ONE HUNDRED FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1987
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1987 Yearbook
FIRST MEETING
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 12, 1987, 10:00 AM
The first meeting of the 104th 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 12, 1987.
Vice-Chairman James A. Beil opened in prayer.
Report of the Registrar:
The report was accepted.
The roll of conference members was established as follows:
Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Bible Fellowship Church and Delegates
Allentown, Cedar Crest – Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert F. Johnson, John W. Trauch, Jay H. Fasnacht
Allentown, Salem – Charles J. McConnell, Jeffrey C. Stickler
Bangor – Thomas S. MacMillan
Bethlehem – Harvey J. Fritz Jr., Robert F. Gerding, Warren L. Zimmerman
Blandon – George R. Bryson, Raymond R. Bertolet
Camden, DE – James G. Koch, Horace F. Short
Catasauqua – (Probationer), Calvin A. Boyle
Coopersburg – Thomas P. Shorb, Clyde W. Snyder
Denville, NJ – Stephan R. Van Eck, Ralph C. Hansen
Emmaus – Dana E. Weller, Richard Lefever, Jonathan D. Reynolds
Englishtown, NJ – Raymond G. Burnett, Clinton Crankshaw
Ephrata – Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ – David H. Jones, Donald P. Straub
Fleetwood – Frank L. Herb, Jr., Douglas Manwiller
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
Kutztown – Randall A .Grossman, George K. Monroe
Lancaster – David A. Thomann, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon – Calvin T. Reed, Leroy O. Herb
Lehighton – William H. Bartron, Warren F. Shelly
Maple Glen – Carl K. Spackman, George Priestly
Mt. Carmel – Alva C. Cassel, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Mt. Pocono – Ronald C. Erb, Salvatore Roseti
Nazareth – Keith E. Plows, Leonard Kessler
Newark, DE – (Probationer), Arthur J. Frisbie
Newark, NJ (Mission) – Delbert Baker, II
New Fairfield, CT – Dean A. Stortz, Carl Anderson
Oley – Kenneth F. Barber, Clayton E. Weber
Paradise – (Probationer), L. Donald Miller
Philadelphia, Emmanuel – (Probationer), Russell L. Davis
Philadelphia, Wissinoming – G. Wayne Clapier, Wally Burroughs
Poughquag, NY – James A. Wickstead, Thomas Ward
Quakertown – Bert N. Brosius, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading – Jansen E. Hartman, Robert Breitegam, Charles Lavigna
Royersford – Robert W. Smock, Dennis Souder
Scranton – James R. Batchler Jr., Scott Mitchell
Shamokin – Hugh C. Coulbourn Jr., Craig Boyer
Sinking Spring – Terris L. Byrd, James Klusewitz
Somers Point, NJ(Mission) – Roger L. Reitz
Spring City – Carl T. Martin, Richard R. Blystone
Staten Island, NY – Bryan G. Upton, Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg – Philip E. Morrison, Harold D. Geisinger
Sunbury – Leroy S. Heller, Bert E. Brosius, Robert Cox
Terre Hill – Steven L. Trommler, Keith Anderson
Wallingford – Richard E. Taylor, William R. Singletary
Wappingers Falls, NY – (Probationer), Charles Webb
Whaley Lake, NY – (Mission) Robert S. Commerford
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, Barry J. Minsky, Daniel G. Ziegler
Ordained Men Between Calls
David A. Carver, A. L. Seifert, Harold C. Weaber
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, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Louis Prontnicki, Laird F. Stengele, Philip E. Yerrington
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Paul E. Baer, 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., Thomas G. Barshinger, W. Neil Harding, Jr., William G. Schlonecker, Ralph M. Soper, Byron Widger
Resolved: that the Conference Bar be limited to those seated at the tables.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND PROGRAM
The report was adopted.
Jansen E. Hartman gave the keynote devotional address entitled: “That Ye Might Walk Worthily of the Lord” (Col 1:10).
The Secretary appointed Robert W. Smock as Assistant Secretary and David T. Allen & Daniel P. Allen as Assistants to the Secretaries.
The Chairman appointed Carl C. Cassel as Second Vice Chairman.
The Registrar read requests from the following who asked to be excused from parts or all of the meetings of Annual Conference:
David H. Jones, George E. Herb, Paul E. Baer, D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub , Bert N. Brosuis, David W. Riddell, Carl T. Martin, Kenneth F. Barber, Clayton E. Weber, C.E. Kirkwood, Barry J. Minsky
RESOLVED, that the above requests be granted.
The Chairman appointed the following committees:
Communications: James G. Koch, Kenneth L. Good, Raymond G. Burnett
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: Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., John H. Herb, Terris L. Byrd, Bert N. Brosius, Richard D. Harris, David A. Thomann
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Jay H. Fasnacht, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert F. Gerding
Committee to Monitor the Minutes: Bruce A. Ellingson, Robert S. Commerford, Kenneth D. Keeler
Reporter: Stephan R. Van Eck
Parliamentarian: John H. Herb
Timekeeper: Carl T. Martin
Administrative Assistant: Thomas P. Shorb
RESOLVED: that we approve the Conference Committees appointed by the Chairman.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS (see pg.57)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (see page 61)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS (see pg. 62)
The report was accepted, with the exception that the paragraph on Robert F. Johnson be referred back to committee.
WHEREAS, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended W. David Armstrong, David W. Chappell, David W. Riddell, David N. Schoen and Ralph M. Soper for ordination and Dennis M. Cahill for recognition of prior ordination, and,
WHEREAS, these brethren have served acceptably as ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time, and
WHEREAS, after examination the Credentials Committee 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 W. David Armstrong, David W. Chappell, David W. Riddell, David N. Schoen and Ralph M. Soper be ordained to the Gospel Ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and that the prior ordination of Dennis M. Cahill be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
RESOLVED, that the service of Ordination shall be held on Thursday, October 29, 1987 at Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, PA at 7:30 PM.
The Committee on Credentials shall be in charge of this service.
The men recommended above for ordination were introduced to the Conference.
RESOLVED, that the men recommended above for ordination be invited to be seated in the Conference Bar.
RESOLVED, that the Chairman appoint a Committee to prepare a tribute to E. W. Bean to appear in the 1987 Year Book.
The Chairman appointed George R. Bryson and David E. Thomann to prepare this tribute.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE (see page 65)
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the following men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee be accepted.
PROBATIONERS (year of licensing in parenthesis)
W. David Armstrong Zionsville, PA (1985)
William C. Aukamp Rapid City, SD (1985)
Thomas A. Barshinger Catasauqua, PA (1986)
James L. Beaver St. Petersburg, FL
Douglas D. Bowne Spring City, PA
Dennis M. Cahill Edison, NJ (1986)
David W. Chappell Walnutport, PA (1985)
Arthur J. Frisbie Newark, DE (1976)
David E. Gundrum Reading, PA (1986)
Ronald C. Hagy Reading, PA (1986)
W. Neil Harding Philadelphia, PA (1983)
Walter Johnston Wyomissing, PA
James E. Neher Graterford, PA (1987)
John Reed Brookhaven, PA
David W. Riddell Ambler, PA (1985)
David Schoen Emmaus, PA (1982)
William G. Schlonecker Newark, DE (1985)
David H. C. Sng Hatfield, PA (1987)
Ralph M. Soper Paradise, PA (1985)
Dennis W. Spinney Hillside, NJ (1984)
Byron Widger Wappingers Falls, NY (1985)
CANDIDATES
James Allay Lansdale, PA
Gary F. Bentley Hatfield, PA
Clifford B. Boone Allentown, PA
Harold B. Fravel, III Ephrata, PA
Ronald A. Honeywell Manheim, PA
Randy M. Keeley Hancock, NY
Gary McElroy Shoemakersville, PA
Barnabas Marshall Winston Salem, NC
Richard W. Meyer Fleetwood, PA
Philip J. Mitchell Allentown, PA
Christopher J. Morrison New Britain, CT
Duane Moyer Guadeloupe, F.W.I.
Scott A. Neiswender Bloomsburg, PA
Richard T. Paashaus Coopersburg, PA
Brent Robinson Sinking Spring, PA
Charles M. Snyder Chambersburg, PA
Jeffrey C. Stickler Allentown, PA
Warren N. Stuber Brockton, MA
J. Richard Vroman Lansdale, PA
James Wenger South Woodstock, CT
APPLICANTS
David T. Allen Akron, PA
Joseph L. Dugan Howell, NJ
Thomas J. Gardner Greenville, SC
Daniel A. Mabus Emmaus, PA
Darryl K. MacPherson Quakertown, PA
Mark E. Mull Wharton, NJ
Warren F. Shelly Lehighton, PA
Tom Templeton Somers Point, NJ
Thomas P. Voorhees W. Trenton, NJ
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (see pg. 66)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION (see pg.76)
The report was accepted.
PETITION
The following petition from Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA was accepted:
WHEREAS, in the marvelous goodness of the Lord, Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, Pennsylvania was able to plant a daughter church, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, Pennsylvania, during this past Conference Year under the direction of Assistant Pastor Thomas MacMillan, and
WHEREAS, the Lord has been pleased to add to the initial core of families which Grace Church gave, so that an Assessment Committee of the Board of Church Extension, meeting with the new congregation on March 26, 1987, was able to recommend that the Membership Roll be formed at Cornerstone Church, and
WHEREAS, an Assessment Committee from the Board of Church Extension, meeting with the new congregation on June 25, 1987, approved Grace Church’s recommendation that elders be elected from the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church membership, and
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Church elders have opened their own checking account by authorization of the Board of Elders at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA, and
WHEREAS, Grace Church has requested direction from the Ministerial Relations Committee as to the proper procedure for the official resignation of Pastor MacMillan from Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, and
WHEREAS, the Ministerial Relations Committee views the daughter-church procedure of Grace Church, Nazareth, PA to be a unique situation and perhaps a model of encouragement for other churches and therefore requested some time for consultation before answering Grace Church’s request for direction, and
WHEREAS, Pastor R. C. Mahurin, secretary of the Ministerial Relations Committee, out of three options presented via telephone on 8/8/87, recommended that Grace Church, Nazareth, PA petition the 104th Annual Conference to be convened on October 12, 1987 to receive Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, PA as a Conference Appointment, providing the Board of Elders of Grace Church is confident that all necessary criteria have been met to form the new church, and
WHEREAS, the Grace Church Board of Elders is persuaded that the above criteria have been met, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we petition the 104th Annual Conference to receive Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, Pennsylvania as a Conference Appointment.
Upon the request of the Board of Church Extension the Chairman ordered that the minutes include the following material from the Report of the Board of Church Extension.
WHEREAS, the Board of Church Extension has examined the Bangor, PA mission and certifies that it meets the qualifications of a church as set forth in Article of Faith XVIII; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 104th Annual Conference recognize Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, PA as a particular church and receive it into membership of the Annual Conference.
WHEREAS, Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA has petitioned the 104th Annual Conference to receive Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, Bangor, PA as a conference appointment and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Church Extension certifies that it meets the qualifications of a church, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, Bangor, PA be, and hereby is recognized as a Particular Church and is hereby received into membership of the Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that the Pastor and Delegate from Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church in Bangor, PA be admitted to the Conference Bar.
Pastor Thomas F. MacMillan, introduced his delegate, Henry U. Sandt, Jr.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION (see pg. 84)
The Report was accepted.
The Director of Church Extension gave a brief oral report.
David H. C. Sng spoke briefly of his work with Southeast Asian Refugees in Philadelphia under the Board of Church Extension.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS (see pg. 92)
The Report was accepted.
The Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions gave a brief oral report.
RESOLVED that we extend the time.
The Chairman introduced those who were new to Annual Conference.
The Conference stood to adjourn for lunch at 12:10 PM, with Albert J. Dommel leading in prayer.
The Registrar reported the following absent from the first meeting:
UNEXCUSED
John E. Andersen, Leonard E. Buck, Brian H. Butler, Richard J. Gehman, Walter H. Frank, J. Barclay Harley, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Louis Prontnicki, Philip E. Yerrington, C. Leslie Miller, David A. Carver
SECOND MEETING
MONDAY AFTERNOON, October 12, 1987, 1:30 PM
Harold C. Weaber led in prayer.
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON DIVORCE, MAJORITY REPORT (see pg. 132)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON DIVORCE, MINORITY REPORT (see pg. 158)
The Report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the Majority Report of the Committee to Study Divorce be considered as the answer to the Poughquag Bible Fellowship Church petition (see pg. 27 of 1984 Yearbook).
(Yes, 62; No, 61)
The Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions introduced the following missionaries and appointees: Connie Hartman, Ronald W. Hoyle, Herbert K. Lea, David W. Riddell, Laird F. Stengele and Paul G. Zimmerman.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE (see pg. 166)
The report was accepted.
The President of Pinebrook Junior College gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME (see pg. 105)
The report was accepted.
The President of the Bible Fellowship Church Home gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE (see pg. 113)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP (See pg. 116)
The report was accepted.
The Director of Victory Valley gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: (See pg. 119)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: (See pg. 120)
The report was accepted
The Editor of Fellowship News gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See pg. 123)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: (See pg. 100)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE JUDICATORY: (See pg. 103)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE: (See pg. 103)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES: (See pg. 104)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CHURCH GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: (see pg. 124)
The report was accepted.
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, shall recommend appropriate action and shall inform the Nominating Committee. (SECOND READING)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: (see pg. 124)
The report was adopted.
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; I Tim. 5:17-18); therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we encourage each church to increase its pastor’s salary at least 6.5% above the previous year’s salary, and further
RESOLVED, that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church including benefits is $17,000 for the 1987-88 year.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn to meet at 7:00 PM.
Robert Cox led in prayer.
The Registrar reported that the following were excused from various meetings: James A. Beil, Ralph C. Hansen, Gary R. Domke, Charles Webb, George A. Priestly
THIRD MEETING
Monday Evening, October 12,7:00 PM
David A. Thomann led the Conference in singing “To God Be the Glory” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
The President of Pinebrook Junior College and various members of the faculty from the College presented the work of the College. Academic Dean Elaine A. Phillips introduced three faculty members who shared their work at the college in a ‘faculty round-table’ format: Joanne D. Gerken, Gilbert P. Kitchen, and Perry G. Phillips.
The President of the Bible Fellowship Church Home presented the progress of the work concerning the new Fellowship Manor, and the financing relating to it.
The Director of Victory Valley Camp presented the work of the camp, using a format of quiz, questions and slides.
The financial Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church presented the status of the Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned in prayer at 9:05 PM by Calvin Boyle.
FOURTH MEETING
TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 13, 1987, 9:00 AM
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. led the Conference in singing “Trust and Obey’.
Robert W. Smock read Matthew 6:1-18 and led in prayer.
Paul G. Zimmerman delivered the devotional message, “Well Pleasing in Our Personal Lives.”
The Alternate Delegate from Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church, Harold E. Snyder, was seated.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO MONITOR MINUTES
The first six pages of minutes were corrected and approved.
The following were elected:
Editor of Fellowship News: Stephan R. Van Eck (1 year)
Fellowship News Business Manager: David W. Chappell (1 year)
Additional material concerning the false charges against Robert F. Johnson was presented by the Committee on Credentials and approved by the Conference with a unanimous standing vote of confidence. Bruce A. Ellingson led in prayer on behalf of Robert F. Johnson. Following prayer Pastor Johnson addressed the Conference communicating his burden for witnessing to needy people in the world of immorality.
RESOLVED, that the 104th Annual Conference instruct its reporter to send a news release concerning these proceedings to all the newspapers that reported the arrest of Robert F. Johnson.
Ronald C. Mahurin requested that the material would not be published until authorized by the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.
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
(SECOND 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. (Second 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
The following were elected to the Conference Judicatory:
James A. Beil, Lee E. Boyles, Carl C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Jansen E. Hartman, John H. Herb, Ronald C. Mahurin, L. James Roberts, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
RESOLVED, that those elected be assigned to classes by alphabetical order.
As a result, the following classes were formed:
Five year term: James A. Beil, Lee E. Boyles
Four year term: Carl C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Three year term: Jansen E. Hartman, John H. Herb
Two year term: Ronald C. Mahurin, L. James Roberts, Jr.
One year term: Clyde W. Snyder, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
RESOLVED, that the material in the FAITH AND ORDER starting on the bottom of page 169 be changed to read as follows:
“Categories of Ministry, All ordained men who hold Ordination Credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church shall be members in good standing in a particular Bible Fellowship Church and shall subscribe annually to the FAITH AND ORDER.
Howard White, alternate delegate for Wissinoming Bible Fellowship Church was seated.
C. Leslie Miller, from Ventura, California, greeted the Conference and expressed what the Bible Fellowship Church has meant to him since he began serving with us in 1924.
RESOLVED, that the annuities paid from the Ministers’ Retirement Fund beginning October 1, 1987, shall be $138.00 per year of service up to forty years of service for which an annuitant is eligible, and further
RESOLVED, that any new pledges to the ’87-88 Administrative Budget which may be received at this Conference be designated to the Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
RESOLVED, that we adopt the following budget for the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGETS Oct. 1, 1987 to Sept. 30, 1988
A. BENEFITS FOR EACH PASTOR
1. Beneficiary Fund 1,000.00
2. Ministerial Convention 1,000.00
3. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 34,150.00
4. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 750.00
Total 36,900.00
B.BENEFITS FOR EACH CHURCH
la. Conference Entertainment 3,500.00
lb. Conference Expense 600.00
2. Moving Fund 3,000.00
3. Fund to Assist Churches 400.00
Total 7,500.00
C.ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMS
1. Publication & Printing 4,000.00
2. Expenses of Boards and Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 800.00
b. Stewardship Council 300.00
c. All Other Expenses 5,000.00
3.Expenses, Board of Directors
a. Computer Use 1,000.00
b. Other Expenses 500.00
4. Ministerial Candidate Comm. 1,200.00
5. Historical Committee 1,000.00
6. Contributions 590.00
Total 14,390.00
TOTAL BUDGET 58,790.00
RESOLVED, that the following Administrative Budget for the 1988-89 year be approved for circulation to the churches in solicitation of their pledges by April 15, 1988.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Proposed Administrative Budget for Oct. 1, 1988 to Sept. 30, 1989
A.BENEFITS FOR EACH PASTOR
1. Beneficiary Fund 1,000.00
2. Ministerial Convention 1,600.00
3. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 36,600.00
4. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 750.00
Total 39,950.00
B.BENEFITS FOR EACH CHURCH
la. Conference Entertainment 3,500.00
lb. Conference Expense 600.00
2. Moving Fund 5,000.00
3. Fund to Assist Churches 1,000.00
Total 10,100.00
C. ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMS
1. Publication & Printing 4,000.00
2. Expenses of Boards and Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 800.00
b. Stewardship Council 2,500.00
c. All Other Expenses 5,000.00
3.Expenses, Board of Directors
a. Computer Use 1,000.00
b. Other Expenses 500.00
4. Ministerial Candidate Comm. 1,200.00
5. Historical Committee 1,000.00
6. Contributions 250.00
Total 16,250.00
TOTAL BUDGET 66,300.00
RESOLVED, that the rate of mileage reimbursement be $.18 per mile effective 10/15/87.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12:15 PM for lunch, with Warren G. Zimmerman leading in prayer.
FIFTH MEETING
TUESDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 13, 1987, 1:30 PM
Willard E. Cassel led in prayer.
Tom Ward, the alternate delegate from Poughquag Bible Fellowship Church was seated.
RESOLVED, that paragraph B-1, Section V., p 21, 1986 Yearbook, be deleted from the Second Reading material on p. 20 – 22 of the 1986 Yearbook.
RESOLVED, that paragraphs C. & E., Section IV, p.20, 1986 Yearbook be referred back to the Board of Directors for further consideration.
RESOLVED, that we adopt the following revisions to the Rules of the Ministers’ Retirement Fund at Second Reading:
ARTICLE VI
Funds Administered by the Board of Directors
Section 1. Ministers’ 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 contribution 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 source.
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 or 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 widows annuity shall be calculated at 7/12 the rate of Section VIIIA 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.
(SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that Annual Conference approve the change in the Charter of Pinebrook Junior College and approve Pinebrook Junior College taking title to the property located at 428 South, Main Street, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Article VI of the Rules of the Ministers’ Retirement Fund states that under certain conditions a minister will be penalized if he does not meet requirements for contributions in Section V, and
WHEREAS, Article VI does not refer to a penalty if his employer does not meet these requirements; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church render its opinion on the effect of an employer not meeting requirements for contributions on a minister’s annuity; and compose appropriate legislation reflecting this opinion; and report this to the 105th Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that the article “Homosexuality” be referred back to the Committee, which shall report back to this Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
RESOLVED, that action on the Second Reading of Article X-A be postponed to be the first order of business in the 9 AM Meeting on Wednesday, October 14,1987
Missionaries Edward Moyer and David and Nancy Wehr greeted the Conference.
Richard Hampton, Director of Pennsylvania Council on Alcohol Problems greeted the Conference.
Church Extension Director Daniel Ziegler introduced James Wenger and Christopher Morrison.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Ronald C. Mahurin (3 years)
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Bert N. Brosius (3 years)
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (3 years)
Jay H. Fasnacht (3 years)
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION
Leroy S. Heller (3 years)
Alfred G. Roberts (3 years)
William R. Singletary (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Pinebrook JUNIOR COLLEGE
Dana E. Weller (3 years)
Robert C. Neuman (3 years)
L. James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)
Robert H. Zentz (3 years)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Delbert Baker II (3 years)
Albert J. Dommel (3 years)
Richard T. Paashaus (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME
Bert N. Brosius (3 years)
Keith E. Plows (3 years)
Charles G. Hersh (3 years)
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP
John Stengele (3 years)
David L. Weller (3 years)
BOARD OF MISSIONS
R. C. Reichenbach (3 years)
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
John F. Moran (3 years)
William G. Rapp, Jr. (3 years)
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Daniel P. Allen (3 years)
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
James A. Beil (I year)
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (1 year)
Frank L. Herb, Jr. (1 year)
Keith E. Plows (1 year)
John H. Riggall (1 year)
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
Carl C. Cassel (3 years)
Daniel G. Ziegler (3 years)
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Ralph D. Cole (3 years)
Daniel G. Ziegler (3 years)
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (3 years)
SECRETARY OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bryan G. Upton (1 year)
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
Harold E. Snyder (3 years)
RESOLVED, that we adjourn until 7:00 PM.
Adjourned in prayer by Dana E. Weller.
SIXTH MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13,1987, 7:00 PM
Donald T. Kirkwood led in prayer.
PETITION
The following petition from Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, PA was accepted:
RESOLVED, that we, the congregation of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, do hereby petition the 104th Annual Conference of Bible Fellowship Church to adopt the following recommendation:
WHEREAS, Article XVIII of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, entitled “The Church”, presently reads in the second paragraph, “The purpose of the church is to edify the saints and to evangelize the world,” and
WHEREAS, Scripture presents worship as the ultimate priority of the Church of Christ and of individual Christians, and
WHEREAS, Scripture and experience teach that the ministry of the Church and the lives of individual Christians become self-centered and man-centered whenever the ultimate priority of worship is neglected; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the second paragraph of Article XVIII of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, entitled, “The Church”, be amended to read: “the purpose of the church is to worship God,(6) to edify the saints,(7) and to evangelize the world.(8)”. and be it further
RESOLVED, that subsequent footnotes in Article XVIII be renumbered accordingly.
(6)John 4:23,24; 1 Peter 2:5,9
(7)1 Corinthians 12:7,11
(8)Matthew 28:19,20
(9)Ephesians 4:11,12
(10)I Peter 5:2,3,5
(11)Matthew 18:17
(12)Hebrews 13:7,17,24a
RESOLVED, that this Annual Conference take direct action on the above petition.
RESOLVED, that the second paragraph of Article XVIII of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, entitled, “The Church,” be amended to read; “the purpose of the church is to worship God (6), to edify the saints (7), and to evangelize the world (8)”. and be it further
RESOLVED, that subsequent footnotes in Article XVIII be renumbered accordingly
(6) John 4:23,24; 1 Peter 2:5,9
(7) I Corinthians 12:7,11
(8) Matthew 28:19,20
(9) Ephesians 4:11,12
(10) I Peter 5:2,3,5
(11) Matthew 18:17
(12) Hebrews 13:7,17,24a
(FIRST READING)
(Yes, 115 No, 0)
RESOLVED, that the direct action which this Conference has taken in approving the legislation at First Reading proposed in the petition of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, PA, be considered as the answer of this Conference to the petition of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church of Coopersburg, PA.
A Ceremony of Recognition was conducted to recognize the receiving of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, Bangor, PA into Annual Conference.
Harold D. Yarrington led in prayer.
Robert W. Smock, presented the work of Wider Horizons with a ‘Video Visit’ to Zionsville Bible Fellowship Church.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMPUTER IMPLEMENTATION: (see pg. 125)
The report was accepted.
WHEREAS, the computerization of the conference, its churches and agencies is imminent and
WHEREAS, standardization in hardware is a necessity, be it
RESOLVED, that all Agencies and churches consider operating IBM personal computer (PC or compatible, a MS-DOS 3.1 or higher, and on the IBM PC Network or compatible local area networks (LAN’s).
WHEREAS, the Board of Publication is utilizing IBM Word Perfect (WP) software in its yearbook production and
WHEREAS, standardization in software is necessary to create interchangeability especially with the yearbook production, be it
RESOLVED, that software should be compatible with or translated by the IBM Word Perfect.
WHEREAS various agencies have already acquired the LIBRA accounting and financial packages and
WHEREAS, a multi site user discount may be available by utilizing the above mentioned software, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we suggest that Agencies utilize this software system.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:05 PM in prayer by George Monroe.
SEVENTH MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987, 9:00 AM
David E. Thomann led the Conference in singing, “I Love to Tell the Story”. Bryan G. Upton read Col. 1:10-14 and led in prayer. Kenneth F. Barber spoke on the subject: “Well Pleasing in Our Outreach”.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE
Kenneth F. Barber (1 year)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Timothy Cole (3 years)
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
BOARD OF MISSIONS
Gerald L. Schlonecker (3 years)
BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE
Bert N. Brosius (3 years)
Daniel P. Allen (3 years)
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Robert Breitegam (3 years)
RESOLVED, that the following be excused from the entire 104th Annual Conference: William W. Mull, Richard J. Gehman, Philip E. Yerrington, Louis Prontnicki, John Anderson.
The matter of Second Reading on Article X-A of the Standards of Life and Worship was taken up again by the Committee to Study Local Church Membership (implementation).
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
The following proposed amendment was defeated at Second Reading:
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; 1 Corinthians 6:9-1-0; Galatians 5:18-21
2.Proverbs 20:1, 23:31-35
3.Matthew 18:6-7; Romans 14:20-21; 1 Corinthians 8:9-11, 13
(76, Yes; 42, No)
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned with prayer at l2:10 PM by Calvin T. Reed.
EIGHTH MEETING
WEDNESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14, 1987, 1:30 AM
Robert S. Commerford led in prayer.
COMMITTEE TO MONITOR MINUTES reported.
The minutes for the fourth meeting were approved. The minutes for the fifth meeting were approved. The minutes of the second meeting were approved. The minutes of the third meeting were approved.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
John H. Herb (2 years)
CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Jansen E. Hartman (1 year)
PETITION
The following petition was received from Sunbury Bible Fellowship Church:
The Congregation of the Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, recommends to the 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church that the principle of the autonomy of the local church not be extended to include the use of Article X of the Standards of Life and Worship for determining standards of membership.
WHEREAS, a petition from the Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church, Sunbury, PA, has been received, which addresses the issue of local church autonomy and Article X of the Standard of Life and Worship; and
WHEREAS, the 104th Annual Conference on October 14, 1987, defeated the Second Reading of the amendment to Article X-A of the Standards of Life and Worship; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 104th Annual Conference respond to the petition from the Sunbury congregation by noting the defeat of the Second Reading of the amendment to Article X-A and that the issue of local church autonomy is therefore moot; and that this Annual Conference action be considered as the answer to the petition from Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church, Sunbury, PA.
The following material from the Board of Church Extension was approved:
1.RESOLVED, that the following be added to the material entitled “Board of Church Extension”, page 157ff, Faith & Order, and be inserted immediately after the title:
The Board of Church Extension governs the Church Extension Department which consists of the Board of Church Extension, the Executive Director of Church Extension, all other employees of the Board, the churches and missions under jurisdiction of the Board and the pastors of those churches and organizing pastors of those missions.
A. Purpose
The Church Extension Department exists for the purpose of building the Body of Christ through extending the Bible Fellowship Church in the United States of America and its territories and jurisdictions and Canada. It does this by evangelizing in areas, communities and neighborhoods and among people where Bible Fellowship Churches do not exist and by forming, fostering and nurturing to maturity new congregations. (FIRST READING)
2.RESOLVED, that the format of the material entitled “Board of Church Extension” presently in the Faith & Order be revised to read as follows:
B. Composition
The Board of Church Extension will be composed of the Executive 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
C. Election
The Executive Director shall be elected by the Board of Church Extension, subject to ratification by Annual Conference, for a three-year term to begin when the incumbent has submitted his report to Annual Conference.
Each class of the Board of Church Extension shall be elected in turn annually by ballot by the Annual Conference for a term of three years.
D. Duties
As listed in the Faith & Order.
3. RESOLVED, that the following be deleted from the section in the Faith & Order entitled “Church Extension Director” (p.159);
Election
He shall be elected by the Board of Church Extension, subject to ratification by Annual Conference, for a three-year term to begin when the incumbent has submitted his report to the next Annual Conference.
4.RESOLVED, that the word “Executive Director of Church Extension” replace the words “Director of Church Extension” wherever they appear in the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. (Only one reading necessary)
RESOLVED, that the budget for the Board of Church Extension for 1988-89 be adopted.
CHURCH EXTENSION DEPARTMENT
1988-89 Budget
INCOME
Prepaid — Churches for 1988-89 $90,000.
Designated
Churches 110,000.
Other Sources 58,000.
General Contributions 15,000.
Interest 2,000.
275,000.
EXPENSES
Appropriations
Edison, NY $12,000.
Project Beachhead 48,000.
Newark, NJ 20,000.
E. Union Co., NJ 10,000.
Walnutport 7,000.
Whaley Lake, NY 16,000.
Philadelphia — Southeast Asian Refugees 30,000.
New England Team 13,000.
New Missions (Existing) 45,000.
201,000.
Administration
Dir. Salary & Benefits $23,000.
Dir. Health Insurance 2,000.
Dir. Continuing Education 1,500.
Department Travel 8,000.
Parsonage — Office Building 12,000.
Office Operations 20,000.
Board Expenses 2,400.
Promotion 1,000.
Surveys 200.
Admin. Budget 500.
Workers’ Compensation 1,500.
72,100.
Reserves
Contingency $1,900.
$1,900.
TOTAL 275,000.
DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
INCOME
Designated Offerings $41,000.
EXPENSES
Starting New Missions $30,000.
WIDER HORIZONS 3,000.
PISCES 3,000.
Development Fund 5,000.
$41,000.
The following material from the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Junior College was approved:
WHEREAS; Pinebrook Junior College is a co-educational institution with a large percentage of female students, and
WHEREAS; Pinebrook Junior College also has a significant number of women on the faculty and staff, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the College believes that the inclusion of women as members of the Board of Directors would strengthen and broaden the perspective of the Board; and
WHEREAS, Pinebrook Junior College is not a church and does not function as a church and therefore such a change of policy would not be contradictory to the teachings of Scripture;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Principles of Order, page 162, 1986 Edition, Pinebrook Junior College,
Election be amended to read:
It shall be composed of the President, five ministers and eleven laymen and/or laywomen. They shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I: Three ministers and four laymen/laywomen
Class II: One minister and four laymen/laywomen
Class III: One minister and three laymen/laywomen
and further,
RESOLVED, that to implement the above legislation after approval at Second Reading, a 17th Board member be elected for a term of three years at the 1988 Annual Conference in addition to the regular election, and further,
RESOLVED, that Pinebrook Junior College suggest to the Nominating Committee at least three qualified women for nominees.
(FIRST READING)
WHEREAS, we have given in 1968 assurance of a certain level of contributions to Pinebrook Junior College in lieu of income from unencumbered endowment; and
WHEREAS, our contributions to the College have increased in the intervening years; and
WHEREAS, evidence of increased support from our churches is valuable in the accreditation process; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Annual Conference reaffirm its guaranty to support Pinebrook Junior College with offerings from our churches totaling at least $45,000 annually, the equivalent of earnings at 5% per annum on $900,000 unencumbered endowment.
The Board of Christian Education commended Bangor, PA, Bible Fellowship Church for its Sunday School growth, and presented plaques for the greatest numerical gain in Sunday School attendance to Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church and for the greatest percentage gain (70%) average attendance in Sunday Bible School to Whaley Lake Bible Fellowship.
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.
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, 1987.
RESOLVED, that the cost of the 1987 Yearbook be $5.50 per copy.
RESOLVED, that we adopt the proposed budget for the Board of Publication and Printing:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
BUDGET
INCOME
Subsidy from Administration Budget $4,000.00
Contribution from Boards and Committees 1,400.00
Offerings from Churches 6,200.00
Yearbook Sales 4,000.00
Sale of Printed Material 3,000.00
Fellowship News Advertisers 1,500.00
Total 20,100.00
EXPENDITURES
Fellowship News
Printing (6 issues) 8,000.00
Mailing (6 issues) 1,800.00
Mailing Labels & Computer Time 650.00
Postage Due (Address Corrections) 200.00
Editorial Expense 600.00
(Secretary/Supplies/Phone/Milage)
Business Manager’s Expense 500.00
(Sec./Sup./Ph./Mil.)
Honoraria 750.00
Printing Church Supplies 500.00
Printing Yearbooks 4,500.00
Printing Miscellaneous Material 2,100.00
Repairs & Equipment 100.00
Board & Secretarial Expenses 300.00
Miscellaneous (USPS Permits) 100.00
Total 20,000.00
The new Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference gave a 5 minute oral report to the Conference.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS (see pg. 127)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AUDITING (see pg. 129)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS (see pg. 129)
The report was accepted.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Gary A. Sterner (2 years)
VICE CHAIRMAN OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
James A. Beil (1 year)
RESOLVED, that the article “Homosexuality” be adopted as SECOND 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 Regardless of any claim to the contrary, 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 redemptions
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 worshiped 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 recompense of their error which was meet (Romans 1:25-27).
4 Or do you not know that the 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).
(SECOND READING)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS;
WHEREAS: the Lord has graciously supplied to the Bible Fellowship Churches 101 ordained pastors who faithfully shepherd their churches with tender care and sound teaching, and
WHEREAS: the Lord has provided each Bible Fellowship Church with its own pastor for the first time in eighteen years, therefore be it
RESOLVED: that we praise the Lord for His goodness and seek to support our fellow pastors in their respective works.
WHEREAS: the Lord, in His wisdom, has chosen His children to be the witnesses of His divine grace and
WHEREAS: the Board of Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church is seeking to provide workers for the fields ripe unto harvest, and
WHEREAS: the Bible Fellowship Church Missionary family has served the Lord with diligence and faithful obedience, and
WHEREAS: Roy A. Hertzog continues to serve the Lord in his role as Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church, and
WHEREAS: David E. Thomann continues to serve the Lord in his role as Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
RESOLVED: that we fervently endeavor to remember our ministering brothers and sisters in prayer and that we commend them before our Heavenly Father.
WHEREAS: the delegates of the 104th Annual Conference have demonstrated their love for the Lord Jesus Christ by giving their time and attention to the workings of the particular churches, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the pastors of the Bible Fellowship Churches commend our brethren to our Lord and endeavor to encourage them as they continue to serve the Lord.
WHEREAS: the President of the Bible Fellowship Church Home, James A. Beil, has diligently labored to provide for the needs of the aging, and
WHEREAS: the President has persevered in the midst of many obstacles in the development of Fellowship Manor as a continuing care retirement community, and
WHEREAS: Fellowship Manor is in its first stage of development to meet the existing and future needs of the aging, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that we express our praise to the Lord and appreciation to James A. Beil for his untiring commitment to bring this vision to a reality, and further
RESOLVED: that we convey our appreciation to the staff of the Nazareth Home for their faithful ministry of love to those who are in their declining years.
WHEREAS: Victory Valley Camp has glorified the Lord in service during the past year, therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the Director of Victory Valley Camp, Phil Atkins convey our appreciation to his staff for a job well done, and further, be it
RESOLVED: That we extend our thanks and praise to our Lord for the faithful service of the director of Victory Valley Camp.
WHEREAS: our Executive Director of Church Extension has served exceptionally well during this year in overseeing this important ministry, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That this Annual Conference extend to our Executive Director of Church Extension, Daniel G. Ziegler, our vote of confidence and prayerful support for his excellent service.
WHEREAS, our Nazareth Church has recommended that the Conference recognize Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, PA as a particular church and
WHEREAS: the Assessment Committee of the Board of Church Extension has given approval to this recognition, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That this Annual Conference give thanks to God for Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, Bangor, Pa., and for the widening of our horizons in the establishment of Christ’s church.
WHEREAS: The Church Extension Department has foreseen with great vision, the potential for the establishment of a mission work among the East Asian refugees in the Philadelphia area, and
WHEREAS: Mr. David H.C. Sng has accepted the call for the establishment of such a work, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That we commit ourselves to prayerful support of David H.C. Sng, and the Church Extension Department in the development of a church among East Asian people in the Philadelphia area.
WHEREAS: Pinebrook Bible Conference has called Edwin Ahlum as its new Director, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That we give him our support and encouragement as he undertakes the leadership of the ministry of Pinebrook Bible Conference.
WHEREAS: Pinebrook Junior College has the largest incoming enrollment in its history, and
WHEREAS: Pinebrook Junior College has improved its financial condition so that it ended the year with a positive current unrestricted fund balance for the first time in nine years, and
WHEREAS: The faculty and staff of the College have served the Lord faithfully in the ministry of Christian Education, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That we, the 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church give thanks to God for Pinebrook Junior College, and for these evidences of God’s provision and blessing, and further be it
RESOLVED: that we commit ourselves to prayer for the College and its President, Carl C. Cassel.
WHEREAS: Bryan G. Upton has served diligently as Secretary to the 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, and
WHEREAS: Robert W. Smock has labored faithfully as Assistant Secretary, and
WHEREAS: David T. Allen and Daniel P. Allen have worked as Assistants to the Secretaries, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that we express our gratitude to these brethren for their valuable service and that an honorarium of $50.00 be given to each of them for their willing service, and
WHEREAS: Jansen E. Hartman has served with great devotion and efficiency as chairman of the 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the body of the Annual Conference express its gratitude to Brother Hartman with a standing ovation.
The following supplemental report of the Board of Directors was presented:
The Ministers’ Retirement Fund is a fund established to make support payments to retired ministers. It has been funded by payments by or for its members, gifts and contributions from the Administrative Budget. The contributions by or for members have been made under the rules of this Fund. These rules provide to members two specific expectations: one, that a refund of contributions made by or for a member will be refunded if he ceases to be a member of the Fund; secondly, that as the Fund permits, support payments will be made upon retirement.
Retirement payments have been made from the Administrative Budget contribution and the earnings of the Fund. Payments by or for members have been used to increase the assets of the Fund. Concerning the paying of interest on the contributed funds of members who withdraw from the Fund, the Board feels that reserving funds to cover potential payments would seriously reduce the payments which can be paid to retirees.
MINISTERS’ RETIREMENT FUND
INCOME 1987-1988 1988-1989
Budget $ 35,000. $ 36,000.
Earnings 35,000. 37,500.
Total $ 70,000. $ 73,500.
EXPENSE
Present Payments $ 57,300. $ 59,600.
Potential Payments 13,100. 13,600.
Total $ 70,400. $ 73,200.
NET INCOME ($ 400.) $ 300.
ACCOUNT PAYABLE RESERVE
5% interest $ 7,700. $9,000.
Principal* $153,700. $179,700.
*Total contributions of members to date. It does not include contributions of 3 men eligible for retirement.
In order to make possible more orderly review of the entire material contained in the Ministers’ Retirement Fund regulations, the Board requests that the approval of paragraphs deleted from the Second Reading be considered as presented.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn to meet at 6:30 PM.
Alva C. Cassel led in prayer.
NINTH MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14,1987,6:30 PM
Harold Crider led in prayer.
WHEREAS observers* are always welcomed at the sessions of Annual Conference and
WHEREAS the cost of Annual Conference continues to escalate, therefore be it
RESOLVED that observers cover their own costs for meals and housing. Meal tickets may be purchased at the Registrar’s Desk with lodging through the Pinebrook Office.
*Observer – one who is not a member of the Conference Bar, Bible Fellowship Church Missionaries, Pages, workers at Pinebrook or official guests.
WHEREAS additional time is needed by both churches, agencies and committees to prepare and review annual reports adequately and further to assist in report distribution, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Annual Conference be moved to the Tuesday after the fourth Sunday of October and further be it
RESOLVED, that this be implemented for the 105th Annual Conference to be held in 1988 (October 25, 26, 27).
RESOLVED, that we rescind the action of the 103rd Annual Conference relating to the date of the 105th Annual Conference.
WHEREAS, it is important that each official delegate and pastor receive all the reports from the Study Committees, Committees and Agencies and
WHEREAS in order to coordinate this procedure one distribution point should be employed, therefore be it
RESOLVED that all Study Committees have their reports to the designated distribution point by August 31st and further,
RESOLVED, that all Committee and Agencies have their reports to the designated distribution point by September 30th .
The following were elected:
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
James R. Batchler, Jr. (1 year)
Paul T. Rutman (1 year)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY LOCAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS (see pg. 129)
The report was accepted.
The Chairman appointed the following committees for the 105th Annual Conference:
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS
Leroy S. Heller, Daniel G. Ziegler, Hugh C. Coulburn, Jr., Calvin T. Reed, Warren L. Zimmerman
COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND PROGRAM
Bryan G. Upton, James A. Beil, Jansen E. Hartman, Kenneth F. Barber
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS
David A. Thomann, Thomas P. Shorb, Phillip E. Morrison, Daniel P. Allen, Randall A. Grossman
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES
Kenneth L. Good, Charles J. McConnell, Ronald C. Erb, Ralph M. Soper
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE MINUTES OF 104TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Thomas S. McMillan, David N. Schoen
REGISTRAR
Phillip E. Morrison
ASSISTANT REGISTRAR
James R. Batchler, Jr.
RESOLVED, that the following strategy be approved:
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
EDUCATION AND ASSISTANCE PROPOSAL
PREFACE:
God has entrusted enormous resources to the membership and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church. It is the desire of the Stewardship Council to: (1) present a strategy which will continue to educate our membership concerning the responsibilities and possibilities of being good stewards of their property and finances; and (2) provide competent and impartial assistance to those desiring to practice good stewardship of their resources.
PROGRAM:
Stewardship education and financial counseling of the members and friends of the Bible Fellowship Church and its agencies will be the main objective of our program.
A solid and interesting program for churches will be formulated. It will include audio-visuals and any other means of effectively communicating our vital message. Sunday services will probably be the prime time for this with (1) a stewardship message from the Bible in the morning and (2) an evening program that explains some practical ways for individual Christians to practice good stewardship.
Literature will be developed for distribution in particular Bible Fellowship Churches with all the agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church listed on each separate piece.
— The first of these pieces of literature would explain the services of the Stewardship Council.
— The second piece would urge every Christian adult to make a will and to use it as a means of advancing Christ’s kingdom.
— Subsequent pieces on planned giving will be produced in a manner appropriate to our needs and resources.
PERSONNEL:
A person will be hired whose lifestyle exemplifies good stewardship and who is professionally qualified to teach and counsel about the biblical principles of stewardship. He should also have a good understanding of the whole range of financial plans available for application in specific situations. He will represent the Stewardship Council as a stewardship counselor and as a speaker to church and agency groups. He should have some recognition factor in the Bible Fellowship Church
PROMOTION AND IMPLEMENTATION:
Calendar – This proposal will be presented at the 104th Annual Conference for approval in October, 1987.
— A meeting of agency administrators and their board chairmen will be set for November, 1987.
— Fellowship News will have two articles regarding the coming program in December and April.
— Stewardship Council will begin interviewing for a half-time field representative in May, 1988.
— A September, 1988 article in Fellowship News shall introduce the Stewardship Council Field Representative.
— October, 1988 – the representative will make a presentation at the 105th Annual Conference and begin working half-time later that month.
— October, 1989 – an evaluation will be conducted by the Stewardship Council of the field representative’s first year.
BUDGET:
The Stewardship Council’s goal for funding the program will be to achieve self-supporting status as soon as possible. A combination of gifts, fees, sale of materials and income from lead trusts will provide income necessary to implement the strategy described above.
Income
Administrative Budget (benefits) $2,200
Agency Membership Fees ($300 x 8) 2,400
Agency Start-up Grants ($300 x 5) 1,500
Interest generated from Lead Trust Principal 10,000
Sale of materials 3,500
Grants and gifts 3,000
Agency Fees 2,550
Church fees, offerings and/or honoraria 2,550
Total 27,700
Expenses
Salary (half-time) 12,500
Benefits 2,200
Office* 3,500
Travel 2,000
Secretary 2,500
Literature 5,000
Total 27,700
*Includes rent, phone, postage & miscellaneous
RESOLVED, that the 1988-89 Administrative Budget of Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church be revised to reflect a figure of $2,500 for Stewardship Council, with the total corresponding increased to $66,300.
The following resolution lost:
INASMUCH AS the issue of abstinence from alcoholic beverages tends to debilitate and drain the energies of the Annual Conference and particular churches when introduced so frequently the proposed moratorium is intended to give a period of recomposure to Annual Conference and particular churches during this time.
WHEREAS, there have been several considerations, studies and proposed resolutions entertained by this body concerning the issue of abstinence from alcohol in the past several years, be it
RESOLVED, that a moratorium on all study committees and resolutions pertaining to this issue be in effect for the next 5 years.
(Yes, 43 No, 64) RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
The 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church adjourned at 8:08 PM, Wednesday, October 14, 1987, led in prayer by Carl C. Cassel.