:
ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall prior to the adjournment of Annual Conference appoint a Registrar and Assistant Registrar for the succeeding Annual Conference.
The Registrar shall register all members who are qualified to be seated in the Annual Conference and shall keep the attendance record of each meeting. A list of qualified members of Annual Conference shall be drawn up prior to Annual Conference. The Secretary of Annual Conference shall prepare a list of the delegates and alternate delegates elected in each congregation from the information supplied to him by each pastor after congregational elections. The Secretary shall forward a copy of this list to the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches before their annual meeting so that the committee may confirm that the delegates and alternate delegates are elders in their congregation and have been duly elected. The Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches shall report the confirmation of delegates and alternate delegates and any discrepancies to the Registrar prior to Annual Conference. The Credentials Committee and the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall furnish to the Registrar prior to Annual Conference lists of those ministers qualified to be members of Annual Conference and those who shall be advisory members of Annual Conference.
Alternate Delegates who are to be seated in the Annual Conference bar shall report to the Registrar. The Registrar shall communicate their presence to the Chairman. They shall be seated at the beginning of a meeting of Annual Conference, and this action shall be recorded in the minutes of that meeting.
Any member desiring to be excused from any meeting must present in writing the reason for such absence to the Registrar. This information will be submitted to the Chairman of Annual Conference, and the Annual shall decide the validity of each request.
The names of absentees shall be recorded in the minutes of each meeting, with indication as to whether the absence is excused.
The Registrar shall also provide for the registration of all advisory members of Annual Conference and for any official representatives from any other bodies or organizations. He shall notify the Chairman of the presence of such persons at the session.
The registration records shall be turned over to the Secretary of Annual Conference after adjournment.
(This material will appear as Article V of the By-Laws of Annual Conference, p. 94, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order; the numbers of the succeeding articles will be changed in sequence.)
ADDITION TO DUTIES OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE: (p. 128, Faith & Order, 1981 Edition.):
8. To furnish to the Annual Conference Registrar a list of those probationers who are eligible to be members of Annual Conference and those who shall be advisory members of Annual Conference. This list shall be submitted annually prior to Annual Conference.
ADDITION TO DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES (p. 99, Faith and Order, 1981 edition):
3. a. That the delegate(s) and alternate delegate(s) are elders and the individuals reported to the Secretary of Annual Conference. The Committee shall report such verification and any discrepancies to the Annual Conference Registrar during the week prior to Annual Conference.
ADDITION TO DUTIES OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE: (p. 126, Faith & Order, 1981 edition). The present #6 would become #7.
6. It shall furnish to the Annual Conference Registrar a list of the ordained ministers who are eligible to be members of Annual Conference and those who shall be advisory members of Annual Conference. This list shall be submitted annually prior to Annual Conference.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 P.M. with prayer by William A. Heffner.
FIFTH MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 12, 1982, 1:30 P.M.
David L. Musselman led in prayer.
The Chairman of the Board of Foreign Missions introduced the following:
Miss Pat Howard, with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in colleges in Allentown and Reading.
David Wehr, at Rift Valley Academy with Africa Inland Mission in Kenya, Africa.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS: (See p.185)
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: (See p. 187)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following be approved at SECOND READING:
CHOOSING LEADERS OTHER THAN THE CONTINUING OFFICES OF ELDERS AND DEACONS
Should the Board of Elders deem it necessary to have positions of church leadership other than Elders and Deacons, and other than officers and leaders of church organizations, it shall recommend to the congregation the creation of such positions of leadership. If the congregation approves, such leaders shall be chosen by one of the following ways:
(1) Election by congregational vote upon:
(a) being presented by nominating committee,
(b) being nominated by congregational ballot;
(2) Appointment by Board of Elders.
Though these leaders may not meet all the Biblical qualifications for the office of Elder, nevertheless their lives shall be in keeping with the Standards of Worship and Life. Being chosen for one of these positions of leadership does not make one a member of the Board of Elders or Deacons. The following shall be the procedure in case of death, resignation, or removal of a church leader other than an Elder or Deacon:
(a) The Board of Elders shall review and act upon the resignation or removal of the leader;
(b) The Board of Elders shall either appoint someone or determine the time of a congregational meeting to fill the vacated position due to death, resignation, or removal.
Officers and other leaders in church organizations shall be elected or appointed in harmony with the Faith and Order and according to the By-laws of the particular church and/or the By-laws of the organization.
(The first paragraph under #4 “Other Organizations in the Particular Church” shall be deleted.)
(This material will replace the present material in Article IV “Choosing Leaders other than continuing Offices of Elders and Deacons, p. 64 of the 1981 Faith and Order)
LEGISLATION ON MILITARY CHAPLAINCY, BY-LAWS OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:
It shall process and approve all applications for the military chaplaincy, and its Chairman shall be the representative of the Bible Fellowship Church to the General Commission on Chaplains and Armed Forces Personnel.
(This material will appear under duties of the Credentials Committee, p. 124 of the 1981 Faith and Order as #5. Present 5 and 6 will become 6 and 7.)
The Bible Fellowship Church qualifies to have men with its ministerial credentials to serve under the U.S. Armed Forces Chaplains Board under the endorsement of the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces. Applications for such service shall be made through the Credentials Committee.
CORPORATE OFFICERS IN A PARTICULAR CHURCH:
In an incorporated congregation the authorized legal representatives shall be chosen from among the members of the Board of Elders according to its respective Articles of Incorporation.
When an incorporated congregation becomes incapable of electing elders and seeks to maintain its work, the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church shall appoint elders who, upon ratification by the congregation, shall be the corporate officers of the particular church.
(This material will replace #1 in Article VII, Miscellaneous By-laws, page 73 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall prior to the adjournment of the Annual Conference appoint the Committee on Program for the succeeding Annual Conference.
Duties:
1.The Committee on Program shall establish and oversee a program for the succeeding Annual Conference designed to bring spiritual blessing and challenge to the members of the Conference. The frequency and length of the sessions proposed shall be in balance with the business concerns of the conference.
2.It shall submit its proposals to the Committee on Agenda at least six weeks prior to Annual Conference.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #1, page 98 of the 1981 Faith and Order).
BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall prior to the adjournment of the Annual Conference appoint the Committee on Agenda for the succeeding Annual Conference.
Duties:
1.The Committee on Agenda shall receive from any agency or particular church requests for time in the agenda of the Annual conference. Such requests must be in writing and in the hands of the Committee at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the Annual Conference.
2.It shall establish the order in which standing and special reports shall be considered at the Annual Conference.
3.It shall circulate the proposed agenda two weeks prior to the Annual Conference.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #8, page 100 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall prior to the adjournment of the Annual Conference appoint the Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes.
Duties:
1.The Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes shall compare the Annual Conference Proceeding as printed in the Bible Fellowship Yearbook with the official minutes of the Secretary of Annual Conference.
2.It shall report in writing to the next Annual Conference any and all discrepancies between these two records.
3.It shall submit to the Annual Conference two copies of the Bible Fellowship Yearbook certified to contain true and correct copies of the Proceedings of the previous Annual Conference. These copies shall be placed in the archives.
(This material is a revision of content of material in Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #7, page 100 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
BYLAWS OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall appoint the Committee on Resolutions from the membership of the Annual Conference at the first meeting.
Duties:
1.The Committee on Resolutions shall devise any resolutions it deems helpful to present for approval by the Annual Conference, including resolutions of thanks giving and appreciation, of changes in rules or by-laws, of establishment of the place and time of the next Annual Conference.
2.It shall present the resolutions proposed to the members of Annual Conference in writing for consideration.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #4, page 100 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual conference shall appoint the Committee on Communications from the membership of the Annual Conference at the first meeting.
Duties:
1. The Committee on Communication shall receive for the Annual Conference any communications addressed to the Conference.
2. It shall respond in writing to each communication sent to the Annual Conference unless that communication is referred to another Board or Committee.
3. It shall report to the Annual Conference the names of all those who sent communication and the nature of the response by the Committee.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #2, page 98 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE ON AUDITING:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall appoint the Committee on Auditing from the membership of the Annual Conference at the first meeting.
Duties:
1.The Committee on Auditing shall examine the financial report of each agency of the Bible Fellowship Church to ascertain:
(a) Whether the report is made from an audited account.
(b) Who made the audit.
(c)Cash held by the agency on the date of the report, and
(d) depositories in which the funds are maintained.
(See Faith and Order, 1981 edition, page 135, 136, Miscellaneous By-laws of Annual Conference, #4 and #7.)
2. It shall make a report to the Annual Conference stating the results of their examination, including the names of any agencies which have not met the requirements of the Faith and Order and the ways in which the report was incomplete.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #5, page 100 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
BY-LAWS OF THE TELLERS:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall appoint from the membership of the Conference tellers to conduct the elections.
Duties:
1.The Chairman of the tellers shall appoint an individual who is not a member of the Annual Conference to prepare duplicated ballots during the meetings of the Conference according to the election procedures for the Annual Conference.
2.The Tellers shall distribute and collect the ballots.
3.The Chairman of the tellers shall enlist advisory members of the Conference to tabulate the results of the elections in which duplicated ballots are used. For special elections and other voting conducted during the meetings of the Annual Conference, the tellers shall tabulate the results.
4.The Chairman of the tellers shall announce the results of the elections and other voting and keep records of the results.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #9, page 101 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
BY-LAWS OF THE TIMEKEEPER:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall appoint a Timekeeper from the membership or the advisory membership of the Annual Conference.
Duties:
1. The Timekeeper shall measure the time used by any participant in the deliberations of the Annual Conference.
2.If any participant has the floor for ten minutes at one time, the Timekeeper shall inform the Chairman of the Conference.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman, #10, page 101 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
Addition to Duties of the Credentials Committee:
It shall receive all requests from those seeking retirement from ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church. It shall set the effective date of the retirement, change the status of the minister on the conference records, and notify the Board of Directors of the effective date of the retirement.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE: Russel M. Ruch (2 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE:
Ronald C. Mahurin, John H. Riggall, Robert Breitegam (3 years)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
Dana Weller, David Musselman, Jeffrey Stickler (3 years)
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY:
Bryan Bray, Bright N. Heist, Clayton E. Weber (3 years)
Resolved: that the time be extended.
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned with prayer by William Neff.
SIXTH MEETING
Wednesday, October 13, 1982, 9:00 A.M.
Chairman Jansen E. Hartman called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.. The hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues” was sung by the Conference.
Jeffrey Stickler, delegate from Allentown Salem, read the Scripture, John 15:1-17, and led in prayer. Bert N. Brosius sang “It is Well With My Soul”. L. James Roberts, delegate from Quakertown, gave the message, “Commitment of Pastors and Elders to Each Other.”
John Moran led in prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE: Kermit K. Gehman (3 years)
Resolved: that the following be adopted at SECOND READING:
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MINISTER’S RETIREMENT FUND:
V.B. Contributions from each member:
Each member shall pay into this fund two percent (2%) of his annual salary and supplemental benefits excluding medical insurance and parsonage allowances for pastors who provide their own housing. 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 the next Annual Conference. The Annual Salary shall be calculated on the year beginning September 1 and ending August 31.
(Faith and Order, 1981 edition, page 109)
DELETION FROM DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE:
“Relationships to other Ministries at Pinebrook: to establish a rule limiting the activity of the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Junior College to faculty, curriculum, library, instruction, and budget to the extent that budget relates to the operation of the college.
(Paragraph 2 of #9, page 76 of the 1977 Faith and Order).
ADDITION TO THE DUTIES OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE:
To submit a written report to the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
(This material will appear as #9, page 130 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
REVISION OF BY-LAWS REGARDING THE BOARD OF ELDERS:
Article VIII, Paragraph 4, page 55 of the 1981 Faith and Order.
(This material replaces the last sentence of the 4th paragraph.)
The congregation shall have the right to agree, to suggest changes, or to disagree with such recommendations. Agreement indicates the congregation is ready to follow the leadership of the Board of Elders. Suggesting changes indicates the congregation believes the Board of Elders has overlooked some factors and should revise its recommendation.
Disagreement indicates the congregation is not ready to follow the leadership of the elders.
Even though the elders are to rule under Christ’s authority and the congregation is to follow, yet the elders should use wisdom and carefully consider the propriety of taking action that is not supported by the congregation. It is not only the responsibility of the Board of Elders to lead, but also to provide sufficient information, sound reasoning, and ample time for the congregation to follow intelligently.
The elders must distinguish between those areas of disagreement that are matters of preference and those that are matters of principle. Even though the decisions of the congregation are not binding on the elders according to the authority invested in the office in the Scriptures, yet the elders shall seek to rule in harmony with the decision of the congregation except where the standards of Scripture would be repudiated, the cause of Christ harmed, or the Faith and Order violated. Whenever there is disagreement, the Board of Elders needs to consider prayerfully the reasons for the disagreement by the congregation in determining the appropriate action to be taken by the Board in exercise of its leadership.
REVISION OF ARTICLE VI – BUSINESS RULES OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The following will replace the material currently in Article VI:
1. Each meeting of Annual Conference shall be opened with prayer.
2. The Chairman shall convene the Conference at the prescribed time and shall lead the Conference in devotions at the first meeting after which the Secretary shall call the roll. Each succeeding morning meeting shall begin with devotions after which the minutes of the meetings of the preceding day shall be read. Business shall generally proceed according to the agenda.
3. Two sessions shall be held daily as follows: from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and from 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Evening meetings are optional at the discretion of Annual Conference.
4. The parliamentary procedure shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order except where superseded by the By-laws for Annual Conference.
5. Anyone wishing to speak shall rise and respectfully address the Chairman. In the event that more than one should address the Chairman at the same time, the Chairman shall decide who is entitled to the floor.
6. No one shall be allowed to speak more than ten minutes on any subject unless he receives permission from the Chairman.
7. No one shall speak a second time on a given motion unless permission is granted by the Chairman.
8. The Chairman is responsible to preserve order.
9. Reports of Boards and Committees to Annual Conference:
a. All Annual conference Boards and Committees elected by ballot shall send copies of their reports to members of Annual Conference no less than one week prior to Annual Conference. Study Committees appointed by the Chairman shall follow the same procedure.
b. Reports which have been previously circulated shall not be read publicly unless requested from the Conference floor.
c. The reports may be questioned and corrected before being accepted by Annual Conference.
d. Two corrected and signed copies of each report shall be given to the Secretary of Annual Conference upon acceptance of said report for inclusion in the Conference Yearbook. These copies shall be signed by the person submitting the report.
10. The election procedures of Annual Conference shall be:
a. Nominations shall be closed at the opening of each meeting for all elections to be conducted at that particular meeting.
b. Nominations and elections for a particular Board or Committee shall not take place until the report of that Board or Committee has been accepted by Annual Conference.
c. A ballot listing the names of all nominees shall be prepared and duplicated at the direction of the tellers for those elections.
d. The ballots shall be marked by each member of the Annual Conference and be submitted to the tellers.
e. The tellers with the aid of the advisory members of the Annual Conference shall tabulate the results and prepare run-off ballots as needed.
f. Elections, according to the will of the Annual Conference, may be conducted by use of oral nomination and hand-written ballots by members of the Annual Conference, and ballots submitted by the tellers.
11. Any exception to the implementation of the rules of the Faith and Order other than the Articles of Faith may be allowed by a three-fourths majority of Annual Conference. The reason for such exceptions shall be fully spread on the minutes. Such exceptions shall be subject to annual review until approved at second reading.
REVISION OF ARTICLE I, ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
(page 91, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order.)
The last two paragraphs shall be replaced with the following:
The proceedings of Annual Conference shall be conducted according to the Business Rules of Annual Conference. The Annual Conference shall keep and publish a record of the proceedings of its meetings and make it available to the membership of the churches.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AUDITING: (See p. 188)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the Pastor shall send a copy of the minutes of all Congregational Meetings, which shall include the Board of Elders’ Report of the Membership, the Annual Financial Report, and the Valuation of Church Properties, and the Pastor’s Statistical Report (PS-3) to the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches, % Pinebrook Bible Conference, P.O. Box 1, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 to arrive by Monday of the week prior to Annual Conference week.
The delegate and pastor shall certify the correctness of the minutes and reports and of the Pastor’s Statistical Report (PS-3) prior to the mailing thereof, and shall include a statement of the certification therewith.
The Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches will forward the material received to the Committee on Statistics.
If the Pastor’s Statistical Schedule (PS-3) is not in the hands of the Committee on Statistics by the Thursday prior to Annual Conference, the statistics from that church will not be included in that year’s report.
Resolved: that the Church Government Study Committee study what recourse a congregation has in the event that its Board of Elders is in conflict with the congregation.
Resolved: that we extend the time.
Resolved: that the 1982-1983 Administrative Budget of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church be adopted.
1982-1983 ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
A. Benefits to Each Pastor (1982-1983) (1983-1984)
1. Beneficiary Fund 1,000 1,000
2. Minister’s Assistance Fund 1,000 1,250
3. Ministerial Convention 750 750
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fun 22,000 24,000
Total 24,750 27,000
B. Benefits to Each Church
1. Conference Entertainment 3,000 3,500
2. Moving Fund 5,000 7,500
3. Fund to Assist Churches 1,000 1,000
Total 9,000 12,000
C. Annual Conference Programs
1. Publication & Printing 2,500 3,000
2. Expenses of Boards and Committees 5,000 6,000
3. Expenses Board of Directors 250 250
4. Ministerial C.C. Internship 1,250 1,500
5. Historical Committee 1,500 1,000
6. Contingencies 192 250
Total 10,692 12,000
TOTAL BUDGET 44,442 51,000
Resolved: that we approve for circulation to the churches the proposed Administrative Budget for 1983-1984 (second column, above) to be used in solicitation of their pledges by April 15, 1983.
Resolved: that the Credentials Committee add to their report the financial accounting of Harold C. Weaber’s legal expenses.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION:
Dana E. Weller (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME:
Henry A. Schell, Bert E. Brosius, Benjamin Pattison. (3 years)
SECRETARY OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Harold C. Weaber
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned with prayer by James Weidner at 12:15 p.m.
SEVENTH MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 13, 1982, 1:30 P.M.
Chairman Jansen E. Hartman called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M.
The Delegate from Howell, David Markuson, led in prayer.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at SECOND READING:
BY-LAWS OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS:
Appointment:
The Chairman of Annual Conference shall prior to the adjournment of Annual Conference appoint the Committee on Statistics for the succeeding Annual Conference.
Duties:
1.The Statistical Committee shall send to each church the Summary Statistical Report forms.
2.It shall receive from each church the completed Summary Statistical Report forms and a copy of the minutes of the congregational meetings of that year.
3.It shall meet on the Thursday preceding the Annual Conference to tabulate these reports for submission to the Annual Conference.
(This material is an expansion of content under Committees Appointed by the Chairman #6, page 100 of the 1981 Faith and Order.)
REVISION OF BY-LAWS REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE FAITH AND ORDER:
(The following shall replace the material under Article XI, pages 136-137, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order.)
Amendments to the Faith and Order
The Annual Conference may propose to the churches amendments or changes in the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church by a two-thirds majority of those voting. After the approval of a first reading of the proposed change, the pastor and delegate of each particular church shall be responsible to inform their Board of Elders of the proposed change. The Board of Elders of each church shall vote on the proposed change, and an affirmative vote by a majority of the total number of elders shall be required for approval. Before the Annual Conference can consider a second reading of the proposed amendment or change in the Articles of Faith, approval of the proposed change must be reported within twenty-four (24) months to the Secretary of Annual Conference by the Board of Elders of at least two-thirds of the churches.
Amendments to the Principles of Order may be proposed to the churches by a two-thirds majority of those voting at Annual Conference. After the approval of a first reading of the proposed change, the pastor and delegate of each particular church shall be responsible to inform their Board of Elders of the proposed change. The amendment will be declared to be in effect when approved by a two-thirds majority of those voting on a second reading of the amendment at a succeeding Annual Conference.
A special rule is an enactment of Annual Conference limited to one year of application. It may not violate the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. It may be reenacted on an annual basis. It may be placed in the Faith and Order by simple majority vote of Annual Conference after being enacted at three successive sessions of Annual Conference.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at Second Reading to appear in Article X, “Miscellaneous By-Laws of Annual Conference”, p 135 f. of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order.
11.The past minutes of Annual Conference boards and committees shall be deposited for storage and preservation in the denominational archives.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at Second Reading to appear in Article VII, “Miscellaneous By-Laws”, p. 73 f, of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order:
Each particular church is encouraged to place its minutes and past records in the denominational archives for storage and preservation where they will be available to the local church as it desires and available to those doing study and research.
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON ABORTION: (see p.190)
Report was accepted and unanimously adopted as the Position Paper on Abortion of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved: that the Board of Publication & Printing make provision for the distribution of the above paper, to be sold at cost.
Resolved: that the Study Committee on Abortion seek to devise an article on abortion to be included in the Faith and Order under Standards of Worship and Life.
REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP STUDY COMMITTEE: (See p. 203)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING:
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
The Scriptures teach that believers are to be faithful stewards. Faithful stewardship requires careful management and use of all resources for the glory of God — body, strength, mind, time, abilities, spiritual gifts, the earth and its components, relationships, opportunities, possessions, money — literally all of life.
Acting on its belief that it is the duty of particular churches to teach and aid their members to be faithful stewards and that it is the duty of those churches in fellowship to encourage and assist the particular churches and agencies of the churches in fellowship to be faithful and efficient in their stewardship, the Bible Fellowship Church has formed a Stewardship Council.
The Stewardship Council exists to serve the constituents, particular churches, and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church. It is not an end in itself, but shall be a means toward the greater glory of God through faithful stewardship. It shall, therefore, seek to help the constituents, particular churches, and agencies to maximize their service for Christ and their impact for the kingdom and glory of God.
By-Laws of the Stewardship Council
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be Stewardship Council of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Article 11 – Membership
The Council shall be comprised of:
a.One representative from and chosen by each agency of the Bible Fellowship Church which chooses to be part of the Stewardship Council.
b.Three members at large representing the particular churches of the Bible Fellowship Church and elected by Annual Conference. These men shall be elected to three-year terms, their terms of office expiring in consecutive years. (to implement, one representative shall be elected for a one-year term, one representative shall be elected for a two-year term, one representative shall be elected for a three-year term.)
Article III – Duties
The duties of the Council shall be:
a.To challenge the constituency of the Bible Fellowship Church to faithfulness in total stewardship of life.
b.To educate the constituency of the Bible Fellowship Church concerning the carrying out of financial stewardship.
c.To assist particular churches and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church, upon their invitation, to develop their own stewardship programs.
d.To assist churches and agencies within the Bible Fellowship Church to solicit for various financial programs.
e.To provide services to the constituents of the Bible Fellowship Church whereby they can contribute financially to Bible Fellowship Church ministries.
f.To delineate the duties of stewardship counselors; to engage, as it deems necessary, personnel to implement these duties; and to oversee their activities.
g.To assist churches and agencies to establish and maintain proper and responsible methods of financial accounting and auditing.
h.To maintain a current understanding concerning tax laws and legal and governmental regulations regarding charitable gifts and charitable organizations.
i.To co-ordinate and review with sensitivity the stewardship programs of various Bible Fellowship Church agencies so as to guard against duplication, competition, over-exposure, and undue aggressiveness.
j.To approve all major capital campaigns and deferred giving programs of all agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church.
k.To submit articles and materials for publication in Fellowship News.
l. To report annually to Annual Conference, said report to include an audited financial report.
Article IV – Funding
The operations of the Council shall be funded by the following means:
a. An appropriation from the Annual Conference Administrative Budget.
b.Appropriations from the participating agencies.
c. Fees charged to particular churches for services rendered by the Council.
d. Fees charged agencies for services rendered by the Council.
e. Gifts designated for the Council.
Article V – Operating Principles
In performing its duties, the Council shall operate under the following principles:
a.In doing its work, the Council shall focus on channeling funds to churches and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church rather than being a recipient of gifts for its own support.
b.Services to particular churches shall be rendered by the council only upon invitation of the Particular church.
c.Suggestions for giving to all participating agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church shall be offered as stewardship programs are presented to and/or in particular churches.
d.In the event an individual requests stewardship information about a particular church or agency, he need be informed only about contributing to that church or agency.
e.All financial dealings of the Council shall be in compliance with federal, state and local laws.
f.Methods of promotion and solicitation shall avoid undue aggressiveness and reflect the highest ethical standards. The Council and its representatives shall not make exaggerated claims of achievement, guarantee results, or offer unreasonable promises.
g.Representatives of the Council shall be above reproach in deportment and shall manifest Christian concern for people.
h.Information gained by representatives of the Council shall be held in confidence and used only for matters relating to the ministry of the Council.
i. Representatives of the Council shall not use their positions for personal financial gain.
Article VI – Stewardship Counselors
The Stewardship Council of the Bible Fellowship Church shall engage a stewardship counselor or counselors to implement its ministry. A full-time counselor shall subscribe annually to the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church and evidence commitment to and support of the various ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church. One engaged part-time for this position shall maintain a credible profession of Christian faith, be committed to evangelical doctrines, and be in sympathy with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. Financial remuneration for his services shall be negotiated by the Council and the counselor. Although various remuneration procedures may be agreed upon, the counselor may not be paid on a commission basis. The performance of all stewardship counselors shall be reviewed annually.
The following were elected:
NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
John H. Riggall, Norman L. Reed (3 years)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
William L. Graybill (3 years)
CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
James A. Beil
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Carl C. Cassel
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS:
Report was accepted and its resolutions adopted.
Whereas: the Lord has continued to show His favor to the Bible Fellowship Church in providing her with faithful men who, through the years, have led and guided in His Church and the agencies thereof, and
Whereas: the blessing of the Lord continues to be evident by Pastors who shepherd the flock by faithfully preaching and teaching the Word of God, by ruling in love and compassion and by serving in all humility as the Scriptures direct, and
Whereas: it is our privilege to have with us a number of our retired Pastors, men of God who encourage us by the example of their Godly lives, and
Whereas: the Lord has blessed the Bible Fellowship Church with Elders who continually exercise their Godly lives and faithful Commitment to His work in the particular churches, therefore be it
Resolved: that we steadfastly seek and pray for the blessing and filling of the Holy Spirit which is the source of our spiritual power, and further
Resolved: that we endeavor, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to live our lives in such a way that they would be pleasing to our Lord, displaying the sincerity of our worship to the Lamb of God Who is worthy of such praise.
Whereas: the Bible Fellowship Church Home, Pinebrook Bible Conference, Pinebrook Junior College, and Victory Valley Camp have performed a dedicated and God-honoring service this past Conference year, therefore, be it
Resolved: that we ask the Administrator of the Bible Fellowship Church Home, the Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference, the President of Pinebrook Junior College, and the Director of Victory Valley Camp to express our sincere appreciation to their entire staffs.
Whereas: Harold C. Weaber has served as Secretary of the 99th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church with dedication, and
Whereas: Bryan G. Upton has assisted the Secretary in a faithful manner, and
Whereas: Bernard N. Coble has served as Assistant to the Secretaries in a most efficient manner, therefore
Resolved: that we express our thanks to these Brethren for their faithful service, and that we present a gift of $50.00 to each of them from the Board of Publication and Printing.
Whereas: Pinebrook Bible Conference, with its capable staff and beautiful surroundings, has provided housing and meals for the members and guests of the 99th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved: that at the Wednesday evening meal, the body of this Annual Conference express its appreciation for these provisions to the personnel of Pinebrook Bible Conference with a rising vote of thanks, and further
Resolved: that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director.
Whereas: Pinebrook Bible Conference has offered to entertain the next Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved: that the 100th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church be convened at Pinebrook Bible Conference Center, Stroudsburg, PA on Tuesday, October 11, 1983 at 10:00 A.M.
Whereas: R. C. Reichenbach and David E. Thomann have served faithfully in varied ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church for many years, and
Whereas: they have recently retired from active service, therefore be it
Resolved: that we praise God for His giving these men to our fellowship and commend them to God for His blessing upon them in their remaining years of service.
Whereas: Jansen E. Hartman has served three consecutive terms as Chairman to Annual Conference, and
Whereas: the rules of Annual Conference declare that he be ineligible to serve a fourth consecutive term, therefore be it
Resolved: that we express our appreciation to him for his faithful and wise leadership on our behalf.
Whereas: the devoted and dedicated missionaries serving under the Board of Missions have been obedient to the call of the Lord of the Harvest and have diligently sought to carry out the injunctions of the Great Commission, therefore be it
Resolved: that we thank God for these servants and assure them of our fervent prayers and continued financial support.
Whereas: in the glorious providence of God the missions in New Fairfield, CT and Poughquag, NY have been recognized as churches by the 99th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved: that we praise God for this evidence of growth in our Church, and further
Resolved: that we pledge our continued prayer support for these churches as they continue to proclaim the gospel and edify believers.
Whereas: Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church has made a contribution to the Legal Aid Fund of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved: that we praise God for this expression of Christian love by a sister church, and further
Resolved: that the Assistant Secretary of Annual Conference forward a copy of this resolution to the Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church.
Paul G. Zimmerman Bruce A. Ellingson
Paul Clymer William L. Graybill II
John Moran Henry A. Schell
David A. Thomann
the Committee on Resolutions
The Chairman of Annual Conference made the following appointments to the 100th Annual Conference:
COMMITTEE ON AGENDA:
Harold C. Weaber, James A. Beil, Thomas P. Shorb
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES:
R.C. Reichenbach, Thomas P. Shorb, William L. Graybill II, Kenneth L. Good.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES:
George R. Bryson, Henry A. Schell.
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS:
LeRoy S. Heller, Daniel G. Ziegler, Bryan G. Upton, Warren L. Zimmerman, Bernard N. Coble.
COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM:
Historical Committee; Chairman of Annual Conference, James A. Beil.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES: (See p. 204)
Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING:
SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
1.Prayer: The meeting shall be opened with prayer.
2.Roll Call: This shall occur at all congregational meetings, regular and special. The roll call shall include all church officers and all individuals responsible for reporting at the regular meeting(s).
3.Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting(s).
4.Reports (Annual Congregational Meeting):
a.Report of the Board of Elders (to include at least the following):
(1) Membership Report
(2)Financial Report (s) – including evidence of annual auditing.
(3)Submission of the proposed church budget.
(4)Record of Designation of the Pastoral Relations Committee.
(5)Status of the Work
(6)Ratification by the congregation of the valuation of church property.
(7)Benevolence Report (may be reported in Board of Deacon’s Report or in Financial Report).
(8)Recommendations.
b.Report of the Board of Deacons.
c.Reports as required by the by-laws of the particular church: Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Adult Fellowship(s), Women’s Missionary Society, Special Committees, Pastor, etc.
5.Old Business – All motions properly recorded.
6.New Business – All motions properly recorded.
7.Election of Church Officers – All elections properly recorded. A complete list of the elders who will be serving the congregation in the new church year shall be included in the minutes so that Annual Conference can verify that the Delegate and Alternate Delegate are active elders in the congregation.
8.Petition(s) to Annual Conference.
9.Adjournment with Closing Prayer.
10. Minutes are to be signed by the Secretary.
FORMAT FOR SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
1. Prayer: The meeting shall be opened with prayer.
2.Roll Call
3.Statement of Purpose: The purpose of the special meeting must be stated at the beginning of the minutes of that meeting and business shall be limited to that of the stated purpose of the meeting. Any action must be properly recorded.
4.Adjournment with prayer.
5.Minutes are to be signed by the Secretary.
(The above material replaces “Suggested Format for Congregational Meetings” and “Format for Special Congregational Meetings” on p. 63f. of the Faith and Order, 1981 edition).
Resolved: that the following be adopted at SECOND READING (to replace the material presently found on pages 114-115 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church under “Board of Foreign Missions”):
Whereas: changes were submitted to clarify the legislation passed at first reading in 1981, and
Whereas: the changes are not considered substantial, therefore be it
Resolved: that these changes be noted in the yearbook and that this reading be accepted as the SECOND READING:
BOARD OF MISSIONS
Purpose: The Board of Missions is delegated by Annual Conference to direct and promote the Missions program of the Bible Fellowship Church, and to select, oversee, and care for its missionaries who serve in foreign countries and in the United States of America in ministries other than Bible Fellowship churches and agencies.
Composition: The Board of Missions shall be composed of nine men, namely, the Executive Secretary, the Financial Secretary, four ordained ministers, and three laymen.
Election: The Executive Secretary and the Financial Secretary shall each be elected for a term of three years by the Board of Missions, subject to ratification by the Annual Conference. The election of these officers shall be in such a manor that their terms shall not expire at the same time.
Four ordained ministers and three laymen shall be elected by Annual Conference for terms of three years in the following classes:
1. Two ministers and one layman
II.One minister and one layman
III. One minister and one layman.
The Chairman of the Board of Missions shall be elected annually by and from the Board of Missions at its organizational meeting. The Chairman, the Executive Secretary, and the Financial Secretary shall comprise the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions.
Duties of the Board of Missions:
1.To formulate objectives and policies for the missions program of the Bible Fellowship Church as conducted in foreign countries and in the U.S.A.
2. To interview and examine all prospective candidates for missionary service in foreign countries and in the U.S.A. and to make decisions pertaining to approval and support of individuals who are committed to the Articles of Faith and who endeavor to obey the Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
3.To exercise oversight and spiritual care of the missionaries and candidates serving under the direction of the Board of Missions.
4.To maintain within the missions program of the Bible Fellowship Church standards compatible with the Faith and Order.
5.To supervise and care for financial and administrative matters pertaining to the Board of Missions.
6.To promote interest and involvement in missions in conjunction with the Local Churches (e.g. assisting Missionary Committees and Women’s Missionary Societies).
7.To submit a written report to Annual Conference.
8.To designate which particular churches will comprise the various Women’s Missionary Society (W.M.S.) Regions.
9.To appoint a W.M.S. General Committee composed of four members: President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Duties of the Chairman of the Board of Missions:
1.He shall serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
2.He shall prepare an agenda for each Board Meeting in consultation with the Executive Committee.
3.He shall call Board and Executive Committee Meetings and preside at the same.
4.He shall appoint committees as necessary and monitor their progress.
5.He shall arrange for all applicants to be interviewed by the Board of Missions.
6.He shall arrange for all missionaries to be interviewed periodically by the Board of Missions.
7.He shall be responsible to see that the Board’s decisions and policies are implemented.
Duties of the Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions:
1.He shall call for and conduct the election of the Chairman.
2.He shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of this Board’s meetings and distribute the same to all Board members.
3.He shall be custodian of the Minutes and records of this Board and of the files of the applicants, candidates, and missionaries.
4.He shall be responsible for all correspondence with particular churches, applicants, candidates, missionaries, and others, except correspondence pertaining to financial matters.
5.He shall receive all inquiries and applications for missionary service.
6.He shall be responsible for public relations for the Board and seek to promote interest and involvement in missions among the constituency of the Bible Fellowship Church.
7.He shall seek to know and to minister to the spiritual needs of the missionaries.
8.He shall represent the missionaries and their needs to this Board and to the particular churches.
9.He shall annually submit the Board of Missions report to Annual Conference.
10.He shall personally interview missionaries on furlough at the earliest possible time.
Duties of the Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions:
1.He shall receive all monies for the Board of Missions and deposit them as directed by this Board, make all disbursements for this Board, and keep accurate records.
2.He shall be responsible for all correspondence pertaining to finances.
3.He shall annually submit a financial report for inclusion in this Board’s report to the Annual Conference.
4.He shall have the financial books audited annually.
5.He shall make recommendations to this Board for all investments, and invest as directed.
Contributions:
All financial contributions to the Board of Missions shall be sent to the Financial Secretary of the Board. The members of the Bible Fellowship Church are encouraged to forward their contributions for missionaries through the particular church to the Board of Missions, and not to missionaries directly.
Resolved: that the following changes be made as needed in the Faith and Order. (1981 edition)
1.Delete the word “Foreign” in the following places:
a)page 4, under #3; b) page 74, under f., lines I and 3; c) page 94, under Article IV, the fourth last line; d) page 126, under”Categories of Ministry”, line 8; e) page 135, under “Miscellaneous By-laws of Annual Conference, under #2, line 3.
2. On page 74, under f., “General Secretary” should be replaced by “Financial Secretary.”
Resolved: that upon approval of the legislation presented by the Board of Foreign Missions, Annual Conference shall:
1.Elect one minister and one layman for three years.
2.Permit the present General Secretary to complete his term (October, 1983)
3.Permit the Board of Missions to appoint one or two men who would assist the General Secretary until the 100th session of Annual Conference in preparation for responsibilities of the offices of Executive Secretary and Financial Secretary.
4.Vote on ratification of the proposed individuals for the offices of Executive Secretary and Financial Secretary at the 100th session of Annual Conference.
Upon approval of the legislation presented by the Board of Foreign Missions, that Board will:
1.Begin to implement the responsibilities as outlined.
2.Seek one or two men who would begin to assist the General Secretary.
Resolved: that we extend the time.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING:
ARTICLE III (pg. 94)
MEMBERSHIP OF CONGREGATIONS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Any congregation meeting the standards of Article XVIII of the Articles of Faith and committed to the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church may be admitted to membership in Annual Conference and shall be known as a church.
Any congregation which is under the supervision of the Board of Church Extension of the Bible Fellowship Church but which has not yet met the standards for recognition as a church shall be called a mission. The term mission is used in a technical sense, but this does not preclude the use of the term church in any of the congregation’s public relations activities.
A mission may be recognized as a church with membership in Annual Conference when it has attained to the standards set forth in Article XVIII of the Articles of Faith and demonstrates a commitment to the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. The Board of Church Extension has the responsibility of evaluating the preparedness of the mission for admission to Annual Conference. Upon recommendation by the Board of Church Extension, the mission congregation may be recognized as a church and be admitted to Annual Conference membership by a majority vote of Annual Conference.
A daughter congregation of a Bible Fellowship Church, an independent congregation, or an established congregation of another denomination desiring membership in Annual Conference, shall establish contact with and come under the care of the Board of Church Extension. This church shall be evaluated by the Board of Church Extension on the basis of its agreement with the Faith and Order and particularly as to its compliance with Article XVIII of the Articles of Faith. This church shall be recommended for admission into membership in Annual Conference by the Board of Church Extension upon satisfactory completion of the evaluation. A majority vote of Annual Conference shall be required for membership in Annual Conference.
(The above material replaces “Rules Relative to Status of Churches,” p. 118f, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order).
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING:
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION DUTIES
Duties:
1.The Board of Church Extension shall have authority to establish new congregations and aid in their organization.
2.It shall have oversight over all organizing congregations known as missions.
3.It shall function on behalf of each mission on all matters that relate to pulpit supply and particular church government in accordance with the Faith and Order.
4.It shall receive applications for admission to Annual Conference from daughter churches or congregations outside the Bible Fellowship Church.
5.It shall require all missions and churches under its care to adhere to the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
6.It shall receive and disburse all monies designated for church extension.
7.It shall have jurisdiction over all churches receiving financial aid from the Board of Church Extension. This jurisdiction shall continue three years after receipt of the last payment of financial aid. After a church ceases to be under the jurisdiction of the Church Extension Department it shall not again come under that jurisdiction or be eligible to receive financial aid from the Board of Church Extension except when a need for financial aid shall be occasioned by its participation in the start of a new Bible Fellowship Church or mission, in which case the Board of Church Extension may appropriate such financial aid.
8.It shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church on the approval and consummation of legal transactions for the purchase of real estate and/or the erection of buildings for Church Extension purposes.
9.It shall make recommendations to Annual Conference on the admission of missions and churches to membership in Annual Conference.
10.The Board shall make a written report of its activities to Annual Conference. This report shall include a submission of a proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning September 1 of the following year.
(The above material replaces “Duties of the Board of Church Extension”, p. 115f, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order).
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING: (to appear on p. 44 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order).
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHURCH TOWARD MEMBERS
Each particular church has been directed by Christ to minister corporately to the needs of individual members. The Elders of each congregation shall endeavor to establish a program that shall honor the body of Christ in fulfilling the following responsibilities toward members:
1.To implement the corporate worship of God (John 4:23, 24; Eph. 5:19, 20; Col. 3:16).
2.To promote the development of Christian character and conduct (Rom. 6:1-23; 12:9-21; 14:1; 15:7; Gal.5:16-26; Eph. 4:22-5:21).
3.To maintain purity of life and doctrine (I Cor. :1-31; 1 Tim. 1:3-11; Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-11; Heb. 13:9; II John 10,11; Jude 3, 4; Rev. 2:2. 14, 15, 20).
4.To instruct and train for Christian service and to give opportunity to serve (Rom. 12:1-8;
I Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:8-16; Matt. 28:18-20; II Tim. 2:2).
5.To impart a vision for evangelism and missions (Matt. 9:36-38; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 9:lff; Romans 10:lff).
6.To assist in building good relationships:
(a)Family (Eph. 5:22-6:4; I Peter 3:1-7).
(b)Employment (Eph. 6:5-9; I Peter 3:18-21).
©)Community and State (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
7.To promote fellowship and hospitality (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2,16;1 Peter 4:9; III John 5-8).
8.To minister comfort (II Cor. 1:3-7).
9.To promote unity and harmony (I Cor. 1:10-13; Eph. 4:3).
10.To care for the needy (Acts 6:1-8; I Tim. 5:3-16).
11.To settle disagreements and administer discipline (Matt.18:15-20; I Cor. 5:1-13; I Thess. 3:14,15).
Resolved: that we suspend the rules to adjourn until 6:30 P.M.
Adjourned at 5:18 P.M. in prayer led by Austin Shelly.
EIGHTH MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 13, 1983, 6:30 P.M.
The Chairman of Annual Conference, Jansen E. Hartman, opened the meeting.
The Delegate from Mt. Carmel, Harold L. Snyder Jr., led the Conference in singing “Thank You, Lord”, and led in a time of praise and prayer.
Bert N. Brosius opened the evening meeting with prayer.
The Chairman appointed Thomas P. Shorb as Registrar for the 100th Annual Conference and Philip Morrison as his assistant.
Resolved:
1. That Fellowship News be published bi-monthly at sixteen pages per issue.
2. That Fellowship News be mailed to all Bible Fellowship Church families at no subscription cost.
3. That the publishing of Fellowship News be funded by a yearly contribution from the following Boards and Committees: Victory Valley, Missions, Christian Education, Church Extension, Pinebrook Junior College, and Pinebrook Bible Conference, and an annual subsidy from the Administrative Budget.
4. That the proposed plan for publishing Fellowship News begin with the January-February issue of 1983.
5. That the funding of Fellowship News for the 1983 year be as follows:
a. A contribution of $150.00 from the following Boards and Committees: Victory Valley, Missions, Christian Education, Church Extension, Pinebrook Junior College, and Pinebrook Bible Conference.
b. A contribution of 500, per member from each church be paid to the Financial Secretary of the Board of Directors by December 31, 1982, with a subsidy from the 1982-1983 Administrative Budget to make up the balance of $3,000.00.
The division of the house on the above amendment (b) was: 47 for, 28 against.
Resolved: that the following Board of Publication and Printing Budget for 1982-1983 be adopted:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
1982-1983 BUDGET
FELLOWSHIP NEWS:
Income:
Donations from Boards & Committees 900
Subsidy from Administrative Budget 4,250
and Offerings from Churches 5,150
Expenditures:
Printing (9 issues) 3,900
Mailing (9 issues) 600
Secretarial Help 200
Editor’s Expense 200
Business Manager’s Expense 150
Repairs & Supplies 100
Total Expenditures 5,150
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Income:
Administrative Budget Subsidy 1,250
Yearbooks 2,800
Faith & Order & Church Supplies 800
Total Income 4,850
Expenditures:
Yearbooks 2,800
Honorariums 700
Church Supplies 300
Print Supplement to Faith & Order 700
Repairs & Equipment 100
Board & Secretary Expense 250
Total Expenditures 4,850
Resolved: that the mailing list for Fellowship News be used for that purpose and no other.
Resolved: that the following by-laws for the Historical Committee be adopted at SECOND READING:
Election:
It shall be composed of five men. They shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
1. Two men
II. Two men
III. One man.
Duties:
1. To develop and encourage the study of the history of the denomination.
2.To maintain denominational archives for the accumulation of materials and memoirs relating to the history of the denomination.
3.To appoint an archivist, who shall be responsible for the maintenance and oversight of the archives.
4.To determine policy and procedure by which the archivist can maintain and supplement the historical material of the denomination.
5.To assist the archivist in the collection of relevant historical materials.
6.To receive and disburse funds received from the Administrative Budget, churches, and individuals.
7.To encourage each particular church and mission to maintain a file of important documents relating to the historical development of the local fellowship.
8. To make an annual report to the Annual Conference.
Organization:
The Committee shall annually elect by and from its membership a chairman, a secretary, and a treasurer.
Resolved: that the following material on “Sunday Bible Schools” be adopted at SECOND READING:
SUNDAY BIBLE SCHOOLS
Each Sunday Bible School shall have the following officers: General Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Secretary*, and Treasurer*. These officers shall serve for a term of one year. The General Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent may be elected by and from the membership of the particular church or be appointed by the Board of Elders. Each Sunday Bible School is responsible to the Board of Elders. The Pastor, by virtue of his office, is also an officer of the Sunday Bible School. In the churches which have a Christian Education Director, the Board of Elders shall determine if this person is to be an officer of the Sunday Bible School.
QUALIFICATIONS OF STAFF MEMBERS
1.Each one shall confess Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior and give evidence of this in his or her conduct.
2.Each one shall be faithful in his or her attendance of the public services of the particular church.
3.Each one shall be faithful in attendance of staff meetings.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The General Superintendent shall:
1.Provide each class with a born-again teacher as directed by the Executive Committee.
2.See that the school is properly graded.
3.Preside or arrange for a leader at each session of the school.
4.Periodically survey the work done in the various classes and departments.
5.Cooperate with the Pastor in the administration of the Sunday Bible School.
6.Report regularly to the Board of Elders all information requested by the Board to maintain oversight.
7.Be responsible to carry out the directives of the Board of Elders in regards to the Sunday Bible School.
8.Report annually to the congregation concerning the status of the Sunday Bible School.
The Assistant Superintendent shall:
1.Assume the responsibilities of the General Superintendent in his or her absence or incapacity.
2.Have as his or her special interest the oversight of absentee visitation and stimulation of Sunday Bible School promotion.
The Secretary* shall:
1.Be appointed by the Executive Committee.
2.Be responsible for enrollment and attendance records.
3.Provide the General Superintendent with all necessary information for reports.
The Treasurer* shall:
1.Be appointed by the Executive Committee.
2.Be accountable for all monies received as determined by the by-laws of the Particular Church.
The Departmental Superintendent shall:
1.Be appointed by the Executive Committee.
2.Lead and direct all departmental activities consistent with the spiritual goals and objectives of the particular Sunday Bible School.
3.Work closely with the General Superintendent, keeping the Superintendent informed on all matters relating to the department, i.e. discipline problems, teaching needs, material requirements, et cetera.
4.Be aware of absentees, advising the Assistant Superintendent when students are absent for three and six weeks consecutively.
DUTIES OF TEACHERS
Each teacher shall:
1.Endeavor to lead his or her students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to nurture those who have made a profession of faith in Christ.
2.Thoroughly prepare himself or herself through prayer and Bible Study to teach the Scriptures, making use of teacher manuals and/or other resource materials.
3.Become personally acquainted with each of his or her students, so that lessons may be relevant.
4.Be faithful in the visitation of students and follow-up of absentees.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1.It shall be composed of the Pastor, General Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, secretary*, Treasurer*, Departmental Superintendents, and/or others appointed or elected in accordance with the by-laws of the particular church.
2.It shall meet at the call of the General Superintendent.
3.It shall arrange for meetings of the entire Sunday Bible School staff.
4.The General Superintendent, Christian Education Director, or Pastor shall preside at all meetings.
5.It shall be responsible to provide each department with personnel as needed.
6.It shall exercise oversight in the assignment of all teachers, assistants, and substitutes.
7.It shall review and act upon the resignation or proposed removal of any teacher or officer of the Sunday Bible School.
8.It shall be responsible to maintain a high degree of spirituality, positive Christian conduct, and full cooperation on the part of the Sunday Bible School staff.
9.It shall approve all curricula to be used in the Sunday Bible School.
10. It shall approve all furnishings, equipment, and teaching aids to be used in the Sunday Bible School.
11. It shall endeavor to provide a program of teacher training.
12. It shall approve all projects conducted by the Sunday Bible School or individual classes.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
1. A visitor who attends for three consecutive Sundays shall be enrolled as an active member.
2. A member is dropped from the active enrollment after thirteen consecutive absences, and is maintained on the roll as an inactive member for six months.
*NOTE: The duties of the Secretary and Treasurer may be combined into one office, the SecretaryTreasurer, in accordance with the by-laws of the particular church.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at SECOND READING:
Resolved: that the article “Dedication of Children” be included in the Faith and Order under Standards of Worship and Life as Article VII, with all subsequent articles renumbered.
STANDARDS OF WORSHIP AND LIFE
ARTICLE VII
DEDICATION CF CHILDREN
Child dedication is a voluntary act wherein believing parents publicly present their child to the Lord as an outward expression of their gratitude to Him for the child1 and as a formal appeal to God for divine assistance in the rearing of the child. It is not to be confused with infant baptism. It is not to be viewed as an ordinance of the church, nor is it to be considered as having saving efficacy.
Because the child is a gift from God, the parents promise, as God’s stewards, to bring up the child entrusted to them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.2
In dedicating their child in the presence of fellow believers, parents are publicly dedicating themselves to the faithful fulfillment of their parental responsibilities3 and are acknowledging their need for the prayerful support and encouragement of those fellow believers.4
The act of child dedication becomes meaningful only as the parents explain to the child the meaning of this act and consistently carry out the promises made before God and the brethren at the time of the dedication. When one of the parents is an unbeliever, only the believing parent shall make the public presentation.
1Psalm 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights; with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
2Ephesians 6:4 “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
3Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
4Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
5Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works,
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
The budget of Pinebrook Junior College (as revised) was presented.
Resolved: that the Board of Publication and Printing in corroboration with the Historical Committee publish and sell at cost all position papers found in the Year Books of the Bible Fellowship Church which they deem important and necessary to publish.
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING:
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
(See Articles of Faith, Article XVIII The Church, p. 19-20, and Qualifications and Duties of Church Membership, p. 44-46 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order.)
Questions to Candidates
1.Can you testify that through repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ you have experienced the forgiveness of your sin and enjoy peace with God? If so, answer “Yes.”
2.Do you believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the sole authority for the way of salvation, and do you take this Word to be your rule of faith and conduct? If so, answer “Yes.
3.Will you endeavor by God’s help to be responsible for faithful attendance of public worship, daily reading of the Scripture, prayer, praise, and systematic giving? If so, answer “Yes.”
4.Are you willing to submit to the authority of Bible Fellowship Church, and to live in keeping with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church? If so, answer “Yes.”
5.Since the time that you were born again, have you been baptized by immersion as instructed in the Word of God? If so, answer “Yes.”
Act of Admission
(The Minister shall say, ” (Name of Candidate) . I extend to you the right hand of fellowship in the name of Christ and His Church, and welcome you as a member of Bible Fellowship Church.”
Resolved: that the following be adopted at FIRST READING:
BAPTISM
(See Articles of Faith, Article XX Ordinances, F & O. p. 21)
Question to Candidates
A time of singing, prayer, and a brief message by the officiating Pastor shall be followed by the questioning of the candidate(s).
“Can you testify that through repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ you have experienced the forgiveness of your sin and enjoy peace with God? If so, answer “Yes.”
Act of Baptism
(The Minister shall immerse the candidate, saying,)
“ , upon the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”
Resolved: that the Committee on Agenda give the Committee on Forms quality time to present their report at the 100th Annual Conference.
The printed minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved as corrected.
Resolved: that we adjourn the 99th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Adjourned at 9:25 P.M. Wednesday, October 13, 1982, with the singing of “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”, and with prayer by Carl C. Cassel.