101st ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1984
FIRST MEETING
Monday Morning, October 8, 1984 – 10:00 A.M.
The first meeting of the 101st Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by the Chairman, James A. Beil, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, Pa., at 10:00 A.M. on October 8, 1984. David A. Thomann led the Conference in singing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
Robert Stringfellow read the Scripture, Psalm 96. Prayer was offered by Missionary Fred Gibbon. Pinebrook Junior College staff members presented special music.
The Secretary appointed Robert W. Smock as Assistant Secretary and Bernard N. Coble as Assistant to the Secretaries.
The roll of conference members was established as follows:
Allentown, Cedar Crest Ronald C. Mahurin, Roy A. Hertzog, John W. Trauch, Paul K. Clymer, Jr.
Allentown, Salem Charles J. McConnell, Alan Abel
Bethlehem Robert F. Johnson, Robert F. Gerding, Warren L. Zimmerman
Blandon George R. Bryson, Raymond R. Bertolet
Camden, DE James G. Koch, James Hanna
Catasauqua Philip E. Morrison, Joseph Wire, Jr.
Coopersburg Frank L. Herb, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder
Denville, N.J. Stephen R. VanEck, John F. Moran
Edison, N.J.(Mission) David J. Watkins
Emmaus Dana E. Weller, Clifford L. Kauffman
Ephrata Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, N.J. D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub
Fleetwood Probationer Ronald P. Turner
Freehold-Englishtown, N.J. Clinton Crankshaw
Graterford Richard D. Harris, Robert Gaugler
Harleysville Paul G. Zimmerman, W. David Armstrong, Jr.
Harrisburg Probationer Walter A. Schlagel
Hatfield John H. Herb, Lee E. Boyles
Howell, N.J. John C. Vandegriff, Jr., David M. Markuson
Irvington, N.J. (Mission) Ronald C. Erb
Lancaster David A. Thomann, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon Probationer LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton Larry A. Carpenter, Clair Greensweig
Maple Glen Carl K. Spackman, Harold E. Snyder
Mt. Carmel William L. Graybill, II, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Nazareth Keith E. Plows, Norman Granda
Newark, N.J.(Mission) Delbert R. Baker II
New Fairfield, CT Probationer Steven Blankenship
Oley Clayton E. Weber
Paradise Kenneth L. Good, L. Eugene Brenneman
Phila.(Emmanuel) Roger Reitz, Russell L. Davis
Phila. Wissinoming G. Wayne Clapier, Kenneth Cressman
Poughquag, N.Y. James Wickstead, Thomas Ward
Quakertown Bert N. Brosius, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading Jansen E. Hartman, Robert Breitegam, Walter Raybuck
Royersford Robert W. Smock, William R. Hunsburger, Jr.
Scranton James R. Batchler, Jr., Ronald Honeywell
Shamokin Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., T. Lamarn Manney
Sinking Spring Terris L. Byrd, Donald McKinney
Spring City Probationer John Derck
Staten Island, N.Y. Bryan G. Upton, Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg Thomas P. Shorb, Paul H. Cobb
Sunbury LeRoy S. Heller, Bert E. Brosius, Clayton B. Brosius
Terre Hill Probationer Jeffrey Seip
Wallingford Richard E. Taylor, William R. Singletary
York Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Alan Lindstrom
Zionsville David L. Weller
ORDAINED MEN SERVING BIBLE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES
James A. Beil, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Bernard N. Coble, Bruce A. Ellingson, George E. Herb, David H. Jones, Barry J. Minsky, Daniel G. Ziegler
ORDAINED MEN BETWEEN CALLS
Herbert K. Lea, Austin G. Shelly
ORDAINED MISSIONARIES
Leonard E. Buck, Brian H. Butler, Robert L. Draper, Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald W. 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, C. E. Kirkwood, C. Leslie Miller, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, David E. Thomann
PROBATIONERS SERVING AS FIRST PASTORS OF CHURCHES
Albert J. Dommel, Carl T. Martin, Calvin T. Reed, Dean A. Stortz, Robert H. Stringfellow, Steven S. Trommler
The above roll was called by Bryan G. Upton, Secretary
Resolved: that the area of tables be considered the Conference Bar.
Resolved: that the Alternate Delegate, Leonard A. Russell, be seated as the delegate from the New Fairfield, Connecticut church.
The Registrar read requests from the following who asked to be excused from parts or all of the meetings of Annual Conference:
Barry J. Minsky, Brian H. Butler, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald W. Hoyle, David L. Manney, Philip E. Yerrington, C. E. Kirkwood, Paul E. Baer, Larry A. Carpenter, Arthur J. Frisbie, David J. Watkins, R. C. Reichenbach, Richard J. Gehman, James Hanna, Robert F. Gerding, Roger Reitz, Robert F. Johnson, Alva C. Cassel, Bernard N. Coble, George E. Herb, John F. Moran, Warren L. Zimmerman, Steven Blankenship, Donald P. Straub, Joseph Wire, Jr. and Carl T. Martin.
Resolved: that these requests be granted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA:
Resolved: that the agenda be accepted as the basic guideline for the order of business.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM: (See p. 102)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
The Report was accepted, with corrections.
The Chairman appointed the following committees:
Tellers: Keith E. Plows, Leroy S. Heller, Carl K. Spackman, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Harold L. Snyder, Jr., Leroy O. Herb, Clyde W. Snyder.
Resolutions: L. James Roberts, Jr., David M. Markuson, G. Wayne Clapier, Randall A. Grossman, Richard E. Taylor, William R. Hunsberger, Jr.
Communications: Roy A. Hertzog, William L. Graybill, II, Ronald P. Turner
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Horace A. Kauffman, Alan Lindstrom, Ralph D. Cole, John Derck
Timekeeper: David A. Thomann
Reporter: Richard D. Harris
Parliamentarian: Jansen E. Hartman
Resolved: that we approve the Conference Committees appointed by the Chairman.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE: (See p. 44)
The report, as corrected, was accepted.
Whereas: we strongly believe it is the Scriptural responsibility of the church to adequately meet the needs of its pastors (Matt.10:10; I Cor. 9:7-15; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:10-19; 1 Tim. 5:17-18) therefore be it
Resolved: that we encourage each church to increase its pastor’s salary at least 6% above the previous year’s salary, and further
Resolved: that it is the consensus of this 101st Annual Conference that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church, including benefits, is $14,300.00 for the 1984-85 year.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS: (See p. 46)
The report was accepted.
Resolved: that the Chairman appoint a Committee to prepare a tribute to F. B. Hertzog to appear in the 1984 Year Book.
The Chairman appointed Keith E. Plows and Jansen E. Hartman to the above committee.
Whereas: the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Calvin T. Reed and Albert J. Dommel for examination for 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 Calvin T. Reed and Albert J. Dommel be ordained at a service of Ordination to be held on Thursday, November 1, 1984 at 7:30 P.M. at Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Reading, Pa.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE: (See p. 49)
The report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following men be accepted under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee:
PROBATIONERS (Year of licensing in parenthesis)
Keith B. Anderson Terre Hill, Pa.(1980)
William C. Aukamp Pequea, Pa.
James L. Beaver Clearwater, FL
Douglas D. Bowne Royersford, Pa.
David A. Carver Sunbury, Pa. (1983)
Robert S. Commerford Holmes, N.Y.
Albert J. Dommel Harrisburg, Pa. (1982)
Harry L. Downs Ronks, Pa.
Arthur J. Frisbie Newark, DE (1976)
W. Neil Harding Wallingford, Pa.(1983)
Kenneth D. Keeler Harleysville, Pa. (1982)
Thomas MacMillan Nazareth, Pa. (1983)
Carl T. Martin Spring City, Pa.(1983)
William T. Neff Brigantine, N.J.(1978) (on leave of absence)
Hillary Nixon Denville, N.J.
Louis Prontnicki Philadelphia, Pa.(1983)
Calvin T. Reed Lebanon, Pa. (1982)
David N. Schoen Sinking Spring, Pa.(1982)
Mark C. Solt Allentown, Pa.(1983)
Dennis Spinney Hillside, N.J.
Dean A. Stortz New Fairfield, CT
Robert H. Stringfellow Fleetwood, Pa. (1983)
Steven L. Trommler Terre Hill, Pa.
CANDIDATES
W. David Armstrong Harleysville, Pa.
Gary F. Bentley Hatfield, Pa.
Raymond G. Burnett Englishtown, N..J.
David W. Chappell Walnutport, Pa.
Harold B. Fravel Emmaus, Pa.
Ronald A. Honeywell Montrose, Pa.
Phillip J. Mitchell Allentown, Pa.
James E. Neher Hatfield, Pa.
Richard T. Paashaus Coopersburg, Pa.
David W. Riddell Ambler, Pa.
William G. Schlonecker Newark, DE
Jeffrey C. Stickler Bethlehem, Pa.
J. Richard Vroman Souderton, Pa.
James Wenger Plainville, CN
Byron Widger Graterford, Pa.
Daniel Witwer Terre Hill, Pa.
APPLICANTS
Scott Fetterolf Reading, Pa.
Walter Johnson Wyomissing, Pa. ‘
Richard P. Jones, Sr. Wescoesville, Pa.
Daniel A. Mabus Emmaus, Pa.
Daniel R. Martin Snydertown, Pa.
Kevin P. Roberts Lancaster, Pa.
Resolved: that the section called “Categories of Ministry” on page 126 of the Faith and Order (1981 edition) be revised as follows: (SECOND READING)
1. That we create a new category called “Ordained Ministers working in the Military Chaplaincy under the Sponsorship of the Bible Fellowship Church.”
2. That the present category III be changed to read: “Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries.”
3. That the numbering of the categories be changed 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 Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church.
III. Ordained Ministers Working in the Military Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the Bible Fellowship Church.
IV. Ordained Ministers in Retirement
V. Ordained Ministers Working in other Christian Ministries
VI. Ordained Ministers on Leave of Absence.
4. That categories one through four (in the recommended order) shall be eligible to be members of Annual Conference and that categories five and six (in the recommended order) shall be eligible to be advisory members of Annual Conference.
Resolved: that the first two questions on the Faith and Order Questionnaire be changed to read as follows: (SECOND READING)
a. Do you subscribe, without reservation, to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church? Yes or No
b. If you have any reservations about any Article of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, state them specifically.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE: (See p.52)
The report was accepted.
Resolved: that Annual Conference recommends that each church pay for its Pastor and wife to attend the 1985 Ministerial Convention of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved: that the adopted by-laws of the Ministerial Convention Committee be referred to the Church Government Study Committee for possible placement in the Faith and Order.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: (See p. 57)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that a contribution of 200.00 be given to the Board of Publication and Printing from each of the following Boards and Committees: Victory Valley, Missions, Christian Education, Church Extension, Pinebrook Junior College, Pinebrook Bible Conference and Bible Fellowship Church Home to help underwrite the cost of publication of Fellowship News.
Resolved: that a contribution of 1.00 per member be given to the Board of Publication and Printing from each church to help underwrite the cost of publication of Fellowship News. Payments are to be made to the Business Manager by December 31, 1984.
Resolved: that the cost of the 1984 Yearbook be 4.00 per copy.
Resolved: that the following budget be adopted:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
BUDGET 1984-1985
Fellowship News
Income:
Donations from Board & Committees $1,400.
Subsidy from Administrative Budget 1,800.
Offerings from Churches 6,000. 9,200.
Expenses:
Printing Fellowship News (6 Issues) 7,000.
Mailing Costs 1,500.
Secretarial Expense 200.
Editor’s Expense 200.
Business Manager’s Expense 100.
Repairs & Supplies 200. 9,200.
Board of Publication and Printing
Income:
Administrative Budget Subsidy 1,200.
Yearbook Sales 3,400.
Faith and Order Sales 2,500.
*Short term Loan and/or surplus Funds 1,500. 8,600.
Expenditures:
Print Yearbooks 3,200.
Honoraria 800.
Print Church Supplies 500.
Print Faith & Order 3,700.
Repairs & Equipment 100.
Board & Secretarial Expenses 300. 8,600.
*Short term loan to spread the cost of publishing a new addition of the Faith and Order over two years.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See p. 179)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS: (See p. 59)
The report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following legislation relating to the Board of Missions be adopted as SECOND READING:
Composition: The Board of Missions shall be composed of ten men, namely the Executive Secretary, the Financial Secretary, four ordained ministers, and four 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 manner that their respective terms shall not expire at the same time. Four ministers and four laymen shall be elected by Annual Conference for terms of three years in the following classes:
I. One minister and one layman
II. Two ministers and one layman
III. One minister and two laymen
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 Executive Committee of the Board of Missions.
REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: (See p. 187)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that “Stewardship” be the theme of the 103rd Annual Conference.
Resolved: that the 1986-1987 Conference year be designated as the “Year of Stewardship.”
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE: (See p. 69)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that we ratify the election of Carl C. Cassel as President of Pinebrook Junior College,
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned in prayer by Daniel P. Allen.
The Registrar reported the following absences from the first meeting
Excused Unexcused
Robert F. Johnson Leonard E. Buck
James Hanna E. W. Bean
Donald P. Straub
Steven Blankenship
Richard J. Gehman
SECOND MEETING
Monday Afternoon, October 8, 1984, 1:30 P.M.
The hymn “O Worship the King” was sung and Bryan G. Upton led in prayer.
The following was elected:
EDITOR-PUBLISHER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Randall A. Grossman (1 year)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: (See p. 87)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the annuities paid from the Ministers’ Retirement Fund beginning October 1, 1984, shall be 120.00 per year of service up to forty years of service for which an annuitant is eligible.
Resolved: that the Administrative Budget for 1984-85 be approved for use beginning October l, 1984.
Resolved: that the Administrative Budget for the 1985-86 year be approved for circulation to the churches in solicitation of the pledges by April 15, 1985.
Resolved: that Annual Conference place $1,200 into the 1985-86 Administrative Budget for the Military Chaplaincy as administered by the Credentials Committee, and that it be designated in the budget as a separate line.
Resolved: that the rate for mileage reimbursement for official travel shall be 18 cents per mile effective October 15, 1984.
The following was considered and defeated:
That the rules of the Minister’s Retirement Fund be changed to read as follows in V. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND, Section B. (page 109, Faith and Order, 1981 edition) (FIRST READING)
B. Contributions from each member.
1. Each member shall pay into this fund two percent (2%) of his annual salary and supplemental benefits, excluding medical insurance and excluding parsonage allowances for pastors who provide their own housing. To maintain his continuity of service, the contribution shall not be less than two percent (2%) of the minimum salary currently prescribed for the pastor by Annual Conference.
2. The annual salary shall be calculated on the year beginning September 1 and ending August 31.
3. 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.
(44 Yes; 55 No)
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE: (See p. 123)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that each Church make a contribution to Pinebrook Bible Conference. Contributions are to be made payable to Pinebrook and sent to the Director, Box 1, Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME: (See p. 130)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP: (See p. 146)
The Report was accepted.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Ronald C. Mahurin, Lee E. Boyles
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE:
James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Frank L. Herb, Keith E. Plows, John H. Riggall.
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE:
Carl C. Cassel, Daniel G. Ziegler
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING:
Daniel P. Allen, Bernard N. Coble, John H. Herb, Ralph E. Cole, Gary Sterner.
The petition from the Catasauqua Bible Fellowship Church was presented as follows:
Whereas: the issue of alcoholic drinks and total abstinence in relationship to membership is one of great concern to us as members of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, and
Whereas: this issue has been emotionally debated for several years at Annual Conference without coming to an agreeable solution, and
Whereas: we feel that the debate should proceed on solid, Biblical, Exegetical grounds, and
Whereas: our Board of Elders received an inquiry on this issue from one of our members and were aware of the broader discussion at the Annual Conference level, they therefore recommend that we seek the guidance of Annual Conference on this issue, therefore be it
Resolved: that we, the members of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, petition the One Hundred and First Annual Conference to choose a special committee to execute a complete exegetical study on the issue of alcoholic drinks and total abstinence in relationship to church membership, and to present a position paper to the One Hundred and Second Annual Conference with its recommendations, and furthermore, that Annual Conference defer debate upon this issue until said position paper is presented.
Resolved: that the above petition be received.
Resolved: that the 101st Annual Conference choose a special committee to execute a complete exegetical study on the issue of alcoholic drinks and total abstinence in relationship to church membership, and to present a position paper to the 102nd Annual Conference with its recommendations and furthermore that Annual Conference defer debate upon this issue until said position paper is presented.
(Yes, 63; No, 30)
The petition from Poughquag Valley Bible Fellowship Church was presented as follows:
Whereas: the Scriptures no where state that a divorced person or one married to divorced person may not be an elder, and
Whereas: barring divorced men from eldership who have repented, placed their trust in Christ, and are living a life in keeping with their profession of faith is not consistent with our belief in: (1) the forgiveness and cleansing from sin ( I John 1:9), and (2) the new creation with old things passing away 2 Cor. 5:17), and
Whereas: God’s grace is sufficient to overcome any sin, practice or history as evidenced by the fact that Paul was permitted to hold the office of an apostle: “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God, But by the grace of God I am what I am…”(I Cor. 15:9), and
Whereas: in the eyes of present-day American society, the dignity of high office is not always adversely affected by a divorced person holding that office as demonstrated by the election of divorced men to public office e.g., Nelson Rockefeller and Ronald Reagan, therefore, be it
Resolved: that we petition Annual Conference to amend the first sentence of the last paragraph of Article VII, “Divorce” in our Standards of Worship Life of the Faith and Order to read:
“No person who, subsequent to his conversion to Christ and baptism into His body, has been divorced or who has married a divorced person for any reason may be a member of the Board of Elders.”
Resolved: that the above petition be received.
The following resolution was considered and defeated.
That a committee of five men be elected at this Annual Conference to study the subject of divorce, prepare a position paper, and report to the 102nd Annual Conference stating how its report becomes an answer to the petition from Poughquag.
(Yes, 44; No, 51)
The following resolution was considered and defeated.
“To amend the first sentence of the last paragraph Article VII, “Divorce” in our Standards of Worship of Life of the Faith and Order to read:
“‘No person who, subsequent to his conversion to Christ and baptism into His body, has been divorced or who has married a divorced person for any reason may a member of the Board of Elders.”
(Yes, 18; No, 80)
Resolved: that a committee of five men be appointed to compose a written response to the Poughquag Bible Fellowship Church and to enter it into the minutes of this week’s Annual Conference.
Resolved: that we extend the time.
The petition from the Fleetwood Bible Fellowship Church was presented as follows:
Whereas: there is widespread acceptance and practice of Satanic devices such as Cults, Tongues, Homosexuality among the Christian community; and
Whereas: the Bible Fellowship Church acknowledges and submits to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit as its only source of guidance and power for daily living; therefore, be it
Resolved: that Faith Bible Fellowship Church, Fleetwood, Pa., its Board of Elders and Congregation, hereby petition the 101st Annual Conference to take appropriate procedure, to include in the Faith and Order, scripturally based articles of Faith relating to Cults, Tongues, and Homosexuality.
The purpose of these Articles shall be to declare with clarity, distinctives of the Bible Fellowship Church, according to the Word of God, though subordinate to it.
Resolved: that the petition be received.
(Yes, 53; No, 41)
Resolved: that we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 P.M. with prayer by Jansen E. Hartman.
THIRD MEETING
Monday Evening, October 8, 1984, 6:30 P.M.
Daniel P. Allen opened in prayer.
The following was elected:
BUSINESS MANAGER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS:
David W. Chappell (1 year)
William Aukamp, missionary appointee, was introduced by Board of Missions Executive Secretary, Paul G. Zimmerman.
James A. Beil, Administrator the Bible Fellowship Church Home, presented background information regarding the report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home.
Resolved: that we suspend the rules and extend the me.
Whereas: the Bible Fellowship Church has delegated to the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home a responsibility to minister to the aged who are unable to care for themselves, and
Whereas: the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania have the second and third highest median age population the country, which has produced an increase demand for nursing homes, and
Whereas: the size and location of the Bible Fellowship Home in Nazareth is unable to meet these demands, and
Whereas: ministering to the aged in today’s society reaches far beyond care in a nursing home, and
Whereas: the Board of Directors of the Home has determined that a Life Care Community is essential in meeting current and future needs of the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas: the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home, after exploring various options to expand the existing facilities and programs at the present site, determined that this is not possible,
Whereas: the Church Home Board has determined that a Life Care Community at a new site must be developed, and
Whereas: the Church Home Board has come upon that which the Board believes in the providence of God to an opportunity of service, and
Whereas: the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home has entered into preliminary negotiations to purchase a tract of land, including the home and barn, in Upper Saucon Township (approximately two miles north of Coopersburg and one-half mile west of Route 309 in a community called Lanark) consisting of approximately 150 acres, which may include an option for an additional 35 acres at no more than 5,000.00 per acre, Therefore, be it
Resolved: that the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church be hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the sellers to purchase the 150 acres (more or less) parcel of land including the home and barn and to include a three year option to purchase the additional 35 acres located on the East side of the property at the same price per acre, and further be it
Resolved: that the conditions of purchase be agreed upon by the Home Board of Directors and legal counsel at a purchase price not to exceed 800,000.00 plus the necessary settlement costs.
Before the Conference voted on the above, Clifford L. Kauffman, delegate from Emmaus, led in prayer.
The above resolution passed unanimously.
Whereas: the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home will need financing to develop the 50 acre project, therefore be it
Resolved: that the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home is authorized to obtain the necessary financing for the development of the facilities on the new property, and further
Resolved: that the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church is authorized to provide any and all endorsements and approvals for obtaining said financing and certificate of need approvals.
The Registrar listed the following absences from the third meeting:
Excused Unexcused
Carl T. Martin Leonard E. Buck
Joseph Wire, Jr. E. W. Bean
The meeting continued in the Dining Hall with LeRoy Heller, Bert Baker, and Harold L. Snyder Jr., speaking on methods of church planting, personal witnessing, and home Bible Studies respectively.
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:15 with prayer by Kenneth L. Good
FOURTH MEETING
Tuesday Morning, October 9, 1984, 9:00 A.M.
David A. Thomann led the hymn, “How Can It Be.” Calvin T. Reed read the Scripture, Psalm 67. William Aukamp, missionary appointee, led in prayer. Special music was presented by Laura Z. Cassel and Daniel G. Ziegler.
Thomas P. Shorb, Registrar, read additional excuses for absences.
The minutes of the previous day’s meetings were read and approved as corrected.
The Chairman appointed the following committee to answer to Poughquag, N.Y. Bible Fellowship Church as to why their petition’s resolution was defeated: Bruce A. Ellingson, Philip E. Morrison, David A. Thomann, Randall A. Grossman, Terris L. Byrd.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE:
Dana E. Weller
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE:
Daniel G. Ziegler, Ralph D. Cole.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH:
Alva C. Cassel, Bert N. Brosius.
BOARD OF MISSIONS:
R. C. Reichenbach, Kermit K. Gehman.
Whereas: Faith Bible Fellowship Church of Fleetwood, Pa., has petitioned the 101st Annual Conference include in the Faith and Order Scripturally based articles relating to cults, tongues and homosexuality, and
Whereas: the 101st Annual Conference has received the petition from Faith Church, therefore be it
Resolved: that the 101st Annual Conference elect three committees of five men each to prepare study papers on Cults, Tongues, and Homosexuality to be reported at the 102nd Annual Conference, and furthermore, that Annual Conference defer discussion upon these issues until said papers are presented.
Recessed at 10:35 A.M., business resumed at 10:55 A. M.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ALTERNATE HEALTH INSURANCE: (See p.177)
The Report was accepted.
Harold E. Snyder presented background information on the above report.
Mennonite Mutual Aid Representative, Richard O. Miller explained the comparison between Mennonite Mutual Aid and Traveler’s coverage, and answered questions from members of Annual Conference.
Resolved: that we suspend the rules in order to extend the time.
The following were elected:
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL:
Harold E. Snyder
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE:
Robert C. Newman, L. James Roberts, Robert Zentz.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH:
Jay Fasnacht
The Registrar reported requests from Donald C. McKinney and Harold L. Snyder, Jr., to be excused from various meetings of Annual Conference.
Resolved: that these excuses be granted.
The Registrar listed the following absences from the fourth meeting.
Excused Unexcused
Roger Reitz Leonard E. Buck
Harold L. Snyder, Jr. E. W. Bean
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned in prayer by James G. Koch at 12:25 P.M.
FIFTH MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 9, 1984, 1:30 P.M.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF MISSIONS:
Austin G. Shelly, James E. Sunday
Paul G. Zimmerman, Executive Secretary of the Board Missions, introduced five men serving or sent to serve as Missionaries in Africa:
Dr. William Campbell North Africa Mission
Fred Gibbon Africa Inland Mission in Kenya
Richard J. Gehman Africa Inland Mission in Kenya
Herbert K. Lea (Appointee) Africa Inland Mission in Central African Republic
James Bigley (Appointee) Africa Inland Mission in Kenya
The following resolution was considered:
That the Mennonite Mutual Aid health insurance plan be adopted as the health insurance plan for pastors of the Bible Fellowship Church.
(Yes, 23; No, 71)
The work of the Committee on Alternate Health insurance was gratefully acknowledged by Chairman James A. Beil, speaking for the members of the Conference.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See p. 153)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See p. 165)
The Report was accepted.
Carl C. Cassel, Chairman of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, introduced some of the men under their care:
Mark C. Solt, William G. Schlonecker, Robert S. Commerford, Byron Widger, W. David Armstrong, David N. Schoen, W. Neil Harding, David W. Chappell, Ronald A. Honeywell, David A. Carver and Kenneth D. Keeler.
Resolved: that the Faith and Order be changed to read (P. 115 words changed are underlined) (FIRST READING)
4. Board of Church Extension
Election: The Board of Church Extension shall be composed of the Director of Church Extension by virtue of his office and five ordained ministers and five laymen.
Classes shall be formed as follows:
Class I – Two ministers and two laymen
Class II – Two ministers and two laymen
Class III – One minister and one layman
and further
Resolved: that the Annual Conference at which this change is adopted for Second Reading elect to the Board of Church Extension one additional minister and one additional layman for three year terms and one additional layman for a two-year term.
Resolved: that the budget for the Board of Church Extension for 1985-86 be adopted.
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION
Proposed Budget for 1985-86
INCOME:
Churches – Prepaid 90,000.
General Contributions 15,000.
Designated Gifts 172,800.
Interest 7,000.
284,800.
EXPENSES:
Appropriations:
Camden —
Eastwick 20,000
Edison —
Finesville —
Glasgow 5,000*
Irvington 25,000
Kutztown 3,000
Mt Pocono —
Newark 23,000
New Fairfield 2,000
Poughquag 6,000
Union County 5,000*
Wappingers Falls 16,000*
Walnutport 5,000*
Whaley Lake 20,000*
New Missions 45,000
Project Beachhead 40,000
PISCES 3,000 218,000.
*Payable only as received in designated gifts
Administration:
Director’s Salary & Benefits 18,000
Director’s Health Insurance 3,000
Director: In Service Training 1,500
Department Travel 7,000
Parsonage-Office Bldg. 13,000
Office Operations 15,000
Board Expenses 2,000
Promotion 1,200
Surveys 200
Administrative Budget 400
Workman’s Compensation 1,500 62,800.
Reserves:
Development Fund 3,000
Contingency 1,000 4,000.
284,800.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: (See p. 122,224)
The Report was adopted.
Whereas: the Official Corrected Copy of the Annual conference Proceedings for 1983 was not consistent in the use of the middle initials, and
Whereas: the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes must work from the Official Corrected Copy of the Annual Conference Proceedings, therefore be it
Resolved: that the 101st Annual Conference be consistent in the use of middle initials when the minutes are read and approved as corrected.
Recessed at 3:15 P.M.; Reconvened at 3:30 P.M.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS: (See p. 184)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the column labeled “Church Sponsored Christian Academies” in the Pastor’s Statistical Report (PS 3) reflect only the contribution from the Church to the Academy.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES: (See p. 118)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved: that the following material be adopted as the answer of the 101st Annual Conference to the petition received from Valley Bible Fellowship Church, Poughquag, New York:
To the elders and members of Valley Bible Fellowship Church, Poughquag, New York,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church!
“The One Hundred and First Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church expresses its appreciation to you for the petition submitted by your church. We thank you for expressing concern for the serious question of divorce and its relationship to the eldership in our churches. We especially respect your desire to address that question through the legitimate processes of the Annual Conference.
Your petition was duly filed with the Secretary of Annual Conference. It was then circulated to the members of the Annual Conference for prayer, consideration, and consultation several days prior to the meetings of the Conference. At the afternoon meeting of Annual Conference on Monday, October 8th, Valley Church Delegate, Thomas Ward read the petition for consideration. After Conference officially received the petition by majority vote, brother Ward moved the resolution included in the petition for first reading. After discussion, the resolution was defeated by an 18-80 vote. The Conference then resolved to appoint a committee to compose a written response to your church.
It should be noted that the Conference also considered a resolution to elect a study committee on the questions raised in your petition. That resolution was defeated by a 44-51 vote. In the light of that decision we would direct your church to a careful study of former study committee reports. Petitions relating to divorce have been presented in 1963,1974, and 1976. Committee reports are included in the 1965, 975 and 1976 Yearbooks. We would also direct you to Article VII “Divorce”in the Standards of Worship and Life, adopted in 1967. The Conference has arrived at these positions after considerable study, prayer and deliberation. Please continue your study of these questions in the light of these reports and our standard.
May the Lord continue to bless and prosper you as we together seek to serve Him in these days.
Sincerely in Christ,
and further,
Resolved: that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Board of Elders of Valley Bible Fellowship Church, Poughquag, N.Y.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: (See p. 152)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CHURCH GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE: (See p. 103)
The Report was accepted.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE:
Russell M. Ruch (1 year)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE:
Bert N. Brosius, Lee E. Boyles, John F. Moran.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME:
Bert N. Brosius, Keith E. Plows, Charles Hersh.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VICTORY VALLEY:
Paul Clymer, David L. Weller.
The following was adopted (See p. 94, Faith & Order, 81 edition) (FIRST READING):
Article IV – Members of Annual Conference
l. Voting Members – The voting members of Annual Conference shall answer to the call of the roll. They shall be:
a. Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction the Bible Fellowship Church.
b. Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction the Board of Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church.
c. Ordained Ministers endorsed by the Bible Fellowship Church Working in the Military Chaplaincy.
d. Ordained Ministers in Retirement.
e. Probationers who have been called to be the Pastor of a church; but not probationers who are called to be associates and/or assistants.
f. One lay elder from every properly constituted church with a membership of two hundred or less and one additional lay elder for every one hundred members in excess of the first two hundred.
2. Advisory Members – Advisory members of Annual Conference shall not be included in the call of the roll. They shall not participate in the deliberations of the session except by permission of the Chairman. Advisory members of Annual Conference shall include:
a. Ordained Ministers Working in other Christian Ministries.
b. Ordained Ministers on Leave of Absence.
c. Probationers who have not been called to be pastor of a church.
d. Missionaries who hold membership in one of churches and are under the supervision of the Board of Missions.
The following was adopted (FIRST READING):
Revision of Article V
Officers of Annual Conference
1. Add to the last sentence of the first paragraph of material on page 95, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order, the following:
….and Robert’s Rules of order.
2. Add the following new material on Vice Chairman:
Each Annual Conference before adjournment shall elect by ballot a vice-chairman from its membership. He shall function as chairman of Annual Conference in the absence of the chairman. He is to temporarily act as chairman when the chairman requests to vacate the chair so as to speak on a given issue. He shall continue to preside until the issue in question has been decided. He is also to assist the chairman as requested
3. Add the following material to the end of material on Secretary, page 95, 1981 edition of the Faith and Order, the following:
He shall receive and distribute petitions from particular churches to the Annual Conference.
The following was adopted (FIRST READING):
AMENDMENT TO MATERIAL ON ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS TO THE FAITH & ORDER
(See material on pages 32,33 – 1982 Yearbook, and pages 40,41 – 1983 Yearbook)
Add the following paragraph to the end of the material on Amendments to the Faith and Order:
“Amendments to the Appendices of the Faith and Order shall be by two-thirds majority of those voting at one reading of Annual Conference.”
The following was adopted (SECOND READING):
Amendment to Article XI, Amendments to the Faith and Order, page 32,33, 1982 Yearbook.
The last sentence of the second paragraph shall read:
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 any one of the three succeeding Annual Conferences.
Add the following sentence to the end of the second paragraph:
Failure to consider the amendment for second reading at any one of the three succeeding Annual Conferences requires re-submission to be considered as first reading.
Add the following paragraph to follow the second paragraph as amended:
If an amendment receives a two-thirds majority at first reading, but receives only a simply majority vote at second reading, it may be resubmitted at the following Annual Conference to be reconsidered for second reading. If the amendment is not re-submitted the next Annual Conference or if it fails again to receive a two-thirds majority, it is lost. Any re-submission must be considered as first reading.
The following was adopted: (SECOND READING)
(The material found on pages 51-53 of the 1983 Yearbook will be inserted in the minutes when the 84 Yearbook is prepared. Footnotes and Scripture references will be added at that time. This is the material on the BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, Introduction and Chapter 1).
Resolved: that we extend the time.
Resolved: that we suspend the rules and recess until 6:30 P.M.;
Recessed in prayer by Paul H. Cobb, delegate from Berean Bible Fellowship Church, Stroudsburg.
The following was elected:
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY:
Calvin T. Reed.
Resolved: that in Chapter II – Jurisdiction, Paragraph 2, sentence 2 (page 53, 1983 Yearbook) the wording shall be revised to read:
“Any member of the Committee who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.”
Resolved: that we adopt the material on pages 51-53 of the 1983 Yearbook, with footnotes and the above changes in paragraphs 1 & 2 of Chapter II – Jurisdiction. (SECOND READING)
Resolved: that Annual Conference consider the following paragraph (4.Appeal) as Second Reading rather than First Reading, even though changes have been made since the First Reading.
The Chairman ruled that in order for the following paragraph to be approved as Second Reading, the above resolution must pass by a 75% majority, (Yes, 66; No,14)
Resolved: that the following be adopted as a substitute paragraph in the Book of Discipline under Chapter II – Jurisdiction”. (see p. 54, 1983 Yearbook) (SECOND READING)
4. Appeals. If a judicatory in a particular church or the Credentials Committee is unable to resolve an issue, or if the defendant or plaintiff in a case desires to appeal the decision of the judicatory, the appeal shall be made to the Conference Judicatory. If the Conference Judicatory is unable to resolve an issue, or if the defendant or plaintiff in a case desires to appeal the decision of the Conference Judicatory, subsequent appeal shall be made to the Annual Conference in writing to the Secretary of the Annual Conference. After an appeal has been made, the Annual Conference shall elect a Special Appellate Judicatory. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall be composed of five members of the Annual Conference elected by the Annual Conference; it shall choose its own moderator and secretary. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall conduct a hearing and recommend final disposal of the issue to the Annual Conference. When it receives the recommendation of the Special Appellate Judicatory, the Annual Conference will decide whether or not to hear additional testimony.
The Special Appellate Judicatory shall be the only place of appeal for issues that have had the Conference Judicatory as the place of original jurisdiction.”
Resolved: that the following be adopted (SECOND READING)
Chapter III – Steps in Institution of Judicial Processes
l. A charge of an offense must be instituted at the place of original jurisdiction; it may be brought by an individual church or agency.
2. A charge of offense must describe the alleged offense and state the facts which support the charge. The charge shall include, as far as possible, the time, place, circumstances of the alleged offense, the names of witnesses and titles of relevant documents. A charge shall be deemed to have been filed when it is presented in writing to the chairman or secretary of the elders of the church or the secretary of any other agency having original jurisdiction.
3. No charge shall be received if it is filed more than two years after the time the alleged offense was committed unless unavoidable circumstances prevented an earlier filing.
4. When an individual, church or agency is ready to present a charge, the one receiving the charge shall warn the plaintiff that he may be censured if he accused is found to be innocent of the alleged offense.
5. When a charge is filed, the elders of the particular church, the Credentials Committee, or the Conference Judicatory shall establish the time and place for the trial, shall cite the accused to appear at the trial, and shall constitute the judicial body to conduct the trial.
The following was referred back to the Government Committee to be re-submitted at this Annual Conference.
Chapter IV – Conduct of Trials, paragraphs 1-8, page 55,56, and top of page 57, 1983 Yearbook.
The Registrar listed the following absences from the fifth meeting:
Excused Unexcused
Roger Reitz Leonard Buck
Harold L. Snyder, Jr. E. W. Bean
Robert H. Stringfellow
The meeting continued in the Dining Hall, with Keith E. Plows, L. James Roberts, and Robert W. Smock speaking on “Strengthening the Stakes” through new buildings and denominational giving, and denominational support.
Resolved: that we adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:10 P.M. with prayer by James A. Beil, including special prayer for Stephanie Stringfellow.
SIXTH MEETING
Wednesday, October 10, 1984, 9:00 A.M.
David A. Thomann led in the singing of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. Carl T. Martin read the Scripture, Psalm 65; David K. Schlonecker, Missionary, led in prayer. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S. MacMillan presented special music.
The Minutes of the previous day were read and approved as corrected.
Resolved: that the following alternate delegates be seated:
John E. Andersen Poughquag, N.Y.
Walter R. Boyce Sinking Spring
The Registrar reported additional requests to be excused from various meetings of Annual Conference from: Robert H. Stringfellow, Thomas L. Ward, Carl K. Spackman and Harold E. Snyder.
Resolved: that these excuses be granted.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
Richard E. Taylor, David A. Thomann, Richard Paashaus, Willard Stull
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION:
LeRoy S. Heller, Warren L. Zimmerman
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS: (See p. 181)
The Report was accepted.
The communications were read to the Conference.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AUDITING: (See p.122)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS:
The Report was accepted and the following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas: all the missionaries serving under the Board of Missions diligently seek to carry out the Great Commission, and
Whereas: this year might well be termed “the Year of the Appointee,” with perhaps the largest number of missionary appointees ever, and
Whereas: the unfinished task of missions is nevertheless vast, therefore be it
Resolved: that our missionaries, commissioned and appointed, be commended for obedience to the Lord of the Harvest, and be it further
Resolved: that we be faithful and supportive of our missionaries, in both prayers and finances.
Whereas: the Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, has served the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church well for several years, and
Whereas: the Pinebrook Bible Conference Center has offered to accommodate the 1985 Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved: that the 102nd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church be convened at Pinebrook Bible Conference on Monday, October 14, 1985, at 10:00 A.M.
Whereas: the Bible Fellowship Church Home, Pinebrook Bible Conference, Pinebrook Junior College, and Victory Valley Camp have performed faithful service to the glory of God and the edification of His people in this past conference year, therefore be it
Resolved: that 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 be asked to convey our hearty appreciation to their entire staffs, and be it further
Resolved: that we express thanksgiving and praise to God for the good stewardship and faithful service for 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.
Whereas: Pinebrook Bible Conference, with its qualified staff and beautiful surroundings, has provided housing and meals for the members and guests of the 101st Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved: that at the Wednesday midday meal, the body of the Annual Conference express its utmost appreciation for these provisions to the personnel of Pinebrook Bible Conference with a note of thanks, and further
Resolved: that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director.
Whereas: the Church Extension Department is a steward of the resources of the Bible Fellowship Church to carry out her church planting program, and
Whereas: the Church Extension Department is the oldest agency of the denomination, presenting this year its 120th annual report, and
Whereas: the Church Extension Department has grown considerably during the present year, making the total number of churches and missions probably the largest ever, therefore be it
Resolved: that we praise the Lord, “the head over all things to the church,” for His blessing and favor and be it further
Resolved: that we assure the Church Extension Department of our fervent prayers and continued support.
Whereas: David J. Watkins has resigned as president of Pinebrook Junior College in the past year, and
Whereas: he has given fourteen years of faithful service to this ministry, therefore be it
Resolved: that we thank God for his ministry and work on behalf of the college and pray that God may prosper him and continue to use him in his current ministry.
Whereas: James A. Beil has chaired the 101st Annual Conference in a manner exhibiting wisdom and dispatch, therefore be it
Resolved: that we express our thanks to Brother Beil for the leadership he has provided.
Whereas: Bryan G. Upton has diligently served as Secretary to the 101st Annual Conference of the Bible Fe1lowship Church, and
Whereas: Robert W. Smock has efficiently served as Assistant Secretary, and
Whereas: Bernard N. Coble has faithfully served as Assistant to the secretaries, therefore be it
Resolved: that we express our appreciation to these brethren for their gracious service, and that we present a gift of 50.00 to each of them from the Board of Publication and Printing.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
George R. Bryson (2 years)
CHAIRMAN OF THE 102ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
James A. Beil
SECRETARY OF THE 102ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Bryan G. Upton
The Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions, Paul G. Zimmerman, introduced Fred and Marion Gibbon, missionaries on furlough with Africa Inland Mission, and Pat Howard with Inter-Varsity, Appointee Louis Prontnicki to Jordan and David K. Schlonecker, on furlough from Venezuela.
Resolved: that we extend the time.
Resolved: that we suspend the rules and recess to meet at 1:30 P.M.
Recessed in prayer by Clayton Brosius at 12:15 P.M.
Resumed business at 1:30 P.M.
Resolved: that the special study committees relating petitions brought to this Annual Conference include the following persons:
Committee to study Tongues – Robert H. Stringfellow
Committee to study Homosexuality- Ronald P. Turner
Committee to study Cults – Norman L. Reed
Committee to study Total Abstinence as a Requirement for Church Membership – Philip E. Morrison
The following were elected:
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS:
Warren L. Zimmerman
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON ABORTION:
The statement was adopted as follows (FIRST READING):
(Yes, 90; No, 2)
God is the creator, sustainer, and giver of life. Only He has the right to say under what conditions it may be taken away. (1) His Word declares that man is made in His image, (2) and it is for this reason that the death penalty was commanded for murder in the Old Testament. (3) It is an evil before God voluntarily to kill unborn children, since they too bear His image, even if they are handicapped or the result of rape or incest. Consequently, as members of Christ’s body, the Church, we may not have, assist in, or perform an abortion, (4) except in the very rare circumstances where the life of the mother would almost surely be lost by carrying the baby to term.
Within the marriage bond a pregnancy and resulting child must be accepted as from God, and the parents are commanded to love the child. (5) Pregnancies resulting from promiscuous or licentious behavior are not to be terminated by abortion, which only adds sin forbidden by the sixth commandment to sin forbidden by the seventh commandment. (6) Therefore, anyone contemplating an abortion, even though outside the Church, should be encouraged to preserve life by completing the pregnancy. (7) The child can either be raised by its biological parents or be adopted by others.
(1) Genesis 9:5,6; (2) Psalm 139:13-16, Genesis 1:27; (3) Exodus 21:14; (4) Proverbs 24:11-12; (5) Psalm 127:3-5; (6) Exodus 20:13,14, I Corinthians 6:18; (7) Hebrews 10:24.
The Chairman appointed the following Committees:
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS:
LeRoy S. Heller, Daniel G. Ziegler, Warren L. Zimmerman, Bernard N. Coble, Bryan G. Upton.
COMMITTEE ON AGENDA:
Bryan G. Upton, Thomas P. Shorb, and A. Beil.
COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM FOR THE 102ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Roy A. Hertzog, G. Wayne Clapier, Carl T. Martin, Paul H. Cobb, James A. Beil.
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE MINUTES OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
James A. Wickstead, Dean A. Stortz.
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES:
R. C. Reichenbach, Thomas P. Shorb, William L. Graybill II, Kenneth L. Good, D. Thomas Phillips.
REGISTRARS:
Philip E. Morrison, James R. Batchler, Jr.
The Registrar read excuses for absences from various meeting from Richard J. Gehman and Ronald A. Honeywell.
Resolved: that these excuses be granted.
Resolved: that the following amendments be made a Chapter IV of the Book of Discipline (p.55-57 of the 1983 Yearbook):
The following sentence is to be added at the end of Paragraph 1, p. 55) “The judicatory conducting the trial shall determine if the trial shall be opened or closed to individuals not directly involved in the trial.”
Resolved: that the above amendment in itself does not necessitate reverting the paragraph and its amendment back to first reading.
Recessed at 3:15 P.M., Resumed at 3:38 P.M.
Resolved: that Paragraph 5, page 57, 1983 Yearbook, shall read:
“No person shall be denied the right to offer in evidence in any judicatory of the church the provisions of the Word of God or of any church regulation.” (the next sentence shall be deleted.)
Resolved: that if “Chapter IV – Conduct of Trials”of the Book of Discipline be adopted, it will be as first Reading, due to amendments.
Resolved: that “Chapter IV – Conduct of Trials” of the Book of Discipline (page 55 through top of page 57, 1983 Yearbook) be adopted.(FIRST READING) (Yes, 68; NO, 14) (Footnotes from the Government Committee report to be included).
Resolved: that we adopt “Chapter V – Evidence”of the Book of Discipline (p. 57, 1983 Yearbook (SECOND READING) (footnotes from the Government Committee report to be included).
The balance of Tuesday’s minutes were read and approved.
Resolved: that we adopt “Chapter VI – Censure and Restoration” of the Book of Discipline (pp 57-59,1983 Yearbook) (SECOND READING) (Footnotes from Government Committee Report to be included).
Resolved: that we extend the time.
Resolved: that if the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church can obtain a lower health insurance rate but higher deductible without sacrificing important coverage benefits, that said Board be authorized to choose such insurance for the Conference.
Resolved: that we suspend the rules to recess until 6:30 P.M.
Recessed with prayer by Dean A. Stortz at 5:15P.M.
Norman Granda led in prayer to resume business at 6:30 P.M.
Resolved: that we adopt the following: “Chapter VII – Appeals” of the Book of Discipline. (p.59 and top of p.60, 1983 Yearbook) (SECOND READING).
Resolved: that we adopt the following: “Chapter VIII – Dissents and Protests” of the Book of Discipline. (p.60, 1983 Yearbook) (SECOND READING)
The following were elected:
CHURCH GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE:
Randall A. Grossman, Richard E. Taylor, David J. Watkins.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Alva C. Cassel
Resolved: that the following additions be made to the report of the Committee on Examination of Annual conference Minutes:
l. p.54, second line from bottom, delete “conduct the trial” and replace with “appear at the trial” and shall constitute the judicial body to conduct the trial.
2. p.60, line 22, Change “annual: to Annual”
The following was elected:
COMMITTEE TO STUDY TONGUES:
Robert W. Smock
Resolved: that we adjourn following a message by Jansen E. Hartman and the observance of the Lord’s Supper.
The Registrar listed the following absences from the sixth meeting:
Excused Unexcused
Robert F. Johnson Leonard E. Buck
Robert H. Stringfellow E. W. Bean
Carl K. Spackman W. W. Hartman
Harold E. Snyder
Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Thomas Ward
Donald McKinney
David J. Watkins
Richard J. Gehman
Donald P. Straub