2003 Annual Conference Minutes

Annual Conference Proceedings – 2003

First Meeting

Monday Morning, April 26, 2003, 10:00 AM

The 120^th 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. He read from the Faith & Order Article 501-4 and led in prayer.

Richard T. Paashaus led the conference in worship as we sang Let all Things Now Living. He then opened in prayer. We continued by singing Grace Alone. Charles E. Cole ministered to us in special music singing My Father Planned It All. The Scripture, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, was read by Richard T. Paashaus who then led the conference in singing God Has Spoken by His Prophets. William G. Schlonecker spoke on the theme, “Wisdom Proclaimed Through the Spirit.”

Report of the Registrar:

The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 120^th Annual Conference: William C. Aukamp, Stephen M. Bauer, William E. Blair, T. James Bigley, Jr., Bert N. Brosius, R. J. Brush, Leonard E. Buck, Wayne M. Chadwell, G. Wayne Clapier, Ronald K. Denlinger, Allen Dorst, Billy J. Dunn, Michael P. Emrick, Jr., Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Thomas L. Galloway, Peter J. Gunderson, Jim D. Head, LeRoy S. Heller, George E. Herb, LeRoy O. Herb, Kenneth J. Hurst, Ronald W. Hoyle, Walter M. Johnston, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, David L. Manney, Barry J. Minsky, Duane E. Moyer, Richard A. Moyer, Edgar H. Munyan, Thomas A. Pollock, Calvin T. Reed, Roger L. Reitz, David W. Riddell, David N. Schoen, A. L. Seifert, Charles Webb, David L. Weller, James A. Wickstead, Philip E. Yerrington

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, Cedar Crest. Clifford B. Boone, David T. Allen, Walter E. Bortree, William J. Shive, Donald I. Transue

Bethlehem, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Brian H. Cooper, Mark W. Tress, Rick C. Davis

Blandon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Gary W. Saggio

Brooklyn, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph E. Ritter

Camden, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . Raymond R. Dotts, Albert F. Biddle, Jr.

Clinton Corners, NY. . . . . . . Gerald D. Clark (Probationer), David R. Way, Wayne M. Chadwell

Coopersburg, PA. . . . . . . . . Thomas P. Shorb, Richard T. Paashaus, Gene E. Parris

Denville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard D. Harris, Steven C. Boepple

Emmaus, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . David N. Schoen, Ralph M. Soper, Billy J. Dunn, Gerald L. Schlonecker, Scott A. Hoffman

Ephrata, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret

Finesville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . Byron Widger, Michael P. Emrick, Jr.

Fleetwood, PA. . . . . . . . . . . R. J. Brush, James E. Mortland

Graterford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Douglas D. Bowne

Harleysville, PA. . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Andrew T. Crossgrove, Glendon R. LeSuer

Harrisburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Carl K. Spackman, Clyde W. Snyder

Hatfield, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard N. Wells, Lee E. Boyles

Holmes, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Hans R. Waldvogel

Howell, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric R. North (Probationer), 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. . . . . . . . . . . . Robert A. Johnson, II (Probationer), Bruce A. Kellerman

Maple Glen, PA. . . . . . . . . . Louis Prontnicki, Laurence M. Morris

Mt. Carmel, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Bryan L. Snyder

Mt. Pocono, PA. . . . . . . . . . Ronald C. Erb, Donald S. Faust

Nazareth, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Rodney P. Plows

Newark, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . William G. Schlonecker, Robert C. Kaatz

Oley, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., 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

Poughquag, NY. . . . . . . . . . James A. Wickstead, Charles Webb

Quakertown, PA. . . . . . . . . . Vacant, 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), William E. Blair

Royersford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Orville E. Gibson

Scranton, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger L. Reitz, Larry D. Kellerman

Shamokin, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Robert S. Commerford, 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), Doug M. Wynne

Stroudsburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . John R. Stover, Robert D. Carroll

Sunbury, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles E. Cole, Timothy L. Brosious

Terre Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Kirkpatrick (Probationer), Robert L. Weaver

Thompson, CT. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis W. Spinney, Thomas W. Krans

Toms River, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dean A. Stortz, Allen Dorst

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, David L. Weller

Ordained Men Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries

Delbert R. Baker, II, Willis I. Dowling, David E. Gundrum, Ronald C. Mahurin, J. Mark McCreary, Elliot H. Ramos, Dana E.Weller.

Ordained Missionaries

William C. Aukamp, Ronald K. Denlinger, 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 Men 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, Alva C. Cassel, 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., Richard J. Gehman, 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, Barry J. Minsky, Edward K. Moyer, William W. Mull, Edgar H. Munyan, D. Thomas Phillips, Keith E. Plows, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins, Harold C. Weaber, Harold D. Yarrington, Daniel G. Ziegler

Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program

Resolved, that the agenda be accepted.

Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the 121^st Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 26-28, 2004, beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.

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, 2004.

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); R. J. Brush, Charles E. Cole, Andrew T. Crossgrove, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Clyde W. Snyder, Hans R. Waldvogel

Resolutions: Ralph E. Ritter (Chairman), Gerald D. Clark, Charles A. Lavigna, J. Richard Vroman, Howard N. Wells

Auditing: Robert W. Gehret (Chairman), Lee E. Boyles, Horace A. Kauffman, Gary W. Saggio

Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: Jonathan P. Tait (Chairman); William J. Shive, John C. Studenroth

Parliamentarian: Carl C. Cassel

Timekeeper: Gene E. Parris

Reporter: Clyde W. Snyder

The new members of Annual Conference introduced themselves to the Conference.

Report of the Nominating Committee

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Keith E. Plows offered prayer for God’s will concerning the upcoming elections during this Annual Conference.

Report of the Committee on Credentials (see page:)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended David T. Allen for ordination; and

Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended prior ordination recognition for C. Larry Bennett, Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., and John R. Stover; 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 David T. Allen be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and further;

Resolved, that the prior ordinations of C. Larry Bennett, Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., and John R. Stover to the gospel ministry be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church and further;

Resolved, that the service of ordination be held Monday, May 19, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, PA.

Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held Monday, May 24, 2004, at a place to be determined.

Resolved, that Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, PA, Zionsville Bible Fellowship Church, Zionsville, PA, New Life Bible Fellowship Church, Oley, PA, and Berean Bible Fellowship Church, Stroudsburg, PA be encouraged to have services acknowledging the Ordination of David T. Allen, and the recognition of the previous ordinations of C. Larry Bennett, Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., and John R. Stover, respectively and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the services.

Chaplain Kenneth J. Hurst was introduced to the conference. He offered his thanks for the opportunity afforded him to serve the Lord in the military chaplaincy.

The chairman recognized R. C. Reichenbach for his seventy years attending Annual Conference and Clayton C. Weber who also has been a long time Annual Conference attendee.

Resolved, that we adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. as Randall A. Grossman, Vice Chairman of the 120th Annual Conference, closed in prayer.

Second Meeting

Monday Afternoon, 1:30 PM

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:30 p.m. Richard E. Taylor led in prayer.

Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following men, under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, introduced themselves to the members of Annual Conference: Jeffrey Albrecht, Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Gerald D. Clark, Louis S. Curcio, Michael L. Easton, Peter Gunderson, Fred J. Hoffman, Robert A. Johnson, II, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Ronald L. Kohl, Donald E. Kuntzman, Thomas H. Morrison, Stephen C. Mann, David W. Peters, Timothy J. Schmoyer, David K. Schlonecker, Michael J. Tannous.

Delbert R. Baker II prayed for the Lord’s richest blessings on these men as they seek to serve Him.

Report of the Board of Directors, BFC (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the rate of mileage reimbursement for conference business conducted in 2003 be 24¢ per mile.

Report of the Ministerial Relations Committee (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Church Extension (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the Annual Conference ratify the election of David E. Gundrum as Executive Director of the Board of Church Extension for a term of three years.

Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Thompson Mission Church of Thompson, Connecticut, meets the qualifications of a Particular Church as specified in Article 18 of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Thompson Mission Church of Thompson, Connecticut, be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the one hundred twentieth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.

Phil Atkins gave a brief report on the ministry of Victory Valley Camp. He gave an update on his daughter, Jill and her physical needs which will necessitate another surgery. He reported that the camp has a number of staffing needs for this summer. The theme for this summer’s camp is “Operation World” — a missions theme. Brian H. Cooper prayed for the ministry of Victory Valley and the physical needs of Jill Atkins.

Report of the Board of Missions (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Whereas, Dana E. Weller has been elected by the Board of Missions to serve as Director for three years, therefore be it

Resolved, that the election of Dana E. Weller as Director of the Board of Missions be ratified for a term of three years.

The Annual Conference welcomed into its membership the Thompson Mission Church of Thompson Connecticut. The recognition service included the singing of The Church’s One Foundation, prayer by Richard E. Taylor, chairman of the Board of Church Extension, remarks by Daniel G. Ziegler, member of the organizing Board of Elders, the presentation of the resolution of the Board of Church Extension by Dennis M. Cahill, secretary of the Board of Church Extension and the presentation of the official Charter by David A. Thomann, Secretary of the Annual Conference. Dennis W. Spinney, Pastor of the Thompson Bible Fellowship Church, received the Charter and shared a presentation of the church. Several members of the church gave testimonies of the grace of God in their lives. After introductions of those members of the Thompson Church present: Thomas W. Krans, Delegate, Irene Comtois, Leon Mitchell, Cynthia Krans, and David Barnes, David E. Gundrum, Executive Director of the Board of Church Extension, gave closing remarks and prayed, asking the Lord for His richest blessings on the Thompson Bible Fellowship Church.

Report of the Board of Pensions (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2003 is $208 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 2004 be $209 per year of service.

Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers of this Conference for Calendar Year 2003

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;

Resolved,

1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2003 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 Minister’s 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 Annual Conference and whose name and relationship to the conference is recorded in the Journal of The Bible Fellowship 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 minister 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.”

Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers of this Conference for Calendar Year 2004

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

Resolved,

1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2004 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 Minister’s Retirement Fund.

Report of the Director of Church Extension (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

David E. Gundrum introduced Jack and Jan Becker. Brother Becker gave an update on the work in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Tom Morrison was also introduced. He is working toward becoming the pastor of the New Mexico work.

Kenneth F. Barber showed a power point presentation on the DELMARVA project.

Daniel G. Ziegler led the conference in prayer for the work of Church Extension Ministries and especially for the work of the DELMARVA project.

Report of the Board of Publication and Printing (see page )

Stephen C. Mann made a presentation on the newly redesigned BFC website, www.bfc.org. He introduced Jeff Hostetter from ELEXIO who explained the new website for the Bible Fellowship Church.

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following were elected:

Ministerial Relations Committee

Lee E. Boyles (3 years)

Board of Church Extension

John C. Elias (3 years)

William R. Singletary (3 years)

Board of Missions

Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)

Robert A. Sloan, Jr. (3 years)

Board of Pensions

David N. Schoen (3 years)

Board of Publication and Printing

Jonathan P. Tait (3 years)

Committee on Credentials

Ralph M. Soper (3 years)

Report of the Board of Higher Education (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the Annual Conference ratify the election to the Pinebrook Educational Foundation of Gary E. Karch and Robert C. Newman for terms to end in 2006.

Resolved, that we adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. as Philip E. Morrison closed in prayer.

Third Meeting

Monday Evening, 6:30 PM

The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. J. Mark McCreary led the conference in prayer.

Resolved, that John R. LoRusso be seated as the alternate delegate of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.

Dana E. Weller introduced the following missionaries to the Annual Conference: Totoram & Felicia Baran, Byron Barnshaw, Mark Bickel, Francisco & Eliane de Souza, William Early, Richard J. Gehman, Scott Hoffman, Christopher & Rebekah Merrick, Jerry Moyer, Philip E. Morrison, Anthony Murrin, John Pello, David (Chico) Schlonecker, Jr., Ethemos & Irene Sioukiouroglou, John C. Studenroth, Craig & Mary Tress, Paul G. Zimmerman.

Roy A. Hertzog prayed for Dana E. Weller, his staff and our missionary family.

Resolved, that the minutes of the first meeting be approved.

Report of the Intercultural Ministries Study Committee (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Whereas, monies are needed to plant ethnic Bible Fellowship Churches, and

Whereas, the Committee believes that God has provided the people and opportunities and desires His church to reach the alien in the land and plant churches, therefore be it

Resolved, that each Pastor and Delegate to Annual Conference, if they have not already established a line item in their budgets for ethnic church planting, be encouraged to work with their churches to budget monies for ethnic church planting.

Resolved, that the following be approved at Second Reading:

Article 100-1 – PREAMBLE

100-1.1 The Bible Fellowship Church sets forth these Biblical Principles for Living to inform and guide disciples of Jesus Christ in making moral decisions and living lives of obedience.

100-1.2 The BFC acknowledges the Scriptures as the supreme and final authority of faith and conduct and the Holy Spirit as the source of power and guidance for the believer. These principles are summaries of the biblical truth that reveals the Lord’s directives in various aspects of life.

100-1.3 Increasing ethnic and cultural diversity in many of the churches and the prospect of new congregations being formed among various people groups have prompted the BFC to seek to state the principles so that they may be understood and applied by believers in any cultural context.

100-1.4 These principles are not exhaustive in that they do not cite all that the Bible says in any of the aspects included and that they do not cover all areas of life that the Scriptures address. In the future it may become apparent that additional aspects of life need to be addressed and that the current principles may need to be reconsidered with a view to amending them after further reflection on the biblical truth.

100-1.5 Every believer is accountable to God for all that the Bible says. Moral choices and actions should be based on the whole counsel of God. Each believer must faithfully read, study and review all parts of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

100-1.6 In seeking moral guidance, the believer should study the Old Testament books of the Law with special focus on the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:1-17). The implications of the Law are explained and applied in the rest of the Old Testament.

100-1.7 The Lord Jesus summarized the Law in the Great Commandments (Mat. 22:34-40; Mark 12:30, 31) and explained the spiritual depth of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 5-7). The application of the Law in the individual life of the believer and the corporate life of the church is set forth in the New Testament letters.

100-1.8 Since each believer is indwelled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, there is an enabling to obey God’s requirements (Rom. 8:3, 4). The Spirit controlled person will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). He or she will receive and employ the gifts of the Spirit (1 Pe. 4:10, 11; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11). Where the life and power of the Holy Spirit are present in an individual or church, the three abiding qualities, faith, hope and love, will be evident (1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thes. 1:3, Rom. 5:1, 2). The greatest of these is love, and “love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10).

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 122; No- 8

Resolved, that the following be approved at Second Reading:

Article 101-1 – Worship

101-1.1 Worship is response to God in all of life, whereby, in love, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, praise, and service God’s worth is declared.¹ Worship is rooted in reverence for and awe of the Lord and deepens as knowledge of God increases.² Worship is the privilege and responsibility of each individual, family, and congregation. For the believer, worship is a life style not limited by location or circumstance.

101-1.2 Worship is the ultimate purpose of the church. The mission of the church is to declare God’s glory and His salvation to all ethnic groups so that some from all the families of nations shall worship Him.³ Corporate worship is the assembled church celebrating the glory of God and ascribing to Him praise and honor. Christ, the head of the church, meets with and strengthens His people, who are called out from the world by the Holy Spirit.⁴

101-1.3 God declares that He alone is to be worshiped⁵ and this worship must be in spirit and truth.⁶ Such worship engages both mind and emotion, listening and responding to God in joyful obedience not simply in routine activity.⁷ For disobeying God’s instructions and substituting their own form of worship,⁸ Israel was severely punished. We therefore seek to learn from the Bible what kinds of worship please the Lord.

101-1.4 Worship in the Old Testament was a celebration of the mighty acts of the Lord, the covenant God of Israel. Corporate worship was highlighted through prescribed ritual: a priesthood, a sacrificial system looking forward to Christ’s atonement,⁹ and particular times and places when and where worship should occur.¹⁰ This ritual was not made valuable by its repetition.¹¹ Its value came through heartfelt, thoughtful response to God, uniting the worshipers.¹²

101-1.5 Worship in the New Testament is a celebration of the finished work of Christ, His victory over Satan, sin, and death through His own incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus claims for Himself authority over temple, Sabbath, sacrifice, and service.¹³ The former place, priesthood, and ritual were set aside¹⁴ as believers now observe¹⁵ a new day, the Lord’s Day,¹⁶ and new ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.¹⁷

101-1.6 Examples of corporate worship in the New Testament include: the reading of Scripture, prayer, praise, confession, singing, giving, thanksgiving, preaching and teaching, and the ordinances.¹⁸ The expression of these may be shaped by the cultural setting of a particular church and must be done in a fitting and orderly way.¹⁹

¹ Psa.96:7-9; Rom.12:1

² Psa.96:4, 2:11

³ Psa.96; Rom. 16:25-27; Rev.7:9-10

⁴ Eph.1:22,23

⁵ Exo.20:1-4

⁶ John 4:24

⁷ Mat. 15:7-9; 1 Cor. 14:15, 16

⁸ 1Ki.12:25-13:10

⁹ Heb.9:13,14

¹⁰ Exo.20-40

¹¹ Isa.29:13

¹² Psa.51:16,17; 84:1,2

¹³ Mark 2:18-28

¹⁴ Heb.10:8-18

¹⁵ Heb. 10:19-25

¹⁶ John 20:19,26; Acts 20:7

¹⁷ Mat. 28:18-20; 1Cor.11:23-26

¹⁸ Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-37; 1 Tim. 4:13

¹⁹ 1 Cor. 14:40

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 133; No – 2

Resolved, that the following be approved at Second Reading:

Article 101-2 – Spirit World

101-2.1 God is spirit¹ and has created everything, including the visible and the invisible. The invisible includes a great number ³ of spirit beings. Among these are angels who are without flesh ⁴ and remain invisible except when supernaturally revealed.⁵ Angels surround God’s throne to worship and serve Him.⁶ They are powerful ⁷ and are sent as God pleases ⁸ to provide and care for,⁹ to protect and deliver,¹⁰ to instruct and guide,¹¹ to discipline and punish.¹² They long to comprehend fully the grace of salvation and rejoice over each sinner who repents.¹³ God also created human beings who are spirit ¹⁴ and flesh to worship and serve Him as God alone.¹⁵

101-2.2 A created angelic being, later known as the devil or Satan, rebelled against God.¹⁶ Within limits allowed by the sovereign God,¹⁷ Satan leads a powerful world system of wickedness which is hostile toward God and His purposes.¹⁸ Satan may inflict pain, suffering, emotional problems and may cause death.¹⁹ He can control people to oppose the work of God, blind their minds to prevent their understanding the Gospel, and oppress the servants of God.²⁰ Anyone not led by the Holy Spirit is open to Satan’s influence.²¹ He seeks to influence nations and governments.²² Satan is a masterful deceiver appearing at times as an angel of light and called the father of lies.²³ False prophets, false religions, and cults are instruments of deception.²⁴ Those blinded and deceived by Satan live a life-style that is opposed to God.²⁵

101-2.3 Other angels followed Satan in his rebellion against God. These fallen angels, also known as evil spirits or demons, serve Satan, the god of this evil world system.²⁶ Satan and evil spirits can influence the believer²⁷ and possess unregenerate people and animals.²⁸ God has enabled believers to cast out demons by His Spirit.²⁹ God may continue to give this enablement, however, the casting out of demons is not in itself reason for boasting and not necessarily an evidence of an individual’s relationship with Christ.³⁰

101-2.4 Believers are commanded to stand against the evil spirit world ³¹ and are warned against such detestable things as divination, witchcraft, sorcery, interpreting of omens, casting of spells, and consulting the dead. These things are devices that Satan uses to lure people toward destruction. People who practice these things are under the condemnation of God.³² Because of Satan’s power, victory is possible only through our Lord Jesus Christ.³³ Through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross, God has provided victory over this world system for those born of God.³⁴ In prayerful dependence upon God, they are protected from and victorious over the powers of darkness as they use all the armor God provides, submissively draw near to Him, and resist the devil.³⁵

101-2.5 The sovereign God is in control of the entire social, political, and spiritual realm.³⁶ God will cast Satan and all his followers into the lake of fire which has been prepared for them where they will remain forever.³⁷ The kingdom of this world will one day become the kingdom of our Lord and He will reign forever and ever.³⁸

¹ John 4:24

² Neh. 9:6; Psa. 148:2-6; Col. 1:16

³ Dan. 7:9-10; Rev. 5:11

⁴ Luke 24:39; Eph. 6:12; Heb. 1:14

⁵ Gen. 28:12; Luke 2:8-13; Mat. 28:1-6

⁶ Psa. 89:5-7; Isa 6:1-8; Rev. 7:11-12

⁷ 2 Chr. 32:21; Acts 12:5-11; 2 Pe. 2:11

⁸ Psa. 103:20-21

⁹ Gen 24:7, 40; 1 Kgs. 19:5-8; Gen. 21:17-19; Luke 22:43

¹⁰ Exo. 23:20; Psa. 91:11-13; Dan. 6:22; Num. 20:15,16;

Psa. 34:7; Acts 5:19-20

¹¹ Luke 1: 26-37; Acts 27:23-26;

Rev. 1:1; Mat. 2:13; Acts 8:26; 10:3-6

¹² Luke 1:18-20; 2 Sam. 24:16-17; Acts 12:23

¹³ 1Pe. 1:10-12; Luke 15:10

¹⁴ Rom. 8:16; 1Thes. 5:23

¹⁵ Exo. 20:3-5; John 4:23-24

¹⁶ Eze. 28:13-16; Rev. 12:9

¹⁷ Job 1:10-12; Psa. 103:19; Pro. 21:1; Col.2:9-10

¹⁸ Eph. 6:11-12; 1Jo 2:15-17; 5:19

¹⁹Job 1:8-20; Luke 13:10-16; John 8:44

²⁰ Mat. 16:23; Luke 22:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:25-26

²¹ Mat. 12:43-45; Acts 5:3; Eph. 4:27

²² Acts 4:25-26; Rev. 20:3

²³ 2 Cor. 11:13-15; John 8:44

²⁴ Acts 13:6-11; 2Thes. 2:9-10

²⁵ John 8:37-38, 41; Eph. 2:1-3

²⁶ Mat. 25:41; Eph. 6:11-12; Rev. 12:9

²⁷ 2 Cor. 11:12-15; Eph. 4:25-27; 1 Pe. 5:8, 9

²⁸ Mat. 8:28-32; Mark 5:2, 6-13

²⁹ Mark 3:14-15; Acts 8:6-7; 16:18, Mat.12:28

³⁰ Mat. 7:22-23; Mark 9:38-40; Luke 10:20

³¹ Eph. 6:10-14; James. 4:7; 1Pe. 5:8-10

³² Exo. 20:4, 5; Lev. 19:26; Deu. 18:10-14, 20; Isa. 8:19,20

³³ Rom 8:37-39; 2 Thes. 3:3; 1 Pe. 1:3-7

³⁴ 1 Cor. 15:57-58; Col. 2:13-15; 1Jo. 5:4-6

³⁵ Eph. 6:13-18; James 4:7-8; Rev. 12:10-11

³⁶ Job 1:1 – 2:13; Psa. 2:1-12

³⁷ Mat. 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:10, 14-15

³⁸ Dan. 7:13-14; Zec. 14:9; Rev. 11:15

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 133; No – 1

Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Victory Valley Camp (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following were elected:

Ministerial Relations Committee

William G. Schlonecker (3 years)

Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church

Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)

David J. Watkins (3 years)

Board of Church Extension

Kenneth D. Keeler (3 years)

William G. Schlonecker (3 years)

Board of Missions

Gerald L. Schlonecker (3 years)

Board of Higher Education

John C. Studenroth (3 years)

Board of Pensions

Robert Gaugler (3 years)

William R. Singletary (3 years)

Ministerial Candidate Committee

David E. Gundrum (3 years)

Committee on Nominations

Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)

Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)

Resolved, that we adjourn.

We adjourned at 9:07 p.m. as Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor, closed in prayer.

Third Meeting

Monday Evening, 6:30 PM

The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. J. Mark McCreary led the conference in prayer.

Resolved, that John R. LoRusso be seated as the alternate delegate of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.

Roy A. Hertzog prayed for Dana E. Weller, his staff and our missionary family.

Resolved, that the minutes of the first meeting be approved.

Report of the Intercultural Ministries Study Committee (see page )

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

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 the following be approved at Second Reading:

Article 100-1 – PREAMBLE

100-1.1 The Bible Fellowship Church sets forth these Biblical Principles for Living to inform and guide disciples of Jesus Christ in making moral decisions and living lives of obedience.

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 122; No- 8

Resolved, that the following be approved at Second Reading:

Article 101-1 – Worship

¹ Psa.96:7-9; Rom.12:1

² Psa.96:4, 2:11

³ Psa.96; Rom. 16:25-27; Rev.7:9-10

⁴ Eph.1:22,23

⁵ Exo.20:1-4

⁶ John 4:24

⁷ Mat. 15:7-9; 1 Cor. 14:15, 16

⁸ 1Ki.12:25-13:10

⁹ Heb.9:13,14

¹⁰ Exo.20-40

¹¹ Isa.29:13

¹² Psa.51:16,17; 84:1,2

¹³ Mark 2:18-28

¹⁴ Heb.10:8-18

¹⁵ Heb. 10:19-25

¹⁶ John 20:19,26; Acts 20:7

¹⁷ Mat. 28:18-20; 1Cor.11:23-26

¹⁸ Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-37; 1 Tim. 4:13

¹⁹ 1 Cor. 14:40

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 133; No – 2

Resolved, that the following be approved at Second Reading:

Article 101-2 – Spirit World

¹ John 4:24

² Neh. 9:6; Psa. 148:2-6; Col. 1:16

³ Dan. 7:9-10; Rev. 5:11

⁴ Luke 24:39; Eph. 6:12; Heb. 1:14

⁵ Gen. 28:12; Luke 2:8-13; Mat. 28:1-6

⁶ Psa. 89:5-7; Isa 6:1-8; Rev. 7:11-12

⁷ 2 Chr. 32:21; Acts 12:5-11; 2 Pe. 2:11

⁸ Psa. 103:20-21

⁹ Gen 24:7, 40; 1 Kgs. 19:5-8; Gen. 21:17-19; Luke 22:43

¹⁰ Exo. 23:20; Psa. 91:11-13; Dan. 6:22; Num. 20:15,16;

Psa. 34:7; Acts 5:19-20

¹¹ Luke 1: 26-37; Acts 27:23-26;

Rev. 1:1; Mat. 2:13; Acts 8:26; 10:3-6

¹² Luke 1:18-20; 2 Sam. 24:16-17; Acts 12:23

¹³ 1Pe. 1:10-12; Luke 15:10

¹⁴ Rom. 8:16; 1Thes. 5:23

¹⁵ Exo. 20:3-5; John 4:23-24

¹⁶ Eze. 28:13-16; Rev. 12:9

¹⁷ Job 1:10-12; Psa. 103:19; Pro. 21:1; Col.2:9-10

¹⁸ Eph. 6:11-12; 1Jo 2:15-17; 5:19

¹⁹Job 1:8-20; Luke 13:10-16; John 8:44

²⁰ Mat. 16:23; Luke 22:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Tim. 2:25-26

²¹ Mat. 12:43-45; Acts 5:3; Eph. 4:27

²² Acts 4:25-26; Rev. 20:3

²³ 2 Cor. 11:13-15; John 8:44

²⁴ Acts 13:6-11; 2Thes. 2:9-10

²⁵ John 8:37-38, 41; Eph. 2:1-3

²⁶ Mat. 25:41; Eph. 6:11-12; Rev. 12:9

²⁷ 2 Cor. 11:12-15; Eph. 4:25-27; 1 Pe. 5:8, 9

²⁸ Mat. 8:28-32; Mark 5:2, 6-13

²⁹ Mark 3:14-15; Acts 8:6-7; 16:18, Mat.12:28

³⁰ Mat. 7:22-23; Mark 9:38-40; Luke 10:20

³¹ Eph. 6:10-14; James. 4:7; 1Pe. 5:8-10

³² Exo. 20:4, 5; Lev. 19:26; Deu. 18:10-14, 20; Isa. 8:19,20

³³ Rom 8:37-39; 2 Thes. 3:3; 1 Pe. 1:3-7

³⁴ 1 Cor. 15:57-58; Col. 2:13-15; 1Jo. 5:4-6

³⁵ Eph. 6:13-18; James 4:7-8; Rev. 12:10-11

³⁶ Job 1:1 – 2:13; Psa. 2:1-12

³⁷ Mat. 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:10, 14-15

³⁸ Dan. 7:13-14; Zec. 14:9; Rev. 11:15

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 133; No – 1

Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Victory Valley Camp (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following were elected:

Ministerial Relations Committee

William G. Schlonecker (3 years)

Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church

Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)

David J. Watkins (3 years)

Board of Church Extension

Kenneth D. Keeler (3 years)

William G. Schlonecker (3 years)

Board of Missions

Gerald L. Schlonecker (3 years)

Board of Higher Education

John C. Studenroth (3 years)

Board of Pensions

Robert Gaugler (3 years)

William R. Singletary (3 years)

Ministerial Candidate Committee

David E. Gundrum (3 years)

Committee on Nominations

Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)

Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)

Resolved, that we adjourn.

We adjourned at 9:07 p.m. as Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor, closed in prayer.

Fifth Meeting

Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM

The meeting was called to order by the chairman at 1:37p.m. Allan R. Vivona led the conference in prayer.

Resolved, that the minutes of the third meeting be approved.

Ronald C. Mahurin gave an update on the situation concerning W. David Armstrong, Jr.. He prayed, asking the Lord for a repentant heart for Brother Armstrong, comfort and strength for Cherene Armstrong and her children, and wisdom for Andrew T. Crossgrove and the Elders of the Harleysville Bible Fellowship Church.

Report of the Stewardship Council (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Strategic Planning Committee (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following was adopted at Second 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

[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

512-1 Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church

512-1.3 Duties of the Board

(6) Real Estate of Particular churches — It shall place the net proceeds of the sale of such property in the Real Estate Fund.

Resolved, that Article 512-1.6 Real Estate Fund be referred back to the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church.

Yes – 74 No – 61

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

512-1.6 Funds Administered by the Board of Directors

General Fund – Administrative Budget

(1) Preparation of the Budget

The budget will include the following items:

Expenses

Annual Conference Accommodations

Annual Conference Expenses

Expenses for Board and Committee Business

Disbursements

Beneficiary Fund

Conference Pastor

Historical Society

Ministerial Convention

Ministerial Retirement Fund

Publication and Printing

Funds

Church Assistance Fund

Ministers’ Assistance Fund

Pastoral Intern Fund

Bible Fellowship Church Special Project Fund

Church Assistance Fund

(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.

(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.

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.

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.

[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

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 or 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 any 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.

[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second 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.

[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

Article 102-1 – Holiness

102-1.1 God is holy.¹ He is separate from and superior to all creation.² He is absolutely pure and good.³ He cannot sin and hates sin.⁴ Because He is holy, He calls people to holiness.⁵

102-1.2 Holiness involves a setting apart, a dedicating or devoting, of someone or something for a special purpose.⁶ Believers are set apart for God and called saints, or holy ones.⁷ The Bible reveals the holiness of God and declares His standard for a holy life.⁸ God’s law teaches all people are sinners and His Spirit convicts of sin.⁹ All those who belong to God are, through the work of Christ, declared holy and are responsible to live holy lives.¹⁰ God’s purpose is that every believer through the experiences of this life be changed into the likeness of His Son.¹¹

102-1.3 Sanctification, or holy living, is progressively realized by the power of the Holy Spirit.¹² For Christians, there is to be a separation from all forms of evil, and a full surrender to the Lord.¹³ Believers should not participate in any group which demands behavior or an affirmation of beliefs that are opposed to our allegiance to Christ.¹⁴ They are not to continue any longer in the sinful ways of the world but should rather seek to have all thoughts and actions conformed to the revealed will of God.¹⁵ Sin’s control and its continued practice must cease.¹⁶

102-1.4 The church is also called to holiness.¹⁷ Believers are to encourage one another to live righteously,¹⁸ warn against the dangers of all sin,¹⁹ confess and repent of all individual and corporate sin,²⁰ and submit to discipline as taught by the Lord.²¹ Christian leaders have a particular responsibility to set proper examples of holy living.²²

¹ Exo.15:11; Psa.99:9; Isa.6:3

² Psa. 89:5-8; Isa.57:15; Rev.15:4

³ Psa.33:5; Hab.1:13; James 1:13

⁴ Exo.34:6-7; Psa. 5:4-6; 1Jo.1:5

⁵ Lev.10:3; 19:2; Acts 17:30, 31

⁶ Exo.20:8; Deut.7:6; 1Pe.2:9-10

⁷ 1Cor.1:2; Rom.1:7; Heb.12:14

⁸ Exo.20:1-17; Mat.22:37-40; James.2:10

⁹ Rom.3:19-20; John16:7-14; 1Tim.1:8-11

¹⁰ Rom.3:23-26; Rom.8:1-17; Heb.10:10

¹¹ Rom.8:28-29; Phil.1:6; 2Pe. 1:3-4

¹² Rom.8:26-30; 2Cor.3:18; 2Thes.2:13

¹³ 2Cor.6:14-7:1; Eph.4:17-5:14

¹⁴ Mat. 6:24; Acts 4:19, 20; Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 7:23;

Eph. 5:11

¹⁵ Rom.12:1-2; Col.3:9-10; 1Pe.1:13-16

¹⁶ Rom.6:1-14; Tit.2:11-14; 1Pe.2:11-12; 1Jo.2:13

¹⁷ 1Cor.3:16-17; Eph.5:25-27

¹⁸ Gal.6:1-2; Heb.10:23-25

¹⁹ 1Thes.5:14; James 5:19-20

²⁰ Pro.18:13; 1Cor.5:1-2; 2Cor.2:5-8; 1Jo.1:9; Rev.3:19

²¹ Mat.18:15-17

²² Phil.3:17; Heb.13:7; 1Pe.5:1-3

Yes – 130; No – 5[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

Article 102-2 – Justice

102-2.1 By nature God is morally perfect and righteous in every way. To say that God is just is to affirm the rightness of His law and His faithful and consistent adherence to that law in His judgments.¹ Justice is the perfect application of His law in the lives of human beings. Both human law and the application of that law can distort God’s justice and therefore be sinful and produce sin. Sin causes human beings to enact and apply laws in ways that are unjust.² Because God is just, He abhors the distortions of His law.³

102-2.2 In a world of sinful people, injustice results when human beings are judged by such things as color of skin, ethnicity, gender, age, social, economic and occupational status. To evaluate people based on such external characteristics is inconsistent with faith in Jesus Christ.⁴ Those who value people in this way are acting out of ungodly cultural biases and sinful pride.⁵ Injustice also results when persons allow their own sinful motivations, such as greed,⁶ jealousy,⁷ and envy,⁸ to shape their relationships with other people. In Jesus Christ such wicked and false distinctions or motivations are abolished.⁹

102-2.3 God’s love for humankind knows no racial, national, economic, age, or gender boundaries and God’s people must demonstrate this same impartial love.¹⁰ The proclamation of the gospel to every person regardless of location or status will be a matter of great priority among those who love justice.¹¹

102-2.4 Those who value justice will seek consistent and upright applications of human law so that no one is denied due process because of sinful distinctions.¹² Those who love justice will seek truth and act with integrity in all relationships.

102-2.5 The quest for justice in a world distorted by sin will often yield imperfect and incomplete results. The people of God who love justice will repent when they recognize their failure to do justice and will renew their efforts to bring justice to those who have been denied it.¹³

¹ Deut.10:17,18; Isa.5:6

² Deut.16:19,20

³ Isa. 10:1, 2

⁴ James 2:1-4

⁵ Lev.19:5

⁶Col. 3:5

⁷ James 3:14

⁸ Gal. 5:25, 26

⁹ Gal.3:28; Eph.2:14-16

¹⁰ Acts 10:34-36

¹¹ Rom.3:9; 1Tim.2:3,4

¹² Gen.18:19

¹³ Mic.6:8

[SECOND READING]

The following was elected:

Strategic Planning Committee

Robert H. Zentz (3 years)

James A. Beil requested to be excused from the evening meeting.

Resolved, that the request to be excused be granted.

Resolved, that we adjourn.

Philip E. Morrison closed the meeting in prayer at 5:10 p.m.

Sixth Meeting

Tuesday Evening, 6:30 PM

The chairman called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. John H. Riggall opened the meeting in prayer remembering Jill Atkins who went into surgery at 9:00 a.m. and was still in surgery as this meeting was called to order.

Resolved, that the minutes of the fourth meeting be approved.

The following were elected:

Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church

Charles A. Lavigna (3 years)

Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.

Glenn D. Ruoss (3 years)

Hans R. Waldvogel (3 years)

Board of Victory Valley

David L. Weller (3 years)

Gary J. Wolfinger (3 years)

Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference

Jonathan W. Arnold, Sr. (3 years)

Charles E. Cole (3 years)

Lee E. Boyles (3 years)

Gerald L. Schlonecker (3 years)

Hans R. Waldvogel (3 years)

Historical Committee

Carl C. Cassel (3 years)

Jill A. Davidson (3 years)

Conference Judicatory

Ronald W. Reed (3 years)

L James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)

Special Appellate Judicatory

John C. Studenroth (3 years)

Charles A. Lavigna (3 years)

Chairman of Annual Conference

Randall A. Grossman (1 year)

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

Article 102-4 – Humility

102-4.1 Humility is an attitude of heart and mind perfectly exemplified in the person and life of Christ.¹ It characterizes those united with Christ,² pleases God,³ and shapes both the life of the community of faith⁴ and the ministry of the Lord’s servants.⁵ The opposite of humility is pride which meets divine resistance and anger.⁶

102-4.2 Humility is an acceptance of one’s true position in relationship to God,⁷ authorities, other believers,⁸ society,⁹ and all of creation.¹⁰ Its reality is demonstrated in joyful service and appropriate submission seen most clearly in the willing self-sacrifice of Christ.

102-4.3 In the individual Christian, humility recognizes the grace of God which has made each believer to be accepted in Christ. This viewpoint becomes a source of forgiveness and patience within the Christian community.¹¹ The Christian’s love for others is greatly aided by the development of godly humility.

102-4.4 The unique servant quality of Christian leadership is a direct result of godly humility. Elders of the church do not dominate the congregation but are servants to the whole body.¹² They do not desire to control, but rather to promote the development and enrichment of every member. As heirs of grace together with their brothers and sisters, Christian leaders must renounce the pride which creates divisions and factions¹³ based on secondary theological issues,¹⁴ on areas of Christian liberty,¹⁵ or merely on personalities.¹⁶

102-4.5 Humility encourages each church to cooperate with believers in gospel outreach,¹⁷ compels us to seek to meet needs of others,¹⁸ and causes us to be advocates for those who have none.¹⁹ Concern shown for the disadvantaged in our world must be expressed through ministries of mercy²⁰ and efforts to promote the growth of the congregation among all kinds of people.²¹

¹ Phil.2:5-11

² Phil.2:1-3

³ James 4:6

⁴ Eph.4:1,2

⁵ 1Cor.3:6-9

⁶ Prov.3:34; James 4:6; 1Pet.5:5

⁷ 1Pet.5:6; Luke 18:14

⁸ Eph.4:2; Phil.2:3

⁹ Luke 14:11

¹⁰ Psa. 8

¹¹ Col.3:12,13

¹² 1Pet.5:2,3

¹³ 1Cor.1:10

¹⁴ Gal. 5:6; Eph.4:2,3

¹⁵ Rom.14,15

¹⁶ 1Cor.3:5; 4:6,7

¹⁷ Luke 9:49,50; Phil.1:15-18

¹⁸ Gal.6:9,10

¹⁹ Psa.82:3,4; Pro. 31:8, 9; Isa.1:17

²⁰ Rom.12:14-16

²¹ Luke 10: 25-37; James 2:5-10

Yes – 131; No – 3[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second 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. Truth does not change¹² and the opposite of truth is falsehood. God desires¹³ and requires¹⁴ that all people speak the truth. His directives for truthfulness are found in the third¹⁵ and ninth¹⁶ commandments. Truth is truth even if it is not understood or fully disclosed.¹⁷ The failure to be truthful, including deceitfulness, is sin.¹⁸ Lying is among the sins of unbelievers that will be judged in hell.¹⁹ Believers who lie are disciplined by the Lord, possibly even to the point of death.²⁰

102-5.3 The believer and the believing community are commanded to be truthful.²¹ This includes keeping promises and honoring contracts, whether written or oral. In speaking the truth believers may formally call God to witness with an oath or simply affirm the truth of their statements. ²² The Christian and the church must keep their promises even when it is costly to do so.²³

102-5.4 In the Scriptures, truth and integrity stand together.²⁴ Integrity is soundness, wholeness, consistency of character. Without truth there is no integrity.²⁵ God is pleased with integrity²⁶ and judges accordingly.²⁷ Integrity protects believers²⁸ and upholds them through difficult times in life.²⁹ It provides security and guidance for a believer’s life.³⁰ All teaching of God’s truth must show integrity.³¹ Truth and integrity must be lived out in love so that the body of Christ might mature.³²

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.³³

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 John 5:7

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 Mark 4:33, 34; John 16:12

¹⁸ Mark 7:22; Rom. 1:29

¹⁹ Psa. 5:6, 9, 10; Rev. 21:8; 22:14, 15

²⁰ Jer. 9:4-9; Acts 5:1-10

²¹ Col. 3:8, 9

²² Matt. 26:63, 64; 2 Cor. 1:23; Heb. 6:16, 17; James 5:12

²³ Psa. 15:1-4

²⁴ Job 27:4, 5; Matt. 22:15, 16; 2 Cor. 1:17-20

²⁵ Isa. 59:3, 4

²⁶ 1 Chr. 29:17

²⁷ Psa. 7:8

²⁸ Psa. 25:21

²⁹ Psa. 41:12

³⁰ Pro. 10:9; 11:3

³¹ Titus 2:7

³² Eph. 4:14-16 ³³ Matt. 5:33-37

Yes – 134; No – 1[SECOND READING]

The following was adopted at Second Reading:

Article 103-2 Repentance and Restitution

103-2.1 God commands every person to repent.¹ Without repentance there is no salvation.² Repentance is a work of the Holy Spirit producing change of mind and heart that leads to a changed life.

103-2.2 For the believer, repentance is a daily obligation to live according to the Word of God. 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 for the believer who has sinned is to make restitution for any loss the sin caused other people. Restitution is a demonstration of repentance. Believers should make restitution⁵ in accordance with the Word of God to satisfy the righteousness of God.

103-2.4 Restitution involves restoration to the offended party that which was lost through injury to reputation, life, limb or property which has been destroyed, lost, stolen, 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 Baptist⁹ and 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 Philemon¹² and 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

Yes – 128; No – 5[SECOND READING]

Resolved, that the following action be taken at First Reading:

Whereas, the Stewardship Council services are not being used by the denomination and

Whereas, the BFC agencies are all doing their own stewardship promotion, therefore be it,

Resolved, the Stewardship Council be dissolved, and be it further

Resolved, that 512-16 Stewardship Council be deleted from the Faith & Order.

[FIRST READING]

Resolved, that the responsibility of monitoring of deferred gift annuities of churches and agencies be assigned to the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church.

Resolved, that the following revisions be made in the Faith & Order at First Reading:

407-5 Congregations shall consult with the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church prior to establishing any gift annuities and shall list all gift annuity obligations annually in their financial report to the congregation.

509-7 Agencies shall consult with the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church prior to establishing any gift annuities and shall list all gift annuity obligations annually in their financial report to Annual Conference.

[FIRST READING]

Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:

512-1.3 (8) It shall advise particular churches and agencies concerning any gift annuities prior to their establishment. (see 407-5; 509-7) [This replaces the current 512-1.3 (8)]

[FIRST READING]

Resolved, that we adjourn.

Alva C. Cassel closed the meeting with prayer with special mention of the ministry of Pinebrook Bible Conference. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Seventh Meeting

Wednesday Morning, 9:00 AM

The meeting was called to order by William G. Schlonecker at 9:00 a.m. Richard B. Ravis opened by reading Philippians 1:2-6. He led the conference in worship by singing Holy, Holy, Holy. Eric North sang and led the conference in singing Above All. Willis I. Dowling prayed then Richard D. Harris ministered to us with a trumpet solo playing Knowing You. The conference then joined him in singing Knowing You. We were then led in a time of private prayer of adoration to the Lord. Brother Ravis read Powerful in Making Us Wise, a reading reminding us of the role of the Scriptures in our lives. J. Richard Vroman read 1 Corinthians 2:11-16. The conference sang For Your Gift of God the Spirit. Clifford B. Boone delivered a message entitled Wisdom Imparted Through the Spirit. The worship time came to a conclusion as the conference sang Spirit of the Living God.

William G. Schlonecker opened the business of the day in prayer.

The following have presented requests to be excused from various sessions of Annual Conference: David E. Thomann, Thomas W. Krans, Richard C. Davis, John H. Riggall and Michael P. Emrick, Jr.

Resolved, that these requests be granted.

Resolved, that the following alternate delegate be seated: Robert K. Fields

Resolved, that the minutes of the fifth meeting be approved.

The following were elected:

Conference Judicatory

Dean A. Stortz (3 years)

Gregory A. Uhrich (3 years)

Vice-Chairman of Annual Conference

William G. Schlonecker (1 year)

Strategic Planning Committee

Dana E. Weller (3 years)

Board of Youth and Young Adults

Michael L. Easton (3 years)

Ministerial Candidate Committee

Brian H. Cooper (3 years)

Board of Higher Education

Alan H. Russell (3 years)

Report of the Board of Christian Education (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Secret Society Study Committee (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following resolution was lost:

Eliminate the first word “Therefore” at the beginning of Article 1005-4 and replace the last sentence in Article 1005-4 with: “Therefore, no person who is a member in our church or who anticipates such membership shall be a member of a secret oath-bound society.”

Yes – 63; No – 68

The following resolution was lost:

Replace the word “Therefore” in Article 1005-4 with: “A prominent example of a secret oath-bound society is Freemasonry. No member of the Bible Fellowship Church may be a member of Freemasonry or its affiliates.”

Yes – 62; No – 67

Ondrej Franka was introduced to the conference. He brought greetings to the conference from the believers of Serbia Montenegro and an update on his work there. Charles A. Lavigna gave an update on the work teams that are helping build the church building in Serbia Montenegro. There is a need for specific skilled workers to do the work there. The Reading BFC is heading up the project.

Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m. with Ronald W. Reed closing in prayer with special mention of the work of Ondrej Franka.

Eighth Meeting

Wednesday Afternoon, 1:30 AM

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, William G. Schlonecker at 1:30 p.m. David J. Watkins prayed for the meeting and for Jill Atkins, Arlene Paashaus, Cheryl Smock and James A. Beil who are suffering with various physical needs.

The following have requested to be excused from various sessions of the 120th Annual Conference: R. C. Reichenbach, Gary W. Saggio, Kevin W. Clineff and Richard J. Gehman.

Resolved, that these requests be granted.

Resolved, that minutes of the sixth meeting be approved.

The following was elected:

Pinebrook Bible Conference

Jay Fasnacht (1 year)

Whereas, the committee believes that the present article on Secret Oath-Bound Societies (Article 112 of the Standards of Worship and Life) is not transcultural, and

Whereas, the committee believes the present article on Secret Oath-Bound Societies, as traditionally understood in the BFC, is not appropriate for formulation as a separate BPL, and

Whereas, it seems most appropriate to deal with the legitimate concerns raised in the present Article 112 with the adoption of a new Declaration on Particular Issues, entitled, “Affiliations”, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the 120^th Annual Conference approve for First Reading, Declaration on Particular Issues: “Affiliations”.

Article 1005 – Affiliations

1005-1. It is highly inconsistent and anti-Scriptural for Christians to be members of organizations or societies that bind their members with oaths or affirmations that require involvement in practices or with philosophies which are contrary to our allegiance to Christ. We urge believers to refrain from joining and to withdraw their membership from any such organization or society. In addition, believers must look with grave concern upon organizations or societies which require secrecy for their basic tenets and practices.

1005-2. The Scriptures teach about both proper and improper taking of oaths.¹ While oaths are not forbidden, the kinds of oaths taken by members of such associations are clearly against the teaching of Christ.² The secrecy and higher allegiance required by such associations are not in keeping with the believers’ call to be light-bearers in the world. This violates Christ’s example of openness that rejects secret hidden agenda.³

1005-3. Often, being a member of such an organization or society violates the commands of the Scriptures not to be yoked together with unbelievers⁴ nor to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.⁵ Of supreme importance is that membership in any organization or society must not supercede our brotherhood with believers⁶ and must not violate our allegiance to Christ.⁷ We cannot serve God or any other master.⁸

1005-4. Therefore, elders are encouraged to consider most seriously the affiliations maintained by persons who are seeking membership or hold membership in a BFC, giving godly counsel whenever necessary. Elders may choose to withhold membership or exercise church discipline in certain circumstances based on an individual’s affiliations.⁹

¹ Lev. 19:12; Num. 5:19-21; 2 Cor. 1:23 Heb. 6:13-16

² Mat. 5:34-37; Jam. 5:12

³ John 3:21; Matt 5:14; John 18:20

⁴ 2 Cor. 6:14

⁵ Eph. 5:11,12

⁶ John 17:21

⁷ Matt. 10:37

⁸ Matt. 6:24

⁹ Lev. 20:26; 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 Pet. 1:16

Yes – 90; No – 39 [FIRST READING]

Report of the Study Committee on Credentials and Multi Staff Churches (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading: (The material in bold italics is the second reading material. The appropriate point of insertion in Article 401-1.7 is included.)

Article 401- 1.7 The Board of Elders shall be the channel of communication between the particular church and the fellowship of churches and its organizations. The Elders shall nominate from their number of the congregation and shall elect the appropriate number of delegates based on congregational membership as follows:

1-299 members 1delegate

300-499 members 2 delegates

500-749 members 3 delegates

750-999 members 4 delegates

When congregations have more than one delegate, the Board of Elders shall designate one delegate as “First Delegate” for purpose of pulpit supply procedures. In the event of death, resignation, or removal of the First Delegate, another First Delegate shall be designated from among the remaining delegates.

A man serving on a pastoral staff is not eligible to serve as a lay delegate to Annual Conference.

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 121; No – 6

Whereas, the Faith & Order assumes that a church has but one pastor, and

Whereas, many of our churches have more than one pastor on its staff, and

Whereas, there is confusion when the Faith and Order speaks of the pastor as to whether all that is said applies to only the “Senior Pastor” or all members of the pastoral staff, and

Whereas, there is confusion when the Faith and Order speaks of the responsibility of the delegate when a church is without a pastor, if those responsibilities can be altered when a church has another member of the pastoral staff on the scene, and

Whereas, there is confusion as to the status of individuals who are called “pastors” in the BFC but do not have credentials with the BFC, and

Whereas, churches have other individuals in their employ who are ministering in the life of the church which are not considered pastors, therefore be it

Resolved, that the Committee to Study Credentials and Multi-Staff Churches be charged with developing legislation for “church staffs” and “pastoral staffs” to be included in the Faith and Order.

The following was considered at First Reading:

Whereas, there are individuals who are not ordained or whose previous ordination has not been recognized by the BFC 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 of 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 the material in bold italics be added to the Faith and Order, Article 510 General Rules of Elections and Resignations:

Article 510 – General Rules of Elections and Resignations

510 – 1 Categories

(1) There are three categories of nominees for election to board, and committees. They are ministers, elders, and laypersons.

(2) Pastoral Staff members are not eligible to serve in the categories of elders or laypersons.

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 123; No – 5

Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:

Article 103-1 – Humanity in God’s Image

103-1.1 The human race exists as a result of an instantaneous creative act of God.¹ Humanity shares many characteristics with other creatures, but is unique in that each individual bears the image or likeness of God.² This image makes possible the worship of God,³ relationships between persons,⁴ and responsibility to rule over God’s creation.⁵ Only God confers this image, and it cannot be removed by any created being. Originally God’s image in humanity included true righteousness and holiness; but by the entrance of sin into humanity these have been lost⁶ and the image distorted yet not destroyed.⁷

103-1.2 Because human beings are made in God’s image, every person has an unique identity, individual worth, and purpose to live for God’s glory.⁸ The image of God is also the basis for the dignity of every person. All human life should be cherished and protected, not neglected, despised or abused. God forbids the unlawful destruction of human life, both murder and suicide, and provides the strongest of sanctions, including capital punishment, to protect it.⁹ The killing of the weak and defenseless by means of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia is a crime against both those persons and the God whose image they bear. Christians should exert every effort to oppose these evils in society, and other evils as defined and condemned by Scripture, including racism;¹¹ cultural bias;¹² gender discrimination;¹³ ignoring the poor,¹⁴ disabled¹⁵ and aged;¹⁶ and every other form of injustice against human beings.¹⁷ They should respect the image of God in every person despite the sins of that person or the consequences of those sins.¹⁸ They should also work to protect the dignity of every human being.¹⁹

¹Gen.1:26, 27; 2:7

²Gen.5:1

³Gen.3:8-9; Acts 17:26-28

⁴Gen.2:18,23

⁵Gen.1:28; 2:15; Psa.8:3-8

⁶Eph.4:24; Col.3:10

⁷James 3:9

⁸Psa.139:1-18

⁹Ex.20:13; Gen.9:6

¹⁰Prov.24:11-12

¹¹ Deut. 10:17-19; Gal. 2:6

¹² Acts 10:27, 28; 1 Cor. 9:19-23

¹³ Mark 10:6, 10-12; Gal. 3:28, 29

¹⁴ Prov. 14:31; 21:13; James 2:1-4

¹⁵ Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18

¹⁶ Lev. 19:32; 1 Tim. 5:1,2

¹⁷ Deut. 27:19; Acts 20:35

¹⁸1 Cor.6:9-11; James 3:9

¹⁹Rom.13:8-10; Rom. 12:10

Yes – 121; No – 2 [SECOND READING]

Whereas, we believe the “Biblical Principles For Living” are God’s intended principles by which we should live, and

Whereas, we believe the “Biblical Principles For Living” should be urgently and diligently taught to our congregations,

Resolved, each Pastor and Delegate seek ways to implement the teaching of the “Biblical Principles For Living”for their congregations and further,

Resolved, we encourage the Christian Education Committee to continue its work on preparing lesson plans for The Biblical Principles For Living.

The following was considered at First Reading:

Whereas, the ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. has, over the years, expanded and has become in practicality, an entity of its own, and

Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. has had full ownership and fiduciary responsibility since 1993, and

Whereas, the financial commitment of the Bible Fellowship Church has continued in its traditional and most acceptable manner and is appreciated by the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc., those contributions are less than 1% of the total revenues, and

Whereas, the by-laws of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. require all Board Members and the President and CEO of the Corporation to commit to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, and

Whereas, this commitment assures the continuing spiritual ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. on a level equal to the present ministry, and

Whereas, the legal demands on the operation of the ministry have forced it to take on a greater level of liability thus increasing the number of potential lawsuits, and

Whereas, Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. is of the opinion that the existing relationship between Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. and the Bible Fellowship Church is to increase the risk of suits to the denomination, therefore be it

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at first reading:

512-2 Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.

512-2.1 Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. is an affiliate of the Bible Fellowship Church.

512-2.2 Bible Fellowship Church has no ownership or fiduciary responsibility in Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. The Church’s sole responsibility is the election of five (5) members to the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.

512-2.3 Those Board Members elected by Annual Conference shall give a written report annually on the spiritual status of the ministry.

512-2.4 A financial report given for information only and not to be adopted by Annual Conference shall be given annually to Annual Conference.

512-2.5 Elections: Five (5) members shall be elected in three classes for three (3) year terms:

Class one:one minister, one lay person

Class two: one minister, one lay person

Class three: one minister

Yes – 122; No – 3 [FIRST READING]

Whereas, the potential of serious liability consequences should not be born by the Bible Fellowship Church and

Whereas, the action taken in 1993 manifests a desire by the Bible Fellowship Church for Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc., to assume such responsibility, and

Whereas, the attorneys for the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. and the Bible Fellowship Church recommend these changes to be made as soon as possible, and

Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church hereby relinquishes its control of the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.

Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church is in agreement with said action, therefore be it

Resolved, that by Rule of Exception, §512-2.1 – 2.4 shall be immediately implemented.

Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. as Howard N. Wells closed in prayer remembering Lou Cursio’s father who was taken to the hospital with congestive heart failure and Carl J. Fischer, Jr. and his son Joshua who are also having physical issues. He also prayed for Jill Atkins in her physical need and Elliot H. Ramos and the Lighthouse BFC which experienced a break-in recently.

Ninth Meeting

Wednesday Evening, 6:30 PM

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. with Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. leading in prayer; praying especially for Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.

Resolved, that the minutes of the seventh meeting be approved.

Resolved, that the salary for the Conference Pastor be $26,000.00, and in addition we provide $6,000.00 for car and professional expenses and $4,320.00 for health insurance.

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:

[Replacing Faith and Order 409 – 1.2 (6) with]

(6) In the process of the Nominating Committee determining the candidate they believe to be their choice, the candidate shall interview with the Board of Elders in order to gain the approval of the Board of Elders.

[Add the following to Article 409-1.2]

(7) Upon approval of the Board of Elders, the Nominating Committee shall be informed that a Congregational meeting may now be called for the purpose of acting on the report of the Nominating Committee. Public notice of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting shall be given at no fewer than three prior regularly-scheduled meetings.

[Subsequent paragraph renumbered to (8)]

[FIRST READING]

Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:

Change the words “Nominating Committee” to “Pastoral Search Committee” in §409 of the Faith & Order.

[FIRST READING]

Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:

(1) The Real Estate Fund shall hold the net proceeds of 1) the sale of property deeded to a particular church which ceases to exist for any reason, or 2) the sale of property under the administration of the Board of Directors which was purchased on behalf of the Board of Church Extension. 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]

Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 be adopted (see page ).

Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004 be approved for submission to the churches for their pledges (see page ).

Resolved, that a contribution of $325 for the conference year 2003 be given to the Board of Communications 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, Paul T. Rutman, by December 31, 2003.

Resolved, that $1.75 per member of each particular Bible Fellowship Church for 2003 be forwarded to the Board of Communications from each church to help underwrite the cost of printing and distributing the Fellowship News. Payments are to be made to the Board of Communications table at the 120th Annual Conference.

Resolved, that the cost of the 2003 Yearbook be $8.25 per copy.

Resolved, that the proposed budget for the Board of Communications for the year January 1 to December 31, 2004 be adopted (see page ).

The following was considered at First Reading:

Whereas, the Faith & Order, § 403-3 (4) states that the Particular Churche’s “Financial Report(s), including evidence of annual auditing” be included in reporting to Annual Conference, and

Whereas, in many cases it is cost prohibitive, and

Whereas, most Churches do not have audits done to their financial records, and

Whereas, those Churches who do have their financial records looked at are ‘reviews’, therefore be it

Resolved, that we change §403-3 (4) to read “review” instead of “audit”.

[FIRST READING]

Report of the Committee to Study the Role of Women in the Church (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Committee on Statistics (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Committee on Auditing (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has reported the establishment of six pastorates, therefore be it

Resolved, that we offer praise to God for His gracious provision of pastors for our churches.

Whereas, a mission representing a new target area was established by the Board of Church Extension in the DELMARVA area, therefore be it

Resolved, that we praise God for His leading and granting of new vision, and be it further

Resolved, that we pray and support this mission along with its planters, Kenneth F. Barber and Raymond R. Bertolet.

Whereas, David T. Allen was approved for ordination to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and

Whereas, C. Larry Bennett, Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., and John R. Stover were approved to have 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, the Lord has sovereignly worked in the establishment of the Thompson, CT mission and

Whereas, Pastor Dennis W. Spinney has faithfully served as organizing pastor for many years, and

Whereas, the 120^th Annual Conference of the BFC has welcomed the Thompson Bible Fellowship Church of Thompson, CT, as a Particular Church according to our rules, therefore be it

Resolved, that the members of the 120^th Annual Conference encourage each of our churches to pray diligently for the success of the Thompson church.

Whereas, David E. Gundrum and Dana E. Weller have been ratified for the term of three years as directors of Church Extension Ministries and Board of Missions respectively, therefore be it

Resolved, that we give thanks for their faithful service and continue to lift them up in prayer that they be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Whereas, the Annual Conference has been working on the “Principles for Biblical Living” since 1995, and

Whereas, the 120^th Annual Conference has completed the final work on six BPL’s, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank the committee for their fine work and pray that this work may be completed at the 121^st Annual Conference.

Whereas, Ronald C. Mahurin has faithfully served during his second year as Conference Pastor with a spirit of love and compassion for our BFC churches and pastors, be it

Resolved, that we praise our heavenly Father and pray for continued blessings on this ministry.

Whereas, four of our brothers, David J. Watkins, Alva C. Cassel, Richard J. Gehman, and D. Thomas Phillips have retired from full-time active ministry, and

Whereas, they have served for many years faithfully ministering the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore be it

Resolved, that we give thanks to our God for the gift of their service to the Bible Fellowship Church.

Whereas, the Annual Conference heard an update from Jack Becker on the Church Extension work in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and

Whereas, Tom Morrison was introduced as working towards becoming the pastor of this work, therefore be it

Resolved, that we praise the Lord that the Bible Fellowship Church is reaching people in New Mexico and pray for the provision of a new pastor so Brother Becker can continue to expand his work with Integrity Mission.

Whereas, Kenneth J. Hurst represents our Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible Fellowship Church in service to the Army Chaplaincy, and

Whereas, we recognize the importance, need and opportunity for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the ministry, therefore be it,

Resolved, that we give praise for Ken Hurst’s faithful service and further be it

Resolved, that we pray for the Spirit of God to move in our military and to send His Laborers into the field of military chaplaincy.

Whereas, Ondrej Franka brought greetings to the Annual Conference from the church in Serbia, and

Whereas, Brother Franka gave an update on the church construction project and a challenge to our churches to send work teams to assist in the construction, therefore be it

Resolved, that we pray for God’s continued blessing on the ministry of Ondrej Franka, and for His provision in the continuing construction project.

Whereas, the Lord saw fit to call home to glory two faithful servants: Rodney Stortz, pastor in St. Louis, Missouri, and David M. Markuson, elder/delegate at Church of the Cross in Toms River, NJ, and

Whereas, both godly men have had a profound and lasting impact on Pastor Dean A. Stortz, his ministry, and all those who knew them, therefore be it

Resolved, that we praise God for the promise of eternal life, and be it further

Resolved, that we continue to pray that God be glorified and that His comfort and grace sustain, and empower those who still remain to continue the work of the kingdom.

Whereas, Ruth Hartman was involved in the educational process of many in our churches through the ministry of Berean Bible School, and

Whereas, Sister Hartman went to be with the Lord on March 22, 2003, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the life and ministry of sister Hartman and pray God’s comfort on her husband, Jansen, and their children at this time.

The conference paused as Ronald W. Reed prayed that God would richly bless Brother Hartman with comfort and grace. He also gave thanks for the life and ministry of Sister Hartman.

Whereas, the BFC Annual Conference has become aware during this week of the current physical needs of Jill Atkins, Arlene Paashaus, Cheryl Smock, and Joshua Fischer requiring a hospital stay or medical treatment and

Whereas, members of this Annual Conference, Roger L. Reitz, James A. Beil, and Carl J. Fischer, Jr., have expressed to us their personal physical needs, be it

Resolved, that we praise God for His healing work and seek His mercies for full recovery of health for all these, beloved of Christ.

Whereas, Head page Louis S. Curcio and pages Michael L. Easton, David K. Schlonecker, Mark E. Barninger, Ronald L. Kohl, Raymond Cole, Timothy J. Schmoyer, David W. Peters, Jeffrey Rossignol, Jeffrey S. Albrecht, Fred Hoffman, Raymond R. Bertolet, William F. Early, Scott B. Evans, and Mark Evans have cheerfully and faithfully served the 120^th Annual Conference, therefore be it

Resolved, that the members of the 120^th Annual Conference show their heartfelt appreciation for their sacrificial service with a round of applause.

Whereas, the Harleysville congregation has undergone a severe trial in the past year due to the circumstances of Pastor Armstrong’s resignation, and

Whereas, the elders and pastors of this, our sister church, are seeking to provide faithful and loving oversight for the promotion of healing for their flock, therefore be it

Resolved, that we continue to pray for our brothers as they care for their congregation, and be it further

Resolved, that we continue to pray that the Lord provide a new pastor according to His own will and timing.

Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference along with some wives of our pastors and delegates have readily and cheerfully served the members of the 120^th Annual Conference, therefore be it

Resolved, that we note with thanksgiving the helpful service of those who have labored to care for us.

Whereas, William G. Schlonecker, Carl K. Spackman, and Clifford B. Boone 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, the Annual Conference Secretary and his assistants have served with precision and productivity, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful service, and be it further

Resolved, that each be awarded $50.00 for their labors.

Whereas, William G. Schlonecker has served outstandingly as Chairman of the 120^th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it

Resolved, that the members of Annual Conference show their appreciation of Brother Scholnecker with a standing ovation.

Resolved: That the following is the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee as of February 28, 2003:

Probationers

(Year of Licensing in parenthesis)

David T. Allen (2000). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kutztown PA

Charles Larry Bennett (2001). . . . . . . . . Zionsville PA

Gerald D. Clark (2002). . . . . . . . . . . Stanfordville NY

Kevin W. Clineff (2001). . . . . . . . . . . .Spring City PA

Louis S. Curcio (2002). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hatfield PA

Robert A. Johnson II (2002). . . . . . . . . . Lehighton PA

Kevin W. Kirkpatrick (2001). . . . . . . . . .Terre Hill PA

Donald E. Kuntzman. . . . . . . . . . . . .Center Valley PA

Stephen C. Mann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hellertown PA

Eric R. North. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hicksville NY

Hal J. Russell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elmer NJ

Arthur J. Simpson, Jr. (2001). . . . . . . . . . .Reading PA

John R. Stover (2001). . . . . . . . . . . . . Stroudsburg PA

Michael J. Tannous (2001). . . . . . .East Greenville PA

Candidates

Jeffrey S. Albrecht. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allentown PA

Mark A. Baumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sellersville PA

Raymond R. Bertolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Millsboro DE

Timothy J. Bertolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hatfield PA

Jason W. Blair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .East Greenville PA

Michael L. Easton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newark DE

Scott B. Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oley PA

Robert K. Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethlehem PA

Ondrej Franka. . . . . . . . . . . . . .21470 Backi Petrovac

James R. Goebel III. . . . . . . . . . . . East Brunswick NJ

Peter J. Gunderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Royersford PA

Ronald L. Kohl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allentown PA

Keith J. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bristol PA

Thomas H. Morrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . Bird-in-Hand PA

David W. Peters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quakertown PA

David K. Schlonecker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emmaus PA

Timothy J. Schmoyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dover DE

Frank Termine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newtown PA

Applicants

Mark E. Barninger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marysville PA

David E. Brandt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lebanon PA

Timothy G. Clark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Erdenheim PA

Raymond L. Cole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newark DE

Robert W. Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newark DE

Fred J. Hoffman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Piscataway NJ

Christopher D. Lenz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denville NJ

Dennis L. Lesher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kutztown PA

James D. MacArthur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading PA

Jeff Rossignal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manheim PA

Benjamin G. Scott. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Langhorne PA

Colby A. Weinhofer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terre Hill PA

Keith A. Wentzel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dover PA

The Chairman made the following appointments:

Registrar: J. Mark McCreary

Assistant Registrar: Jonathan W. Arnold, Sr.

Agenda and Program Committee

David A. Thomann (Chairman), Carl C. Cassel, Randall A. Grossman, Dennis J. Lawrence, Thomas P. Shorb, Arthur J. Simpson, Jr.

Committee on Arrangements for the 121st Annual Conference

David A. Thomann (Chairman), Daniel P. Allen, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Louis S. Curcio, Randall A. Grossman, J. Mark McCreary, William G. Schlonecker, Thomas P. Shorb

Committee on Statistics

LeRoy S. Heller (Chairman), Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., David N. Schoen, David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich

Committee on Examination of the Minutes of Particular Churches

Ralph M. Soper (Chairman), William H. Bartron, Kevin W. Clineff, Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Allan R. Vivona

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 Gregory A. Uhrich. The secretary of the Appellate Division of the Conference Judicatory is David J. Watkins.

Resolved, that we adjourn.

The 120th Annual Conference was closed in prayer by Richard E. Taylor, at 7:40 p.m.

Category:Minutes of Conference

Annual Conference Proceedings – 2003

First Meeting

Second Meeting

Third Meeting

Third Meeting

Fifth Meeting

Sixth Meeting

Seventh Meeting

Eighth Meeting

Ninth Meeting

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