ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS – 1986
FIRST MEETING
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 13, 1986, 10:00 AM
The first meeting of the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by the Chairman, Jansen E. Hartman, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, Pa. at 10:00 AM on October 13, 1986.
Vice-Chairman James A. Beil opened in prayer.
The roll of conference members was established as follows:
ROLL CALL 103RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Allentown, Cedar Crest Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert F. Johnson,
John W. Trauch, William C. Rapp
Allentown, Salem Charles J. McConnell, Jeffrey C. Stickler
Bethlehem Harvey J. Fritz Jr., Robert F. Gerding, Warren L. Zimmerman
Blandon George R. Bryson, Raymond R. Bertolet
Camden, DE James G. Koch, Raymond R. Dotts
Catasauqua , Joseph Wire, Jr.
Coopersburg Thomas P. Shorb, Clyde W. Snyder
Denville, NJ Stephan R. Van Eck, Gary R. Domke
Emmaus Dana E. Weller, Clifford L. Kauffman, Jonathan D. Reynolds
Englishtown, NJ (Probationer), Clinton Crankshaw
Ephrata Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub
Fleetwood Frank L. Herb, Jr., Ronald P. Turner
Graterford Richard D. Harris,W. Robert Buckwalter
Harleysville Paul G. Zimmerman, Kenneth D. Keeler, Harold Crider
Harrisburg Albert J. Dommel, Stephen C. Coleman
Hatfield John H. Herb, Lee E. Boyles
Howell, NJ John C. Vandegriff Jr., David M. Markuson
Irvington, NJ Ronald C. Erb
Kutztown Randall A. Grossman, George K. Monroe
Lancaster , Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton , Ernest E. Bauer
Maple Glen Carl K. Spackman, Harold E. Snyder
Mays Landing, NJ (Mission) Harold C. Weaber
Mt. Carmel Alva C. Cassel, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Mt. Pocono (Mission) A. L. Seifert
Nazareth Keith E. Plows, Leonard Kessler
Newark, DE William G. Schlonecker, Russell M. Ruch
Newark, NJ Delbert Baker, II
New Fairfield, CT (Probationer), Carl Anderson
Oley (Probationer), Clayton E. Weber
Paradise (Probationer), L. Donald Miller
Philadelphia, Emmanuel (Probationer), Russell L. Davis
Philadelphia, Wissinoming G. Wayne Clapier, Phillip Brainerd
Poughquag, NY James A. Wickstead, Thomas Ward
Quakertown Bert N. Brosius, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading Jansen E. Hartman, Robert Breitegam, Walter Raybuck
Royersford Robert W. Smock, David J. Smock
Scranton James R. Batchler Jr., C. Clinton Honeywell
Shamokin Hugh C. Coulbourn Jr., Craig L. Boyer
Sinking Spring Terris L. Byrd, James Klusewitz
Somers Point, NJ (Mission) Roger L. Reitz
Spring City (Probationer), John F.Boyle
Staten Island, NY Bryan G. Upton, Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg Philip E. Morrison, Harold D. Geisinger
Sunbury LeRoy S. Heller, Bert E. Brosius, Clayton B. Brosius
Terre Hill (Probationer), Jeffrey D. Seip
Wallingford Richard E. Taylor, William R. Singletary
York Kenneth L. Good, Philip G. Norris
Zionsville (Probationer), David L. Weller
ORDAINED MEN SERVING BIBLE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES
James A. Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Bruce A. Ellingson, George E. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, David H. Jones, Barry J. Minsky, David A. Thomann, Daniel G. Ziegler
ORDAINED MEN BETWEEN CALLS
Bernard N. Coble
ORDAINED MISSIONARIES
Leonard E. Buck, Brian H. Butler, Robert L. Draper, Walter H. Frank, Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald W. Hoyle, Herbert K. Lea, David L. Manney, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Louis Prontnicki, Laird F. Stengle, Philip E. Yerrington
ORDAINED MINISTERS IN RETIREMENT
Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, John Dunn, W. W. Hartman, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, C. Leslie Miller, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, David E. Thomann
PROBATIONERS SERVING AS FIRST PASTORS OF CHURCHES
W. David Armstrong,Jr. Kenneth F. Barber, Raymond G. Burnett, W. Neil Harding,Jr. Carl T. Martin, Ralph M. Soper, Dean A. Stortz, Steven L. Trommler
ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE 103RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
ORDAINED MINISTERS WORKING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
William H. Bartron, T. James Bigley, Larry Carpenter, Willard E. Cassel, Arthur H. Frable Jr., Robert H. Gordon, William L. Graybill II, Donald B. Schaeffer, Henry A. Schell, Austin G. Shelly, David J. Watkins, Harold D. Yarrington
ORDAINED MINISTERS ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Raymond R. Dotts, LeRoy C. Wilcox
PROBATIONERS
William C. Aukamp, James L. Beaver, Douglas D. Bowne, Dennis M. Cahill, David W. Chappell, David E. Gundrum, Ronald C. Hagy, James E. Neher, David Schoen, David W. Riddell, Dennis W. Spinney
Jansen E. Hartman gave the keynote devotional address on “Good Stewards of the Manifold Grace of God.”
Resolved: that the Conference Bar be limited to those seated at the tables.
The Secretary appointed Robert W. Smock as Assistant Secretary and David T. Allen as Assistant to the Secretaries.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA (See Page )
With the addition at the bottom of page 1 of the Report of the Committee to Examine Minutes of Particular Churches, the Agenda was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM (See Page )
The report was accepted.
The Chairman appointed the following committees:
Communications: Paul G. Zimmerman, Roy A. Hertzog, Dana E. Weller
Tellers: Keith E. Plows, LeRoy S. Heller, Carl K. Spackman, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Harold L. Snyder, Jr., LeRoy O. Herb, Clyde W. Snyder
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Horace A. Kauffman, Ralph D. Cole, Robert F. Gerding
Resolutions: Daniel G. Ziegler, Harold E. Snyder, James R. Roberts, James A. Koch
Timekeeper: Carl T. Martin
Reporter: Thomas S. MacMillan
Parliamentarian: John Herb
Monitor Minutes: Bruce A. Ellingson, Dean A. Stortz, James A. Wickstead
Arrangements for Annual Conference: David A. Thomann, Daniel P. Allen, Philip E. Morrison, Thomas P. Shorb, Randall A. Grossman
RESOLVED: that we approve the Conference Committees appointed by the Chairman.
The Registrar read requests from the following who asked to be excused from parts or all of the meetings of Annual Conference:
R. C. Reichenbach, David A. Thomann, George E. Herb, Joseph Wire, Jr., Thomas L. Ward, Harold E. Snyder, Raymond R. Dotts, J. Barclay Harley, Richard J. Gehman, D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub, C. E. Kirkwood, Paul E. Baer, Donald T. Kirkwood, E. W. Bean, Barry J. Minsky
RESOLVED: that the above requests be granted.
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE (See Page )
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (See Page )
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS (See Page )
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the Chairman appoint a Committee to prepare a tribute to William A. Heffner to appear in the 1986 Year Book.
The Chairman appointed Alva C. Cassel and David E. Thomann to prepare this tribute.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended David A. Carver, Robert S. Commerford, Thomas S. MacMillan, Carl T. Martin, Dean A. Stortz and Steven L. Trommler for examination for ordination and Kenneth F. Barber and Raymond G. Burnett for examination for recognition of prior ordination, and,
Whereas, these brethern 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 David A. Carver, Robert S. Commerford, Thomas S. MacMillian, Carl T. Martin, Dean A. Stortz and Steven L. Trommler be ordained to the Gospel Ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and that the prior ordination of Kenneth F. Barber and Raymond G. Burnett be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church, and, further,
RESOLVED: that the Service of Ordination shall be held on Thursday, October 30, 1986 at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, Pa. at 7:30 p.m. The Credentials Committee shall be in charge of this service.
The Chairman asked the above-listed men who will be ordained to come forward for visual identification.
The Conference rose to thank God for sending these men to serve in our midst.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE (See Page )
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION (See Page )
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the Charter Membership Form and Ceremonies for Recognition of Churches be approved.
CHARTER
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
city state
Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church of (city), (state) has been meeting as a congregation, has formed a membership roll comprised of disciples of Jesus Christ, who have been baptized as believers and give credible evidence of new life in Christ, has elected and installed elders who meet the biblical qualifications and subscribe to the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, and continues to engage in the worship of Almighty God, the preaching and teaching of the Word of God, the practice of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper and the exercise of scriptural discipline, and
Whereas, the th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, has recognized Bible Fellowship Church of (city), (state) and received it into membership of the Annual Conference, therefore,
We, the undersigned officers of the th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, do present this charter to Bible Fellowship Church of (city), (state) on this th day of in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred .
(SEAL) Secretary Chairman
The undersigned are recognized as charter members of Bible Fellowship Church, (city), (state), as of (month), (day), (year).
CEREMONY OF RECOGNITION OF A NEW CHURCH by the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church
(This ceremony shall be used at the point in the Conference proceedings when the church is recognized and its delegate seated.)
1. On behalf of the Board of Church Extension, the secretary of the board shall read the recommendation of the Board that the church be recognized and received into the membership of the Conference.
2. On behalf of the Annual Conference, the chairman of the Conference shall announce the vote of the Conference and declare that the new church has been received.
3. The registrar of Annual Conference shall verify that the delegate from the church was duly elected and shall introduce him to the Conference.
4. On behalf of the Annual Conference, the chairman shall welcome the delegate and the pastor or organizing pastor of the church into Annual Conference membership.
5. The delegate of the new church shall announce the names of all elders of the new church and recognize those who are present.
6. At the discretion of the chairman, he or another person whom he designates may make brief remarks.
7. The chairman shall direct the secretary of the Annual Conference to prepare a charter to be presented to the church at a subsequent ceremony in its own community.
8. The pastor or organizing pastor of the new church may respond.
9. The chairman, or someone whom he shall designate, shall lead in prayer for the new church.
10. The delegate and pastor of the new church, together with the alternate delegate and any other elders who are present, shall receive greetings from the rest of the members of the Annual Conference.
CHARTERING CEREMONY
For a new church
This ceremony shall be a worship service held inthe community of the church. It shall be plannedby the particular church and may include the following:
Singing of hymns
Reading of Scripture
Ministry in Music
Prayers
Presentation of the Charter by an Officer of Annual Conference
Reception of the Charter by an Officer of the Local Church
Signing of the Charter by All members who are present
Presentation of the Minutes of the Board of Surrogate Elders by an Officer of the Board of Surrogate Elders
Reception of the Minutes by the Secretary of the Board of Elders
The Offering
The Sermon
Declaration of Commitment by the Congregation
Prayer of Commitment
Installation of the Pastor (if he has been called)
The Benediction
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Wappingers Falls, New York, Mission meets the qualifications of a church as specified in Article XVIII of the Faith and Order of the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church;
RESOLVED: that the Wappingers Falls, New York, Mission be recognized as a church and that its delegate be received into the membership of the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
The Pastor and Delegate from Wappingers Falls came forward for recognition.
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Mt. Pocono, PA, Mission meets the qualifications for a church as specified in Article XVIII of the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church; therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the Mt. Pocono,PA,Mission be recognized as a church and that its delegate be received into the membership of the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowhip Church.
The Pastor and Delegate from Mt. Pocono came forward for recognition.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION (See Page )
The Report was accepted.
The Director of Church Extension gave an oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS (See Page )
The report was accepted.
The Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions gave an oral report.
The Conference stood to adjourn for lunch at 12:00 noon,and Carl K. Spackman led in prayer.
The following were absent from the Monday morning session:
EXCUSED
Terris L. Byrd, Robert Breitagam, Robert W. Gehret, Robert F. Johnson, Horace A. Kauffman, Walter E. Raybuck, Barry J. Minsky
The following were absent and will likely not be in attendance at this Annual Conference:
UNEXCUSED
Brian Butler, Herbert K. Lea, Edward Moyer, David L. Manney, C. Leslie Miller, William W. Mull, Philip E. Yerrington
EXCUSED: Leonard E. Buck, Louis Prontnicki
SECOND MEETING
MONDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 13, 1986, 1:30 PM
Daniel G. Ziegler introduced David Sng who led the Conference in prayer.
REPORT OF ME BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (See Page 67)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE (See Page 78)
The report was accepted.
The President of Pinebrook Junior College gave an oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME
(See Page 86)
The report was accepted.
The Administrator of the Home gave an oral report.
REPORT OF ME BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE (See Page 94)
The report was accepted.
The former and current Directors of the Bible Conference gave oral reports.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP (See Page 100)
The report was accepted.
The Director of Victory Valley gave an oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (See Page 103)
The report was accepted.
Churches were recognized for growth in their Sunday Bible Schools.
Honorable mention went to Bethlehem, Spring City and Terre Hill Bible Fellowship Churches for numerical growth; and to Wappingers Falls NY, Zionsville and Poughquag Bible Fellowship Churches for percentage growth. The Pawling, New York, Bible Fellowship Church received a plaque for highest percentage increase (100%). Oley and Reading Bible Fellowship Churches were tied for the highest numerical increase in their Sunday Bible Schools. Oley received the plaque because its percentage growth was higher.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING (See Page 104)
The report was accepted.
The nominee for Editor of Fellowship News gave an oral report.
The outgoing editor of Fellowship News was publicly thanked by the Conference.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE (See Page 106)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (See Page 108)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE MINUTES OF PARTICULAR
CHURCHES (See Page 108)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE (See page 109)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE MINUTES OF THE 102ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE (See Page 110)
The report was accepted.
The Chairman asked delegates who are at Conference for the first time to stand and be Introduced by their pastors. David Jones briefly addressed the Conference, sharing his decision not to continue In the Military Chaplaincy.
RESOLVED: that the following men be excused from various Conference sessions:
Walter Raybuck, Jeffrey C. Stickler, John F. Boyle, Russell M. Ruch, and Carl T. Martin
RESOLVED: that the following men be accepted under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee,
PROBATIONERS (year of licensing in parenthesis)
W. David Armstrong, Jr. Zionsville PA (1985)
William C. Aukamp Rapid City, SD (1985)
Kenneth F. Barber Oley, PA (1985)
James L. Beaver St. Petersburg, FL
Douglas D. Bowne Spring City PA
Raymond G. Burnett Englishtown, NJ (1984)
Dennis M. Cahill Edison, NJ
David A. Carver Selinsgrove, PA (1983)
David W. Chappell Walnutport, PA (1983)
Robert S. Commerford Holmes, NY (1984)
Arthur J. Frisbie Newark, DE (1976)
David E. Gundrum Reading, PA
Ronald C. Hagy West Reading, PA
W. Neil Harding, Jr. Philadelphia, PA (1983)
Thomas S. MacMillan Nazareth, PA (1983)
Carl T. Martin Spring City, PA (1983)
James E. Neher Sellersville, PA
David W. Riddell Ambler, PA (1985)
William G. Schlonecker Newark, DE (1985)
David Schoen Wernersville, PA (1982)
Ralph M. Soper Paradise, PA (1985)
Dennis W. Spinney Hillside, NJ (1984)
Dean A. Stortz New Fairfield, CT (1983)
Steven L. Trommler Terre Hill, PA (1984)
Byron Widger Wappingers Falls, NY (1985)
CANDIDATES
Gary F. Bentley Hatfield, PA
Clifford B. Boone Allentown, PA
Harold B. Fravell, lll Emmaus, PA
Donald E. Heacock Orwigsburg, PA
Ronald A. Honeywell Montrose, PA
Gary L. McElroy Shoemakersville, PA
Phillip J. Mitchell Allentown, PA
Scott A. Neiswender Bloomsburg, PA
Richard T. Paashaus Coopersburg, PA
Charles M. Snyder Chambersburg, PA
Jeffrey C. Stickler Bethlehem, PA
Richard J. Vroman Lansdale, PA
APPLICANTS
David T. Allen Akron, PA
Waiter M Johnston Wyomissing, PA
Richard P. Jones, Sr. Wescoesville, PA
Daniel A. Mabus Emmaus, PA
Richard W. Meyer Bethlehem, PA
Duane Moyer Perkasie, PA
Mark E. Mull Wharton, NJ
Kevin P. Roberts Lehighton, PA
David Sng Hatfield, PA
Thomas P. Voorhees W. Trenton, NJ
RESOLVED: That the annuities paid from the Ministers’ Retirement Fund beginning October 1, 1986, shall be $132.00 per year of service up to forty veers of service for which an annuitant is eligible.
RESOLVED: That the Administrative Budget for 1986-87 be adopted for use beginning October 1, 1986.
RESOLVED: That the Administrative Budget for the 1987-88 year be adopted for circulation to the churches in solicitation of their pledges by April 15, 1987.
PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
Oct. 1, 1986 Oct. 1, 1987
to to
Sept. 30, 1987 Sept. 30, 1988
A. Benefits for Each Pastor
1. Beneficiary Fund 900 1000
2. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 900 1,650
3. Ministerial Convention 750 750
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 32,850 34,150
Total 35,400 37,550
B. Benefits for Each Church
1. Conference Entertainment $3,500 $3,500
2. Moving Fund 5,500 6,500
3. Fund to Assist Churches 1,000 1,000
Total $10,000 $11,000
C. Annual Conference Programs
1. Publication & Printing $3,000 $3,000
2. Expenses of Boards & Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 800 800
b. All other Expenses 4,400 4,400
c. Stewardship Council 500 500
3. Expenses, Board of Directors 300 500
a. Computer lease-purchase and use 6,000
4. Ministerial C. Committee 800 1,200
5. Historical Committee 1000 1000
6. Contingencies 265 200
Total $11,065 $17,600
Total Budget $56,465 $66,150
PLEDGES TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGET
Church 1985-86 86-87
Allentown, C. Crest 4,800 4,920
Allentown, Salem 300 300
Bethlehem 2,000 2,000
Blandon 625 625
Camden, DE -0-
Catasauqua 250 250
Coopersburg 1,900 2,025
Denville 100 200
Emmaus 2,500 2,500
Englishtown, NJ 400 400
Ephrata 1,800 1,800
Finesville, NJ 25 25
Fleetwood 1,260 1,320
Graterford 2,200 2,300
Harleysville 1,210 1,290
Harrisburg 1,850 1,900
Hatfield 1,500 1,600
Howell 200 600
Lancaster 2,800 3,000
Lebanon 1,030 1,100
Lehighton 992 500
Maple Glen 850 1,000
Mt. Carmel 700 700
Nazareth 1,700 1,800
New Fairfield, CT 175 175
Oley 1,380 1,470
Paradise 1,416 1,440
Phila, Emmanuel -0-
Phila, Wissinoming 475 475
Poughquag 120 120
Quakertown 1,700 1,800
Reading 3,700 3,900
Royersford 1,800 1,800
Scranton 300 300
Shamokin 700 700
Sinking Spring 2,500 2,500
Spring City 1,150 1,250
Staten Island, NY 100 75
Stroudsburg 950 950
Sunbury 1,200 1,500
Terre Hill 400 400
Wallingford 1,000 1,200
York 990 990
Zionsville 175 200
Edison, NJ -0-
Irvington, NJ -0- 100
Kutztown 150 200
Mt. Pocono -0-
Newark, DE -0- 50
Newark, NJ 100 200
Pawling, NY 25 40
Walnutport 25 25
Wappingers Falls, NY -0- 125
B. F. C. Home 700 700
Church Extension 400 500
Pinebrook Jr. College 250 250
Board of Missions -0- 500
Totals $53,873 $57,340
RESOLVED: That the proposed FIRST READING material regarding the Minister’s Retirement Fund be referred back to the BFC Board of Directors.
RESOLVED: That the following be added to the Duties of the Board of Church Extension:
11. The Board shall promote the program of Church Extension and develop a broadening financial base for its ministry. (SECOND READING)
RESOLVED: That items A – D from p. 115 -116 of the Faith and Order i.e.,Church Extension, be referred back to committee for clarification.
The remaining men under care of the Mlnlsterral Candidate committee were introduced.
RESOLVED: That we adjourn. Adjourned at 5:00 PM in prayer by David Schoen.
The following were absent from the Monday afternoon session:
Excused Jeffrey C. Stlckler
THIRD MEETING
MONDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 13, 1986, 8:20 PM
RESOLVED, that we suspend the rules to meet for business until 9:00 P.M.
RESOLVED, that the election of David E. Thomann as Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions for a 3-year term be ratified.
Whereas, several of the Bible Fellowship Church Agencies have been using rudimentary computer systems which now need to be severely upgraded; and
Whereas, it is known that some of the particular churches and other agencies have obtained or are in the process of obtaining computers; and
Whereas, the costs of computers and accompanying programs have been drastically reduced in price, making such equipment reasonable to purchase; and
Whereas, it is considered in the best interests of the churches and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church denomination to have standards for programs and functions to insure compatibility; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the standards for computerization of the churches and agencies be as follows:
A. Goal: A systematic plan for an integrated computer system shall be developed so as to manage personnel resources, statistics, communications, finances, and other information for the Bible Fellowship Church.
B. Requirements: This plan shall be built on a high performance, moderately priced, multiuser, portable Data Base Management System (DBMS).
C. Technical specifications: The system shall operate on IBM personal computers (PC) or compatibles, on MS-DOS 3.1 or higher, and on compatible local area networks (LAN’s). The software should be IBM compatible to allow for an interchange of specified information between agencies and churches;
and further
RESOLVED, that representatives of our agencies and churches discuss the development and implementation of the above resolution through a Study Committee on Data Processing and Standardization to study and analyze the various needs and requirements for such computer systems and to prepare recommendations for submission to the agencies and churches after study is completed and when requested; and further
RESOLVED, that each agency select its representatives and that four men representing the churches be selected by Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
Whereas, for various reasons as set forth in the 1984 Yearbook, the 101st Annual Conference granted approval to the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church to purchase 150 acres for the Bible Fellowship Home in Upper Saucon Township for $800,000.00 and
Whereas, approval was also granted to authorize the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church to arrange for necessary financing of a new Long Term Care Facility (nursing home and retirement center), and
Whereas, necessary zoning approvals to construct such a facility in Upper Saucon Township on the 150 acre tract of land can not be obtained, and
Whereas, the possibility to construct such a facility remains viable on another tract of land, and
Whereas, the land suitable for such development is available in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we ratify the action of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home and hereby authorize the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church to purchase 55 acres more or less in Whitehall Township in the vicinity of Schadt Avenue and Mauch Chunk Road, bordered on the south by property owned by Esau Joseph and the Korean Presbyterian Church; on the east by property owned by the Township known as Zephyr Park; on the north by property owned by the Whitehall School district, Zigovitz, et al, and Lazarus; and on the west bordered by Rural Road and Mauch Chunk Road consisting of 42 acres more or less and also 13 acres directly across Mauch Chunk Road which contains a farmhouse, barn, steel building, and other structures; said property is owned by Clifford and Jean Roth and shall be purchased for $260,000 plus various taxes, assessments and closing costs, and further
RESOLVED, that the action taken at the 101st Annual Conference authorizing the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church to negotiate for and obtain the necessary financing for construction of a 120 bed Long Term Care Facility be reaffirmed.
The vote was unanimous in favor o the above two resolutions.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned in prayer at 9:10 P.M. by Laird F. Stengele.
The following were absent from the Monday evening sessions:
EXCUSED UNEXCUSED
Jeffrey C. Stickler Charles J. McConnell
Joseph Wire, Jr.
Walter E. Raybuck
John F. Boyle
FOURTH MEETING
TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14TH, 1986, 9:00 AM
The Conference sang the hymn “How Can It Be.” Harold E. Snyder read 1 Peter 2:1-10 and led in prayer.
The Chairman announced that those wishing to speak on the topics of tongues and of membership requirements should register with him, stating whether their comments would be “pro” or “con”, so that the debate will be balanced.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Fellowship News Editor
Stephan R. Van Eck (1 year)
Fellowship News Business Manager
David W. Chappell (1 year)
The following were reelected for another year:
CONFERENCE JUDICATORY
James A. Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Jansen E. Hartman, Ronald C. Mahurin, Lee E. Boyles, L. James Roberts, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., John H. Herb, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
RESOLVED, that the material on pages 165-166 of the Faith and Order (1986) be changed to read as follows:
Board of Pinebrook Bible Conference.
Election: It shall be composed of five ministers and eight laymen and the Bible Conference Director. The ministers and laymen shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as
follows:
Class I Two Ministers and Three Laymen
Class II Two Ministers and Three Laymen
Class III One Minister and Two Laymen
(SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that upon approval of these changes at second reading in 1986, implementation of these changes shall be as follows:
The 1986 Conference shall elect one minister and two laymen for three years, one layman for two years, and one layman for one year.
The 1987 Conference would elect Class One, two ministers and three laymen for three years and continue according to the classes thereafter.
RESOLVED, that each Church make a contribution to the Pinebrook Bible Conference. Contributions are to be made payable to Pinebrook and sent to the Director, Box 1, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE JUDICATORY COMMITTEE (See Page )
The Report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the following be adopted as FIRST READING:
RESOLVED, that the Book of Discipline, Chapter II, Jurisdiction, paragraph 3, Churches and Agencies, page 68 of the 1986 Edition of the Faith and Order be amended by adding the following sentence after the second sentence of the present paragraph:
The members of the Judicatory shall be elected for five year terms in five classes. (FIRST READING)
The Judicatory further recommends that upon approval of the above legislation at SECOND READING that we implement this change by electing:
Two men for 5 years
Two men for 4 years
Two men for 3 years
Two men for 2 years
Two men for 1 year
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION (See page )
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the budget for the Board of Church Extension for 1987-88 be adopted.
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION Proposed Budget for 1987-88
INCOME
Churches – Prepaid $110,000
Churches – Designated 110,000
Other Sources – Designated 60,100
General Contributions 15,000
Interest 4,000
$299,100
Appropriations:
Camden DE $ -0-
Edison NJ 6,000
Finesville NJ -0-
Newark, DE 2,400
Irvington NJ 24,000
Kutztown -0-
Mt. Pocono -0-
Project Beachhead 52,000
Newark, NJ 23,000
New Fairfield CT 3,000
Poughquag NY 1,000
E. Union Co. NJ 10,000
Wappingers Falls NY -0-
Walnutport 5,000
Whaley Lake NY 18,000
New Missions (existing) 45,000
New Missions (starting) 33,000
PISCES 3,000
$225,400 $225,400
Administration:
Director Salary & Benefits $ 20,000
Director Health Insurance 2,000
Director Continuing Education 1,500
Department Travel 9,500
Parsonage-Office Building 11,000
Office Operations 17,000
Board Expenses 2,000
Promotion 1,000
Surveys 200
Admin. Budget 500
Workers’ Compensation 1,500
$ 66,200 $ 66,200
Reserves:
Development Fund $ 5,000
Contingency 2,500
$ 7,500 $ 7,500
$299,100
RESOLVED, that the resolution concerning the purpose of the Church Extension Department be referred back to them for review and consultation with the Board of Missions.
(61 – Yes; 54 – No).
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.
RESOLVED, that $1.00 per member be given to the Board of Publication and Printing from each church to help underwrite the cost of publishing Fellowship News. Payments to be made to the Business Manager by December 31, 1986.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12:14 PM in prayer by Daniel G. Ziegler.
The following was absent from the Tuesday Morning session:
Excused Carl T. Martin
FIFTH MEETING
TUESDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 14TH, 1986, 1:30 PM
George Bryson opened in prayer. The minutes of previous meetings were distributed and accepted as corrected.
RESOLVED, that the cost of the 1986 Yearbook be $5.50 per copy.
RESOLVED, that the following budget by adopted:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION & PRINTING1986-1987 BUDGET
INCOME:
Subsidy from Administration Budget $ 3,000.00
Contributions from Boards and Committees $ 1,400.00
Offerings from Churches $ 6,000.00
Yearbook Sales $ 3,500.00
Sale of Printed Material $ 5,550.00
TOTAL $ 19,450.00
EXPENDITURES:
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Printing (5 issues) $ 6,000.00
Mailing (5 issues) $ 1,550.00
Mailing Labels & Computer Time $ 600.00
Postage Due (Address Correction Requested) 200.00
Editorial Expenses
(Secretarial/Supplies/Mileage) 600.00
Business Manager’s Expenses
(Secretary/Supplies/Phone/Mileage) 400.00
Honoraria 750.00
Printing Church Supplies 500.00
Printing Yearbooks 4,500.00
Printing Miscellaneous Material 4,000.00
Repairs & Equipment (IBM Service Contract) 150.00
Board & Secretarial Expenses 300.00
TOTAL $ 19,550.00
RESOLVED, that the By-Laws of the Board of Publication and Printing, paragraph 1, entitled, Election:, page 123 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order be amended to read:
Election: The Board of Publication and Printing shall be composed of the Editor of Fellowship News, the Business Manager of Fellowship News, and three ministers and two laymen.
The Editor of Fellowship News and the Business Manager of Fellowship News shall each be elected annually.
The ministers and laymen shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I – one minister and one layman
Class II – one minister and one layman
Class III – one minister
(First Reading)
RESOLVED, that we adopt the proposed revisions to the Rules of the Minister’s Retirement Fund at First Reading: (Note -the changes in bold)
ARTICLE VIFunds Administered by the Board of Directors
Section 1. Minister’s Retirement Fund
I. NAME
The name of this fund shall be the Ministers’ Retirement Fund of the Bible Fellowship Church.
II. PURPOSE
The Ministers’ Retirement Fund shall be a permanent fund to provide and pay annuities to ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church who by reason of age have retired from active service and also to widows of such ministers according to the rules hereinafter stated.
III. ADMINISTRATION
This fund shall be controlled by the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church and operated by the Committee on Pensions under the direction of the Annual Conference.
IV. ELIGIBILITY
A. Every minister who is licensed or who has been ordained by the Bible Fellowship Church is a member of the Fund so long as he is working under the direction of the Annual Conference and his name continues to appear on the list of men eligible to serve as a pastor of a Bible Fellowship Church.
B. When a man receives license with the Bible Fellowship Church, the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall notify him of the requirements for payments into the Fund and its benefits.
C. A man having less than 25 years of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church and no longer meeting both requirements set forth in Paragraph A of this section of these rules, ceases to be a member of the Fund, except as provided in Paragraphs D, E and F of this Section. When a minister ceases to be a member of the Retirement Fund, the money he paid into the Fund shall be refunded to him; and he by receiving this refund shall forfeit all further claims on the Fund.
D. Should a minister with less than 25 years of service no longer meet both eligibility requirements of Paragraph A of this section because he is awaiting a call to the pulpit of a Bible Fellowship Church, his membership in the Fund will continue so long as he desires, and this period between calls will be included as years of active service as this term is used in Section VIII, Paragraph A,3. However, to maintain the continuity of his service, a minister covered by this paragraph shall on April 1 and at Annual Conference of each year make his contribution to the Fund in accordance with the provision of Section V, Paragraph B based on the minimum salary currently prescribed for a pastor by Annual Conference.
E. Should a minister, after having accepted a refund as provided in Paragraph C of this section, return to work under the direction of Annual Conference, he may return the refund to the Fund and the years of service represented by the refund, will be included in the base for calculating his annuity.
F. A man who has been a member of the Fund may continue his eligibility for an annuity when serving under the Board of Missions. His rights to payments from the Fund of a refund or an annuity shall be based only on the payments made to the Fund on his behalf.
V. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND
The Fund shall be maintained by the following:
A. Contributions through the Annual Conference Administrative Budget.
B. Contributions for each member.
1. Two percent (2%) of each member’s annual salary and supplemental benefits, excluding medical insurance and excluding parsonage allowances for pastors providing their own housing, shall be paid into the Fund. To maintain his continuity of service, the ontribution shall not be less than two percent (2%) of the minimum salary currently prescribed for a pastor by the 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.
C. Gifts, bequests and devises from any sources.
VI. RETIREMENT AGE
A. A minister of the Bible Fellowship Church who has attained the age of sixty-five (65) years may retire from active service.
B. It is mandatory that a minister retire at the end of the month in which he attains the age of seventy-two (72) years.
C. A minister who has given 25 years or more of service to the Bible Fellowship Church may retire from the active ministry prior to age sixty-five (65) and be eligible for an annuity at age sixty-five (65).
VII. DISABILITY
A minister who has given twenty-five (25) years or more of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church may become eligible for an annuity at the end of the month in which he becomes totally and permanently disabled.
VIII. ANNUITIES
A. For ministers
1. No annuity will be paid unless a minister has met the requirements of Section VI and has paid in full according to Section V, B at least five years.
2. The annuity for a retired minister shall be calculated at the rate established annually by Annual Conference by a two-thirds majority vote at one reading.
3. A minister’s annuity will be based on his years of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church subject to a maximum of forty (40) years.
4. Services rendered after the age of seventy two (72) years shall not increase the annuity.
5. If at any time the money in the Fund is insufficient to pay the annuities in full, the Board of Directors shall determine the amount of monthly installments pro rata.
6. No minister shall be entitled to the full amount of his annuity unless he has paid in full as according to Section V, B. The years of service shall be reduced for each year in which he was a member of the Fund, but failed to make the required payments.
B. Annuities for Minister-Missionaries
1. Annuities will be paid to men who have met the eligibility requirements of the Fund by combined service as a minister working under the direction of Annual Conference and as a missionary working under the direction of the Board of Missions.
2. Payment of the portion of an annuity earned by a man who has also served under the Board of Missions shall be made annually in advance to the fund by the Board of Missions.
C. Annuities for Widows
1. The widow of a deceased minister who has complied with the provisions of the Fund shall receive annuities beginning at the time of the death of the husband provided that the widow shall have attained the age of sixty-five (65) years or beginning at the time that she shall attain the age of sixty-five (65).
2. A widow’s annuity shall be calculated at 7/12 the rate of Section VIII,A for each year that she was the wife of a minister during which he was in active service in the Bible Fellowship Church subject to a maximum of forty (40) years.
3. The annuity shall cease if the widow remarries.
D. All annuities cease at the time of the death of the annuitant.
(First Reading)
RESOLVED, that the matter of interest on money refunded to a pastor who discontinues his Ministers Retirement Fund payments (see “Funds Administered by the Board of Directors” IV,C) be referred back to the Board of Directors of The Bible Fellowship Church for further study and the Board shall report to the next Annual Conference.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (3 years)
Jansen E. Hartman (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Jansen E. Hartman (3 years)
Horace A. Kauffman (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE
W. Wayne Batten (3 years)
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
Ronald Reed (3 years)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
David T. Allen (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME
LeRoy S. Heller (3 years)
Robert W. Smock (3 years)
Robert Zentz (3 years)
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY
John H. Herb (3 years)
John C. Vandegriff, Jr. (3 years)
Dana E. Weller (3 years)
PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE BOARD
Frank L. Herb, Jr. (3 years)
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Daniel P. Allen (1 year)
James R. Batchler, Jr. (1 year)
John H. Herb (1 year)
Gary Sterner (1 year)
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
James A. Beil (1 year)
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (1 year)
Frank L. Herb, Jr. (1 year)
Keith E. Plows (1 year)
John H. Riggall (1 year)
COMMITTEE ON MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES
Alva C. Cassel (3 years)
Richard E. Taylor (3 years)
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Bright N. Heist (3 years)
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
David A. Thomann (3 years)
Harold L. Snyder, Jr. (3 years)
CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Jansen E. Hartman (1 years)
SECRETARY OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bryan G. Upton (1 years)
RESOLVED, that the By-Laws of the Historical Committee be amended as follows: (see 1981 yearbook, p.120)
1. Under the Section entitled ELECTION; change the first sentence to read “It shall be composed of the archivist and five men elected by the Annual Conference.” (Second Reading)
2. Add the following statement to the section entitled ELECTION. “In the event of the resignation or death of a member of the committee, the committee shall appoint a replacement who will serve until the subsequent Annual Conference. At that conference, a new member shall be elected to fill the unexpired term.” (Second Reading)
Andrew Merrick, of Christian Missionary Technical Services, and candidate for membership at the Sinking Spring Bible Fellowship Church, was introduced to the Conference.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE (see p. )
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the following be adopted at Second reading; (from p.42 of 1985 Yearbook, proposed Article IV – Members of Annual Conference, Section 1f., be amended to read)
One delegate from every properly constituted church with a membership of two hundred or less and one additional delegate for every one hundred members in excess of the first two hundred. If a delegate(s) is unable to attend the Annual Conference or some meetings of Annual Conference, the alternate delegate(s), with the permission of the Conference, shall be seated for the Conference or those specified meetings. Unexcused absences shall result in the church forfeiting its representation by an alternate delegate during the unexcused absence of the delegate. (SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that we adopt the following sentence as added to the end of the 5th paragraph of Chapter IV, “Conduct of Trials” (see p.44 of 1985 Yearbook), at Second Reading:
Any person serving as a representative of the accused or the judicatory must be a member in good standing of the Bible Fellowship Church (SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that the following be adopted at Second Reading (see page 61, 1985 Yearbook)
Reporting the Annual Conference Delegate to Annual Conference
The following shall appear as #5 of Article VII, Miscellaneous By-Laws of Particular Churches, Faith and Order (1981 Edition) p. 73f., and to replace #6 of Article X, Miscellaneous By-Laws of Annual Conference, p. 135f., 1981 Edition of Faith and Order:
Each pastor shall inform the Registrar of the Annual Conference of the names of the Annual Conference Delegate(s) and Alternate Delegate(s) as soon as possible after their election by the congregation, but no later than October 1. (FIRST READING)
RESOLVED, that the following be adopted at SECOND READING
ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPRESENTATIVES
The final paragraph of Article I, The Officers of the Church; Elders, page 55 of the 1981 Edition of the Faith and Order be amended to read:
The Board of Elders shall be the channel of communication between the particular church and the fellowship of churches and its organizations. The Elders shall nominate from their number and the congregation shall elect one delegate and one alternate delegate. Congregations of over two hundred members shall elect one delegate plus one additional delegate for every one hundred members in excess of the first two hundred, and the same number of alternate delegates. When congregations have more than one delegate the Board of Elders shall designate one delegate as “First Delegate” for the purposes of pulpit supply procedures. In the event of death, resignation or removal of the First Delegate, another First Delegate shall be designated from among the remaining delegates.
(SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that we adopt the following at (SECOND READING)
Amendment to Article V – By-Laws of Annual Conference
The word “Registrar” shall replace the words, “Secretary of Annual Conference” in the 3rd and 4th sentences of the 2nd paragraph on Article V, Annual Conference Registration of the By-Laws of Annual Conference, pages 13-15 of the 1982 Yearbook.
(SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that the following material replace the last two sentences of the last paragraph in Article VIII General Rules of Elections and Resignations, page 98 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order.
A vacancy on an elected Board or Committee occurs in the following cases: (a) death (b) resignation (c) discontinuation of Bible Fellowship Church membership (d) divestiture of office according to the Book of Discipline (e) declaration by Annual Conference upon appeal of the Board or Committee that the person is unwilling or unable to fulfill his committee responsibility.
If a vacancy on an elected Board or Committee occurs during the year, the Board or Committee may elect a replacement who will serve until the subsequent Annual Conference. The Board or Committee shall report to the Annual Conference any vacancies, recommending appropriate action and shall inform the Nominating Committee.
Whereas, the Government Committee has completed all the work assigned to it, and,
Whereas, the Committee does not see any immediate work that falls in the purview of this Committee, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, that upon the adoption of all material at Second Reading submitted by the Government Committee that the Government Committee be disbanded.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO PREPARE STATEMENT ON HOMOSEXUALITY (see p. ).
The report was accepted
RESOLVED, that the article “Homosexuality” be adopted as FIRST READING to appear in the Standards of Worship and Life following the article on “Abortion”.
HOMOSEXUALITY
A homosexual is a man or woman who indulges a lust for or engages in sexual acts with a member of the same sex.
God’s Word declares that the expression of sexual relations is authorized only in the union of male and female within the bond of marriage.1 Scripture plainly teaches that homosexual lust and practice are sinful in God’s sight.2 Contrary to the claim that homosexual relationships are related to one’s physical orientation or personal preference, the Bible explicitly declares that homosexuality is a perversion of God’s created order.3
It would be a violation of the Word of God to admit unrepentant homosexuals into church membership or office because the sin of homosexuality invalidates a Christian profession of faith.4 When a Christian yields to homosexual temptation, the Bible requires that fellow believers use the means of church discipline in order to urge the individual to repent and be restored.5
There is hope in Jesus Christ for the homosexual, not only for forgiveness but also for the transformation and redirection of life.6 When a person comes to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, he is freed from sin’s guilt through forgiveness and liberated from sin’s tyrannical power by redemption.7
1 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24).
2 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination (Leviticus 18:22). If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them (Leviticus 20:13).
3 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet (Romans 1:25-27).
4 Or do you not know that unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9,10 NASB).
5 And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a taxgatherer (Matthew 18:15-17 NASB).
6 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (I Corinthians 6:11).
7 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1,2).
RESOLVED, in the above article on “Homosexuality” the first “the” in 2 paragraph, 3rd sentence, be changed to “any’.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY DIVORCE PRIOR TO CONVERSION AS IT RELATES TO QUALIFICATIONS TO HOLD CHURCH OFFICE (see p. ).
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Publication and Printing prepare, as one of its duties, the manner in which it will maintain and publish updated editions of the Faith & Order.
The Conference adopted the following recommendation of the Ministerial Convention Committee:
RESOLVED, that each church be encouraged to pay for its pastor and wife to attend the annual Ministerial Convention of the Bible Fellowship Church.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS (see p. )
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn. Adjourned at 5:14 PM. Daniel G. Ziegler led in prayer.
The following were absent from Tuesday afternoon’s meeting:
Excused
Carl T. Martin
The following were absent from Tuesday evening’s special session:
Excused Unexcused
Raymond R. Dotts Charles J. McConnell
Joseph Wire, Jr. Jeffrey C. Stickler
SIXTH MEETING
WEDNESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 15,1986, 9:00 AM
The Conference sang the hymn “He Hideth My Soul”. L. James Roberts, Jr. read from Romans 12 and led in prayer.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
C. Robert Roth (3 years)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
George R. Bryson (3 years)
Delbert R. Baker II (3 years)
BOARD OF MISSIONS
Daniel P. Allen (3 years)
Leroy O. Herb (3 years)
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Paul T. Rutman (1 year)
PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE BOARD
Gerald Schlonecker (3 years)
The Secretary of the Board of Missions introduced to the Conference a new appointee, Walter Johnston. Missionaries Robert L. Draper and Laird F. Stengele greeted the conference, as did R. C. Reichenbach, returned from visiting missionaries on the foreign fields.
The minutes of Monday evening’s meeting were distributed and accepted.
The following were elected:
VICE CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
James A. Beil (1 years)
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
James G. Koch (3 years)
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
L. James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTOR OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
L. James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)
RESOLVED, that the Pastor’s Summary Statistical Report be revised as follows (changes are in bold type):
OFFICERS:
Ordained Ministers
Probationers
Elders
Deacons
PASTOR’S ACTIVITIES:
Pastoral Visits
Other Pastoral Staff Visits
Baptized
Children Dedicated
Weddings
Funerals
MEMBERSHIP:
Received into Church Fellowship
Received by Transfer from B.F.Churches
Received by Transfer from Other Churches
Total Increase
Died
Withdrawn
Dropped
Transferred to B.F.Churches
Transferred to Other Churches
Total Decrease
Net Increase
Net Decrease
Total Membership
ENROLLMENT
Sunday Bible School
Cradle Roll
Home Department
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
Sunday Bible School
Morning Worship
Evening Worship
CHURCH PROPERTY
Church Building(s)
Parsonage(s)
Present Valuation of Church Property
RECEIPTS
Total Income
Total Offerings
DISBURSEMENTS: DENOMINATIONAL BENEVOLENCE:
Administrative Budget
Board of Missions
Church Extension
Home for the Aging
Pinebrook Junior College
Board of Christian Education
Victory Valley Camp
Pinebrook Bible Conference Center
LOCAL DISBURSEMENTS:
Minister’s Salary
Minister’s Supplemental Benefits
Parsonage Allowance
Health Insurance Premiums
Christian Education
Debt Service
Other Missions
Women’s Missionary Society
Annual Conference Delegate(s)
General Disbursements
Local Benevolences
RESOLVED, that a pastoral visit be defined as a “a meeting with an individual, family or a small group in which there is a spiritual purpose — to establish, maintain, intensify or correct the relationship of the person, family or group with Christ and His Church. Included: purposive home visits, pastoral visits in hospitals, prisons and other institutions, counseling sessions, evangelistic and discipleship confrontations, one-on-one or small group Bible studies. Excluded: stated meetings, committee meetings, purely social visits.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ADUITING (see p. )
The report was accepted.
John H. Riggall led in prayer asking God’s help upon the deliberation concerning the following report and its recommendations.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP (see p. )
The report was accepted.
(Note: the title given for the above report is the title given by the committee which prepared the report. This report is the same as the report in the agenda entitled, “Report of the Committee to Have Extra-Biblical Requirements for Membership”).
THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. (See p. ).
The supplement to the report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
RESOLVED, that we recess to reconvene at 1:30 PM.
The following was absent from the Wednesday morning meeting:
Harold E. Snyder.
James G. Koch led in prayer as the Conference resumned business after the luncheon recess.
The following was elected
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Jonathan Reynolds (3 years)
RESOLVED, that the words “manufacture and distribution” be added to the last sentence of the revision of the Article on Alcoholic Drinks appearing on p. 202 of the 1985 Yearbook, after the words “totally from the use”. (Yes 66, No 45)
RESOLVED, that the principle of the autonomy of the local church be extended to include the use of Article X of the Standards of Life and Worship for determining requirements for membership and be it further
RESOLVED, that Article X – A of the Standards of Life and Worship be amended according to the proposal on page 202 of the 1985 Year Book, as amended by the action of the 1986 Annual Conference:
A. Alcoholic Drinks – the use of alcoholic beverages is one of the most serious social problems in the United States. Its abuse has led to personal and family suffering, serious physical and mental health problems, and increased rates of accidental and criminal injury and death. The financial cost of such beverages and their consequences is a tremendous and unnecessary burden on all of society.
The Scriptures teach that drunkenness is sinful.1 Due to the addictive quality of alcohol, even the moderate use of such beverages may lead to serious consequences.2 This is especially true because the alcoholic content of such beverages has been tremendously increased since Bible times. Furthermore, moderate use may be a stumbling-block for believer and unbeliever alike.3
Therefore, we strongly and persistently warn our people of the dangers of alcoholic beverages and urge all members of the Bible Fellowship Church to abstain totally from the use, manufacture and distribution of them.
1. Romans 13:13; I Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:18-21
2. Proverbs 20:1, 23:31-35
3. Matthew 18:6-7; Romans 14:20-21; I Corinthians 8:9-11, 13
(FIRST READING)
Whereas, the Committee to Study Requirements for Local Church Membership has done extensive study which has produced changes in Standards of Worship and Life, Article X, and
Whereas, the efforts of this committee have brought them to a preliminary consideration of implementation of these resolutions, therefore let it be
RESOLVED, that the Committee to Study Local Church Membership study the implementation of these resolutions.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY SPEAKING IN TONGUES (see p. )
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that we suspend the rules in order to extend the time.
Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church of Fleetwood, PA petitioned the 101st Annual Conference asking that an article on tongues be included in the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church; and
Whereas, after careful consideration the Committee to Study Speaking in Tongues acknowledging that the issue is of great significance for the church today, but also recognizing that speaking in tongues is of lesser significance in the totality of Scripture concludes that the issue does not warrant inclusion in the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Bible Fellowship Church not adopt a definitive position on the issue of speaking in tongues at this time by adopting an article in our Standards of Worship and Life, and, further
RESOLVED, that this action be considered as the response of Annual Conference to the petition from the Bible Fellowship Church of Fleetwood, PA.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned at 5:25 PM in prayer by George Monroe.
The following were absent from the Wednesday afternoon meeting:
EXCUSED
Raymond R. Dotts
Thomas L. Ward
SEVENTH MEETING
Wednesday, October 15th, 1986, 6:30 PM
The minutes from Tuesday morning were distributed and accepted.
The following was elected:
PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE BOARD
Dale Kemmerer (3 years)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY CULTS (See Page )
The report was accepted.
Whereas, the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church clearly states the Biblical truth concerning the authority of the Scriptures, the Deity of Christ and salvation by grace through faith; and
Whereas, the primary error in cultic doctrines is in relationship to the aforementioned doctrines; and
Whereas, this paper seeks to further delineate the characteristics of a cult and formulate what the response of the Bible Fellowship Church should be toward cults; be it therefore
RESOLVED, that the “Report Of The Committee To Study Cults” be adopted by the 103rd Annual Conference as the position paper of the Bible Fellowship Church on the subject of cults.
and be it further
RESOLVED, that this position paper be considered the answer to the question of cults raised in the petition to Annual Conference in 1984 from Faith Bible Fellowship Church, Fleetwood.
RESOLVED, that the Chairman appoint a Committee of four men representing the churches to study computer recommendations with the respentatives of each agency.
RESOLVED, that we approve the Chairman’s appointment of the following to the above committee:
Robert W. Gehret Bert N. Brosius
Daniel P. Allen John H. Herb
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS (See Page )
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS (See Page )
The report was accepted.
Whereas, the theme of the 103rd Annual Conference has been “Good Stewards of the Manifold Grace of God,” and
Whereas, 1986-87 will be for us the Year of Stewardship,and
Whereas, we have heard and seen the evidence of the Lord’s abundant blessing on the Bible Fellowship Church, her congre-gations & agencies and His rich provision of gifts and resources for our use to accomplish His work and to glorify Him, and
Whereas, the congregations and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church have presented acceptable and heartening accounting of faithful and fruitful stewardship of these gifts and resources, and
Whereas, these gifts and resources, along with great open doors of opportunity, are with us as they have never been before, therefore
RESOLVED, that we offer high praise and thanksgiving to God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, for His gracious and bountiful provision, and for allowing us to be His stewards, and further
RESOLVED, that we thank our Lord for the faithful stewardship of His servants among us, and further
RESOLVED, that we covenant together that we will solemnly purpose to be prudent stewards of the bodies and the material means and spiritual gifts which the Lord has entrusted to us as His disciples, to be zealous and sensitive communicators of the Gospel which He has given to us as a stewardship, to be truthful and urgent declarers and teachers of the Holy Word of God, which He has committed to us, and so to exercise the stewardship which the Head of the Church has committed to us of that part of His body which is the Bible Fellowship Church, that our church will grow through making new disciples and building up all the saints, that those who do not know the Savior in our communities, our nation and to the ends of the earth may hear the Gospel, have opportunity to know Jesus and to come to be part of His universal and local church, that righteousness and justice be done and that the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church and of Creation be exalted in all the earth, and further
RESOLVED, that, in doing so, we pledge ourselves to help our agencies to meet their budgets and obligate ourselves to be forthright and open in our communications with one another as brethren, and further
RESOLVED, that, inasmuch as “to whom much is given much will be required”, we acknowledge our utter need for the Lord and His gracious enabling and we covenant together to bow in worship before the Lord of Heaven and Earth and beseech Him for the renewed minds, compassionate hearts, resolute wills, physical strength and divine wisdom, in full measure, which we need in order that we may be good and faithful servants, to His glory.
Whereas, the administration and staff of Pinebrook Bible Conference has exhibited graciousness and hospitality towards the members & guests of the 103rd Annual Conference, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we extend our hearty thanks and appreciation to the administration and staff of Pinebrook Bible Conference.
Whereas, Jansen E. Hartman has effectively served with a great demonstration of wisdom and efficiency as Chairman of the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the members of the Annual Conference express their appreciation to Brother Hartman with a standing round of applause.
Whereas, Bryan G. Upton has served competently as Secretary to the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, Robert W. Smock has served ably as Assistant Secretary, and
Whereas. David T. Allen has also served ably as Assistant to the Secretaries, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we express our appreciation to these brethren for their sacrificial service, and that a gift of $50.00 be given to each of them from the Board of Publication and Printing.
Whereas, Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, has efficiently accommodated the 103rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, Pinebrook Bible Conference has graciously extended its hospitality to serve as the site of the 1987 and 1988 Annual Conferences, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that the 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church be convened at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, on Monday, October 12, 1987 at 10:00 A.M., and further
RESOLVED, that the 105th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church be convened at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, on Monday, October 10, l988 at 10:00 A. M.
Upon recommendation of the Ministerial Relations Committee the following was adopted:
Whereas we strongly believe it is the scriptural responsibilities of the church to adequately meet the needs of its pastors (Matt. 10:10; 1 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 5% above the previous year’s salary, and further
RESOLVED, that it is the consensus of this Committee that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church including benefits is $16,000 for the 1986-87 year.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE (See Page )
The report was accepted.
The Chairman appointed the following committees:
COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND PROGRAM:
Bryan G. Upton, Robert W. Smock, Jansen E. Hartman,
James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE
David A. Thomann, Daniel P. Allen, Philip E. Morrison,
Thomas P. Shorb, Randall A. Grossman
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS:
LeRoy S. Heller, Daniel G. Ziegler, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr.
Warren L. Zimmerman, Calvin T. Reed
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE MINUTES OF PARTIUCLAR CHURCHES:
Richard D. Harris, Kenneth L. Good, Delbert Baker II,
Charles J. McConnell
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES:
James A. Wickstead, Dean A. Stortz
REGISTRARS:
Philip E. Morrison, James R. Batchler, Jr.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
David N. Schoen (1 Year)
PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE BOARD
Allen Gehman (2 Years)
William C. Rapp, Jr. (1 Year)
RESOLVED, that any questions about the remaining minutes shall be sent to the Secretary of Annual Conference within seven (7) days of their being received by mail.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned the 103rd Annual Conference at 7:55 PM, with John Dunn leading in prayer.