ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF THE
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
2002 Convened at Pinebrook Bible Conference
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
April 22 – 24, 2002
Published by Order of Annual Conference
David A. Thomann, Editor
Price $8.00
Officers of the 119th Annual Conference:
Chairman, William G. Schlonecker
Vice Chairman, Carl C. Cassel
Secretary, David A. Thomann
Assistant Secretary, Robert W. Smock
Publisher, Daniel P. Allen
Printer, Thomson-Shore
Computer Operator, Roy A. Hertzog
Directory of Boards and Committees
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church
(2003) Raymond R. Dotts, Charles A. Lavigna, David J. Watkins
(2004) James A. Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Robert W. Gehret
(2005) Randall A. Grossman, Horace A. Kauffman, L. James Roberts
President of Corporation – James A. Beil
Vice President of Corporation – Carl C. Cassel
Secretary of Corporation – David J. Watkins
Financial Secretary – Horace A. Kauffman
Hospitalization Secretary -James A. Beil
Treasurer – Robert W. Gehret
Board of Christian Education
(2003) Annette E. Kuhns, Mark S. Matson, Mark L. Morrison, Richard T. Paashaus
(2004) Timothy S. Cowen, David W. Eisenhower, Nancy A., Mertus, David N. Schoen
(2005) Judy D. Althouse, G. Wayne Clapier, Michael L. Herb, Jonathan P. Tait
Board of Church Extension
(2003) W. David Armstrong, John C. Elias, William G. Schlonecker, William R. Singletary
(2004) Dennis M. Cahill, Robert W. Davies, Richard E. Taylor, Robert H. Zentz
(2005) Byron Widger, Clyde W. Snyder
Executive Director – David E. Gundrum (2003)
Chairman – Richard E. Taylor
Vice Chairman – W. David Armstrong
Treasurer – William R. Singletary
Secretary – William G. Schlonecker
Board of Pensions
(2003) Robert Gaugler, David N. Schoen, William R. Singletary
(2004) Ellis Lee Hostetter, Keith E. Plows, Thomas P. Shorb
(2005) James A. Beil, Richard J. Volpe, David J. Watkins
Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.
(2003) William H. Bartron, Glenn D. Ruoss, Dennis W. Spinney, Hans R. Waldvogel
(2004) David W. Cole, Roger L. Reitz, Dean A. Stortz, John W. Trauch
(2005) LeRoy S. Heller, Robin A. Musselman, Henry U. Sandt, Gene W. Smith
President: Robert H. Zentz
Chairman: LeRoy S. Heller
Vice Chairman: Dean A. Stortz
Secretary: William H. Bartron
Treasurer: John W. Trauch
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference
(2003) Lee E. Boyles, Charles E. Cole, Roger L. Reitz, Gerald L. Schlonecker, Hans R. Waldvogel
(2004) Carl Ackerman, Daniel P. Allen, Brian H. Cooper, Kermit K. Gehman, John M. Stengele
(2005) David T. Allen, Alva C. Cassel, LeRoy O. Herb
Director – Nate Brosius
President & Chairman – Alva C. Cassel
Vice President & Vice Chairman – David T. Allen
Treasurer – Lee E. Boyles
Secretary – Daniel P. Allen
Board of Missions
(2003) Gerald L. Schlonecker, Thomas P. Shorb, David R. Way
(2004) Donald S. Faust, James W. Harris, Jacob J. Susek, Jr.
(2005) LeRoy O. Herb, Ralph M. Soper
Director – Dana E. Weller (2003)
Financial Secretary – Daniel G. Oswald (2005)
Chairman – Ralph M. Soper
Secretary – James W. Harris
Board of Publication and Printing
(2003) Jonathan P. Tait
(2004) Daniel P. Allen, Stephen C. Mann
(2005) William H. Bartron, Clyde W. Snyder
Chairman – William H. Bartron
Secretary – Daniel P. Allen
Fellowship News Editor – Carol Snyder (2005)
FN Business Manager – Paul T. Rutman (2004)
Board of Victory Valley Camp
(2003) Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Jonathan D. Reynolds, David L. Weller
(2004) Bernice Mann, Christopher Roth, Timothy D. Weaber
(2005) Dennis J. Lawrence, Dennis W. Spinney, Howard N. Wells
Director – Phil Atkins
Board of Higher Education
(2003) Alan H. Russell, John C. Studenroth
(2004) Raymond R. Dotts, Claude L. Gates, Robert C. Newman
(2005) Stephen C. Cassel, G. Wayne Clapier
Chairman – Robert C. Newman
Secretary – John C. Studenroth
Board of Youth and Young Adults
(2003) Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Andrew J. Crossgrove, Billy J. Dunn
(2004) Charles A. Mann, Dorothy L. Ruch, John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
(2005) Susan G. Homsher, Ronald L. Kohl, Dennis J. Lawrence
Chairman – Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr.
Vice Chairman – Andrew J. Crossgrove
Secretary – Timothy D. Weaber
Treasurer – Billy J. Dunn
Committee on Credentials
(2003) Ralph M. Soper
(2004) Dennis M. Cahill, LeRoy S. Heller
(2005) Keith E. Plows, David A. Thomann
Chairman – Keith E. Plows
Secretary – David A. Thomann
Committee on Ministerial Candidates
(2003) Robert S. Commerford, David E.Gundrum
(2004) Delbert R. Baker, II
(2005) Calvin T. Reed, Richard E. Taylor
Chairman – Calvin T. Reed
Secretary – Richard E. Taylor
Committee on Nominations
(2003) Charles A. Lavigna, Howard N. Wells
(2004) Dean A. Stortz, Yvonne Watkins
(2005) Michael T. Littlejohn, Mark L. Morrison, David A. Thomann
Chairman – David A. Thomann
Secretary – Howard N. Wells
Conference Judicatory
(2003) Ronald C. Mahurin, Ronald W. Reed, L. James Roberts, Jr., Dean A. Stortz
(2004) Steven C. Boepple, Calvin T. Reed
(2005) James A. Beil, Lee E. Boyles, Carl C. Cassel, Robert H. Zentz
Secretary – Ronald C. Mahurin
Special Appellate Judicatory
(2003) Charles Lavigna, John C. Studenroth
(2004) Donald S. Faust, Randall A. Grossman, Harold E. Snyder, David J. Watkins
(2005) Raymond R. Dotts, Hans R. Waldvogel
Secretary – David J. Watkins
Historical Committee
(2003) Jill Davidson, Daniel G. Ziegler
(2004) Harold P. Shelly, Robert W. Smock
(2005) David E. Thomann
Archivist – Richard E. Taylor
Chairperson – Jill Davidson
Secretary – Richard E. Taylor
Ministerial Relations Committee
(2003) Lee E. Boyles, Jacob J. Susek, Jr.
(2004) Randall A. Grossman, Ronald W. Reed
(2005) Calvin T. Reed, L. James Roberts, Jr., John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
Chairman – Randall A. Grossman
Secretary – Calvin T. Reed
Strategic Planning Committee
(2003) Dana E. Weller, Robert H. Zentz
(2004) Byron Barnshaw, Richard T. Paashaus, Richard E. Taylor
(2005) Elliot H. Ramos, J. Robert Vaughn
Agenda and Program Committee
William G. Schlonecker, Randall A. Grossman, David A. Thomann, Cliford B. Boone, Thomas P. Shorb, Carl K. Spackman
Committee on Arrangements for the 120th Annual Conference
Daniel P. Allen, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., J. Mark McCreary, Thomas P. Shorb, William G. Schlonecker (Chairman of the 120th Annual Conference), David A. Thomann
Chairman – David A. Thomann
Secretary – Daniel P. Allen
Committee on Statistics
Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., LeRoy S. Heller, Kenneth D. Keeler, Calvin T. Reed, David A. Thomann
Chairman – LeRoy S. Heller
Committee on Examination of the Minutes of Particular Churches
William H. Bartron, Richard D. Harris, Ralph M. Soper, Dean A. Stortz, Jonathan P. Tait
Chairman – Ralph M. Soper
Committee to Examine the Minutes of 119th Annual Conference
Robert S. Commerford, Ralph E Ritter, Gregory A. Uhrich, Ralph B. Weaver
Chairman – Gregory A. Uhrich
Officers of 120th Annual Conference
Chairman – William G. Schlonecker
Vice Chairman – Randall A. Grossman
Secretary – David A. Thomann
Additional Appointees for the 120th Annual Conference
J. Mark McCreary, Registrar
Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Assistant Registrar
Inter-Cultural Ministries Study Committee
Delbert R. Baker, II, Carl C. Cassel (Ministerial Candidate Committee), G. Wayne Clapier, David E. Gundrum, Roy A. Hertzog (Missions), Daniel G. Ziegler (Church Extension)
Chairman – Roy A. Hertzog
Secretary – David E. Gundrum
Secret Society Study Committee
Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Dennis M. Cahill, Richard D. Harris, Ralph E. Ritter, Jonathan P. Tait
Study Committee on Credentials and Multi Staff Churches
Robert S. Commerford, LeRoy S. Heller, Calvin T. Reed, L. James Roberts, Jr., Ralph M. Soper, Jacob J. Susek, Jr.
Chairman – LeRoy S. Heller
Committee to Study the Role of Women in the Church
E. Davis DeRonde, Carl J. Fischer, Jr, Betty Herb, Doris Hoyle, Michael T. Littlejohn, J. Mark McCreary, James E. Mortland, Robert C. Newman, Robert A. Sloan
Chairman – Carl J. Fischer, Jr
Beneficiary Society
John H. Riggall, President; R. C. Reichenbach, Secretary; LeRoy S. Heller, Treasurer
Joint Committee on Ethnic Church Planting
From Church Extension: David E. Gundrum, John C. Elias
From Board of Missions: Dana E. Weller, Donald S. Faust
Chairman – David E. Gundrum
Ministerial Convention Committee
(2002) Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Allan R. Vivona
(2003) Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Ronald C. Erb
(2004) C. Larry Bennet
Chairman – Ronald C. Erb
Secretary – Allan R. Vivona
Treasurer – Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Advisor – Ronald C. Mahurin
Pinebrook Educational Foundation
(2003) Gary E. Karch, Robert C. Newman
(2004) Raymond R. Dotts, J. H. Fasnacht
(2005) Stephen C. Cassel, Jessica Sterner
Chairman – Raymond R. Dotts
Secretary – J. H. Fasnacht
Stewardship Council
Composed of various representatives from Boards and the following elected persons:
(2003) Gary E. Karch
(2004) John L. English
(2005) Torry R. Hinkel
Chairman: Gary E. Karch
Vice Chairman: J. Mark McCreary
Treasurer:
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Junior College
Kenneth F. Barber, Dennis M. Cahill, G. Wayne Clapier, Raymond R. Dotts, Jay H. Fasnacht, Carol A. Gearhart, John H. Herb, Rodney A. Muthard, Robert C. Newman, Ronald W. Reed, L. James Roberts, Jr., C. Robert Roth, Russell M. Ruch, Thomas P. Shorb, Karen R. Stull, Robert H. Zentz
Table of Ordained Ministers
Year of Year of Year of
Pastor BFC License Ordination Present Status
Allen, Daniel P. 1982 1979 1982
Armstrong, W. David, Jr. 1985 1987 1989
Arnold, Jonathon W., Sr. 1994 1997 2000
Baker, Delbert, R. II 1976 1979 1975
Bomgardner, Clyde D. Jr. 1997 2000 1997
Boone, Clifford B. 1989 1992 2002
Brush, R. Jerome 1988 1992 1991
Cahill, Dennis M. 1986 1984 1986
Cassel, Alva C. 1958 1962 1986
Clapier, G. Wayne 1980 1981 1980
Cole, Charles E 1996 1970 1996
Commerford, Robert S. 1984 1986 1982
Cooper, Brian H. 1996 1998 1996
Cowen, Timothy S. 1997 2000 1997
Crossgrove, Andrew T. 1999 2002 2002
Dowling, Willis I. 1999 1983 2002
Dunn, William J. 1999 2002 2002
Ellwanger, Donald R. 2001 1988 2002
Erb, Ronald C. 1981 1983 1987
Fischer, Carl J., Jr. 1990 1985 1992
Grossman, Randall A. 1981 1983 1990
Gundrum, David E. 1986 1988 2000
Harris, Richard D. 1976 1978 1988
Heineman, David N. 1996 1993 1999
Heller, LeRoy S. 1955 1958 1995
Keeler, Kenneth D. 1982 1985 2000
Lawrence, Dennis J. 1993 1996 1999
Mahurin, Ronald C. 1960 1959 2001
McCreary, J. Mark 1993 1996 1999
Morrison, Mark L. 1996 1999 1996
Paashaus, Richard T. 1988 1990 1976
Phillips, D. Thomas 1971 1976 1992
Prontnicki, Louis 1983 1985 1990
Ramos, Elliot H. 1998 2001 1999
Ravis, Richard B. 1990 1985 2001
Reed, Calvin T. 1982 1984 1983
Reitz, Roger L. 1972 1974 1993
Ritter, Ralph E. 1991 1994 2000
Ruhl, Jeffrey L. 1997 2000 1997
Schlonecker, William G. 1985 1988 1984
Schoen, David N. 1982 1987 1987
Shorb, Thomas P. 1977 1979 2001
Sloan, Robert A., Jr. 1988 1986 1988
Smith, Gene W. 1991 1978 1992
Soper, Ralph M. 1985 1987 1995
Spackman, Carl K 1969 1971 2000
Spinney, Dennis W. 1984 1993 1988
Stortz, Dean A. 1983 1986 1988
Susek, Jacob J., Jr. 1994 1983 1993
Tait, Jonathan P. 1994 1996 1996
Taylor, Richard E. 1973 1975 1982
Thomann, David A. 1978 1977 1987
Uhrich Gregory A. 1989 1983 2001
Vandegriff, John C., Jr. 1974 1972 1993
Vivona, Allan R. 1992 1971 2000
Watkins, David J. 1962 1965 1989
Way, David R. 1989 1993 2001
Weller, Dana E. 1972 1974 1995
Wells, Howard N. 1990 1992 1990
Wickstead, James A. 1976 1981 1976
Widger, Byron 1985 1988 1995
Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy under the Sponsorship of the BFC
Hurst, Kenneth J. 1998 2000 2000
Moyer, Richard A. 1995 2000 1999
Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries
Ellingson, Bruce A. 1963 1966 1991
Martin, Carl T. 1983 1986 1997
Ordained Ministers Between Calls
Bartron, William H. 1973 1975 2001
Batchler, James R., Jr. 1976 1979 1993
Dommel, Albert J. 1982 1984 1991
Herb, John H. 1962 1966 1989
Jones, David H. 1978 1983 1994
Trommler, Steven L. 1984 1986 2000
Ordained Ministers on Leave of Absence
Byrd, Terris L. 1969 1972 2002
Burnett, Raymond G. 1984 1972 1993
Frable, Arthur H., Jr. 1969 1971 1999
MacMillan, Thomas S. 1983 1986 1990
Neher, James E. 1987 1989 2000
Smith, Larry M. 1989 1990 1993
Year of Year of Year of
Pastor BFC License OrdinationPresent Status
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Barber, Kenneth F. 1985 1971 2001
Beil, James A. 1959 1962 1998
Bigley, T. James, Jr. 1962 1966 2002
Brosius, Bert N. 1958 1961 1998
Buck, Leonard E. 1958 1970 1997
Cassel, Carl C. 1956 1959 1993
Cassel, Willard E. 1943 1946 1988
Coulbourn, Hugh C., Jr. 1977 1970 2001
Dotts, Raymond R. 1960 1965 1999
Draper, Robert L. 1972 1973 1994
Dunn, John 1941 1950 1979
Frank, Walter H. 1939 1961 1989
Fritz, Harvey J., Jr. 1959 1962 1995
Gordon, Robert N. 1960 1960 1998
Harley, J. Barclay 1956 1960 1997
Hartman, Jansen E. 1942 1946 1990
Herb, Frank L., Jr. 1954 1957 1991
Herb, George E. 1957 1960 1989
Hertzog, Roy A. 1959 1968 1997
Hoyle, Ronald W. 1978 1954 1998
Kirkwood, Donald T. 1951 1954 1971
Koch, James G. 1950 1953 1997
Minsky, Barry J. 1980 1966 2002
Moyer, Edward K. 1970 2000
Mull, William W. 1968 1950 1994
Munyan, Edgar H. 1989 1955 1993
Plows, Keith E. 1966 1968 2000
Reichenbach, R. C. 1937 1941 1982
Riggall, John H. 1945 1948 1982
Seifert, A. L. 1950 1953 1990
Shelly, Austin G. 1956 1961 1995
Smock, Robert W. 1950 1953 1993
Thomann, David E. 1943 1946 1982
Weaber, Harold C. 1963 1967 1998
Yarrington, Harold D. 1942 1952 1987
Ziegler, Daniel G. 1960 1963 2000
Year of Year of Year of
Pastor BFC License Ordination Present Status
Ordained Ministers under the Direction of the Board of Missions
Aukamp, William C. 1985 1988 1986
Denlinger, Ronald K. 1994 1997 2000
Gehman, Richard J. 1964 1971 1966
Harding, W. Neil, Jr. 1983 1993 1993
Head, Jim D. 1994 1996 1998
Johnston, Walter M. 1987 1987 1991
Lea, Herbert K. 1980 1982 1994
Manney, David L. 1976 1999
Morrison, Philip E. 1980 1982 1993
Moyer, Duane E. 1998 2001 2001
Moyer, Jerry L. 1992 1994 1997
Pollock, Thomas A. 1996 1999 1990
Riddell, David W. 1985 1987 1987
Studenroth, John C. 1991 1976 2000
Yerrington, Philip E. 1978 1981 1981
Zimmerman, Paul G. 1966 1971 1988
A Look Back:
1902 – 2002
Our Fathers – Our Brothers
by Richard Taylor
When we took our seats at the Annual Conference, our fathers became our brothers. We joined a brotherhood that has grown through the years. Our fathers, our brothers in leadership, who like us took their seats in the bar, came, as we did, to Annual Conference, to pray, deliberate, and make the sometimes painful decisions that have to be made when men are commissioned to lead in Christ’s Church.
And so on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2002, we joined our fathers, our brothers, who came on Friday morning, October 17, 1902. They bore names like Musselman, Gehman, Ziegler, Taylor, Woodring, Laudenslager, Hottel, and Himmelreich. They converged on the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church in Reading. Their faces were covered with sober and serious looks. They gave warm greetings and hearty hand shakes. They were genuinely glad to see each other. They were brothers, our brothers and our fathers.
At 8:00a.m. sharp on that Friday morning, the gavel fell giving the signal to begin. The hand that held the gavel had never held it before. It was our brother’s first time. The thirty four year old Harvey Brunner Musselman had been chosen by his brothers to chair the meeting. This printer turned minister, once called the boy preacher, was ready to do his duty. He was the son of Jonas and Lucy Brunner Musselman. Preaching was in his blood. Perhaps he was nervous and unsure about the significant responsibility he carried. He would not show it. He had prayed and knew the Lord would enable him. He would never have undertaken the task otherwise. It became clear that the gavel was a fit. For 40 of the following 42 years, the gavel was in his hand. The hand that holds the gavel this year holds it for the first time. He is a descendant of Jacob Moyer, Rose Jelly Jakey as he was called, who preached and planted the church. Perhaps preaching is in his blood too. If God wills, the gavel will be in his hand again. He too has prayed. We, his brothers, are praying.
The chairman preached what was said to be a “very practical and searching address” on “True Love” from 1 Peter 3:8-17. You can be sure our brothers appreciated it. Then, they prayed, earnestly seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for their sessions. They turned to the business.
Our brothers established the bar at three pews and the amen corner. We will join them at our tables and wait while the pages bring the microphone. They could rise from their seats and speak. All the brothers could hear except those whose hearing was diminished. When someone in the last row spoke, you turned your head to look or just listened carefully while looking straight ahead. It was always important to hear what a brother says.
Most of the business was routine. They moved through it quickly. The pastors gave their obligatory oral reports. Our brothers were encouraging and encouraged. The secretary reported, “There is a marked increase in membership, spirituality, and finances in general. The pastors, by realized and anticipated faith obtained good reports. There is a sound missionary spirit predominant for Home and Foreign work.” Like our brothers, we grow impatient, we want to move on and get it done. Fortunately, we don’t sit through oral reports. But we took our time, enjoyed our coffee breaks, and delighted in dinner conversations. We were encouraging and encouraged.
Our brothers wanted to be clear. Some of them moved with linguistic ambidexterity between English and German. While you can be sure they always meant what they said, you could not always be sure they said what they meant. “Resolved, That we would respectfully recommend the members of our church to encourage the Foreign Missionary Board in forwarding their funds through the aforesaid board, and not to forward their money direct to the missionaries, thereby lessening or neglecting their contributions in the direct channel, provided by Conference, for the support pledged to our respective missionaries.” We too want to be clear. The brothers who follow us will certainly scratch their heads at some of our pronouncements. Our secretaries have done their best to get it right. But even sophisticated computers only record what we write.
Our brothers had been thinking about the dedication of children. They said, “As the scriptures contain a number of instances where children of Godly parents were formally and publicly dedicated to the Lord, 1 Sam. 22, 28, Mark 10,13-16, we heartily encourage our people to dedicate their children to the Lord, by prayer and laying on of the hands of the Elder, who shall then furnish proper certificates.” We share concern that we help our church to work through issues that matter. It is good to be part of a brotherhood who understood and understands how important life is at every part.
Our brothers were serious about their responsibilities. When one of them was not, it was a matter of concern. “Whereas, The delegate elected by the Nazareth and Plainfield Quarterly Conference has failed to be present at the Annual Conference, and not even sent in an excuse of absence, therefore Resolved, That this Conference is grieved with the actions of said delegate and asks the pastor to investigate the cause of his absence and instruct this class to send a reliable representative in the future.” They grieved, as we do, that some might take a light and careless attitude about this privilege of being a servant leader in the Church our blessed Savior has raised up.
Four days later, Monday afternoon, they donned their coats and hats, agreed that it was a good conference and said they were glad to be there. They turned and went their way. Our brothers brought the news of the Conference to their churches who wanted to hear all about it. And we went in the same way. We thanked our chairman, shook hands as we left, and said it was good to be here. Most will return next year. Some will not. All are brothers now with our fathers.
[Note: The 1902 Minutes are located at www.BFCHistory.org., “Minutes” Go to Minutes. For more about the chairman, H. B. Musselman, see Jill Davidson’s paper, “Harvey Brunner Musselman” in the section entitled, Library.]
Conference Calendar
Listed below are various conference-wide dates. For complete information check with the corresponding Board, Committee, or Agency, or appropriate page number. The official conference calendar is on the web at Yahoo Groups (BFC-AC). To subscribe send a note to BFC-AC-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
| June, 2002 | |
| 22-28 | First Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. Michael Bobick |
| 29- July 5 | Second Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. James Ayers |
| July, 2002 | |
| 6-12 | Third Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. Donald Hubbard |
| 13-19 | Fourth Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. David Dunbar |
| 19-21 | Young Adult Retreat, Ocean City, NJ |
| 20-26 | Fifth Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. Tom Taylor |
| 27- Aug.2 | Sixth Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. Ron Blue |
| August, 2002 | |
| 3-9 | World Missions Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. Robert Evans |
| 10-16 | Eighth Week, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Dr. Tony Beckett |
| September, 2002 | |
| 1 | Pledges for 2003 Administrative Budget are due. |
| 24-25 | Ministerial Convention, Pinebrook Bible ConferenceSpeaker: Wallace Stephenson |
| October, 2002 | |
| 26 | Meeting of the Historical Society, Reading |
| November, 2002 | |
| 1-2 | Pastor, Elder, Deacon Advance |
| 15-17 | Youth Leaders Retreat |
| 29 | Thanksgiving Youth Rally |
| December, 2002 | |
| 31 | Agency contributions to Board of Publication are due (pg. 50) |
| January, 2003 | |
| 3- 5 10-12 17-19 | Sno Glo – Pinebrook Bible Conference |
| March, 2003 | |
| 1 | Committee reports are due (see page 7)Church minutes are due (see pages 147, 215)Church’s statistical reports are due (see page 215)Contributions to Victory Valley (page 216) |
| 8 | BFC Teacher Training @ Calvary, Coopersburg |
| April, 2003 | |
| 1 | Contribution to Christian Education (pg 216); Fellowship Homes (page 216); Pinebrook Bible Conf. (page 216) |
| 25-27 | Ladies Retreat, Pinebrook Bible Conference |
| 28-30 | 120th Annual Conference, Pinebrook |
| May, 2003 | |
| 18 | BFC Mission’s Rally |
Conference Reporter
The 119th Annual Conference of the (BFC) convened at Pinebrook Bible Conference in East Stroudsburg, PA, on April 21-23, 2002. Those attending included approximately one hundred sixty pastors, lay delegates and missionaries from six states and several countries.
William G. Schlonecker, pastor of the BFC in Newark, DE, called the convention to order at 9:55 a.m. The general theme, The BFC – an Expanding Fellowship of Churches United to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ guided speakers William G. Schlonecker, Richard E Taylor, Pastor of the BFC in Wallingford, PA; and Dana E. Weller, Director of the BFC Board of Missions, in their respective challenging messages, “A Vision to Unite Us”, “A Mission to Compel Us,” and “A Strategy to Move us.” These messages were delivered as part of each morning worship time which was directed by LeRoy S. Heller, a pastor of the Lebanon, PA, BFC.
Monday was primarily devoted to routine denominational business, board and committee reports, and election of men and women who will serve on boards and committees for the next three years. Upon completion of these reports, elections began for members of boards and committees.
On Monday evening, sixteen missionary families were introduced to the conference. During the three days, various leaders from a variety of ministries were introduced, some of which were recommended as possible consultants to help our ministries in specific areas. At the close of the first day, following the business sessions, the group remembered the Lord by celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
The assembly considered and approved legislation delineating the calling of previously-ordained ministers who have been licensed by the BFC, and various updates and changes to the Faith and Order that relate to functions of committees and boards, and the details of elections.
Each day, during the work of the body, as situations and needs were reported or arose, the chairman halted procedures and asked someone to pray for the particular need(s). When
reported, these become the concern of the body. Examples are: (1) prayer for Hispanic works being pursued in the Lancaster and Reading areas, (2) several physical needs of church members and/or family members.
For almost ten years, the Intercultural Ministries Study Committee has worked and presented Biblical Principles for Living in an effort to write articles that will be understood cross-culturally. The articles approved at first reading at this conference are:
1. Truth and Integrity
2. Repentance and Restitution
3. Divorce
4. Stewardship
The assembly will continue to deliberate for approval of the remaining articles. As these articles are approved they will be included they will be included in a section of the Faith and Order.
The Study Committee on Baptism and Church Member-ship completed its work and reported to the body. It was resolved that we reaffirm our current statements regarding baptism and membership…
On Tuesday evening an ordination service was conducted at Berean BFC in Stroudsburg. Jacob J. Susek, Jr., pastor of the BFC in Royersford, PA, delivered the message, “Visionary Men to Lead us.” Andrew T. Crossgrove, a member of the pastoral staff of BFC in Harleysville, PA and William J. Dunn serving on the pastoral staff of BFC in Emmaus, PA, were ordained to the Christian ministry. The former ordinations of Willis I. Dowling, pastor of BFC mission in Chesapeake, VA, and Donald R. Ellwanger, member of the pastoral staff of BFC in Sinking Spring, PA, were recognized.
The Conference was gaveled to a close by first-year Chairman Schlonecker. He was reelected for another term. Randall A. Grossman, elected as Vice Chairman for the 120th Annual Conference, closed the meetings with prayer.
MINUTES
Annual Conference Proceedings – 2002
First Meeting
Monday Morning, April 22, 2002, 10:00 AM
The 119th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the Chairman, William G. Schlonecker, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA. The Vice Chairman, Carl C. Cassel, led the body in the opening prayer. LeRoy S. Heller led the conference in a time of worship, reading from Psalm 133. The members of Annual Conference sang, The Church’s One Foundation and We Are God’s People. Michael L. Easton read John 15:1-8 and Matthew 28:16-20. Robert W. Green followed with prayer. In preparation for the morning’s message, the conference sang, Jesus, with Thy Church Abide. Richard T. Paashaus ministered to the conference by singing, Rock of Ages. The Chairman, William G. Schlonecker, spoke on, A Vision to Unite Us and closed in prayer.
Report of the Registrar:
The following requested to be excused for part or all of the 119th Annual Conference: William C. Aukamp, Kenneth F. Barber, Leonard E. Buck, R. Jerome Brush, Willard E. Cassel, Wayne M. Chadwell, G. Wayne Clapier, Ronald K. Denlinger, William J. Dunn, Arthur H. Frable, Jr., Thomas L. Galloway, Richard J. Gehman, W. Neil Harding, Jr., J. Barclay Harley, Jim D. Head, George E. Herb, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Kenneth J. Hurst, David H. Jones, James G. Koch, David L. Manney, Barry J. Minsky, Philip E. Morrison, Edward K. Moyer, Duane E. Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Keith E. Plows, Thomas A. Pollock, David W. Riddell, A. L. Seifert, David E. Thomann, Steven L. Trommler, J. Robert Vaughn, Gregory A. Uhrich, Timothy D. Weaber, and Byron Widger.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
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,. . . . Clifford B. Boone, Walter E. Bortree, John
Cedar Crest C. Elias, William J. Shive
Bethlehem, PA. . . . . Brian H. Cooper, Mark W. Tress, Peter D. Burleigh
Blandon, PA. . . . . . . Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Michael T. Littlejohn
Brooklyn, NY. . . . . . Ralph E. Ritter, Michael Giordano
Camden, DE. . . . . . . Raymond R. Dotts, Albert F. Biddle, Jr.
Coopersburg, PA. . . (Vacant) 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, William J. Dunn, Robert H. Zentz, Ralph B. Weaver
Ephrata, PA. . . . . . . Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ. . . . . . Byron Widger, Michael P. Emrick, Jr.
Fleetwood, PA. . . . . R. Jerome Brush, James E. Mortland
Graterford, PA. . . . . David J. Watkins, Douglas D. Bowne
Harleysville, PA. . . . W. David Armstrong, Jr., Andrew T. Crossgrove, Glendon J. LeSuer
Harrisburg, PA. . . . . Carl K. Spackman, Clyde W. Snyder
Hatfield, PA. . . . . . . Howard N. Wells, Lee E. Boyles
Holmes, NY. . . . . . . Robert S. Commerford, Hans R. Waldvogel
Howell, NJ. . . . . . . . David N. Heineman, Brian L. Michlich
Kutztown, PA. . . . . . Allan R. Vivona, Byron G. Barnshaw
Lancaster, PA. . . . . . David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Horace A. Kauffman, Richard G. Matthews,
Lebanon, PA. . . . . . Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton, PA. . . . . (Vacant), 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 S. Faust
Nazareth, PA. . . . . . Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Jeffrey L. Ruhl, Philip N. Albright
Newark, DE. . . . . . . William G. Schlonecker, Robert W. Green
Ocean County, NJ. . Dean A. Stortz, David M. Markuson
Oley, PA. . . . . . . . . . Arthur J. Simpson, Jr. (Probationer), 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, J. Richard Vroman
Pleasant Valley, NY. David R. Way, Wayne M. Chadwell
Poughquag, NY. . . . James A. Wickstead, Thomas L. Ward
Quakertown, PA. . . . Leland C. Stauff (Probationer), Dennis J. Lawrence, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading, PA. . . . . . . Randall A. Grossman, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Ronald W. Reed, Charles A. Lavigna
Red Hill, PA. . . . . . . Michael J. Tannous (Probationer), D. Thomas Phillips, J. Robert Vaughn
Royersford, PA. . . . . Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Orville E. Gibson
Scranton, PA. . . . . . Roger L. Reitz, Larry D. Kellerman
Shamokin, PA. . . . . (Vacant), Mark M. Leshinskie
Sinking Spring, PA. Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Donald R. Ellwanger, Donald D. McKinney, Stephen M. Bauer
Spring City, PA. . . . Kevin W. Clineff (Probationer), Douglas Wynne
Stroudsburg, PA. . . . John R. Stover (Probationer), Garry S. Waddell
Sunbury, PA. . . . . . . Charles E. Cole, Timothy L. Brosious
Terre Hill, PA. . . . . Kevin W. Kirkpatrick (Probationer), 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 A. Boyle
York, PA. . . . . . . . . Kenneth D. Keeler, Roger L. Shambough
Zionsville, PA. . . . . C. Larry Bennet (Probationer), David L. Weller
Ordained Ministers Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
Delbert R. Baker, II, Willis I. Dowling, David E. Gundrum, Ronald C. Mahurin, J. Mark McCreary, Elliot H. Ramos, Dennis W. Spinney, Dana E.Weller.
Ordained Missionaries
William A. Aukamp, Ronald K. Denlinger, Richard J. Gehman, W. Neil Harding, Jr., Jim D. Head, Walter M. Johnston, Herbert K. Lea, David L. Manney, Philip E. Morrison, Duane E. 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 Ministers Between Calls
William H. Bartron, James R. Batchler, Jr., Albert J. Dommel, John H. Herb, David H. Jones, Steven L. Trommler
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Kenneth F. Barber, James A. Beil, T. James Bigley, Jr., Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., 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, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, Edward K. Moyer, 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, Daniel G. Ziegler
Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program
Resolved, that the agenda be accepted.
Whereas, the Second Reading of the Biblical Principles For Living is scheduled to begin in 2003, and
Whereas, the Intercultural Ministries Study Committee has requested additional time in the Agenda of Annual Conference to expedite the Second Reading of the Biblical Principles For Living, which is estimated to require a minimum of 12 hours, and
Whereas, the goal is to complete the Biblical Principles For Living by 2004, therefore be it
Resolved, that Tuesday evening sessions for Annual Conference business be conducted until such time as the Biblical Principles For Living have been approved at Second Reading, and be it further
Resolved, that the Ordination Service(s) be scheduled at a time other than Annual Conference for this period of time.
Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page: 58)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
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, 2003.
Resolved, that the 120th Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 28-30, 2003, beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Nathan 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, David T. Allen, and Roy A. Hertzog as Assistants to the Secretary.
The Chairman appointed the following:
Tellers: Keith E. Plows (Chairman); William H. Bartron, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, D. Thomas Phillips, Clyde W. Snyder, Mark W. Tress, Thomas L. Ward
Resolutions: Raymond R. Dotts (Chairman); Charles E. Cole, Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Wayne M. Chadwell, Gene E. Parris
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret (Chairman); Lee E. Boyles, Horace A. Kauffman
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: Gregory A. Uhrich (Chairman); Robert S. Commerford, Ralph E. Ritter, Ralph B. Weaver
Reporter: Clyde W. Snyder
Timekeeper: Ronald C. Erb
Parliamentarian: James A. Beil
The new members of Annual Conference introduced themselves to the Conference.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the class format for the Conference Judicatory was changed at the 118th Annual Conference from 5 classes to 3 classes (2001 Yearbook, p. 14f), and
Whereas, enabling legislation is necessary to facilitate this transition, therefore be it
Resolved, that those men previously elected to the classes of 2004 and 2005 become Class I, the Class of 2003, and further
Resolved, that those men previously elected to the classes of 2002 and 2003 become Class II, the Class of 2002, and further
Resolved, that those men elected in 2001 become Class III, the Class of 2004.
Report of the Committee on Credentials (see page: 60)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recom-mended Andrew T. Crossgrove, and William J. Dunn for ordination, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recom-mended prior ordination recognition for Willis I. Dowling and Donald R. Ellwanger, 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 & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that Andrew T. Crossgrove, and William J. Dunn be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and further,
Resolved, that the prior ordinations of Willis I. Dowling and Donald R. Ellwanger to the gospel ministry be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church and further,
Resolved, that the service of ordination be held Tuesday, April 23, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at Berean Bible Fellowship Church, Stroudsburg, PA.
Resolved, that Faith Bible Fellowship Church, Harleysville, PA, Chesapeake Bible Fellowship Church, Chesapeake, VA, Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, Emmaus, PA, and Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Sinking Spring, PA, be encouraged to have services acknowledging the ordination of Andrew T. Crossgrove, Willis I. Dowling, William J. Dunn, and Donald R. Ellwanger, respectively and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the services.
Resolved, that we adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. as Clifford B. Boone closed in prayer.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. L. James Roberts, Jr. led the conference in prayer.
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page: 64)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee as of February 28, 2002, be approved as follows:
Probationers
(Year of Licensing in parenthesis)
David T. Allen (2000) Kutztown, PA
Charles Larry Bennett (2001) Zionsville, PA
Kevin W. Clineff (2001) Spring City, PA
Andrew T. Crossgrove (1999) Souderton, PA
Louis S. Curcio Hatfield, PA
Willis I. Dowling (1999) Chesapeake, VA
William J. Dunn (1999) Emmaus, PA
Donald R. Ellwanger (2001) Sinking Spring, PA
Kevin W. Kirkpatrick (2001) Terre Hill, PA
Hal J. Russell Elmer, NJ
Arthur J. Simpson, Jr. (2001) Reading, PA
Leland C. Stauff (2000) Quakertown, PA
John R. Stover (2001) Stroudsburg, PA
Michael J. Tannous (2001) East Greenville, PA
Candidates
Jeffrey S. Albrecht Whitehall, PA
Raymond R. Bertolet Santa Rita, Guam
Gerald D. Clark Stanfordville, NY
Michael L. Easton Newark, DE
Robert K. Fields Bethlehem, PA
Ondrej Franka Serbia
Peter J. Gunderson Spring City, PA
Donald E. Kuntzman Center Valley, PA
Ronald K. Kohl Allentown, PA
James D. MacArthur Reading, PA
Stephen C. Mann Hellertown, PA
Vinton A. N. Upham Harleysville, PA
Applicants
Jason W. Blair East Greenville, PA
Raymond C. Cole Newark, DE
Robert W. Green Newark, DE
Fred J. Hoffman Whitehall, PA
Christopher D. Lenz Denville, NJ
Jeff Rossignal Manheim, PA
David K. Schlonecker Emmaus, PA
Timothy J. Schmoyer Bally, PA
Those men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee introduced themselves to the members of Annual Conference.
Report of Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church (see page: 66)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the rate of mileage reimbursement for conference business be 24¢ per mile.
Report of the Ministerial Relations Committee (see page: 79)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor, gave a brief update concerning his work of encouragement to the pastors of the Bible Fellowship Church. He testified of God’s goodness and grace through a most difficult year. John H. Riggall prayed for the ministry of the Conference Pastor, Ronald C. Mahurin.
Report of the Board of Church Extension (see page: 80)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Director of Church Extension (see page: 86)
Resolved that the report be accepted.
David E. Gundrum, Executive Director of Church Extension, gave a verbal update on many of the church-plant projects. He also showed a power-point presentation that gave us an update on the Delmarva Project.
Report of the Board of Missions (see page: 92)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Dana E. Weller introduced Ondrej Franka. He brought greetings from the church in Serbia Montenagra, reading from 1 Thessalonians 1. Randall A. Grossman prayed for the church in Serbia Montenagra and the ministry of Ondrej Franka.
Report of the Board of Pensions (see page: 103)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Richard J. Volpe presented the need to revise the contributions to the pension fund for it to meet the needs of our retired pastors.
Resolved, that the Board of Pensions prepare resolutions to be presented to the 119th Annual Conference that will present plan B in its report as its solution to the need of the Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2002 is $206 per year of service, and
Whereas, partial cost-of-living adjustments are part of the long-term phase-out strategy of the MRF, therefore be it
Resolved, that the MRF annuity rate for calendar year 2003 be $208 per year of service.
Whereas, periodic inflation adjustments to the contribution rates have been part of the long-term MRF strategy, therefore be it
Resolved, that, beginning in calendar year 2003, the per church and per member contribution rates to the MRF be $800 / $8.00 respectively.
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,
1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2002 be and is hereby designated as a 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.
2. 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 Church Annual Conference and whose name and relationship to the Conference is recorded in the Yearbook of The Bible Fellowship Church Annual Conference and in other appropriate records maintained by the Conference.
3. 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 from 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.
Note: The rental/housing allowance which may be excluded from a minister’s gross income is limited to the lesser of (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the minister’s employer or other appropriate body, (2) the amount actually expended by the minister to provide his or her housing, or (3) the legally-determined fair rental value of the parsonage or other housing provided. As specified in Rev. Rul. 71-290 C.B. 92, “the only amount that will qualify for exclusion under section 107(2) of the Code as a ‘rental allowance’ is an amount equal to the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities.”
Report of the Board of Higher Education (see page: 110)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the Annual Conference ratify the election to the Pinebrook Educational Foundation of Jessica Sterner and Stephen C. Cassel for terms to end in 2005.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. (see page: 115)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page: 119)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Victory Valley (see page: 123)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Phil Atkins gave an update on the ministry of Victory Valley Camp. The new web page of Victory Valley iswww.Victory ValleyCamp.org. David N. Schoen prayed for the ministry of Victory Valley Camp and the families that work so faithfully there.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Relations Committee
L. James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church
Randall A. Grossman (3 years)
Board of Church Extension
Byron Widger (3 years)
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Board of Directors of the BFC Homes, Inc.
Robin A. Musselman (3 years)
Henry U. Sandt (3 years)
Board of Missions
Ralph M. Soper (3 years)
Board of Pensions
David J. Watkins (3 years)
James A. Beil (3 years)
Richard J. Volpe (3 years)
Ministerial Candidate Committee
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
Richard E. Taylor (3 years)
Report of the Stewardship Council (see page: 129)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Strategic Planning Committee (see page: 130)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Christian Education (see page: 133)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Youth and Young Adults (see page: 136)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing (see page: 138)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Historical Committee (see page: 142)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Conference Judicatory (see page: 144)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Beneficiary Society (see page: 144)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches (see page: 147)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Ministerial Convention Committee (see page: 148)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The following were elected:
Board of Christian Education
Judy D. Althouse (3 years)
Michael L. Herb (3 years)
Board of Publication and Printing
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory
Hans R. Waldvogel (3 years)
Stewardship Council
Torry R. Hinkel (3 years)
Committee on Nominations
Mark L. Morrison (3 years)
David A. Thomann (3 years)
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m. with Lee E. Boyles leading in prayer especially remembering Nancy Minsky who is undergoing surgery today.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, 6:30 PM
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Gene E. Parris, Delegate from Coopersburg BFC led the conference in prayer.
Dana E. Weller introduced the following BFC missionaries to the body: David Schlonecker, Mark Bickel, Jason Raines, Amy Sandt, Dick Blauser, John & Judy Nicely, David Schlonecker, Jr., Phil Yerrington, Paul Zimmerman, Scott, Sue & Abbi Hoffman, Byron Barnshaw, Craig & Karena Miller, Ondrej Franka, Chris Merrick and John Pello. Roy A. Hertzog prayed for the missionary family of the Bible Fellowship Church.
The following have presented excuses to be absent from various sessions of Annual Conference: Leland C. Stauff, Willis I. Dowling, Walter E. Bortree, Thomas L. Ward, Ronald W. Reed and Michael Giordano.
Resolved, that these requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that David T. Allen be seated as Alternate Delegate from Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that the minutes of the first meeting be approved.
Report of the Committee to Examine the Minutes of 118th Annual Conference (see page: 150)
Resolved, that the report be adopted.
The following was adopted at Second Reading:
Whereas, the Strategic Planning Committee believes that the continuity of the Committee’s work could be hampered by the mandatory term limits that are currently in place, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Bylaws for Annual Conference, Article 512-17.2 entitled: Composition and Election, number 2 be rescinded.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following changes to the Faith and Order be adopted at Second Reading.
409-1.8 – Procedure to expedite the calling of a previously-ordained minister who has not been licensed by the BFC.
On certain exceptional occasions it may be necessary to expedite the procedure for issuing a call to a previously-ordained minister for service in a BF church.
Under the following circumstances, the call of a previously-ordained minister may follow the expedited procedure:
(1) When geographical distance allows limited personal contact;
(2) When the demands of current ministry in another church may not allow for the time required in the normal process;
(3) When the BFC seeking a pastor applies for special consideration because of urgent circumstances.
The following shall be the expedited procedure:
(1) The church which is considering the previously-ordained minister shall make request to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee who shall in consultation with the chairman of the Ministerial Candidate Committee approve or deny the request for the expedited process.
(2) If the request is approved, the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall meet as soon as possible with the minister for an interview. If he is approved as a candidate, he shall be given the Open Book Examination.
(3) Upon the satisfactory completion of the interview and the Open Book Examination, the church may seek permission from the Ministerial Relations Committee to issue a provisional call. The church shall follow the applicable steps outlined in § 409.
(4) Following the issue of a provisional call, the minister shall complete the further examinations required by the Ministerial Candidate Committee. A man will not be permitted to begin his new ministry or move into church-provided housing until all the required examinations are satisfactorily completed.
(5) When all examinations are satisfactorily completed, the Ministerial Candidate Committee will approve the minister as a licensed probationer effective on the date of approval of his final examination. The Ministerial Candidate Committee shall notify the Ministerial Relations Committee who shall recognize the provisional call of the church as the formal call on the effective date assigned by the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
[SECOND READING]
Article 502 – Procedure for the Recognition of a Minister
All men who desire to have ministerial credentials with the BFC shall apply to the Ministerial Candidate Committee. Initial application should be made in writing to the chairman of the committee.
Every man who is called to serve through the pulpit supply system as a pastor of a BFC must have credentials with the denomination. Men who serve as supply pastors for an extended period may be required to meet with and establish an accountability relationship with the Ministerial Candidate Committee. A supply pastor is a man who has been called to serve as pastor of a BFC for an interim period. Under normal circumstances, a supply pastor is not under consideration to serve as the senior pastor.
502-1 Men Entering the Ministry of the BFC
The Ministerial Candidate Committee divides those under its care into three groups: Applicants, Candidates, and Probationers.
Applicant. An applicant is a man who offers himself to this committee for service in the BFC. Young men are encouraged to seek this recognition as early in their educational program as they sense the call of God to the ministry.
Candidate. A candidate is a man whose application is accepted and who remains under the guidance of this committee. A man becomes a candidate when he is ready to begin ministry with the BFC and has completed a satisfactory interview with the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
Probationer. A probationer is a man who has been approved by this committee and has passed the required examinations. Upon completion of his required examinations, he will be classified as a probationer eligible to receive a call. When a probationer receives a call from the BFC (a Particular Church or agency) or other ministry (chaplaincy, etc.) approved by the Ministerial Candidate Committee in consultation with the Credentials Committee, he shall become a licensed probationer. Such other ministry does not include service on the pastoral staff of a church other than a BFC.
502-2 Probationary Service
502-2.1 Full-time Probationary Service in a Particular Church or Mission. Normally a probationer serves in a full-time capacity. After a probationer has served at least two years, or one year if previously ordained, he may be recommended to the Credentials Committee for ordination examination or recognition of previous ordination. The minimum period of probationary service may be extended; having served as a probationer does not guarantee ordination or recognition of previous ordination.
502-2.2 Part-time Probationary Service in a Particular Church or Mission
A man serving his probationary period on a part-time basis may do so with the following requirements:
(1) He shall serve the equivalent of at least two years full-time service, or one year of full-time service if previously ordained, as determined by the Ministerial Candidate Committee in consultation with the Credentials Committee.
(2) He shall serve at least one year under the supervision of a Board of Elders and/or another evaluating body approved by the Ministerial Candidate Committee and the Credentials Committee.
502-2.3 Probationary Service in Other Ministry
If a man seeks ordination or recognition of previous ordination in the BFC and is not serving as the pastor of a Particular Church or mission, he may do so with the following requirements:
(1) He shall be a member of a BFC
(2) He shall follow the same procedure for ordination as other probationers
(3) He shall comply with the F&O in the course of his service
(4) He shall be supervised by the Board of Elders of the church in which he holds membership, the governing board of the ministry under which he serves, and any other evaluating agencies the Ministerial Candidate Committee may require during the probationary period of service. The time of the probationary service may be in full or part-time capacity.
502-3 Ordained Ministers Received From Other Churches
502-3.1 When an ordained minister from another church seeks ministerial credentials in the BFC, he shall apply to the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
502-3.2 The following matters shall be considered when determining whether to recognize a previous ordination:
(1) the doctrinal position of the ordaining church body;
(2) the minister’s standing with the ordaining church body;
(3) whether his ordination was intended to be within and to the ministry of the church universal;
(4) whether his ordination was performed by the authority charged with the exercise of this specific church power within the ordaining community and accompanied by the laying on of hands by such as have themselves been similarly ordained.
502-3.3 Under certain exceptional circumstances, a previously-ordained minister may be licensed through an expedited process (see section 409-1.8)
502-3.4 Having complied with these provisions, the minister shall be under the authority and discipline of the BFC.
502-3.5 After serving at least one year as a probationer, he may be examined by the Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee may then recommend to Annual Conference that he be accepted as an ordained minister with full privileges in the BFC. This recognition shall be made known in a public service.[SECOND READING]
Whereas, the Committee on Communications was deleted, therefore be it
Resolved, that the following be added to the duties of the Registrar in the Faith & Order, §506-2 (5): He shall handle all communications addressed to the Annual Conference.[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following be deleted from 507-3, Duties of the Secretary of Annual Conference:
(4) He shall inform in writing all persons who are not present at Annual Conference of their election to Boards and Committees,
and be it further
Resolved, that the following be added to 512-15.2, Duties of the Nominating Committee:
(2) It shall inform in writing all persons who are not present at Annual Conference of their election to Boards and Committees. [SECOND READING]
Paul G. Zimmerman thanked the Lord for His gracious gift of pastors and evangelistic church planters for the Bible Fellowship Church. The following resolutions were adopted at First Reading:
Whereas, all elected boards and committees are now composed of classes, and only a minority of the membership of a board or committee are up for reelection annually, and
Whereas, it appears that §508-7(2) is a holdover from the days when all boards and committees were elected in their entirety annually and is now obsolete, therefore be it
Resolved, that the following be deleted from the Faith and Order:
§508-7(2) Nominations and elections for a particular board or committee shall not take place until the report of that board or committee has been accepted by Annual Conference. [FIRST READING]
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. with Gene W. Smith closing the meeting in prayer. The members of Annual Conference remained as we remembered the Lord’s death celebrating the Lord’s supper together.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, 9:00 A.M.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Byron G. Barnshaw opened the meeting in prayer. LeRoy S. Heller led the conference in a time of worship, reading from Hebrews 2. He then led us in singing,Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah! and Be Thou Exalted. Timothy S. Cowen read Matthew 16:13-18 and Luke 14:25-33 and William R. Singletary led in prayer. The conference then sang, The Bible Stands Like a Rock Undaunted. Robert S. Commerford ministered to the conference in music by singing, People Need the Lord. Richard E. Taylor delivered a message on the topic “A Mission to Compel Us.”
The following have requested to be excused from various sessions of Annual Conference: Dennis J. Lawrence, Ralph E. Ritter, David N. Heineman and Gene E. Parris.
Resolved, that these requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the following be seated as Alternate Delegates: Vito Paratore of Howell, NJ, Evan M. Knowles of Camden, DE, Terris L. Byrd of Scranton, PA and Peter J. Gunderson of Spring City, PA.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Relations Committee
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
John C. Vandegriff, Jr. (3 years)
Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church
Horace A. Kauffman (3 years)
L. James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)
Board of Christian Education
G. Wayne Clapier (3 years)
Jonathan P. Tait (3 years)
Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc.
LeRoy S. Heller (3 years)
Board of Victory Valley Camp
Dennis J. Lawrence (3 years)
Dennis W. Spinney (3 years)
Howard N. Wells (3 years)
Board of Missions
LeRoy O. Herb (3 years)
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference
Alva C. Cassel (3 years)
David T. Allen (3 years)
LeRoy O. Herb (3 years)
Strategic Planning Committee
Elliot H. Ramos (3 years)
J. Robert Vaughn (3 years)
Board of Youth & Young Adults
Dennis J. Lawrence (3 years)
Susan G. Homsher (3 years)
Ronald K. Kohl (3 years)
Board of Higher Education
Stephen C. Cassel (3 years)
Board of Publication & Printing
William H. Bartron (3 years)
Credentials Committee
Keith E. Plows (3 years)
David A. Thomann (3 years)
Historical Committee
David E. Thomann (3 years)
Conference Judicatory
James A. Beil (3 years)
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
Carl C. Cassel (3 years)
Robert H. Zentz (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
Committee on Nominations
Michael T. Littlejohn (3 years)
Report of the Inter-Cultural Ministries Study Committee (see page: 152)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
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; therefore be it
Resolved, that each Pastor and Delegate seek ways to implement the teaching of the Biblical Principles For Living for their congregations; and further
Resolved, that we request lesson plans for the Biblical Principles For Living be developed by the Board of Christian Education.
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 Con-ference, 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.
After a short break Jonathon W. Arnold led the conference in prayer remembering the mother of Keith E. Plows who will undergo hip surgery today and also for Keith as he continues to recover from his recent heart procedure.
The following failed at First Reading:
102-5.6 In rare circumstances, when unbelieving or wicked people have authority over us and it is clear that they will use the truth for evil purposes, then they are not entitled to the truth and we are not bound to give it.
Yes – 25; No – 117
Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:
Article 102-5 – Truth and Integrity
102-5.1 The Triune God — God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit — is the only true God.1 God the Father is the God of truth,2 who has never lied,3 and never will. He is absolutely truthful.4 Jesus, who is God the Son, is the truth.5 He is full of grace and truth.6 He always tells the truth.7 God the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.8 He is the truth9 and He guides believers into all truth.10
102-5.2 The Word of God is truth11 and is the standard for truth. This truth does not change12 and the opposite of truth is falsehood. God desires13 and requires14 that all people speak only truth. His directives for truthfulness are found in the third15 and ninth16 commandments. The failure to be truthful is sin. Lying is among the sins of unbelievers that will be judged in hell.17 Believers who lie are disciplined by the Lord, even to the point of death.18
102-5.3 The believer and the believing community are commanded to tell the truth.19 This includes keeping promises and honoring contracts, whether written or oral. The Christian and the church must keep their promises even when it is costly to do so.20
102-5.4 In the Scriptures, truth and integrity stand together.21 Integrity is soundness, wholeness, consistency of character. Without truth there is no integrity.22 God is pleased with integrity23 and judges accordingly.24Integrity protects believers25 and upholds them through difficult times in life.26 It provides security and guidance for a believer’s life.27 All teaching of God’s truth must show integrity.28 Truth and integrity must be lived out in love so that the body of Christ might mature.29
102-5.5 To fail to keep one’s word is a lack of integrity betraying the trust of others and dishonoring the God of truth.30
1 John 17:3
2 Isa. 65:16
3 Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2
4 Isa. 45:23; John 3:33
5 John 14:6
6 John 1:14; Eph. 4:21
7 John 8:40, 45, 46; 16:7; Rev. 3:7, 14
8 John 14:16, 17; 1 John 4:6
9 1 Jo. 5:6
10 John 14:16, 17, 26
11 John 17:17
12 Psa. 119:89, 160
13 Psa. 51:6
14 Exo. 23:1; Psa. 34:12-14; Eph. 4:15, 25
15 Exo. 20:7; Lev. 19:12
16 Exo. 20:16
17 Psa. 5:6, 9, 10; Rev. 21:8; 22:14, 15
18 Jer. 9:4-9; Acts 5:1-10
19 Col. 3:8, 9
20 Psa. 15:1-4
21 Job 27:4, 5; Matt. 22:15, 16; 2 Cor. 1:17-20
22 Isa. 59:3, 4
23 1 Chr. 29:17
24 Psa. 7:8
25 Psa. 25:21
26 Psa. 41:12
27 Pro. 10:9; 11:3
28 Titus 2:7
29 Eph. 4:14-16
30 Matt. 5:33-37
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 117; No – 28
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:03 p.m. with Donald S. Faust closing in prayer.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 P.M.
The Chairman convened the meeting at 1:34 p.m. David J. Watkins led in prayer then introduced John Janney, Director of Homosexual Anonymous Fellowship Services, who gave an update of his ministry to those who desire to leave the homosexual lifestyle.
Stephen M. Bauer requested to be excused from various sessions of Annual Conference.
Resolved, that this request be granted.
Resolved, that David E. Speel of Coopersburg BFC be seated as Alternate Delegate.
Resolved, that the minutes of the second meeting be approved.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc.
Gene W. Smith (3 years)
Board of Higher Education
G. Wayne Clapier (3 years)
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading:
Article 103-2 – Repentance and Restitution
103-2.1 Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a changed life. God commands every person to repent.1 There is no salvation without repentance.2
103-2.2 When believers sin, they should repent and confess their sins. When they do this, the Lord promises forgiveness and cleansing.3
103-2.3 People who repent are to produce fruit of repentance in their lives.4 One fruit of repentance is for the believer who has sinned to make restitution for any loss the sin caused other people. Restitution is a demonstration of repentance. Believers should be instructed to make restitution5 as led by the Holy Spirit to satisfy the righteousness of God.
103-2.4 Restitution involves payment to the offended party for injury to life, limb or property which has been destroyed, lost or damaged due to one’s sin, negligence or carelessness. Restitution was commanded by the Lord God in the Law.6 It is reiterated in the Proverbs7 and the prophets.8 It was advocated by John the Baptist9and practiced by Zacchaeus the chief tax collector.10 Jesus directed His followers to settle any claims that anyone had against them even before going to the Lord in worship.11 Such settlement would include restitution of any loss suffered by others. Restitution is taught by the Apostle Paul in his letter to Philemon12and implied in his letter to the Ephesians.13
1 Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30
2 Luke 13:3, 5
3 1 Jo. 1:9; Prov. 28:13
4 Mat. 3:8; Acts 26:20
5 Rom. 13:7-10
6 Exo. 21:26-36; 22:1-15; Lev. 6:1-7; 24:18; Num. 5:5-8
7 Pro. 6:30, 31
8 Eze. 33:14-16
9 Luke 3:7-14
10 Luke 19:8, 9
11 Mat. 5:23, 24
12 Philemon 18, 19
13 Eph. 4:28
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 138; No – 3
Whereas, BPL 102-1 on Holiness has already been approved at First Reading; and
Whereas, we desire to add Acts 17:30, 31 as an additional reference to footnote #5; therefore be it
Resolved, that we add Acts 17:30, 31 to footnote #5 in BPL 102-1 on Holiness.
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading:
Article 103-5 – Divorce
103-5.1 Divorce is the breaking of the marriage covenant instituted and ordained of God. God hates it because it is inconsistent with His purpose1 and creates problems for all those associated with it. It is not permitted for any reason other than adultery,2 and should be considered only after careful and prayerful attempts for forgiveness and reconciliation.3 Scripture permits but never requires that a person divorce a marriage partner who has committed adultery.4
103-5.2 People divorced for reasons other than that allowed by Scripture ought not marry another, but be reconciled, and seek God’s resolution for the breakdown of the marriage.5 Divorced persons must seek forgiveness for any sin that led to, or is associated with, their divorce. They should seek the grace of God for their spiritual growth and healing.6
103-5.3 The church should seek to prevent divorce by offering both premarital counseling and on-going opportunities for marital instruction.7 The principles that make for a godly marriage should be evident in the life and example of every Christian family, especially the leadership of the church.8
103-5.4 By the grace of God, those who have been divorced and those who have married divorced persons, if they give evidence of forgiveness and Christian living, may be admitted to church membership and do not forfeit the privilege of serving within the Church.9 Each particular church should evaluate the circumstances surrounding a divorce or remarriage in order to assure obedience to Scripture and confirm or establish the legitimacy of any remarriage.10
103-5.5 The church should counsel those considering divorce to seek other solutions to the problems in their relationships. There are times when a church is called upon to exercise discipline towards those who are seeking, or who have obtained a divorce. There are also times when a church is called upon to exercise discipline towards those who are seeking to remarry, or who have already remarried. Remarriage of individuals who have been divorced is acceptable if the prior union has been dissolved on the basis of adultery or a return to the former partner is impossible.11 Individuals involved in these circumstances must submit themselves to the Word of God in their present situation.12
103-5.6 The responsibility of the church toward people considering divorce, remarriage, or those who have been divorced or remarried, is always to apply the Word of God in love.13 The goal of this ministry is to restore any break in their fellowship with God and with the life of the church, to preserve the purity of the church and to clear the reputation of a person.14
1 Gen 2:24; Prov. 2:17; Mal. 2:14-16
2 Mat. 5:32; Rom. 7:2
3 Mk. 10:6-9; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11
4 Mat. 19:9
5 Psa. 139:23, 24; Rom. 7:2, 3; 1 Pet. 3:7-9
6 Gal. 5:14-23; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12, 13
7 Pro. 11:14 (15:22,23); Titus 2:3-8
8 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:6
9 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Heb. 2:11
10 Heb. 13:4
11 1 Cor 7:39; Dt 24:1-4
12 1 Cor. 7:17-24
13 Eph. 4:15, 16
14 1 Thes. 4:4-7
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 121; No – 15
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading:
Article 104-1 – Stewardship
104-1.1 God owns everything because He is God and created all things.1 Believers belong to God not only by creation but also by redemption.2 They are, therefore, to be good stewards or managers of all God has entrusted to them.3
104-1.2 Believers have the responsibility to proclaim the message of redemption and reconciliation to the unredeemed.4 Spiritual gifts, skills and abilities are given by God5 and are to be used for the benefit of others, especially the body of Christ.6 Children7 and all others needing care call believers to exercise stewardship.8 All the believers’ relationships provide opportunities to bring people to Christ and to strengthen believers in the Christian life.9 The earth and all things in it are for God’s glory.10 People are given the responsibility to conserve and manage the earth and its natural resources.11
104-1.3 A believer’s possessions are to be used for God’s glory. The Bible teaches that a portion of all resources is to be willingly and cheerfully returned to God through tithes and offerings. Tithing,12 the giving of a tenth, was practiced since the time of Abraham13 and was required by God after the law was given.14The New Testament teaches that our giving is to be systematic, proportionate, cheerful, and generous.15Such giving is an act of worship16 and a means of supporting the work of Christ’s Church.17
104-1.4 Good stewards live all of life in submission to the Creator/Redeemer. This life should be used to please God and glorify Him in thought, word, and action.18 The believer’s body is the temple of God19 and is to be acceptable to Him.20 This wonderful creation is meant to glorify God,21 in ways such as abstaining from sexual immorality,22 maintaining a healthful diet23 including not over eating,24 proper exercise,25 and adequate rest.26 Believers are called to resist worry27 and to be clear-minded and self-controlled by purifying themselves from everything that contaminates body, mind, and spirit.28
104-1.5 Believers should consider stewardship before physical or mental disability occurs. Steps should be taken to provide for health care, children, assets, payment of debts and other personal responsibilities. Good stewardship includes developing an adequate plan to avoid unnecessary loss of resources and to distribute assets in a God-honoring manner.29
1 Gen. 1-2; Deu.10:14; Psa.24:1, 2
2 Gen. 3; Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 6:20
3 Deu. 8:11-18; Luke 12:41-48
4 1 Cor. 9:16, 17; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; 1 Thes. 2:3, 4
5 Exo. 35:30-35; Rom. 12:4-8;
1 Cor. 12:28; 1 Pe. 4:10
6 Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 14:12
7 Psa. 127:3
8 Luke 10:25-37; Eph. 6:4;
1 Tim. 5:8
9 Rom. 12:4, 5; 15:7; Phil. 1:12-14
10 Psa. 19:1-6; Rev. 4:11
11 Gen. 1:28; 2:15; Psa. 8:6-8;
Lev. 25:23
12 Mal. 3:8-10; Mat. 23:23;
1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6, 7
13 Gen. 14:20
14 Lev. 27:30; Deu. 14:22;
Mal. 3:8
15 1 Cor. 16:2
16 2 Cor. 9:12-15; Phil. 4:14-18
17 Num. 18:21, 24; 1 Cor. 9:7-14;
1 Tim. 5:17,18
18 1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:9;
Col. 3:17
19 1 Cor. 6:19
20 Rom. 12:1, 2
21 Psa. 139:13, 14; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20;
Phil. 1:20
22 1 Cor. 6:18
23 Gen. 1:30, 31; 9:3; Psa. 107:9
24 Pro. 23:2, 3, 21; Phil. 3:18, 19
25 1 Tim. 4:8
26 Psa. 127:2
27 Mat. 6:25-34; Phil. 4:6
28 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Pe. 4:7
29 Pro. 13:22; 19:14; Ecc. 2:18-21
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 133; No – 4
Whereas, the BPLs and the Declarations on Particular Issues (DOPI) are two distinct bodies of work, and
Whereas, the BPLs are to be Principles that describe the BFC’s views on areas of Christian living,
Resolved, that the DOPIs be included in its own section (presently and unofficially #1000) in the Faith & Order.
Whereas, the work of the Inter-Cultural Ministries Study Committee is not yet complete; and
Whereas, the Committee would like to prepare the Biblical Principles For Living for Second Reading; therefore be it
Resolved, that the 119th Annual Conference direct the Inter-Cultural Ministries Study Committee to continue its work.
Report of the Secret Society Study Committee (see page: 166)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the resolution submitted by the Secret Society Study Committee be tabled.
Report of the Committee to Study Baptism and Church Membership (see page: 168)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Study Committee on Baptism and Membership has brought much helpful information to the Annual Conference in order to help the BFC understand the meaning of baptism and church membership, therefore be it
Resolved, that we express our appreciation for its study and declare the committee to have completed its work and further
Resolved, that we reaffirm our current statements regarding baptism and membership and further
Resolved, that we consider this to be the answer to the petition from the New Life BFC, Oley, PA.
Yes – 120; No – 20
Resolved, that we adjourn.
We adjourned at 5:21 p.m. with Carl K. Spackman closing in prayer.
Sixth Meeting
Wednesday Morning, 9:00 A.M.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. LeRoy S. Heller read Hebrews 1:1-3 then led the conference in singing, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise and God Has Spoken by His Prophets. LeRoy O. Herb read Matthew 25:14-30 and Thomas P. Shorb led in prayer. LeRoy S. Heller gave thanks to Lois Draper and Robert W. Gehret for their accompaniment on the piano and organ. The conference then sang, Great God of Wonders. Hans R. Waldvogel, Calvin T. Reed, Robert S. Commerford and Gene W. Smith made up a quartet which sang, Rise Up, O Church of God. Dana E. Weller spoke on the topic “A Strategy to Move Us.” The Chairman closed the worship time in prayer.
The following presented excuses to be absent from various sessions of Annual Conference: Bert N. Brosius, Michael J. Tannous, Mark W. Tress, J. Robert Vaughn and Jansen E. Hartman.
Resolved, that these requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the minutes of the third meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the fourth meeting be approved.
The following were elected:
Secretary of Annual Conference
David A. Thomann (1 year)
Chairman of Annual Conference
William G. Schlonecker (1 year)
Vice-Chairman of Annual Conference
Randall A. Grossman (1 year)
Calvin T. Reed introduced Robert Johnson to the Annual Conference. He is under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
Resolved, that the resolution submitted by the Secret Society Study Committee be removed from the table.
Resolved, that the resolution submitted by the Secret Society Study Committee be referred back to committee.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m. as Richard T. Paashaus closed the meeting in prayer.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday Afternoon, 1:30 P.M.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Robert H. Zentz gave an update of the ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. He encouraged us to be aware of the aging population and the issues that will come due to that fact. Fellowship Community will be offering a number of services to help particular churches deal with aging population issues. Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. prayed for the ministry of the Fellowship Community.
Whereas, the Study Committee on Secret Societies appreciates the input of Annual Conference on the issues, and
Whereas, due to the complexities of the issues, the committee requests another year to work on the issues, therefore be it
Resolved, that the committee on Secret Societies meet for another year to study the issues and report back to the 120th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the recommended minimum salary for a pastor serving the BFC, including benefits, be $27,350.
Resolved, that the salary (including benefits) for the Conference Pastor be $35,330 for the year 2002. (salary $26,000, expenses $6,000, health insurance $3,330)
Randall A. Grossman acknowledged the leadership of David J. Watkins, who has served as chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee for 7 years and who will no longer be eligible due to his impending retirement.
Resolved, that an ordination service be held Monday, May 19, 2003 at Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The following material from the Board of Directors of the BFC was presented:
Resolved, that the revised 2002 Administrative Budget be adopted.
Resolved, that the 2003 Administrative budget be adopted.
Whereas, establishing new churches is costly, and
Whereas, some denominations have found it to be advan-tageous to make greater initial investments and earlier decisions to cease support of missions not making sufficient progress, be it
Resolved, that a one time grant of $100,000 be given from the Fund to Promote Church Extension to the Board of Church Extension to start new churches.
Whereas, legislation proposed to this Annual Conference limits the use of the Real Estate Fund, and
Whereas, the Board of Directors and the Board of Church Extension agree that the Board of Directors needs funds to aid in the advancement of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that a Special Projects Fund under control of the Board of Directors be created (bylaws attached), and further
Resolved, that we make a one-time grant to the fund of $10,000 from the Fund to Promote Church Extension.
Resolved, that the residue and income from the Fund to Promote Church Extension become the Real Estate Fund under accompanying bylaws proposed by the Board of Directors and the Board of Church Extension.
Resolved, that the following material be the bylaws of the Real Estate Fund:
Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:
Real Estate Fund
(1) The Real Estate Fund shall hold the net proceeds of the sale of property deeded to a particular church which ceases to exist for any reason or property under the administration of the Board of Directors at the time of sale. The Fund shall receive the repayment of principle and accrued interest for any loans made from the Fund. The Fund may also receive donations designated to it.
(2) The Fund shall be used to assist in the purchase of real estate in conjunction with the programs of the Board of Church Extension.
(3) The Board of Directors shall have oversight and control of the Fund and shall cooperate with the Board of Church Extension in the use of this fund by giving advice and consent to its various proposals for the purchase of real estate. Consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(4) If a situation arises which the Board of Directors deems to be an economic emergency requiring the extraordinary use of the Fund, the Board is authorized to use the necessary monies, provided that the amount used shall not exceed that which can be repaid within one year. If the fund is used to meet an emergency need, the Board of Directors shall give prior notice to the Board of Church Extension. For an amount necessary to meet the emergency which cannot be repaid within one year, the Board of Directors must present a plan to repay the Fund and gain the approval of Annual Conference prior to making the expenditure.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 121; No – 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:
512-1 Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church
512-1.3 Duties of the Board
(6) Real Estate of Particular churches (Delete last sentence and add the following) It shall place the net proceeds of the sale of such property in the Real Estate Fund.
512-1.6 Funds Administered by the Board of Directors
General Fund – Administrative Budget
(1) Preparation of the Budget (in addition to the current legislation the following shall replace the previous list).
The budget will include the following items:
Expenses
Annual Conference Accommodations (room and meals)
Annual Conference Expenses (equipment, etc.)
Expenses for Board and Committee Business (including
Board of Directors)
Disbursements
Beneficiary Fund – (to the Beneficiary Society)
Conference Pastor – (to the Ministerial Relations Committee or designee)
Historical Society – (to the Historical Committee)
Ministerial Convention – (to the Ministerial Convention
Committee)
Ministerial Retirement Fund – (to the Board of Pensions)
Publication and Printing – (to the Board of Publication
and Printing)
Funds
Church Assistance Fund
Minsters’ Assistance Fund
Pastoral Intern Fund
Bible Fellowship Church Special Project Fund
Church Assistance Fund (replaces the legislation on the Fund to Assist Churches)
(1) The Board of Directors shall administer and maintain the Church Assistance Fund by an allotment from the Administrative Budget or by direct appeals to the churches.
(2) Possible use of the Fund may be initiated by a referral by an individual or church, or by a request by a Particular Church, or by an inquiry by the Board of Directors. All actual use of the Fund shall be by formal request.
(3) A formal request for use of the Fund shall be made in writing to the Board of Directors from the Board of Elders of a Particular Church. This request shall include the circumstances causing the present need, the proposed use of the money, and the amount requested.
(4) The Board of Directors shall consider the formal request for use of the Fund. It shall reserve the right to examine the latest financial statement of the Particular Church requesting assistance. Assistance is granted by a majority vote of the full Board of Directors.
(5) If a situation arises which the Board of Directors deems to be an economic emergency requiring the extraordinary use of the Fund, the Board is authorized to use the necessary monies for this purpose and shall attempt to repay any money used from the Fund.
Ministers’ Assistance Fund
(1) The Board of Directors shall administer and maintain the Ministers’ Assistance Fund by allotment from the Administrative Budget or by direct appeals to the Churches.
(2) Possible use of the Fund may be initiated by a referral by an individual or church, by a request by a pastor, or by an inquiry by the Board of Directors. All actual use of the Fund shall be by formal request.
(3) A formal request for use of the Fund shall be made in writing to the Board of Directors from the Board of Elders of a Particular Church. This request shall include the circumstances causing the present need, the proposed use of the money, and the amount requested.
(4) The Board of Directors shall consider the formal request for use of the Fund. Assistance is granted by a majority vote of the full Board of Directors.
(5) If a situation arises which the Board of Directors deems to be an economic emergency requiring the extraordinary use of the Fund, the Board is authorized to use the necessary monies for this purpose and shall attempt to repay any money used from the Fund.
Pastoral Intern Fund
(1) The Board of Directors shall administer and maintain the Pastoral Intern Fund by an allotment from the Administrative Budget or by direct appeals to the churches.
(2) The Fund shall be used to assist men serving as interns who are under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
(3) Upon the recommendation of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, the Board of Directors shall issue grants from the Fund by a majority vote of the entire Board.
(4) If a situation arises which the Board of Directors deems to be an economic emergency requiring the extraordinary use of the Fund, the Board is authorized to use the necessary monies for this purpose and shall attempt to repay any money used from the Fund.
Bible Fellowship Church Special Project Fund
(1) The Board of Directors shall administer and maintain the Bible Fellowship Church Special Project Fund by donations designated to it, by allotments from the Administrative Budget, or by transfers from the General Fund.
(2) The Fund shall be used for the general welfare and advancement of the BFC. This may include the purchase of real estate or other capital expenditures which will strengthen the church as a whole. Such expenditures may be made on behalf of an existing agency, board, or committee, or may involve the creation of a new agency, board, or committee.
(3) If a situation arises which the Board of Directors deems to be an economic emergency requiring the extraordinary use of the Fund, the Board is authorized to use the necessary monies for this purpose and shall attempt to repay any money used from the Fund.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 124; No – 2
Whereas, sections 512-1.3 and Section 512-1.6 state a process that we have been using in the past, and
Whereas, it now states, in orderly fashion, those processes, and
Whereas, the transfer of funds from the fund to promote Church Extension to the Board of Church Extension will be accomplished this year, and
Whereas, it would be most orderly to allow the Real Estate Fund to begin to function now, therefore be it
Resolved, that by rule of exception we declare it to be in effect now.
Whereas, Charles J. Albert, Jr. has resigned as Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions, and
Whereas, Daniel G. Oswald has been elected by the Board of Missions as Financial Secretary for a term of three years, therefore be it
Resolved, that the election of Daniel G. Oswald as Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions be ratified for a term of three years.
The following was adopted at First Reading:
Whereas, several provisions of the legislation approved by the 111th Annual Conference in 1994 establishing the Pinebrook Educational Foundation need clarification and updating to insure conformity to federal law and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, changes have been proposed by attorneys familiar with both codes; and
Whereas, the Board of Higher Education and the Board of Pinebrook Educational Foundation have approved and recommended that these changes be made; therefore be it
Resolved, that we approve the changes in the legislation for Pinebrook Educational Foundation (512-5.6 now) and that it be changed to be identified as Section 512-5.7 in the Faith and Order.
Section 512-5.7: Pinebrook Educational Foundation
Section 1 — Establishment and Purpose
The Pinebrook Educational Foundation was established as a division of the Bible Fellowship Church (“Church”) on October 18, 1994. The purpose of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation is to continue the ministry of Pinebrook Junior College (formerly Berean Bible School) to aid Christian individuals involved in higher education and Christian post-secondary institutions (“Purpose”). Said Purpose will be construed broadly enough to include a wide spectrum of aid projects involving Christian post-secondary education, including but not limited to scholarship aid to students and grants to Christian post-secondary institutions.
Section 2 — Overview
The Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall receive, invest, and administer funds (“Funds”) in accordance with its stated Purpose, and such funds shall be designated for such Purpose, segregated from the general funds of the Church, and administered and distributed by the Pinebrook Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors (“Foundation Board”) in conformity with said Purpose. Emphasis and priority will be given to individuals attending Christian institutions and to higher education endeavors closely related to the Bible Fellowship Church. Special consideration shall be given to educational organizations with which the Board of Higher Education has affiliations (as referenced in §512-5.4(3) of the Faith & Order).
A. Election and Composition of the Foundation Board.
The Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall be directed by the Foundation Board composed of six (6) members (“Board Members”) elected by the Board of Higher Education and subject to ratification by the Annual Conference. Board Members shall be elected in three (3) classes and shall serve three-year terms of service. The three (3) classes shall be composed of two (2) Board Members each. Each Board Member shall serve until a successor is duly elected.
B. Accountability.
The Foundation Board shall be accountable to the Board of Higher Education. The Foundation Board shall administer all activities and investments of Pinebrook Educational Foundation to ensure that all such activities and investments are financially and legally appropriate with respect to the status of Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
The Foundation Board shall report at least annually to the Board of Higher Education and shall report annually to the Annual Conference through the report of the Board of Higher Education.
C. Officers of the Foundation Board.
The Foundation Board shall elect annually from its number: a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 4 – Administration
A. Executive Director/Chairperson of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
1. An Executive Director of Pinebrook Educational Foundation (“Executive Director”) may be selected by the Foundation Board and ratified by the Board of Higher Education. The position may be paid or unpaid as determined by the Board of Higher Education.
2. The Executive Director shall not be required to be a member of the Foundation Board or the Board of Higher Education. Membership on one of these boards will not, however, disqualify an individual from serving as Executive Director. The Executive Director shall not be an officer of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
3. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of the business of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation. Such duties as administration of the grant and scholarship application process, oversight of all financial activities, investments, administrative procedures, and communication shall be the responsibility of the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall consult with the Foundation Board’s Chairperson regarding general administration matters and with both the Chairperson and Secretary-Treasurer of the Foundation Board regarding financial matters.
4. If an Executive Director has not been selected by the Foundation Board, the Foundation Board’s Chairperson shall be responsible for the conduct of the business of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation and shall perform the duties identified in paragraph 3 above.
B. Foundation Secretary.
1. The Secretary of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall be selected by the Foundation Board subject to approval by the Board of Higher Education.
2. The Secretary shall report to and assist the Executive Director (or Chairperson of the Foundation Board if an Executive Director has not been selected by the Foundation Board).
3. The Secretary shall be a volunteer or a part-time employee until Pinebrook Educational Foundation activity requires more assistance and additional funding is available for fulltime compensation, as shall be determined by the Foundation Board.
4. The compensation (if any) of the Secretary shall be determined by the Foundation Board and shall be subject to approval by the Board of Higher Education.
C. Auxiliary Groups.
Support groups previously affiliated with Pinebrook Junior College such as the Alumni Association may be encouraged to continue in existence to be reactivated. The assistance of such support groups may be sought in raising funds and in providing other assistance to the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
D. Administration of Funds.
1. Pinebrook Educational Foundation Funds shall: (a) be segregated from the general funds of the Church; (b) be separately invested and administered by the Foundation Board; and (c) not be disbursed for purpose other than the Purpose of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
2. A professional investment firm or counselor may be chosen by the Foundation Board to carry out the investment of Pinebrook Educational Foundation Funds. Risk levels and investment criteria shall be determined by the Foundation Board and approved by the Board of Higher Education.
3. The Pinebrook Educational Foundation may be the transferee of funds: (a) existing Pinebrook Junior College endowment funds; (b) donations or bequests to, and annuity arrangements made for the benefit of Pinebrook Junior College (or the Berean Bible School); (c) grants from foundations; (d) proceeds from general and endowment investments; and (e) other sources acceptable with respect to the tax-exempt status of the Church.
4. Funds shall be used to disburse grants, scholarships and/or loans in accordance with the Purpose of Pinebrook Educational Foundation and to pay administrative costs of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
a. The Foundation Board shall formulate rules for the administration of all Funds. These shall be subject to review by the Board of Higher Education.
b. Administrative costs shall be paid from the General Fund (as defined in Section 5 herein) subject to the approval of the Foundation Board and review by the Board of Higher Education.
Section 5 – Aid Projects/Designated Accounts.
A. The Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall be structured to include many types of aid to Christian higher education in accordance with its purpose. Specific programs of aid shall be designated by the Foundation Board as separately administered endowment or current gift “funds” or “accounts” (“Designated Accounts”) within the Foundation.
B. A donation identified by a donor for the support of a specific Designated Account shall be used to fund such Designated Account. Designated Account Funds shall be expended by the Foundation Board in furtherance of the specific aid project(s) for which the Designated Account has been established.
C. Undesignated donations shall go to a General Fund from which administrative costs shall be paid and Board-directed grants, loans and scholarships shall be made.
D. Donors shall be encouraged to contribute to Designated Accounts set up as endowments in order to insure a continuous stream of proceeds for the future. However, donations to Designated Accounts which expend non-endowment restricted (“current gift”) funds are also encouraged.
E. Additionally, sizable initial gifts may be used to establish a Designated Account (as an endowment or current gift fund) of the donor’s choosing, subject to Foundation Board approval.
F. There shall be compliance with donor limitations and/or restrictions on Funds received from (or donated, bequeathed, etc. to or for the benefit of) Pinebrook Junior College.
Section 6 – Miscellaneous Regulations.
A. Bylaws.
The Bylaws of the Foundation Board may be amended by majority vote of the total membership of the Foundation Board at a regular or special meeting.
B. General.
The Foundation Board shall be empowered to adopt policies and regulations in addition to its Bylaws. Such policies and regulations must be in conformity with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church and within the rules, decisions, and directives of the Annual Conference.
C. Quorum.
Four Board Members attending a duly announced meeting of the Foundation Board shall constitute a quorum. Unless otherwise specified, a majority vote shall mean a simple majority of those attending any meeting of the Foundation Board in which there is a quorum.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 117; No – 2
Whereas, the Orphans Court of Lehigh County and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office have reviewed the legal documents establishing Bible Fellowship Church and the Pinebrook Educational Foundation in approving a distribution from the will of Charles Weaver although he made the bequest to Berean Bible School; and
Whereas, both the Judge and Attorney General are now familiar with this material; and
Whereas, the changes made in the Pinebrook Educational Foundation legislation facilitate approval of other bequests made to Berean Bible School or Pinebrook Junior College for use of Pinebrook Educational Foundation; and
Whereas, completing this work allows the corporation known as Pinebrook Junior College to be dissolved; therefore be it
Resolved, that this change in legislation, by rule of exception, at approval of three quarters of those voting at the 119th Annual Conference, be made effective immediately at one reading.
Whereas, the existing funding plan of the MRF provides adequate cash flow to meet the total obligations of the MRF through the year 2035, and
Whereas, the plan does not provide sufficient liquidity during the most critical years of 2006 – 2015 when demand to provide annuities is projected to be the greatest, and
Whereas, the plan has excess liquidity in the years 2015 – 2035, and
Whereas, the objective is to minimize the burden on the churches to adequately fund the future liabilities of the MRF, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Board of Pensions be authorized to issue 5-year interest-bearing notes totaling $150,000 effective January 1,2003, and further
Resolved, that the Board of Pensions be authorized to sell these notes in face amounts of at least $10,000 to BFC agencies and churches, and further
Resolved, that the notes pay a market rate of interest annually, the notes can be renewed or reissued for additional 5-year periods, and that the notes be redeemed in the years 2015 – 2025 as funds from cash flow to be received.
Resolved, that a contribution of $325 for the conference year 2002 be given to the Board of Publication and Printing from each agency to help underwrite the cost of printing and distribution of the Fellowship News. Payments are to be made to the Business Manager, by December 31, 2002.
Resolved, that $1.75 per member of the Bible Fellowship Church for 2002 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 at the Board of Publication and Printing table during the 119th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the cost of the 2002 Yearbook be $8.00 per copy.
Resolved, that the appointment of Carol Z. Snyder be ratified as Editor of Fellowship News for a term of three years.
Whereas, the Board neglected to seek ratification of the Business Manager of the Fellowship News, at the 118th Annual Conference, and
Whereas, the terms of the Editor and Business Manager are to be on different years, therefore be it
Resolved, that the appointment of Paul T. Rutman be ratified as Business Manager of the Fellowship News for a term of two years.
Resolved, that the proposed budget for the year January 1 to December 31, 2003 be adopted (see page 141).
The following was adopted at First Reading:
Whereas, the Board of Publication and Printing is involved with more than the printed page, therefore be it
Resolved, that the name of the Board be changed from Board of Publication and Printing to Board of Communications.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 125; No – 2
The following was adopted at First Reading:
Whereas, it has been the precedent of Annual Conference to require that the consent of a person be obtained before nominating that individual for election at Annual Conference, and
Whereas, such a requirement does not appear in the Faith and Order, therefore be it
Resolved, that the following be added to the Faith and Order as a new §508-7(2)
§508-7(2) The consent of an individual shall be obtained before nominating that individual for election at Annual Conference
[FIRST READING]
Gene W. Smith gave an update on his daughter Michelle. Philip E. Yerrington led the Conference in prayer on her behalf.
The following was adopted at First Reading:
Whereas, there are individuals who are not ordained or whose previous ordination has not been recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church and who are serving on pastoral staffs of the BFC, and
Whereas, because they are not ordained or have not had their previous ordination formally recognized by the BFC and they have been allowed to serve in lay capacities within the BFC, and
Whereas, in the local church, they function more in keeping with ordained ministers than they do as laymen, and
Whereas, Annual Conference has recognized the value of having lay representation in its delegates to Annual Conference, and its membership on Conference Boards and Committees, and
Whereas, having individuals who serve on pastoral staff occupy lay positions on a Conference level violates the spirit, if not the letter, of having lay representation, and
Whereas, having individuals who serve on pastoral staffs occupying lay positions at the Conference level may be a deterrent from their seeking credentials with the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved, that any person serving on a pastoral staff of a BFC may not serve as a lay delegate to Annual Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 101; No – 26
Resolved, that we adjourn.
We adjourned at 5:17 p.m. with Richard A. Moyer closing this meeting in prayer remembering the ministry of Pinebrook Bible Conference and also those who served at Ground Zero, New York City.
Eighth Meeting
Wednesday Evening, 6:15 P.M.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. Roger L. Reitz gave the conference an update on Keith E. Plows’ mother’s health. Her health is deteriorating. Roger prayed for the Lord’s grace on her life.
The following presented excuses to be absent for the rest of Annual Conference: Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Walter E. Bortree, T. James Bigley, Jr.
Resolved, that the excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the minutes of the fifth meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the sixth meeting be approved.
Resolved, that Resolution #3 of the Report of the Study Committee on Credentials and Multiple-Staff Churches be sent back to the committee.
Resolved, that all persons serving on a pastoral staff of a BFC who are not ordained or who have not had their previous ordination recognized by the BFC be encouraged to seek ordination or have their previous ordination recognized by the BFC.
Whereas, the Study Committee on The Role of Women in the Church feels the need to do more work with regard to its subject, therefore be it
Resolved, that the committee be allowed to continue its work and report to the 120th Annual Conference.
Report of the Statistical Committee (see page: 205)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Auditing Committee (see page: 83)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the church in Serbia has extended greetings to the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church through Ondrej Franka; therefore be it
Resolved, that we extend our greetings to the church in Serbia and ministry of the Yugoslavia Evangelistic Society (YES), praying for God’s richest blessings upon them to the end that God will be glorified and His kingdom will be extended.
Whereas, T. James Bigley, Jr., Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., and Barry J. Minsky have faithfully served the Lord as ordained ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, these men have retired from full-time active service to the Bible Fellowship Church in the past year, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank God for these men and their years of service to the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved, that we offer corporate praise for all of our ordained ministers in retirement, and further
Resolved, that we pray God’s blessing upon them in their retirement years.
Whereas, the Boards and Committees of the Bible Fellowship Church have labored diligently during this past year, and
Whereas, they have reported faithfully to the 119th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we recognize their service and ask God to give them strength for the coming year.
Whereas, our three denominational facilities, Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Pinebrook Bible Conference and Victory Valley Camp, are ministering in our behalf, and
Whereas, their leadership and staffs have given of themselves in this endeavor, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise God for His provision of these wonderful facilities and effective personnel.
Whereas, Andrew T. Crossgrove and William J. Dunn were ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and Willis I. Dowling and Donald R. Ellwanger had their previous ordination recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church, 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, William G. Schlonecker, Richard E. Taylor, Dana E. Weller and Jacob J. Susek, Jr. have served the Annual Conference as our devotional speakers, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for the gift of wisdom and their insights into His Word.
Whereas, LeRoy S. Heller has served the Annual Conference by leading us in worship, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for his ministry among us.
Whereas, the various study committees have met many times over the past year, and
Whereas, their reports have been of great value in attempting to bring the Bible Fellowship Church into conformity with Scripture, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray for their work as it continues and ask our God to give them wisdom as they continue with their tasks.
Whereas, David J. Watkins has served as Chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee for the past seven years, and
Whereas, Brother Watkins is retiring this year and is no longer eligible to serve, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise the Lord for Brother Watkins’ ministry and thank him for this service.
Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference, as well as some of the wives of our pastors and delegates, have readily and cheerfully served the members of the 119th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we note with thanksgiving the helpful service of these who have labored to care for us.
Whereas, the Pages, Louis S. Curcio, Head Page; Michael L. Easton, Assistant Head Page; Ray Cole, Head Counter; Ronald K. Kohl, Copier; Stephen C. Mann, Microphones; Dan Alban, Gerald D. Clark, Jeff Rossignol, David Schlonecker, Timothy Schmoyer, and Jeff Albrecht, have humbly, readily, helpfully, cheerfully, and diligently enabled the work of the 119th 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, the Annual Conference Secretary and his assistants have served with diligence, dispatch, and discretion, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful service, and further be it
Resolved, that each be awarded $50 for their labors.
Whereas, William G. Schlonecker has served with distinction as Chairman of the 119th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of Annual Conference show their appreciation for Brother Schlonecker with a standing ovation.
Whereas, Robert W. Smock has served with great devotion on the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Homes, Inc. for 34 years, therefore be it
Resolved, that we express our appreciation with sincere applause.
The Chairman made the following appointments:
Registrar: J. Mark McCreary
Assistant Registrar: Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Agenda and Program Committee
David A. Thomann, William G. Schlonecker, Randall A. Grossman, Clifford B. Boone, Thomas P. Shorb, Carl K. Spackman
Committee on Arrangements for the 120th Annual Conference
David A. Thomann, Daniel P. Allen, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., J. Mark McCreary, Thomas P. Shorb, William G. Schlonecker
Committee on Statistics
LeRoy S. Heller, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Kenneth D. Keeler, Calvin T. Reed, David A. Thomann
Committee on Examination of the Minutes of Particular Churches
Ralph M. Soper, William H. Bartron, Richard D. Harris, Dean A. Stortz, Jonathan P. Tait
Resolved, that these appointments be ratified.
The corporate and official denominational address will be: Fellowship Manor, 3000 Fellowship Dr., Whitehall, PA 18052. The secretary of the Conference Judicatory is Ronald C. Mahurin. The secretary of the Appellate Division of the Conference Judicatory is David J. Watkins.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The 119th Annual Conference was closed in prayer by the Vice Chairman for the 120th Annual Conference, Randall A. Grossman, at 7:20 p.m.