Annual Conference Proceedings – 2000
First Meeting
Monday Morning, April 24, 2000, 10:00 AM
The 117th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA. The Chairman led the body in the opening prayer. Brian D. Frable led the conference in a time of worship which included singing, Scripture reading (2 Timothy 4:1-8), and prayer. The Chairman spoke from 2 Timothy on the passion for ministry as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. The Conference sang, His Name is Wonderful and the Vice Chairman, William G. Schlonecker led in prayer for the proceedings of Annual Conference.
Report of the Registrar:
Resolved, that the tables with red tablecloths constitute the Conference Bar.
The roll of the Annual Conference was established as follows:
Aberdeen, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . John C. Vandegriff, Jr., E. Davis DeRonde
Allentown, PA, Cedar Crest. Ronald C. Mahurin, John C. Elias, David T. Allen
Bethlehem, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Brian H. Cooper, Mark W. Tress, Peter D. Burleigh
Blandon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Michael T. Littlejohn
Brodheadsville, PA. . . . . . . . Donald R. Hibbs (Probationer), David J. Keevil
Camden, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . Raymond R. Dotts, Albert F. Biddle, Jr.
Coopersburg, PA. . . . . . . . . Thomas P. Shorb, Richard T. Paashaus, Gene E. Parris
Denville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard D. Harris, Steven C. Boepple
Emmaus, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . David N. Schoen, Ralph M. Soper, Gerald L. Schlonecker, Ralph B. Weaver
Ephrata, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . Byron Widger, Herbert J. Heilmann
Fleetwood, PA. . . . . . . . . . . R. Jerome Brush, James E. Mortland
Graterford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . David J. Watkins, Douglas D. Bowne
Harleysville, PA. . . . . . . . . . W. David Armstrong, Jr., Glendon R. LeSuer
Harrisburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . . (Vacant), Harold E. Snyder
Hatfield, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard N. Wells, Lee E. Boyles
Holmes, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert S. Commerford, Hans R. Waldvogel
Howell, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . David N. Heineman, Vito Paratore
Kutztown, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Allan R. Vivona, Byron G. Barnshaw
Lancaster, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . David A. Thomann, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . William H. Bartron, Bruce A. Kellerman
Maple Glen, PA. . . . . . . . . . Louis Prontnicki, Laurence M. Morris
Mt. Carmel, PA. . . . . . . . . . Alva C. Cassel, Bryan L. Snyder
Mt. Pocono, PA. . . . . . . . . . Ronald C. Erb, Donald Faust
Nazareth, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . (Vacant), * Jeffrey L. Ruhl, Eric A. Overholt
Newark, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . William G. Schlonecker, David M. Bradford
Ocean County, NJ. . . . . . . . . Dean A. Stortz, Richard T. Christen, Jr.
Oley, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Vacant), Jan Musser
Paradise, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark L. Morrison, David W. Eisenhower
Philadelphia, PA. . . . . . . . . . G. Wayne Clapier, Thomas L. Galloway
Piscataway, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis M. Cahill, Richard B. Ravis, Carl Fitzgerald
Pleasant Valley, NY. . . . . . . (Vacant), Wayne Chadwell
Poughquag, NY. . . . . . . . . . James A. Wickstead, Thomas L. Ward
Quakertown, PA. . . . . . . . . . David E. Gundrum, Dennis J. Lawrence, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall A. Grossman, Jonathon W. Arnold, *Clyde D. Bomgardner, Ronald W. Reed, Charles A. Lavigna
Red Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald K. Denlinger, D. Thomas Phillips, Clifford W. Luft
Royersford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Kenneth Bowman
Scranton, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger L. Reitz, John F. Moran
Shamokin, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Mark M. Leshinskie
Sinking Spring, PA. . . . . . . . Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Donald D. McKinney, Stephen M. Bauer
Spring City, PA. . . . . . . . . . . (Candidate), Peter Gunderson
Stroudsburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . (Vacant), Robert D. Carroll
Sunbury, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles E. Cole, Robert H. Cox
Terre Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . (Vacant), James F. Wetzler
Wallingford, PA. . . . . . . . . . Richard E. Taylor, *Timothy S. Cowen, William R. Singletary
Walnutport, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Jonathan P. Tait, Timothy D. Weaber
Whitehall, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Gene W. Smith, Calvin Boyle
York, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth D. Keeler, Roger L. Shambough
Zionsville, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . (Vacant), David L. Weller
* Ordination pending approval at Annual Conference
Ordained Men Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
Delbert R. Baker, II, J. Mark McCreary, Ralph E. Ritter, Dennis W. Spinney, David R. Way, Dana E.Weller, Daniel G. Ziegler
Ordained Missionaries
William C. Aukamp, Clifford B. Boone, Richard J. Gehman, W. Neil Harding, Jr., Jim D. Head, Walter M. Johnston, Herbert K. Lea, David L. Manney, Philip E. Morrison, Edward Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Thomas A. Pollock, David W. Riddell, John C. Studenroth, Philip E. Yerrington, Paul G. Zimmerman
Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the BFC
*Kenneth J. Hurst, Military; Barry J. Minsky, Military; *Richard A. Moyer, Prison Ministry
Ordained Men Between Calls
Kenneth F. Barber, James R. Batchler, Jr., Thomas J. Beil, Terris L. Byrd, Bernard N. Coble, Albert J. Dommel, John H. Herb, David H. Jones, Steven L. Trommler
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert L. Draper, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Robert N. Gordon, J. Barclay Harley, Jansen E. Hartman, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, Ronald W. Hoyle, Robert F. Johnson, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, William W. Mull, Edgar H. Munyan, Keith E. Plows, R.C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, A.L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, Harold C. Weaber, Harold D. Yarrington
Probationers Serving as First Pastors of Churches
Donald R. Hibbs
The following requested excuses for part or all of the meetings of the 117th: William C. Aukamp, Kenneth F. Barber, James A Beil, Thomas J. Beil, T. James Bigley, Jr., Clifford B. Boone, Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck Raymond G. Burnett, Terris L. Byrd, Wayne Chadwell, Willard E. Cassel, Richard T. Christen, Jr., G. Wayne Clapier, Bernard N. Coble, Ronald K. Denlinger, John Dunn, Ronald C. Erb, Arthur H. Frable, Jr., Thomas L. Galloway, Richard J. Gehman, Kenneth L. Good, Peter Gunderson, J. Barclay Harley, W. Neil Harding, Jr., Jim D. Head, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George F. Herb, Walter M. Johnston, David H. Jones, Donald T. Kirkwood, Herbert K. Lea, Clifford W. Luft, Thomas S. MacMillian, David L. Manney, Carl T. Martin, Barry J. Minsky, Philip E. Morrison, Edward Moyer, James E. Neher, Vito Paratore, D. Thomas Phillips, David W. Riddell, A. L. Seifert, Steven L. Trommler, Gregory A. Uhrich, Thomas L. Ward, Philip E. Yerrington
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved that the following alternate delegates be seated: Joseph R. Knorr, Piscataway, NJ; Thomas A. Orlando, Spring City, PA; Ralph B. Weaver, Emmaus, PA
Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program
Resolved, that the agenda be accepted.
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Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page )
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Nate Brosius, Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference, welcomed the members of Annual Conference to Pinebrook for these meetings.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference, appointed Robert W. Smock as Assistant Secretary and Daniel P. Allen and Roy A. Hertzog as Assistants to the Secretary.
The Chairman appointed the following:
Tellers: Keith E. Plows (Chairman); William H. Bartron, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, Mark L. Morrison, D. Thomas Phillips, Harold E. Snyder, Mark W. Tress, Thomas L. Ward
Communications: J. Mark McCreary, Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Resolutions: Byron Widger (Chairman); Douglas D. Bowne, Dennis J. Lawrence, Donald D. McKinney, Dean A Stortz
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret (Chairman), Lee E. Boyles, Horace A. Kauffman
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: John C. Studenroth (Chairman), Jonathan P. Tait, Hans R. Waldvogel
Reporter: Carol Snyder
Timekeeper: John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
Parliamentarian: Carl C. Cassel
The new members of Annual Conference introduced themselves to the Conference.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Thomas P. Shorb prayed for the Lord’s guidance in the upcoming elections of Annual Conference.
Report of the Ministerial Relations Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Credentials (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Timothy S. Cowen, Kenneth J. Hurst, Richard A. Moyer, and Jeffrey L. Ruhl for ordination; and
Whereas, these brethren have served acceptably as ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time or the equivalent thereof; and
Whereas, after examination, the Credentials Committee believes these men 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 be it
Resolved, that Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Timothy S. Cowen, Kenneth J. Hurst, Richard A. Moyer, and Jeffrey L. Ruhl be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and further;
Resolved, that the service of ordination be held Tuesday, April 25, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. at Berean Bible Fellowship Church, Stroudsburg, PA.
Resolved, that Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Reading, PA, Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, PA, Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Wallingford, PA, and Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA, be encouraged to have services acknowledging the Ordination of Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Richard A. Moyer, Kenneth J. Hurst, Timothy S. Cowen and Jeffrey L. Ruhl respectively and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the services.
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee introduced themselves to the members of conference.
Resolved, that the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee as of February 29, 2000, be approved as follows:
Probationers (year of licensure in parenthesis):
David T. Allen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kutztown, PA
Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. (1997). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reading, PA
Timothy S. Cowen (1997). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wallingford, PA
Andrew T. Crossgrove (1999). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Souderton, PA
Willis I. Dowling (1998). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chesapeake, VA
William J. Dunn (1999). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emmaus, PA
Donald R. Hibbs (1991). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saylorsburg, PA
Kenneth J. Hurst (1998). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richmond Hill, GA
Alvin A. Low. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Colorado Springs, CO
Thomas J. Maurer (1999). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kondoa, Tanzania
Duane E. Moyer (1998). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bananier, Guadeloupe
Richard A. Moyer (1995). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mays Landing, NJ
Elliot H. Ramos (1998). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allentown, PA
Jeffrey L. Ruhl (1997). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nazareth, PA
Hal J. Russell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elmer, NJ
David H. C. Sng. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lansdale, PA
Candidates
Kevin W. Clineff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring City, PA
Louis S. Curcio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hatfield, PA
Peter J. Gunderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Souderton, PA
Donald E. Kuntzman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Center Valley, PA
James D. MacArthur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oley, PA
Bruce D. McIntosh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .York, PA
Arthur J. Simpson, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Normal, IL
Vinton A. N. Upham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harleysville, PA
William J. Whalen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lancaster, PA
Applicants
Charles Larry Bennett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lebanon, PA
John Brooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston, TX
Gerald D. Clark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanfordville, NY
Raymond L. Cole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newark, DE
Michael L. Easton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newark, DE
John C. Elias. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coopersburg, PA
Gerald L. Evens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orwigsburg, PA
Robert K. Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zionsville, PA
Ondrej Franka. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Petrovac, Serbia
Elijah Mwatanti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long Valley, NJ
Stephen T. Roth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harrisburg, PA
Vincent S. Russ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Staten Island, NY
Report of the Board of Higher Education (see page: )
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved that the Annual Conference ratify the election to the Pinebrook Educational Foundation of Gary E. Karch and Robert C. Newman for terms to end in 2003.
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting was adjourned as Jansen E. Hartman closed in prayer especially remembering Gail Beil who is gravely ill and James A. Beil for strength and grace.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Brian D. Frable led the Conference in singing Amazing Grace and Victory in Jesus. J. Mark McCreary led the Conference in prayer remembering Bernard N. Coble who has been weakened with lung cancer.
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Report of the Director of Church Extension (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Church Extension (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, Daniel G. Ziegler has served his Lord and the Bible Fellowship Church as Executive Director of Church Extension for thirty-two years, and
Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church has grown under his vision and leadership resulting in vibrant congregations in existence today, and
Whereas, he will retire from this position as of May 1st, 2000, therefore, be it
Resolved, that we praise the Lord for Daniel’s dedicated service, and extend thanks for the leadership and vision provided this conference for many years, and further
Resolved, that we pray for the Lord’s blessing on Daniel and his wife, Jacquelene, as they continue to serve Him in their retirement years.
Delbert R. Baker, II, thanked the Lord for Daniel Ziegler’s thirty-two years of dedicated service to the BFC as Director of Church Extension and asked for the Lord’s richest blessings on Dan and his wife Jacquelene.
Whereas, Daniel G. Ziegler will retire as Executive Director of Church Extension as of May 1st, 2000, following thirty-two years of service, and
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension has carefully re-evaluated and re-defined this position as it relates to the fulfilling of the Board’s responsibilities in the 21st century, and
Whereas, the Board has prayerfully determined that David E. Gundrum demonstrates the character and qualities necessary to fulfill the responsibilities as Executive Director, and
Whereas, David E. Gundrum has been elected by the Board of Church Extension to serve as Executive Director, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the election of David E. Gundrum as Executive Director of Church Extension be ratified for a term of three years, and further
Resolved, that Annual Conference pray for David in his new role and seek to assist him in this time of transition of leadership in the work of church planting.
Richard E. Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Church Extension, led the conference in praying for David E. Gundrum as he begins his role as Executive Director of Church Extension.
Whereas, the Fund to Promote Church Extension (FTPCE) is vital to the work of planting churches in the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, the FTPCE has in the past supplied funds to developing churches for the acquisition of property in ways that otherwise would have been extremely difficult for the new churches, and
Whereas, the future of church planting and acquiring property for our young churches is vitally dependent upon a healthy FTPCE, and
Whereas, there are an estimated fifteen churches who are presently or in the near future in need of assistance from the FTPCE, and
Whereas, the FTPCE has in the past and will in the future prove to be a vital and significant dynamic to growing the BFC as well as enhancing the recruitment of church planting pastors, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Annual Conference view the Fund to Promote Church Extension as a vital element in the work of planting churches and the growth of the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved, that the Annual Conference prayerfully and cooperatively seek to replenish the FTPCE under the leadership of the Board of Directors.
Report of the Board of Missions (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, Dana E. Weller has been elected by the Board of Missions to serve as Director for three years, therefore be it
Resolved, that the election of Dana E. Weller as Director of the Board of Missions be ratified for a term of three years.
LeRoy S. Heller gave an update about his physical condition, thanking all who prayed for him during the time of his surgery and recovery. Calvin T. Reed thanked the Lord for the deliverance He gave to LeRoy and prayed for continuing recuperation.
Whereas, Charles J. Albert, Jr. has been elected by the Board of Missions as Financial Secretary for three years, therefore be it
Resolved, that the election of Charles J. Albert, Jr. as Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions be ratified for a term of three years.
Whereas, the Task Force and the Boards Of Church Extension and Missions have agreed that the creation of a new missions agency is God’s desire and a viable endeavor, and
Whereas, the Annual Conference needs to be supportive of such an effort in order for the Task Force to move ahead in its work, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Annual Conference is in agreement with the work of the Task Force in seeking to create a new missions agency from the Board Of Church Extension and The Board Of Missions, and that the Boards of Church Extension and Missions will then cease to exist.
Whereas, the Boards Of Church Extension and Missions have approved a new missions statement of purpose for the work of missions in the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, the new missions statement of purpose gives a more comprehensive view of missions and focuses upon the priority of church planting as the basis for carrying out the Great Commission,
Resolved, that Annual Conference approve for first reading the following BFC Missions Statement Of Purpose:
THE BFC MISSIONS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
The Biblical mandate for missions is to make disciples through preaching the Gospel to all people everywhere. This mandate will be accomplished in the Bible Fellowship Church through an aggressive and comprehensive missions program that is focused on church planting in our Jerusalem, our Judea and Samaria, and the world (Acts1:8).
[FIRST READING]
Whereas, the Task Force is working on a new missions Paradigm for the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, the new Paradigm will be creating a new leadership and organizational structure, and
Whereas, the names of the two Boards will no longer be relevant to the new Paradigm,
Resolved, that Annual Conference approve for first reading the following name for the new missions agency: GREAT COMMISSION MINISTRIES The Missions Agency Of The Bible Fellowship Church
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that The Great Commission Ministries Board will be composed of five (5) ordained pastors and five (5) elders, and further
Resolved, that classes be formed as follows:
Class I Two pastors and two elders
Class II Two pastors and two elders
Class III One pastor and one elder [FIRST READING]
Report of Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Victory Valley Camp (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Pensions (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Stewardship Council (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Strategic Planning Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
David N. Schoen led the conference in praying for BFC 2000 that the meeting would be honoring to the Lord.
Report of the Board of Christian Education (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
512-18 Board of Youth and Young Adults
512-18.1 Purpose
The purpose of the Board of Youth and Young Adults of the BFC is to bring glory and honor to God as it ministers to the adult youth leaders, teens, and young adults of the Bible Fellowship Church (BFC). It will be done by:
(1) Promoting unity in youth and young adult ministry within the BFC
(2) Providing training and resources for youth and young adult ministries of Particular Churches within the BFC
(3) Being a catalyst for networking of youth and young adult ministries of Particular Churches within the BFC.
512-18.2 Composition
(1) The Board will be composed of three ordained pastors and six laypersons.
(2) They will be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I one ordained pastor, two laypersons
Class II one ordained pastor, two laypersons
Class III one ordained pastor, two laypersons
512-18.3 Duties
(1) It shall offer guidance to Particular Churches in developing a ministry to youth and young adults.
(2) It shall oversee denominational youth and young-adult activities.
(3) It shall provide training and resources for Particular Churches in equipping them for youth and young adult ministries.
(4) It shall receive, safeguard and disburse funds for the needs of its work.
(5) It shall provide networking between youth and young adult ministries of Particular Churches within the BFC.
(6) It shall submit a written report to Annual Conference of the BFC.
[SECOND READING]
Jeffrey L. Ruhl prayed for the newly-created Board of Youth and Young Adults and for the election process of this new board.
Report of Board of Publication and Printing (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that a contribution of $325.00 for the conference year 2000 be given to the Board of Publication and Printing from each agency to help underwrite the cost of printing and distribution of Fellowship News. Payments are to be made to the Business Manager, c/o Bible Fellowship Church of Ephrata, by December 31, 2000.
Resolved, that $1.75 per member of the Bible Fellowship Church for 2000 be forwarded to the Board of Publication and Printing from each church to help underwrite the cost of printing and distributing the Fellowship News. Payments are to be made to the Board of Publication and Printing table at the 117th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the cost of the 2000 Yearbook be $7.50 per copy.
Report of the Historical Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Conference Judicatory (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Ministerial Convention Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Beneficiary Society (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. as Mark W. Tress closed in prayer.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, 6:30 PM
The Chairman called the meeting to order. Brian Frable led the Conference in singing praise choruses and prayed for the Lord’s blessing on our sessions. The Board of Missions presented a short video about the mission trip taken by eight of our men to Kenya. Dana E. Weller introduced the following missionaries: Kevin Kirkpatrick, Ronald K. Denlinger, Joy Pattison, Mike & Jocelyn Easton, Rick Erb, Barbara Chappel, Frances Sears, Jaroslav Elijas, Paul G. Zimmerman, Jerry Moyer, Chris Merrick, Byron Barnshaw, John C. Studenroth, William W. Mull, John Pello, Robert & Lois Draper and Ronald W. Hoyle.
Louis Prontnicki thanked the Lord for our missionaries, for their sacrificial service and asked that He would supply for all their needs. He also asked the Lord for sharp minds and wisdom as we proceed in our meetings.
Resolved, that the minutes of the first meeting be approved.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Relations Committee
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
Ronald W. Reed (1 year)
Board of Church Extension
W. David Armstrong (3 years)
William G. Schlonecker (3 years)
Dennis M. Cahill (1 year)
Board of Christian Education
Mark L. Morrison (3 years)
Richard T. Paashaus (3 years)
Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc.
Glenn D. Ruoss (3 years)
Hans R. Waldvogel (3 years)
Board of Missions
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
David R. Way (3 years)
Gerald L. Schlonecker (3 years)
Strategic Planning Committee
Dana E. Weller (3 years)
Robert H. Zentz (3 years)
Board of Pensions
David N. Schoen (3 years)
Thomas P. Shorb (1 year)
Keith E. Plows (1 year)
Robert Gaugler (3 years)
William R. Singletary (3 years)
Board of Publication and Printing
Jonathan P. Tait (3 years)
Stephen C. Mann (3 years)
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes (See pg.)
Resolved, that the report be adopted.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Whereas, the present members of the Ministerial Convention Committee desire to provide more continuity to the Ministerial Convention and allow more advanced planning to take place,
Resolved, that article 701-2.2 (3) be changed to read:
(3) The members of the committee shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I Two Pastors
Class II Two Pastors
Class III One Pastor [SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Whereas, the work of the Committee on Communications can be done by the Registrar, therefore be it
Resolved, that 511-2.2 be deleted.[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading
Whereas, Article 508-3 of the Business Rules of Annual Conference mandates prescribed times for meetings of Annual Conference, and
Whereas, this legislation creates the awkward necessity for procedural motions to “extend the time” and “suspend the rules to reconvene,” etc., and
Whereas, the Committee on Agenda and Program is responsible to “establish the order of business and program for the succeeding Annual Conference” and sets the time and length of meetings and program as appropriate, therefore be it,
Resolved, that the following be deleted from the Business Rules of Annual Conference and succeeding sections be renumbered accordingly:
508-3 Two sessions shall be held daily as follows from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Evening meetings are at the discretion of Annual Conference, and further
Resolved, that §511-1.1 Committee on Agenda and Program be revised as follows:
Duties:
(3) It shall establish the proposed order of business and program for the succeeding Annual Conference and shall establish the times of the meetings of Annual Conference.
[SECOND READING]
Thomas P. Shorb gave an encouraging update on the church plant in Hellertown, PA. Gene E. Parris, Delegate of Coopersburg BFC prayed for the Lord’s continuing blessing on the church plant in Hellertown, PA.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Resolved, that F&O, §510-7 be amended to read:
The term of office of those elected and appointed to boards or committees by this body shall be for the term designated by our rules for that office (measured from the last day of the regular Annual Conference at which they are elected to the last day of the regular Annual Conference at which their term expires) or until successors are chosen.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading
Resolved, that the following be placed immediately after Article 507 – “Officers of Annual Conference”:
“These officers shall have a one year term beginning at Annual Conference and ending the day prior to the following Annual Conference.”
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading
Resolved, that the following change be made to Article 507-1. Election (2). Replace the word “twice” with “three times” to read: “A Chairman shall be eligible to succeed himself three times.”
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading
Resolved, that the following be added to the “Duties” of the Chairman of Annual Conference: [§507-1. Duties]
(4) He shall be the spokesman for the Bible Fellowship Church during his year of office.
(5) He may attend any meetings of Conference Agencies, Boards and Committees in an advisory capacity.
(6) He shall be a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.
[SECOND READING]
YES – 105 NO – 14
The Board of Directors of the BFC Homes, Inc. presented its plans for future additions to its facilities. Robert H. Zentz, Director of the BFC Homes, Inc. made the presentation. Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., read a press release reporting that Robert H. Zentz was chosen “Administrator of the Year” by the National Association of Activity Professionals. He was selected from nominees submitted by activity professionals in geriatric health care throughout the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda.
Resolve, that we adjourn.
Kenneth Bowman, Delegate of the Royersford BFC closed this meeting in prayer at 8:45 p.m.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, April 25, 2000, 9:00 AM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Brian D. Frable led the conference in a time of worship that included the singing of praise choruses and gospel songs. Raymond L. Cole read Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 20:28 and Colossians 1:28-29. Robert H. Cox led in prayer. Brian H. Cooper spoke on the Purpose of Ministry, encouraging us to make disciples, followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
James A. Wickstead prayed, asking the Lord’s blessing on our proceedings today.
The following asked to be excused from part or all of the remaining sessions: James F. Wetzler, David J. Keevil, Albert J. Dommel, Edgar H. Munyan, W. David Armstrong, Jr. and Eric A. Overhalt.
Resolved, that the above requests be granted.
Resolved that the Alternate Delegate from Scranton, Larry D. Kellerman, be seated.
Resolved, that the minutes of the Second Meeting be approved.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Relations Committee
Ronald C. Mahurin (3 years)
Board of Church Extension
Byron Widger (2 years)
William R. Singletary (3 years)
Board of Christian Education
Annette E. Kuhns (3 years)
Mark S. Matson (3 years)
Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc.
William H. Bartron (3 years)
Dennis W. Spinney (3 years)
Board of Victory Valley
Carl J. Fischer, Jr. (3 years)
Jonathan D. Reynolds (3 years)
David L. Weller (3 years)
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
Gerald L. Schlonecker (3 years)
Hans R. Waldvogel (3 years)
Board of Higher Education
John C. Studenroth (3 years)
Alan H. Russell (3 years)
Raymond R. Dotts (1 year)
Claude L. Gates (1 year)
Credentials Committee
Ralph M. Soper (3 years)
Ministerial Candidate Committee
Robert S. Commerford (3 years)
Historical Committee
Jill A. Davidson (3 years)
Daniel G. Ziegler (3 years)
Stewardship Council
Gary E. Karch (3 years)
Secretary of Annual Conference
David A. Thomann (1 year)
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Resolved, that §507-2. Duties: (1) be amended to read, “He shall function as Chairman of Annual Conference and fulfill all other duties in the absence of the Chairman.” and further
Resolved, that the following replace §507-2. Duties: (3) “He shall assist the chairman by performing duties delegated by the Chairman.”[SECOND READING]
Raymond R. Dotts gave an update on the Camden, Delaware BFC. Robert A. Sloan, Jr. prayed for the church and especially for Carolyn Barber as she continues to deal with her physical needs.
Report of Committee to Study the Role of Women in the Church (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Intercultural Ministries Study Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following article “Christian Liberty and Servanthood” be adopted at First Reading:
115 Christian Liberty & Servanthood
115-1 Christian liberty is the freedom of the believer to practice everything that is not sin.1 It is a privilege obtained by the obedience of Jesus Christ.2 The believer’s authority for faith and conduct is the Holy Scriptures,3 revealing the unchanging holiness of God. With Jesus Christ as Lord, every thought and action of the believer should be submitted to Him.4 Christ’s death has broken the believer’s slavery to sin5 and has freed the believer to yield obedience to Christ in all things.6 Though all things apart from sin are permissible, the believer should direct his actions according to what will please the Lord and what will benefit others.7 Liberty should not be used as a cover-up for evil!8
115-2 Believers will find that there are issues of lifestyle and worship not clearly addressed in scripture.
On these issues they may disagree due to differences in spiritual maturity, varieties of cultural or economic backgrounds, personal conscience or associations with their former lives.9 In these instances, believers should come to their convictions through studying the scripture, prayer, and godly counsel, knowing that they will give an account to God.10 They must not look down upon or withhold acceptance of those who differ.11 In love they must be willing to limit their actions for the sake of building up rather than harming their brothers and sisters.12 In so doing, they follow the example of their Lord who laid aside His rights for their good.13
115-3 Occasionally, concerns may arise that will trouble the life and witness of the church. Clear and consistent teaching of the scriptural principles that govern the life of the believer should prepare the church for a peaceful consideration and resolution of these issues. The Particular Church or the fellowship of churches may counsel concerning that which is beneficial and that which may well be avoided in a particular setting and time.14 Church leaders must be careful to avoid unnecessarily burdensome rules, communicate clearly this counsel and provide the biblical basis for their thinking.15 They should be ready to acknowledge and accept the sometimes temporary nature of such decisions.16
115-4 Secular notions of freedom imply unlimited exercise of desires and rights. Christian liberty, on the other hand, includes submission to divinely-established authorities and to the needs of others. Obedience to God’s appointed overseers17 does not limit freedom but is an active exercise of it. Great care must be taken to discern what are rightful directives of authority under God for good18 and what are improper attempts to curtail Christian liberty.19
115-5 Christian liberty is not forfeited when it is set aside for the sake of others20 or the pursuit of one’s own spiritual discipline. Glorifying God,21 edifying fellow believers,22 growing in grace23 and avoiding all sin24 justify yielding up one’s rights and desires in keeping with the call to servanthood in the Christian faith.25
1 Gal.2:4; 5:1; Col.2:20-22
2 Col. 2:13-14; 1 Pe.2:24
3 Deu.6:1-3; Mat. 5:17; 2Tim.3:16-17
4 2 Cor. 10:4-5; Eph.4:1; Phil.1:27
5 Rom.6:5-7, 11; Col.3:3-5
6 Rom. 6:11-14, 19
7 1 Cor. 9:15, 23; Phi.2:4-5; Col. 3:1-2
8 Gal. 5:13; 1 Pe.2:16
9 Rom. 14:1,2,14,23; 1 Cor. 8:7; 10:27-30
10 Rom. 14:5-12; 1 Jn. 3:21-22; Col.3:16
11 Rom. 14:1,3,4,13; Rom. 15:7
12 Rom. 14:13-21; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:32-33
13 Phil.2:5-8; 1 Pe. 2:21-25
14 Acts 15:13-30
15 Acts 15:19-21; 28-29; 1 Cor. 11:14-15
16 Acts 15:29; 1 Cor. 7:25-28; 1 Cor. 8:4,8
17 Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Pe. 5:1-4
18 Acts 15:19, 20, 28; 2 Cor. 1:12
19 Mark 7:7-8; Gal. 2:3-4
20 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 1 Cor. 10:23-24
21 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1
22 1 Thes. 5:11
23 James 4:6; 2 Pe. 3:18
24 1 Thes. 5:22
25 Gal. 5:25-6:2; Rom. 12:9-13
[FIRST READING]
David J. Watkins introduced John Janney, Executive Director of Homosexuals Anonymous Fellowship Services, Reading, PA. He encouraged us to minister to the homosexual community proclaiming the power of God to change lives.
Resolved, that the following article “The Preamble” be adopted at First Reading:
PREAMBLE
The Bible Fellowship Church sets forth these Biblical Principles for Living to inform and guide disciples of Jesus Christ in making moral decisions and living lives of obedience.
The BFC acknowledges the Scriptures as the supreme and final authority of faith and conduct and the Holy Spirit as the source of power and guidance for the believer. These principles are summaries of the biblical truth that reveals the Lord’s directives in various aspects of life.
Increasing ethnic and cultural diversity in many of the churches and the prospect of new congregations being formed among the various people groups have prompted the BFC to seek to state the principles so that they may be understood and applied by believers in any cultural context.
These principles are not exhaustive in that they do not cite all that the Bible says in any of the aspects included and that they do not cover all areas of life that the Scriptures address. In the future it may become apparent that additional aspects of life may need to be addressed and that the current principles may need to be reconsidered with a view to amending them after further reflection on the biblical truth.
Every believer is accountable to God for all that the Bible says. Moral choices and actions should be based on the whole counsel of God. Each believer must constantly read, study and review all parts of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).
In seeking moral guidance, the believer should study the Old Testament books of the Law with special focus on the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:1-17). The implications of the Law are drawn out in the Proverbs and the Prophets.
The Lord Jesus summarized the Law in the Great Commandments (Mat. 22:34-40; Mark 12:30, 31) and explained the spiritual depth of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 5-7). The application of the Law in the individual life of the believer and the corporate life of the church is set forth in the New Testament letters.
As each believer is indwelled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, there is an enabling to obey God’s requirements (Rom. 8:3, 4). The Spirit controlled person will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). He or she will receive and employ the gifts of the Spirit (1 Pe. 4:10, 11; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11). Where the life and power of the Holy Spirit are present in an individual or church, the three abiding qualities, faith, hope and love, will be evident (1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thes. 1:3, Rom. 5:1, 2). The greatest of these is love, and “love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10).
[FIRST READING]
Richard E. Taylor, Secretary of the Ministerial Candidate Committee introduced a number of men who are under their care.
Whereas, we believe the Biblical Principles For Living are God’s intended principles by which we should live, and
Whereas, we believe the Biblical Principles For Living should be urgently and diligently taught to our congregations,
Resolved, each Pastor and Delegate seek ways to implement the teaching of the Biblical Principles For Living for their congregations and further,
Resolved, we encourage that lesson plans be developed and submitted to David E. Gundrum for ideas in the development of teacher guides.
Whereas, monies are needed to plant ethnic Bible Fellowship Churches, and
Whereas, the Committee believes that God has provided the people and opportunities, and desires His church to reach the alien in the land and plant churches, therefore be it
Resolved, that each Pastor and Delegate to Annual Conference, if they have not already established a line item in their budgets for ethnic church planting, be encouraged to work with their churches to budget monies for ethnic church planting.
Whereas, the work of the Inter-Cultural Ministries Study Committee is not yet complete, and the Committee would like to review the Declarations On Particular Issues, presently Articles 110,112,113,and 114, in order to determine if there is any language which is not culturally transferable, and
Whereas, the Committee would like to prepare the Biblical Principles For Living for second reading,
Resolved, that the 117th Annual Conference direct the Inter-Cultural Ministries Study Committee to continue its work.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m. by Bert N. Brosius as he gave us an update on his physical condition, thanking the Lord for the way in which his tumor was discovered and for His healing through surgery. He closed the meeting in prayer.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Calvin A. Boyle, Delegate from Whitehall BFC opened in prayer.
The following were elected:
Chairman of Annual Conference
Randall A. Grossman (1 year)
Historical Society
Robert W. Smock (1 year)
Conference Judicatory
Ronald C. Mahurin (5 years)
Ronald W. Reed (5 years)
Board of Victory Valley
Dennis W. Spinney (2 years)
Nominating Committee
Howard N. Wells (3 years)
Charles A. Lavigna (3 years)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. (3 years)
Billy J. Dunn (3 years)
Report of the Study Committee on Baptism and Church Membership (see pg)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Paul G. Zimmerman prayed for the Lord’s direction in the vote to be taken on the recommendations of subcommittee A of the Study Committee on Baptism and Church Membership.
The following resolution was defeated.
Whereas, the NT teaches that there is “one baptism” and “one body” despite also teaching that there is baptism in the Spirit and baptism in water and teaching that the church has universal and particular manifestations; and
Whereas, baptism in the Spirit and the church universal are the realities of which baptism in water and Particular Churches and their unions are representations; and
Whereas, the representations must be based on the realities; and
Whereas, baptism in water is a visible declaration of the life given to those born of the Spirit (baptized in the Spirit); and membership in the church visible a declaration of the union with other regenerate or Spirit-baptized people; and
Whereas, there is in church history and in practice today diversity of conviction about the identity of proper candidates for and proper mode of water baptism, and diversity of conviction about the meaning of membership in the church visible; and
Whereas, Bible Fellowship Church is convinced from Scripture of its “gathered church” (regenerate membership) position and its reformed understanding of redemption (that God initiates our salvation in election and brings it to fulfillment in the death of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit applying Christ̓s work to us individually), and its conviction that there is only one church which is Christ̓s, not ours, and the union of congregations under His headship; therefore be it
Resolved, that we recommend to the Annual Conference that we reaffirm the following:
(1) that only those who are regenerated by God and baptized in the Holy Spirit are spiritually alive and all those who are so regenerated are spiritually alive (Article 14–Regeneration);
(2) that only those and all those so regenerated and baptized are members of the church of Jesus Christ (Article 18 – The Church);
(3) that all those born from above (regenerate) and baptized in the Spirit should give outward evidence of the inward work of God by being immersed in water (Article 20-1); and further
Resolved, that we recommend to the Annual Conference that we declare:
(1) that membership means the individual professes to have been born from above and that the church accepts that person as part of the body; membership means “life” not “maturity”.
(2) that F & 0, 202-3.1 be revised to read as follows:
“Anyone desiring to be a member of the BFC shall give testimony of faith in Christ and the new birth. He shall be in sympathy with the F & 0 and manifest holiness toward God and separation from the world (Acts 2:41-47).”
YES – 19 NO – 112
Scott Hoffman from the Emmaus BFC gave a short presentation on a ministry he is involved in called “Push the Rock.” It is a sports ministry, seeking to help local churches use sports to bring the Gospel of Jesus to their communities.
Resolved, that the Committee to Study Baptism and Church Membership continue its work to answer particular questions from the conference body and that they will report to the 118th Annual Conference.
The following were elected:
Pinebrook Bible Conference
David T. Allen (2 years)
Conference Judicatory
Calvin T. Reed (1 year)
L. James Roberts, Jr. (4 years)
Vice Chairman of Annual Conference
William G. Schlonecker (1 year)
Report of the Committee to Study Multiple Staff (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:
Resolved, that Article 401-1.1 be changed to read: 401-1.1 The Board of Elders shall be composed of the senior pastor and elected elders of the congregation. The relationship of any other credentialed member of the pastoral staff to the Board of Elders shall be determined by each Particular Church. The lay elders shall be elected by majority vote of the congregation. They shall be mature men who meet the qualifications of Scripture (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5). If the congregation has more qualified elders than are needed to serve at one time, the number of active elders shall be determined by the congregation by ballot vote upon recommendation of the Board of Elders.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:
Resolved, that the following be placed at the end of Article 401-1.2. “Each Particular Church shall determine the voting status of any additional pastoral staff members.”
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following petition from New Life Bible Fellowship Church, Oley, PA be received and adopted:
Whereas, Faith & Order, Article 502-3, provides for the acceptance of “Ministers Received From Other Churches,” and
Whereas, all candidates are now required to follow the procedures of Article 502-1 for “Men Entering the Ministry”, whether or not they are already ordained, and
Whereas, New Life Bible Fellowship Church in Oley found it extremely difficult and time-consuming to locate ordained pastors with extensive experience who were willing to invest considerable time and effort in what is essentially a re-ordination process, without any assurance of acceptance by the local church at completion,
Resolved, that the Chairman of the 117th Annual Conference appoint a committee of five to study the process of recognizing pastors with prior ordinations.
The Chairman appointed Calvin T. Reed, David J. Watkins, Randall A. Grossman, Richard E. Taylor and Jan Musser as the committee to study the process of recognizing pastors with prior ordinations.
Resolved, that these appointments be ratified.
Resolved, that the minutes of the third meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
Michael T. Littlejohn, Delegate at Trinity BFC, Blandon, PA, closed the meeting in prayer at 5:10 p.m.
Sixth Meeting
Wednesday Morning, April 26, 2000, 9:00 AM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Brian D. Frable led the Conference in worship singing the theme chorus for the week, “A Song for the Nations” and other praise songs. Andrew Crossgrove read 1 Timothy 4:6-16 and Timothy D. Weaber prayed. The pastors who went to Kenya on the Africa mission trip sang “Like a River Glorious.” Ronald C. Mahurin spoke on Power for Ministry.
After worship Roger L. Reitz led the Conference in prayer asking for wisdom and direction in our proceedings.
The following submitted requests to be excused from various meetings of conference: Thomas L. Ward, Kenneth J. Hurst, David M. Markuson, Henry U. Sandt, R. Jerry Brush, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Douglas Wynne.
Resolved, that these requests be granted.
The following were elected:
Board of Church Extension
John C. Elias (3 years)
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference
Charles E. Cole (3 years)
Robert F. Johnson (3 years)
Ministerial Candidate Committee
David E. Gundrum (3 years)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Dennis J. Lawrence (2 Years)
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Regionalization (1999 Yearbook, 44-45)
Article 601 Regionalization
601-1 Purpose and Duties
(1) The purpose of regionalization is to strengthen denominational impact by developing stronger ties between sister churches within reasonable geographic proximity to one another.
(2) Regionalization will provide corporate ministry opportunities, accountability, increased communication, fellowship, and training for ministers and lay leaders in the BFC.
(3) Regions shall be responsible to the Annual Conference.
(4) Regions shall give oversight to ministry within their region in accordance with the Faith & Order of the BFC.
601-2 Organization of Regions
(1) Regions of the BFC shall be made up of no less than five churches in reasonable geographic proximity to one another.
(2) Regions shall be approved by the Annual Conference and listed in the Addendum to the Faith & Order.
(3) Changes in, and additions to the composition of regions shall be made by the Annual Conference with the input of regional leadership.
601-3 Composition and Meetings
601-3.1 All Ministers and Annual Conference Delegates within a region shall comprise the regional leadership. One Minister and the First Delegate from each congregation shall have voting privileges.
601-3.2 Ministers within each region shall meet at least bi-monthly for prayer and interaction. Ministers and delegates within each region shall meet at least once annually, other than during Annual Conference, for prayer and interaction.
601-4 Regional Leadership
601-4.1 Regional Coordinator
(1) The coordinator for each region shall be chosen by the Ministers and Delegates from among the Ministers serving within a given region.
(2) He shall be responsible to call for and oversee meetings of Ministers and Delegates within the region, to insure adequate communication between churches within the region, and to coordinate corporate ministries between the churches.
601-4.2 Regional Secretary
(1) The secretary shall be chosen by the Ministers and Delegates within a given region.
(2) He shall be responsible to maintain communication between churches within the region and between the region and the Annual Conference as needed.
(3) He shall submit a brief written report to the Annual Conference each year to be included in the Yearbook. This report shall include the number of times the regional representatives met, the shared ministries that took place, the names of the coordinator and secretary, and plans for future ministries. The report shall be sent to the distribution point at the designated time.
[SECOND READING]
David E. Gundrum introduced Linnette Smith, the new secretary of the Church Extension Department. He also brought us greetings from Jack H. Becker, organizing pastor of the mission in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Report of Committee to Study Divorce as it Relates to Eldership (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted:
LeRoy S. Heller led the Conference in prayer concerning the First Reading legislative resolution presented by the Committee to Study Divorce as it Relates to Eldership, imploring God to grant us wisdom concerning this difficult issue.
Whereas, the biblical evidence clearly teaches the equality of the office of elder and pastor, and
Whereas, there are no biblical distinctions in the moral and spiritual qualifications for an elder or a pastor, and
Whereas, divorce alone does not automatically disqualify a man from being an elder, therefore, be it
Resolved, that divorce alone does not automatically disqualify a man from being ordained,
and further
Resolved, that this Study Committee strongly recommends that the local church, the Ministerial Candidate Committee, and the Credentials Committee consider the guidelines presented in Section II of this report in the examination of prospective candidates for elder or ordination, and further
Resolved that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:
Resolved, that Article 108-5 be added to the Faith and Order as follows:
“Because of the qualifications and dignity of the office of Pastor, when considering a man for ordination, the Ministerial Candidate Committee and Credentials Committee shall give careful consideration to ensure that a man who has been divorced or who has married a divorced woman is presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to his wife.”
[FIRST READING]
YES – 86; NO – 41
Resolved, that we adjourn.
We adjourned at 12:10 p.m. with Austin G. Shelly closing in prayer.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Phil Atkins gave a brief update on the ministry and needs of Victory Valley Camp.
Dennis J. Lawrence gave praise to the Lord for Victory Valley and its ministries. He also prayed for the deliberations of the proceedings of this afternoon.
Resolved, that Henry U. Sandt be seated as Alternate Delegate for Nazareth.
The following was elected:
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Jeffrey L. Ruhl (1 year)
Resolved, that the minutes of the fourth and fifth meetings be approved.
Keith E. Plows prayed and asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment as we vote on the following legislative change:
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:
Whereas, Annual Conference has previously clarified the position that divorce does not automatically exclude a man from serving as a Deacon in the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, the material passed at first reading last year and being considered for second reading this year only refers to Elders, and
Whereas, it makes sense to address these two offices together in this Article, therefore be it
Resolved, that we amend Article 108-4 that was passed at first reading last year to the following:
“Because of the qualifications and dignity of the offices of Elder and Deacon, each
particular church shall give careful consideration to ensure that a man who has been
divorced or who has married a divorced woman is presently characterized as above
reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to his wife.”
[FIRST READING]
YES – 100; NO – 24
Resolved, that the recommended revisions to Article 409 – “Pulpit Supply Procedure” be adopted at second reading:
409-3 The formation and dissolution of the pastoral relationship is ordinarily without controversy. Accordingly, the Ministerial Relations Committee is empowered to act on behalf of the Annual Conference to approve formation and dissolution of the pastoral relationship except by petition of the pastor or decision of Annual Conference without petition. Rules governing the normal process are in §409-3.1 through §409-3.4. The process by which Annual Conference dissolves the pastoral relationship in respect to disciplinary matters is found at §409-3.5.
409-3.1 An Uncontested Resignation. If a minister desires to resign from his pastorate the procedure is as follows:
1. Pastor submits his resignation to the church by sending a letter to the secretary of the Board of Elders. He shall at the same time submit a copy of the letter to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee.
2. Board of Elders acts on the resignation by approving the following:
Resolved, we recommend the congregation accept (or reject) the resignation of Pastor (name of pastor). If acceptance is recommended the proposed effective date is added to the resolution.
Special provisions (terms for remaining in the parsonage beyond effective date of resignation, extension of health care benefits, severance pay, etc.), if any, shall be specified by additional resolutions.
Ordinarily a resolution to accept a resignation is preceded by a whereas, or series of whereas clauses, which indicate the reason, or reasons, for the recommendation of the Board of Elders. Resolution(s) expressing appreciation for the ministry of the pastor may be included in the resolution(s) which recommend action on the resignation. The action of the Board of Elders shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee by the secretary of the Board of Elders, or delegate, on the day the action is taken. The secretary of Ministerial Relations Committee shall be contacted if the chairman cannot be reached.
3. If the Board of Elders has passed a resolution recommending that the resignation of the pastor be accepted by the congregation, and, if after conferring with the delegate and the pastor no issues of sufficient weight to delay the process are presented, the MRC shall act on the following:
Resolved, that approval be given for the congregation of church to act on the following: (whereas clauses and resolutions of church inserted). The Ministerial Relations Committee shall act on the proposal of the Board of Elders within forty- eight hours and the chairman shall communicate the decision of the Ministerial Relations Committee to the secretary of the Board of Elders of the petitioning church as soon as the Committee vote is final.
4. When the congregation approves the resignation of a pastor this information shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee within twenty-four hours.
409-3.2 A Contested Resignation
1. If the congregation approves a resolution from the Board of Elders recommending the resignation of the pastor be rejected, or if the congregation fails to pass a resolution from the Board of Elders recommending the resignation of the pastor be accepted, the congregation must at the same time approve “whereas” clauses which explain the reason for its action. Rules for communicating the results of the decision to reject the resignation of the pastor to the Ministerial Relations Committee are the same as those for communicating a decision to accept the resignation of the pastor.
2. If a congregation takes action which either defeats a resolution to approve a resignation, or passes a resolution denying approval of the resignation of the pastor the Ministerial Relations Committee shall, after weighing the reasons given for denying the resignation, either conclude the reasons given for denying the resignation are insufficient and approve the resignation with an effective date, or appeal the matter to the Chairman of Annual Conference with recommendation.
409-3.3 Churches Desiring Dissolution of the Pastorate. If a church desires a dissolution of the pastoral relation the procedure is as follows:
If the issues leading to a desire by the church to dissolve the pastorate involve moral or doctrinal charges against the pastor the process described in 409-3.5 is followed.
If the issues leading to a desire by the church to dissolve the pastorate do not involve moral or doctrinal charges against the pastor the process is as follows:
When, by resolution, a Board of Elders concludes there are issues which threaten continuation of the pastorate it shall, in consultation with the Pastoral Relations Committee, provide in writing to the pastor, a list of issues of concern and proposed solutions. This communication shall include a statement indicating that failure to resolve these issues could lead to a desire to dissolve the pastoral relationship. This constitutes formal notice that the continuance of the pastorate is in question. Although formal notice is a serious step, it is not necessarily a public step.
Accordingly, when formal notice is given to a pastor, representatives of the Ministerial Relations Committee shall meet with both parties to offer counsel and advice, upon the written request of either party.
When a Board of Elders issues formal notice, the Pastoral Relations Committee shall meet with the pastor no less than quarterly in an effort to resolve outstanding issues and it shall provide the pastor with a written progress report at least semi-annually, in respect to all issues of concern.
If, after making every effort to resolve issues that threaten the pastorate, the Board of Elders reaches the conclusion it can no longer support sustaining the pastoral relationship, it shall pass whereas clauses and resolutions which indicate its desire to end the pastoral relationship and the reasons it has reached this conclusion. Copies of these resolutions shall be provided to the pastor and the Ministerial Relations Committee within forty-eight hours. The Ministerial Relations Committee shall, at the same time, be supplied with copies of the formal notice, and all follow-up written communication to the pastor by the Board of Elders or the Pastoral Relations Committee.
Upon receipt of a formal request by a Board of Elders to terminate a pastorate, the Ministerial Relations Committee shall meet with the Board of Elders and the Pastor to discuss the situation.
Following the meeting with the Board of Elders and the Pastor, the Ministerial Relations Committee shall either (a) approve the request of the Board of Elders to submit a resolution calling for dissolution of the pastorate to the congregation, or, (b) deny the request of the Board of Elders to proceed toward dissolution of the pastorate. Denial of a request to proceed toward dissolving the pastorate shall be accompanied by reasons for the decision, recommendations regarding how to restore the health of the pastorate, and assignment of a member, or members, of the Ministerial Relations Committee to work with the church and the pastor as they seek to restore the relationship.
If the Ministerial Relations Committee allows the request of the Board of Elders to dissolve the pastorate to be submitted to the congregation, the pastor may appeal by sending within one week a certified letter to the Chairman of the Annual Conference.
If the Ministerial Relations Committee denies the request of the Board of Elders to proceed toward the dissolution of the pastorate, the Board of Elders may appeal by sending within one month, a certified letter signifying its appeal to the Chairman of Annual Conference.
Should a decision of the Ministerial Relations Committee to permit the Board of Elders to proceed toward dissolution of the pastorate not be appealed to the Annual Conference within one week the Board of Elders shall schedule and announce a Congregational Meeting to deal with the resolution:
Resolved, that the pastoral relationship between (Church) and (Pastor) be dissolved effective (date).
All terms of the dissolution of the pastorate, including date, special provisions (terms for remaining in the parsonage beyond effective date of resignation, extension of health care benefits, severance pay, etc.) shall be specified by additional resolutions. All terms of separation must be approved by the Ministerial Relations Committee before they are presented to the congregation. The chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee, or his designee will chair the congregational meeting called to act on dissolution of the pastoral relationship if the Ministerial Relations Committee determines this is in the best interest of the Annual Conference, or if requested to do so by the Board of Elders or the Pastor.
The Ministerial Relations Committee shall approve dissolution of the pastorate upon approval of the resolution to dissolve the pastorate by a majority of those members present and voting at the meeting. If the congregation votes to continue the pastorate with a large minority in dissent the Ministerial Relations Committee may affirm that decision, or conclude that the situation is beyond repair and inform the church and the pastor that it intends to bring the matter to the Annual Conference with a recommendation that the pastorate be terminated.
All decisions of the Ministerial Relations Committee which are appealable are addressed to the Chairman of Annual Conference, who shall have the authority to refer the matter to a committee he selects to make final judgement or, to the Annual Conference.
[SECOND READING]
The following was elected:
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Andrew T. Crossgrove (3 years)
Report of Board of Victory Valley
Resolved, that the amendment to the report be accepted.
William G. Schlonecker informed the Conference that a tract of land adjacent to Victory Valley has become available through sale. He is asking that we commit this to the Lord in prayer. Carl J. Fischer, Jr. prayed for this request.
Resolved, that the recommended minimum salary for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church, including benefits, be $25,750 for the year 2001.
Whereas, Harold L. Snyder, Jr. served faithfully on the Ministerial Relations Committee for many years prior to his death, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the life and ministry of Harold L. Snyder, Jr. and pray God’s comfort for his family.
Alva C. Cassel, pastor of Mt. Carmel BFC thanked the Lord for the many years of service of Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Whereas, Keith E. Plows has served faithfully on the Ministerial Relations Committee for many years prior to his retirement, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the services of Keith E. Plows and pray for God’s blessing upon him during his retirement.
Henry U. Sandt, Alternate Delegate of Grace BFC, Nazareth, PA, thanked the Lord for Keith E. Plows and for his many years of service to the Lord both on the Ministerial Relations Committee and in Grace BFC, Nazareth, PA.
The Conference resolved to reconsider the following resolution which was subsequently passed:
Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held Tuesday, April 24, 2001, during the 118th Annual Conference at a place to be determined.
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, Committees and Agencies have their reports sent to the designated distribution point, PO Box 299, Ephrata, PA, 17522, by March 1, 2001.
Resolved, that the 118th Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 23-25, 2001 beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Resolved, that the report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church be lifted from the table.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church (see page)
Carl C. Cassel prayed and thanked the Lord for His leading in the ministry of Berean Bible School and Pinebrook Junior College and for the Lord leading in the sale of the Pinebrook Junior College property.
Whereas, the closing of Pinebrook Junior College and the time elapsed in selling the property resulted in financial obligations unable to be relieved by any current funds, and
Whereas, the Board of Directors, in order to preserve and maintain the testimony and good credit of the Bible Fellowship Church had no recourse but to use money from the Fund to Promote Church Extension, and
Whereas, such funds are vital to the important work of opening new Bible Fellowship Churches, and
Whereas, the 115th (1998 yearbook, p.31) and 116th (1999 yearbook, p.49) Annual Conferences adopted resolutions expressing divergent views in regard to replenishing the Fund to Promote Church Extension, and
Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church now has a plan to restore funds needed for extending Bible Fellowship Church; therefore be it,
Resolved, that the following resolutions regarding the Fund to Promote Church Extension approved by the 115th and 116th Annual Conference hereby be rescinded.
Resolved, that following consultation with the Board of Church Extension, the Board of Directors present a plan to fully repay the indebtedness to the Fund to Promote Church Extension to the 116th Annual Conference. (Pg. 31 1998 Yearbook)
Resolved, that the Board of Directors not seek to assess the particular churches for replenishing this fund, and further
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the provision of these funds for such a time as this and seek His guidance in the final resolution of the Pinebrook Junior College property. (pg. 46 1999 Yearbook)
YES – 92; NO – 28
Resolved, that each church for the year 2001 continue to pledge 1% of its offerings (based on 1997 offerings), to replenish the Fund to Promote Church Extension.
YES – 107; NO – 13
The following was elected:
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Timothy D. Weaber (2 years)
Resolved, that the rate of mileage reimbursement for conference business be $.22 per mile.
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000 be adopted.
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001 be approved for submission to the churches for their pledges.
Resolved, that the Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church be accepted.
Resolved, that if the funds received through the year 2001 fail adequately to replenish the Fund to Promote Church Extension, then the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church, in consultation with the Board of Church Extension, may recommend this effort be continued for another year.
Resolved: That the following amendment to the Faith and Order be adopted at First Reading to section 512-13.4:
(3) A probationer eligible for a call is a man who has been approved by this Committee, has passed the examinations required by the Committee, and is eligible to be called through the Rules of Pulpit Supply.
(4) A probationer eligible for a call becomes a licensed probationer when one of the following occurs:
(4.1) he has been called through the Rules of Pulpit Supply to serve in a Bible Fellowship Church;
(4:2) he has been called through the Rules of Pulpit Supply to serve in one of the denominational agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church;
(4:3) he is serving in a ministry approved by the Ministerial Candidate Committee in consultation with the Committee on Credentials.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. as Dennis W. Spinney closed in prayer.
Eighth Meeting
Wednesday Evening, 6:00 PM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:00 p.m. Robert F. Johnson led in prayer.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
David J. Watkins (3 years)
Charles A. Lavigna (3 years)
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:
Article 302 – Original and Appellate Jurisdiction
302-1. Individual Members. Original jurisdiction over an individual belongs to the congregation of which the individual is a member. All of the elders or a portion of the elders designated by the Board of Elders shall be the judicatory for a trial in a Particular Church. Those serving as a judicatory shall choose one of their number to serve as moderator of the trial. Any elder who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.
302-2. Ministers. Original jurisdiction over ministers belongs to the Credentials Committee. All of the members or a portion designated by the Committee shall be the judicatory for a trial involving a minister. Those serving as a judicatory shall choose one of their number to serve as moderator of the trial. Any member of the Committee who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.
302-3.1 Particular Churches. Original jurisdiction over Particular Churches belongs to the Ministerial Relations Committee. All of the members or a portion designated by the Committee shall be the judicatory for a trial involving a Particular Church. Those serving as a judicatory shall choose one of their number to serve as moderator of the trial. Any member of the Committee who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.
302-3.2 Agencies of the BFC. Original jurisdiction over agencies of the BFC belongs to a judicatory elected by Annual Conference, called the Conference Judicatory. Agencies of the BFC shall consist of any boards, committees, or offices temporary or permanent, incorporated or unincorporated, established by Annual Conference.
302-4.1 Appeals to the Conference Judicatory. If a judicatory in a Particular Church, the Credentials Committee, or the Ministerial Relations Committee is unable to resolve an issue, or if the defendant or plaintiff in a case desires to appeal the decision of the original judicatory, the appeal shall be made to the Conference Judicatory. (Charges brought against an agency of the BFC shall be made directly to the Conference Judicatory.) The Conference Judicatory shall be composed of five ordained ministers who are voting members of Annual Conference and five laymen who are voting members of Annual Conference at the time of their election. Laymen on the Conference Judicatory who are no longer voting members of Annual Conference may continue to serve their term of office as long as they remain members in good standing of a Particular Church. Annual Conference shall elect the members of the Conference Judicatory for three-year terms in three classes as follows:
Class I Two pastors and two laymen
Class II Two pastors and two laymen
Class III One pastor and one layman
When a case is presented to the Conference Judicatory, all ten members shall designate which five shall hear the case and shall designate which one of the five shall serve as moderator. The chairman and the secretary shall be chosen by the ten members from among their number. All charges or appeals shall be presented to the secretary. The name of the secretary shall be announced at Annual Conference and included in its minutes.
302-4.2 Appeals to the Special Appellate Judicatory. If the Conference Judicatory is unable to resolve an issue, or if the defendant or plaintiff in a case desires to appeal the decision of the Conference Judicatory, subsequent appeal shall be made to the Special Appellate Judicatory. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall be composed of four ordained pastors who are voting members of Annual Conference and four laymen who are voting members of Annual Conference at the time of their election. Laymen on the Special Appellate Judicatory who are no longer voting members of Annual Conference may continue to serve their term of office as long as they remain members in good standing of a Particular Church. Annual Conference shall elect the members of the Special Appellate Judicatory for three-year terms in three classes as follows:
Class I Two pastors and two laymen
Class II One pastor and one layman
Class III One pastor and one layman
When a case is presented to the Special Appellate Judicatory, all eight members shall designate which five shall hear the case and shall designate which of the five shall serve as moderator. The chairman and the secretary shall be chosen by the eight members from among their number. All appeals shall be presented to the Secretary. The name of the secretary shall be announced at Annual Conference and included in its minutes. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall conduct a hearing and their decision shall be final and shall be reported to Annual Conference. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall be the only place of appeal for issues which have had the Conference Judicatory as the place of original jurisdiction.
Article 303 – Steps in Institution of Judicial Process
303-1. A charge of an offense must be instituted at the place of original jurisdiction; it may be brought by an individual, Particular Church or Agency of the BFC. The one who brings a charge shall be designated as the plaintiff. The one who is charged shall be designated as the defendant.
303-2. A charge of offense must describe the alleged offense and state the facts which support the charge. The charge shall include, as far as possible, the time, place, circumstances of the alleged offense, the names of witnesses and titles of relevant documents. A charge shall be deemed to have been filed when it is presented in writing to the chairman or secretary of the Board of Elders of the Particular Church or the chairman or secretary of any other place of original jurisdiction.
303-3. No charge shall be received if it is filed more than two years after the time the alleged offense was committed unless unavoidable circumstances prevented an earlier filing.
303-4. When an individual, Particular Church or Agency of the BFC is ready to present a charge, the one receiving the charge shall warn the plaintiff that he may be censured if the accused is found to be innocent of the alleged offense. If the one receiving the charge determines that the charge is frivolous, it may dismiss the charge and censure the plaintiff.
303-5. When a charge is filed, the Board of Elders of the Particular Church, the Credentials Committee, the Ministerial Relations Committee, or the Conference Judicatory shall establish the time and place for the trial, and shall cite the accused to appear at the trial and shall constitute the judicial body to conduct the trial.
Article 307 – Appeals
307-1. An appeal is a petition asking that the final judgment of one judicatory be reversed or modified by another judicatory.
307-2. Notice of intention to appeal must be filed in writing ten days after the judgment of the original judicatory has been announced. This notice must be filed with the moderator of the original judicatory.
307-3. To perfect an appeal, the appellant must in writing file within thirty days of the notice of appeal his appeal and specifications of error by the original judicatory. This shall be filed with the secretary of the judicatory to which the appeal is made; a copy of the appeal and specifications of error shall also be filed with the moderator of the original judicatory.
307-4. If the judicatory to which appeal is made does not sustain any of the specifications of error, the judgement of the original judicatory is affirmed. If the appellate judicatory sustains any specifications of error, it shall determine whether the error is of such importance as to require a reversal, or modification of the original judgment. A judicatory to which appeal is made may remand the case to the original judicatory, may modify the original judgment or may reverse the original judgment.
[FIRST READING]
Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2000 is $200 per year of service, and
Whereas, partial cost-of-living adjustments are part of the long-term phaseout strategy of the MRF, therefore be it
Resolved, that the MRF annuity rate for calendar year 2001 be $203 per year of service.
Whereas, the religious denomination known as the Bible Fellowship Church has and functions through ministers of the Gospel who are duly ordained or licensed, and
Whereas, the practice of the Bible Fellowship Church is to provide a parsonage or a rental allowance as part of the gross compensation for each of its active ordained or licensed ministers, and
Whereas, pensions paid to retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church are considered as deferred compensation and are paid to said retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers in consideration of previous, active service, and
Whereas, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized that the Bible Fellowship Church is the appropriate organization to designate a housing/rental allowance for retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers who are members of this Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that an amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2000 be and is hereby designated as rental/housing allowance for each retired and disabled ordained or licensed minister of the Bible Fellowship Church who is or was a member of the Bible Fellowship Church Ministers’ Retirement Fund, and further
Resolved, that this rental/housing allowance shall apply to each retired and disabled ordained or licensed minister who has been granted the retired relationship or placed on disability leave by the Bible Fellowship Annual Conference and whose name and relationship to the Conference is recorded in the Yearbook of the Bible Fellowship Annual Conference and in other appropriate records maintained by the Conference, and further
Resolved, that the pension payment to which this rental/housing allowance applies shall be the pension payment resulting from all service of such retired or disabled ordained or licensed ministers from all employment by any local church, Annual Conference or institution of the Bible Fellowship Church or of any former denomination that is now a part of the Bible Fellowship Church, or of any other employer who employed the minister to perform services related to the ministry and who elected to make contributions to the pension funds of the Bible Fellowship Church for such retired minister’s pension.
The following was elected:
Board of Youth and Young Adults
James D. Harris (2 years)
Whereas, the Credentials Committee and the Ministerial Candidate committee verify that ministers are qualified to be members of Annual conference based on their response to the annual F&O questionnaire, and
Whereas, there is no similar indication to Annual Conference that Elder Delegates have affirmed their agreement with the F&O, and
Whereas, the “Bylaws for Particular Churches” require that, “each Elder shall annually declare in writing his agreement with the Articles of Faith and willingness to follow the Principles of Order of the BFC” (401-1.9), and
Whereas, the annual report of the Board of Elders presented at the Congregational Meeting, “shall be the source of the information for the report of the congregation to the Annual Conference” (403-1.4), and
Whereas, the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches shall report the confirmation of Delegates and Alternate Delegates and any discrepancies to the Registrar prior to Annual Conference (506-03), therefore be it
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:
401-1.9 The Board of Elders in each Particular Church shall determine which men are in agreement with the Articles of Faith and who will endeavor to follow the Principles of Order of the BFC. Each Elder shall annually declare in writing his agreement with the Articles of Faith, and his willingness to follow the Principles of Order of the BFC, and this declaration be included in the Board of Elders Report to the Congregation. No man can be divested of this office except by deposition for failure to maintain standards of doctrine and life in keeping with the dignity of the office.
403-3 Suggested Format for Congregational Meetings
(4) Reports (Annual Congregational Meeting)
Report of the Board of Elders, to include at least the following:
Membership Report
Financial Report (s), including evidence of annual auditing
Submission of the proposed budget
Record of Designation of the Pastoral Relations Committee
Record of Elders’ Declaration of Agreement with the Articles of Faith and willingness to follow the Principles of Order
Status of the Work
Benevolence Report (may be included in the Board of Deacons Report or in the Financial Report)
Recommendations
511-1.3 Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches
Appointment:
(3) It shall meet at least annually prior to Annual Conference
Duties
(3) It shall verify that the Delegate(s) and Alternate Delegate(s) are Elders, have signed their annual declaration of agreement with the Articles of Faith and willingness to follow the Principles of Order, and are the persons reported to the Registrar of Annual Conference. It shall report such verification and any discrepancies to the Registrar during the week prior to Annual Conference.
[FIRST READING]
The following were elected
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Raymond Cole (1 year)
Dorothy Ruch (1 year)
Whereas, Annual Conference resolved to establish a committee to prepare a feasibility study regarding potential consolidation of offices, resources, and personnel for several of our Bible Fellowship Church agencies, and
Whereas, such a committee was not appointed during the 1999 Annual Conference, and
Whereas, the Strategic Planning Committee agrees with the need for such considerations, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Strategic Planning Committee function as that committee to oversee such a feasibility study, seeking the input of whatever resource people they consider necessary to accomplish the task, being certain to include the input of pastors as well as lay people with administrative or business experience.
Resolved, that the monies received from the offering at the BFC2000 celebration, after expenses, be used for a new church plant as designated by the Board of Church Extension.
Whereas, money in the Fund To Promote Church Extension (FTPCE) is Bible Fellowship Church money; and
Whereas, original use of the FTPCE by the Board of Directors for obligations related to the sale of Pinebook Junior College was on a basis of loan, but the delay in the sale caused the Board of Directors to question our ability to repay the loan and to desire to replenish the fund to meet our needs for opening new churches; and
Whereas, the Board of Directors and the Board of Church Extension have together recommended this approach; and
Whereas, this Annual Conference has approved the concept of replenishing the fund in action already taken at the 117th Annual Conference; therefore be it
Resolved, we understand that we are replenishing the FTPCE in the light of the need rather than repaying a debt.
Report of the Auditing Committee (see page: )
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Whereas, Randall A. Grossman, Brian H. Cooper, Donald L. Kirkwood, and Ronald C. Mahurin have served with distinction as our speakers, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give praise to our Sovereign Lord for the gift of wisdom and their insight into God’s Word.
Whereas, on Tuesday evening, April 25, 2000, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Timothy S. Cowen, Kenneth J. Hurst, Richard A. Moyer, and Jeffrey L. Ruhl were ordained to the Gospel Ministry of the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank God for the calling and gifts of these men and that we be steadfast in prayer for them.
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has reported that the Bible Fellowship Churches in Harrisburg, PA, Nazareth, PA, Quakertown, PA, Red Hill, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, Terre Hill, PA, and Zionsville, PA are without pastors or soon will be without pastors, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray that He would provide pastors for these churches, and further be it
Resolved, that we thank God for providing shepherds for His flock.
Whereas, the Conference Secretary and his able assistants have served with integrity and dispatch, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their diligence and further
Resolved, that each of them be awarded a stipend of $50 for their services.
Whereas, the staff and volunteers of the Pinebrook Bible Conference, as well as some of the wives of our pastors and delegates, have readily and cheerfully served the members of the 117th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we note with thanksgiving the helpful service of those who have labored to care for us.
Whereas, the Pages, William J. Whalen (Head Page), Andrew T. Crossgrove (Assistant Head Page), Brian D. Frable (Sound, Worship), William J. Dunn, Kevin Kirkpatrick, Steve Roth, Bruce MacIntosh, Raymond Cole, Jonathan Witmer, and Bret Sunday have humbly, readily, helpfully, cheerfully, and diligently enabled the work of the 117th Annual Conference to smoothly advance, therefore be it
Resolved, that we acknowledge our appreciation for their service and fellowship with a round of applause.
Whereas, Daniel G. Ziegler has served His Lord and the BFC as Executive Director of Church Extension for thirty-two years and
Whereas, he will retire as of May 1, 2000 therefore, be it
Resolved, that we thank God for the faithful service of Daniel G. Ziegler as the Executive Director of Church Extension, and further
Resolved, that we pray for the Lord’s blessing on Daniel and his wife Jacquelene as they continue to serve Him in their retirement years.
Whereas, David E. Gundrum has been elected to serve as Executive Director of the Board of Church Extension and
Whereas, we believe this is of God’s leading, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray for David and his family as they make this transition, and further
Resolved, that we pray for the work of Church Extension and for David Gundrum as the Executive Director.
Whereas, James A. Beil’s wife Gail is severly ill, and
Whereas, there is imminent need for prayer, therefore be it
Resolved, that we continue to lift up Jim and Gail in our prayers.
Whereas, Kenneth F. Barber’s wife Carolyn is suffering from Scleraderma and
Whereas, she continues to minister despite this affliction, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray to our Lord for His continuing mercy in their lives.
Whereas, Bernard N. Coble has received treatment yet continues in desperate health, therefore be it
Resolved, that we continue to ask God’s mercy and relief upon our brother.
Whereas, John F. Moran has served the Lord faithfully since 1969 at Pinebrook Bible Conference, and
Whereas, for the past twenty-five years he has been on the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference.
Resolved, we praise the Lord for the work God has done through John F. Moran at this ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, Bert N. Brosius gave testimony of God’s work in his life through the event of a school bus accident that resulted in a physical exam that showed a cancerous tumor on his kidney and
Whereas, the doctor reported the cancer was contained and removed by surgery, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise God with Bert and Joan Brosius and ask for their continued health and opportunities of service.
Whereas, the property of Pinebrook Junior College was sold and
Whereas, much of the debt incurred has been paid, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank God for His grace and provision.
Whereas, Randall A. Grossman has served with distinction as Chairman of the 117th Annual Conference of the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of Annual Conference show their appreciation of Brother Grossman with a standing ovation.
Whereas, BFC2000 will be celebrated this Sunday, April 30, 2000 at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, PA, therefore be it
Resolved, that we encourage one another and prayerfully anticipate this gathering of the Bible Fellowship Church for thanksgiving, praise, and fellowship.
Whereas, God equips us with everything good for doing His will and
Whereas, through the ministry of God’s Word we have been encouraged under the theme “Impassioned Ministry for our Impoverished World”, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of the 117th Annual Conference give glory to the only God our Savior.
Resolved, that the above be adopted.
The minutes of the seventh meeting were approved.
The official denominational address will be: Fellowship Manor, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA. 18502. The Secretary of the Conference Judicatory is Ronald C. Mahurin.
The following appointments were made by the chairman:
Registrar: J. Mark McCreary
Assistant Registrar: Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Agenda and Program Committee: David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference; Randall A. Grossman, Chairman of Annual Conference; William G. Schlonecker, Vice Chairman of Annual Conference; Mark L. Morrison, Roger L. Reitz, Thomas P. Shorb
Arrangements Committee: David A. Thomann (Chairman); Daniel P. Allen, Clyde D. Bomgardner, J. Mark McCreary, Thomas P. Shorb, Randall A. Grossman
Committee on Statistics: LeRoy S. Heller (Chairman); Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Calvin T. Reed, David A. Thomann, Kenneth D. Keeler
Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches: Ralph M. Soper (Chairman); William H. Bartron, Ronald C. Erb, David N. Heineman, Ralph E. Ritter
Resolve, that the meeting be adjourned.
The 117th Annual Conference was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. as William G. Schlonecker, Vice-Chairman of Annual Conference closed in prayer.