Annual Conference Proceedings – 2007
First Meeting
Monday Morning, April 23, 2007, 10:00 AM
The 124th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order at 10:00 AM by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He led the conference in prayer.
Richard B. Ravis, Worship Leader of the 124th Conference, led the conference in a time of worship beginning with the conference singing Rejoice, the Lord is King and leading in prayer. The conference then sang I Sing the Mighty Power of God and Come Thou, Almighty King. John R. LoRusso read Matthew 3:13-17. The conference then repeated the Apostles’ Creed, sang Gloria Patri and Holy, Holy, Holy. Chairman Randall A. Grossman spoke on the theme “Fellowship Enjoyed in Great Wonder” using Genesis 1 as his main text.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 124th Annual Conference: Walter E. Bortree, Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Wayne M. Chadwell, Brain H. Cooper, Albert J. Dommel, Allen Dorst, Willis I. Dowling, William J. Dunn, Donald Dyer, Michael P. Emrick, Jr., Ronald C. Erb, Carl Fitzgerald, David E. Gundrum, George E. Herb, Keith Howland, Robert A. Johnson, II, Kenneth D. Keeler, Donald T. Kirkwood, Jerry L. Moyer, Thomas A. Pollock, R. C. Reichenbach, L. James Roberts, A. L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Gene W. Smith, Bryan L. Snyder, Keith Splawn, Michael J. Tannous, Mark Twombly, John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
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:
Allentown, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Clifford B. Boone, David T. Allen, Ronald C. Erb, Glenn R.
(Cedar Crest) Felty*, Walter E. Bortree, Charles A. Bloomfield, William J. Walters
Bethlehem, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Brian H. Cooper, Robert K. Fields, Carl Ackerman, Mark W. Tress
Blandon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Gary W. Saggio
Brooklyn, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph E. Ritter, Carl Fitzgerald
Camden, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy J. Schmoyer*, Keith Splawn
Clinton Corners, NY. . . . . . . Gerald D. Clark, Wayne M. Chadwell
Coopersburg, PA. . . . . . . . . Thomas P. Shorb, Richard T. Paashaus, David R. Vinson, Gary Sterner
Denville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard D. Harris, Guy Warner
Emmaus, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . David N. Schoen, Ralph M. Soper, Robert W. Davies
Ephrata, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert B. Kramer (Probationer), Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . Byron Widger, Michael P. Emrick, Jr.
Fleetwood, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Roger J. Brush, James E. Mortland
Graterford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Philip E. Yerrington, Douglas D. Bowne
Harleysville, PA. . . . . . . . . . Andrew T. Crossgrove, Alan G. Miller, Alfred G. Roberts
Harrisburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Carl K. Spackman, Mark E. Barninger*, Harold E. Snyder
Hatfield, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard N. Wells, Louis S. Curcio, S. Lester Moyer
Holmes, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Hans R. Waldvogel
Howell, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric R. North, Alan R. Heinlein
Kutztown, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Allan R. Vivona, Byron G. Barnshaw
LaGrangeville, NY. . . . . . . . James A. Wickstead, Thomas Ward
Lancaster, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert L. Yinger
Lebanon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce A. Kellerman
Long Neck, DE. . . . . . . . . . . Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., James Hart
Maple Glen, PA. . . . . . . . . . Louis Prontnicki, Keith Howland
Mt. Carmel, PA. . . . . . . . . . Philip G. Norris*, Bryan L. Snyder
Mt. Pocono, PA. . . . . . . . . . Timothy J. Bertolet*, Ronald E. Miller
Nazareth, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Rodney P. Plows
Newark, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . William G. Schlonecker, Robert C. Kaatz
Newark, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delbert R. Baker, II, Thomas J. Boose, Jr.
Old Bridge, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, John C. Vandegriff, III
Oley, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., Bob Kohler
Paradise, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Shan D. Cleck (Probationer), Jeff L. Hostetter
Philadelphia, PA. . . . . . . . . . G. Wayne Clapier, Bud Burroughs
Piscataway, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis M. Cahill, Richard B. Ravis, Mark D. Twombly
Quakertown, PA. . . . . . . . . . Ronald L. Kohl*, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall A. Grossman, Ronald W. Reed, Jim Stapleton
Red Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael J. Tannous, William E. Blair
Royersford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Orville E. Gibson
Shamokin, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Ferdie R. Madara (Probationer), Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr.
Sinking Spring, PA. . . . . . . . Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Harold P. Shelly, Bruce Pepperdine
Spring City, PA. . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Clineff, Peter Gunderson
Stroudsburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . Davis E. Duggins*, Ed Coover
Sunbury, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles E. Cole, Robert H. Cox
Terre Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Robert L. Weaver, Sr.
Thompson, CT. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis W. Spinney, Mark R. Brodeur
Toms River, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dean A. Stortz, Allen Dorst
Wallingford, PA. . . . . . . . . . Richard E. Taylor, Timothy S. Cowen, Steven L. Piasecki
Walnutport, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Timothy D. Weaber
Whitehall, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Rob J. Hodge
Whitehall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Robert H. Zentz
Fellowship Community
York, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth D. Keeler, Roger L. Shambough
Zionsville, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . C. Larry Bennett, Kevin Derr
* contingent upon approval of recommendation of ordination
Ordained Ministers Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
Daniel P. Allen, Pinebrook Bible Conference; Albert J. Dommel, Church Extension; Willis I. Dowling, Church Extension; Donald E. Kuntzman, Missions; David E. Gundrum, Church Extension; Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor; Mark L. Morrison, Church Extension; Elliot H. Ramos, Church Extension; John C. Vandegriff, Jr., Pinebrook Bible Conference; David R. Way, Church Extension; Dana E.Weller, Missions.
Ordained Missionaries
William C. Aukamp, Ronald K. Denlinger, William J. Dunn, Jim D. Head, Walter M. Johnston, David L. Manney, Philip E. Morrison, Duane E. Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Thomas A. Pollock, David W. Riddell, John C. Studenroth
Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the BFC
David N. Heineman, Hospital; Kenneth J. Hurst, Military; David H. Jones, Military; Richard A. Moyer, Prison Ministry
Ordained Ministers Between Calls
Robert S. Commerford, J. Mark McCreary, Roger L. Reitz, Jeffery L. Ruhl
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Kenneth F. Barber, James R. Batchler, Jr., James A. Beil, T. James Bigley, Jr., Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Terris L. Byrd, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Raymond R. Dotts, Robert L. Draper, John Dunn, Bruce A. Ellingson, 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, John H. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, Ronald W. Hoyle, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, Barry J. Minsky, Edward K. Moyer, Edgar H. Munyan, D. Thomas Phillips, Keith E. Plows, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Gene W. Smith, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins, Harold C. Weaber, Daniel G. Ziegler, Paul G. Zimmerman
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegate be seated: Douglas Files, Bethlehem.
Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the 125th Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 28-30, 2008, beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Resolved, that all Study Committees, Committees and Agencies have their reports sent to the designated distribution point, 12 Pinebrook Road, E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301 or ebfc@ptd.net, by March 1, 2008.
Daniel P. Allen, Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference, welcomed the members of Annual Conference to Pinebrook for these meetings.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference, appointed David T. Allen as Assistant Secretary and Daniel P. Allen, Donald E. Kuntzman and Robert W. Smock as Assistants to the Secretary.
The Chairman appointed the following:
Tellers: Keith E. Plows, Chairman; Andrew T. Crossgrove, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce Kellerman, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Mark W. Tress, Hans R. Woldvogel
Resolutions: Elliot Ramos, Chairman; Jeff Hostetler, Timothy Weaber, Philip E. Yerrington
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Chairman; Horace A. Kauffman, Robert H. Zentz
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: Philip G. Norris, Chairman; Gary Saggio, Byron Widger
Timekeeper: G. Wayne Clapier
Parliamentarian: Clifford B. Boone
Reporter: Carol Z. Snyder
The following new members were introduced to Annual Conference: Ferdie R. Madara, Shamokin; William J. Walters, Cedar Crest; Gary Sterner, Coopersburg; James A. Stapleton, Reading; Robert L. Yinger, Lancaster; Timothy Bertolet, Pocono Mountain; Robert Kramer, Ephrata; Edward Coover, Stroudsburg; Jim Hart, Long Neck, DE; Harold P. Shelly, Sinking Spring; Douglas Files, Bethlehem; Robert Kohler, Oley; Shan Cleck, Paradise.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Howard N. Wells prayed asking for the Lord’s blessing on those who will be serving on the various boards and committees.
Report of the Credentials Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended ordination for Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended prior ordination recognition for Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty, 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 Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved that the prior ordination of Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty to the gospel ministry be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved, that the service of ordination be held Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 7:30 PM at Annual Conference.
Whereas, we believe there are men that are called of God to serve as His servants as Pastors, and
Whereas, it is important for the gifts and calling that God has given these men to serve are to be recognized by fellow pastors, and
Whereas, we believe it is a tremendous encouragement for fellow pastors to show approval, support and unity for those being ordained, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Credentials Committee resolution at the 123rd Annual Conference, “that an ordination service be held Monday, May 21, 2007, at a place to be determined,” be rescinded, and further be it
Resolved, that the following two-tiered procedure for ordination be approved and instituted at this year’s 124th Annual Conference:
Ordination at Annual Conference:
• Introduction and testimony of the men
• A charge to the men
• The administration of the vows
• The laying on of hands and prayer
• Extending the right hand of fellowship by the members of the Credentials Committee and the ordained ministers of the BFC Annual Conference
Ordination Service at a Bible Fellowship Church:
The second part would be a service in the church where each man is serving. In that service, the man would:
• Affirm his vows of ordination by repeating them; the affirmation to be led by a member of the Credentials Committee.
• The elders of that church would pray for him.
• The pastors of that region would be expected to be present to extend the right hand of fellowship and greet the man.
• Someone, the ordinand’s recommendation, would preach an appropriate ordination sermon.
• All of this can be introduced by a time of worship and praise that would have meaning both to the man and the church.
This service would serve to point out the significance of ordinations in the local church and make them part of the process.
Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the 125th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that Grace BFC, Harrisburg, PA; New Life BFC, Long Neck, DE; Pocono Mt. BFC, Mount Pocono, PA; New Life BFC, Oley, PA; Grace BFC, Quakertown, PA, Bethany BFC, Mt. Carmel, PA; Camden BFC, Camden, DE; Berean BFC, Stroudsburg, PA and Cedar Crest BFC, Allentown, PA be encouraged to have a service in recognition of the ordination of Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer and prior ordination of Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty respectively and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the service.
Keith E. Plows, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, prayed and thanked the Lord for calling these men into the Pastoral Ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church.
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee as of February 28, 2007, is as follows:
Probationers
Mark E. Barninger (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harrisburg PA
Raymond R. Bertolet (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millsboro DE
Timothy J. Bertolet (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pocono Summit PA
David E. Brandt (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lebanon PA
Shan D. Cleck (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lancaster PA
Steven J. DelDuco (2007). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reading PA
Davis E. Duggins (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stroudsburg PA
Scott B. Evans (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oley PA
Glenn R. Felty (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Allentown PA
Jonathan D. Forsythe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brigantine NJ
Ronald L. Kohl (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quakertown PA
Robert B. Kramer (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ephrata PA
Frank E. Lenahan (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . Cape May Court House NJ
Ferdie R. Madara (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benton PA
Thomas H. Morrison (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Las Cruces NM
Philip G. Norris (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mt. Carmel PA
David W. Peters (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Killeen TX
Timothy J. Schmoyer (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dover DE
Colby A. Weinhofer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Akron PA
Daniel L. Williams (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parkside PA
Candidates
Mark R. Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coopersburg PA
Shad A. Gilbert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stockertown PA
James D. MacArthur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oley PA
Joshua P. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quakertown PA
David K. Schlonecker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emmaus PA
Alphaus D. Stoltzfus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Downingtown PA
Aaron J. Susek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Royersford PA
Applicants
Joshua M. Allen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Stroudsburg PA
Timothy G. Clark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sinking Spring PA
Samuel Claudio, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethlehem PA
Raymond L. Cole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newark DE
John C. Elias. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bethlehem PA
Kurt P. Francis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northumberland PA
David J. Gettel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graterford, PA
Joshua P. Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northumberland PA
Troy S. Good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boyertown PA
Robert W. Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newark DE
Peter J. Gunderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring City PA
Ronald C. Hagy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corning NY
Fred J. Hoffman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lewisburg PA
Jonathan H. King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schnecksville PA
John LoRusso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alburtis PA
Marcos G. Ramirez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Merida Yucatan Mexico
Carlos G. Rodriguez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reading PA
Mark A. Schaeffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kinnelon NJ
Andrew J. Stapleton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading PA
The following men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee were introduced to the Conference: Timothy J. Schmoyer, Fredie R. Mardara, Timothy J. Bertolet, Shan D. Cleck, Kurt P. Francis, Jonathan D. Forsythe, Steven J. DelDuco, Robert B. Kramer, David E. Brandt, Ronald L. Kohl, David E. Duggins, Colby A. Weinhofer, Raymond R. Bertolet, Joshua P. Gibson, Thomas H. Morrison, Daniel L. Williams, Carlos G. Rodriguez, Marcos G. Ramirez, John LoRusso, Joshua M. Allen, Timothy G. Clark, David K. Schlonecker, Joshua P. Miller, Mark E. Barninger, Glenn R. Felty, Shad A. Gilbert, Mark R. Evans.
Calvin T. Reed prayed for the men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon as Raymond R. Bertolet closed the first meeting of the 124th Annual Conference in prayer especially remembering John and Judy Pello with their serious physical needs.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Randall A. Grossman at 1:32 PM.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the rate of mileage reimbursement for conference business conducted in 2007 be 27¢ per mile for calendar year 2007.
Report of the Ministerial Relations Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Conference Pastor (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Randall A. Grossman, Chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee, prayed for Ronald C. Mahurin as he continues as Conference Pastor and for the three churches that are currently without Senior Pastors.
Report of the Board of Church Health (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Church Extension (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Director of Church Extension (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
David E. Gundrum, Director of Church Extension, encouraged the conference to consider the Bible Fellowship Church to become church planters through support, and through regional and local daughter church plants. Mark L. Morrison, Assistant Director of Church Extension, also reported on his work with Church Extension.
Thomas H. Morrison, reported on the work in the Las Cruces, New Mexico mission.
Alfred G. Roberts prayed for the work of church extension.
Report of the Joint Committee on Ethnic Church (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Dana E. Weller spoke on behalf of the Joint Committee on Ethnic Planting. He reported on the possibility of the Merida La Roca Church becoming a Bible Fellowship Church. The committee presented a video enumerating the possibilities and obstacles of this happening. The committee also provided possible solutions to the obstacles they now face. Marcos Ramirez, Senior Pastor of La Roca, brought greetings from La Roca and spoke of their desire to become connected with the Bible Fellowship Church in an official way.
Report of the Board of Missions (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Dana E. Weller presented a video about the work in taking the Gospel to unreached people groups. John LoRusso spoke about the trip he and three others took to find unreached, unengaged people groups in Tanzania. Elliot H. Ramos led the conference in prayer concerning the opportunity with the Merida La Roca Church and LeRoy O. Herb prayed for the opportunities to reach unreached people groups in Tanzania.
Report of the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship 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.
David E. Thomann, a former Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference, prayed for Pinebrook and the ministries that take place on these grounds.
Report of the Board of Victory Valley (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Rodney P. Plows prayed for the ministry of Victory Valley.
Report of the Board of Communications (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Scott Ott showed a video introducing a possible new logo for the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that the cost of the 2007 Yearbook be $ 8.50 per copy.
Resolved, that a contribution of three hundred twenty-five dollars ($325.00) for the conference year 2007 be given to the Board of Communications from each agency to help underwrite the cost of printing and distributing the Fellowship News.
Payments are to be made to the Board of Communications by December 31, 2007.
Resolved, that $1.75 per member of the Bible Fellowship Church for 2007 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 at the 124th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that Rachel Kistler Anderson be ratified as the Business Manager of Fellowship News for a three year term.
Report of the Board of Christian Education (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Scott Ott, representing the Board of Christian Education, presented an internet tool to help teachers and students. It can be found at livethefreedom.org/learn.
Report of the Board of Youth and Young Adults (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
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 Raymond R. Dotts and Jay H. Fasnacht for terms to end in 2010.
Report of the Strategic Planning Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Richard E. Taylor made a presentation about the need for a new leadership structure for the Bible Fellowship Church.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Relations Committee
Ronald W. Reed (3 years)
Board of Christian Education
Louis Prontnicki (3 years)
James A. Wickstead (3 years)
Board of Church Health
Robert A. Sloan, Jr. (3 years)
Board of Missions
Kevin W. Kirkpatrick (3 years)
Strategic Planning Committee
Robert T. Evans (3 years)
Board of Higher Education
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
Board of Pensions
Ellis Lee Hostetter (3 years)
Credentials Committee
Dennis M. Cahill (3 years)
LeRoy S. Heller (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory
Richard G. Matthews (3 years)
Harold Schoonover (3 years)
Committee on Nominations
Nell Ruch (3 years)
Chairman of Annual Conference
William G. Schlonecker (1 year)
Vice-Chairman of Annual Conference
Calvin T. Reed (1 year)
Secretary of Annual Conference
David A. Thomann (1 year)
The Chairman called a recess for dinner at 5:28 PM. Howard Wells gave an update on his daughter Nina and recessed the meeting in prayer.
The meeting was reconvened by the Chairman at 6:32 PM. Lester Moyer, delegate of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, Hatfield, led the conference in prayer.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 124th Annual Conference: William C. Aukamp, James A. Beil, T. James Bigley, Jr., Thomas J. Boose, Jr., Bud Burroughs, G. Wayne Clapier, Robert W. Davies, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Richard D. Harris, Jansen E. Hartman, James D. Head, David N. Heineman, Walter Johnston, Phillip E. Morrison, Duane Moyer, Joe Poyner, David W. Riddell, David N. Schoen, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins and Robert H. Zentz.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Carl Fitzgerald presented the ministry of Pastoral Scholarship Initiative which supports indigenous pastors in Kenya.
Dana E. Weller introduced the missionaries under the care of the Board of Missions of the BFC: Carl Fitzgerald, William Early, Mark Beckel, Colby Weinhofer, Terri Faust, John LaRosso, Denny Mitchel, Dave Manney, Joe and Tracy Walsh, Byron Barnshaw, John Studenroth, Jay & Ruth Burrington (Thomas P. Shorb reporting), Craig & Karena Miller.
Dana E. Weller thanked the Lord for our missionary families who faithfully carry the gospel throughout the world.
David J. Watkins presented a motion for the formation of a steering committee with the following purpose, composition, and proposed time line.
Resolved, that the Annual Conference approve creation of a Steering Committee as described in attached material titled Steering Committee and dated December 1, 2006.
Steering Committee
Purpose
To formulate policies and procedures as to how the proposed Executive Board and Executive Director would be elected and how they would function. It shall work in consultation with the Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning Committee. It will then write legislation to implement these plans.
The committee will steer these proposals through the legislative process and provide answers to the questions that arise along the way. After the Executive Board is formed, the Steering Committee would work with that Board as it seeks to organize itself.
The Steering Committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors and ratified by the 124th Annual Conference in April 2007.
Composition
The Steering Committee would be composed of 13 members from the Board of Directors, agencies, church pastors, and laymen with business, financial, or legal experience.
Proposed Timeline
February 2007 Board of Directors approves members of the Steering Committee
April 2007 Annual Conference approves Steering Committee and ratified its members
Annual Conference approves adjourned session
March 2008 Adjourned Session – detailed presentation by Steering Committee
April 2008 Complete legislation presented at 1st Reading
Executive Board elected for purpose of organizing for one year
April 2009 Legislation approved at 2nd Reading
Executive Board begins to officially function
Replaced boards and committees are dissolved
Resolved, that the Annual Conference ratify the appointment by the Board of Directors of the following men to be the members of the Steering Committee: David T. Allen, Carl C. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert T. Evans, Jay H. Fasnacht, Randall A. Grossman, Ronald W. Reed, Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Hans R. Waldvogel, J. Robert Vaughn, Richard J. Volpe, Timothy D. Weaber and Robert H. Zentz.
Resolved, that the minutes of the first meeting be approved.
Report of the Board of Pensions (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Historical Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Conference Judicatory (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Beneficiary Society (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes, 123rd (see page)
Resolved, that the report be adopted.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Ministerial Convention Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following (found in bold type) be adopted at Second Reading:
Article 103-5.5
“Remarriage is permissible for those who have been legitimately divorced or whose return to the former partner is determined by the elders as they study the Scriptures to be impossible.” (addition found in bold type).
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 111; No – 18
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
Duties of the Board of Church Health
(8) It shall provide a report on the closing of a Particular Church to Annual Conference.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
Resolved, that 510 – General Rules of Elections and Resignations be amended as follows:
510-2 Ministers (Delete “ordained”)
(1) Ministers (Delete “ordained”) who have been called to minister by the rules of Pulpit Supply or who are laboring in any agency of the BFC shall be eligible for election or appointment to conference offices, boards, or committees.
(2) A Minister (Delete “ordained”) who is without a call to a church is eligible to serve in an elective office and on Conference boards and committees as long as he remains on the list of Ordained Ministers working under the direction of the BFC.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following material be adopted at Second Reading:
Resolved, that the following replace Article 512-11.3 in the F&O (changes in bold)
512-11.3 Categories of Ministry
All ordained men who hold Ordination Credentials with the BFC shall be members in good standing in a Particular BFC and shall subscribe annually to the F&O.
The categories of ministry are as follows:
(1) Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the BFC
(2) Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Board of Missions of the BFC
(3) Ordained Ministers Working in (omit: the Military) Chaplaincy Ministries Under the Sponsorship of the BFC. The BFC qualifies to have men with its ministerial credentials to serve under the U.S. Armed Forces Chaplains Board under the endorsement of the National Conference of Ministry to the Armed Forces; as well as other Chaplain ministries such as the prison and hospital. Applications for such ministries shall be made through the Credentials Committee.
(4) Ordained Ministers in Retirement. These are men who have retired under the provisions of Section 503. A minister must serve a minimum of five years (cumulative) as an ordained minister in the BFC and be under the care of the Credentials Committee at retirement to be a member of Annual Conference as a “Minister in Retirement.”
(5) Ordained Ministers Between Calls. When a minister leaves his church or ministry without a call to another Bible Fellowship Church, he may be placed in either the “Between Calls” or “Leave of Absence” category, as determined by the Credentials Committee. A Minister who is in the “Between Calls” category is one who is presently seeking a call from a Bible Fellowship Church. He may remain in this category for a maximum of two years. A written request for an extension will be reviewed and may be granted by the Credentials Committee.
(6) Ordained Minister on Leave of Absence. (Omit present statement and replace with): A minister who is in the “Leave of Absence” category is not currently open to receiving a call from a Bible Fellowship Church. He may remain in this category for a maximum of two years. A written request for an extension will be reviewed and may be granted by the Credentials Committee. The combination of “Leave of Absence” and “Between Calls” in any consecutive period shall not exceed five years total, except under unusual circumstances as determined by the Credentials Committee.
(7) Ordained Inactive Ministers. A minister who has exhausted his stay in the “Between Calls” and/or “Leave of Absence” categories will be placed in the “Ordained Inactive Ministers” category. He may remain in this category for a period not to exceed ten years of which time spent in the “Between Calls” and/or “Leave of Absence” categories is counted. At the end of ten years he loses his credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church. If he wishes to return to active ministry within the BFC, he must reapply to the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
[SECOND READING]
Whereas, the category of ministry “Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries” was not included in our legislation at last year’s 123rd Annual Conference, and
Whereas, this has been one of the credible ministry designations, and
Whereas, we believe this category is one we should continue to have, therefore be it
Resolved, that “Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries” be retained and numbered (8) in Article 512-11.3 Categories of Ministries, and further
Resolved, that the explanation of this category found in our present Faith & Order [Article 512-11.3 (5)] be retained.
Time was set aside for reports of the Lord’s blessings in the different regions. These were designated “Trophies of God’s Grace.”
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
Raymond Bertolet reported that John Pello went home to be with the Lord this evening. Robert Sloan, Jr. thanked God for John’s life, asked for comfort and strength for his family and friends, and praised God for His goodness to those who are His own. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Third Meeting
Tuesday Morning, 9:00 AM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman at 9:00 AM. Richard B. Ravis led the conference in worship along with a worship team of Eric North, Mark Evans, Elliot Ramos and Byron Barnshaw. The conference sang All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name, after which Richard B. Ravis prayed. The worship continued with the conference singing Everlasting God, Mark Barninger reading 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and the Conference repeating the Apostles’ Creed. Worship concluded with the conference singing How Great is Our God and How Great Thou Art. Calvin T. Reed addressed the conference on the theme “Fellowship Lost in Great Selfishness.” The conference then sang How Great Thou Art, a capella.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused for portions of Annual Conference: William J. Walters, Elliot H. Ramos, James D. Head, Thomas Ward.
Resolved, that these requests be granted.
Resolved, that the following alternate delegates be seated: John Crouch, Denville, NJ; Alan Russel, Emmaus; Lloyd Zook, Oley.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Relations Committee:
Randall A. Grossman (3 years)
Byron Widger (1 year)
Board of Directors of BFC:
Carl C. Cassel (3 years)
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
Robert W. Gehret (3 years)
Board of Church Extension:
Carl K. Spackman (3 years)
Richard E. Taylor (3 years)
Robert W. Davies (3 years)
Robert Zentz (3 years)
Board of Christian Education:
Nancy A. Mertus (3 years)
J. Richard Vroman (3 years)
David W. Eisenhower (1 year)
Board of Church Health:
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Board of Victory Valley:
Jason J. Englehart (3 years)
Douglas J. Manwiller (3 years)
Timothy D. Weaber (3 years)
Board of Missions:
Robert W. Davies (3 years)
Donald S. Faust (3 years)
Board Pinebrook Bible Conference:
Alva C. Cassel (3 years)
Brian H. Cooper (3 years)
Carl Ackerman (3 years)
Jay H. Fasnacht (3 years)
Kermit K. Gehman (3 years)
Strategic Planning Committee:
Richard T. Paashaus (3 years)
Richard E. Taylor (3 years)
Board of Youth & Young Adult
Andrew T. Crossgrove
John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
Board of Higher Education:
Charles A. Bloomfield (3 years)
David Bossard (3 years)
Board of Pensions:
Keith E. Plows (3 years)
Board of Communications:
Daniel P. Allen (3 years)
Byron Barnshaw (3 years)
Ministerial Candidate Committee:
Howard N. Wells (3 years)
Conference Judicatory:
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
Douglas D. Bowne (3 years)
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory:
Randall A. Grossman (3 years)
Committee on Nominations:
Richard T. Paashaus (3 years)
Report of the Study Committee: On the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation.
Resolved, that report be accepted.
Whereas, it appears that there are some brethren who currently hold to a foreseen faith position as a basis of election, and
Whereas, a foreseen faith position is inconsistent with the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, which states “election is a free act of the sovereign God in which from eternity, for reasons known only to Himself, and apart from any goodness in man, He graciously chose…” (Article 11-1), therefore, be it
Resolved, that any persons who presently hold to a foreseen faith position should not sign that they “subscribe without reservation” [F&O, 512-11.2, Duties (4)] to our present Articles of Faith but should declare their reservation regarding Article 11. Whether or not the proposed clarifications are adopted, such persons, if holding credentials, should continue to minister and will continue to be embraced by the Bible Fellowship Church. The Bible Fellowship Church will continue to require persons seeking credentials to be “committed without reservation” [F&O, 512-13.3, Duties (5)] to the Articles of Faith.
Yes – 119; No – 23
Whereas, the words But unless regenerated contained in the proposed Article 10 have been construed by many to require that one must believe that regeneration precedes faith, and
Whereas, the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation stated on the conference floor that it was not its intention to imply by these words that regeneration must precede faith, and
Whereas, it is the purpose of the proposed changes to bring a greater clarity to the present articles, and
Whereas, the meaning of the phrase but unless regenerated is not sufficiently clear, therefore be it
Resolved, that the words but unless regenerated be deleted from Article 10 that was adopted at first reading and that the original wording, but left to himself, be re-inserted.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 128; No – 12; Abstain – 1
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:32 PM with Richard Moyer leading in prayer.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman at 1:30 PM. David Way led the conference in prayer.
Resolved, that the minutes of the second meeting be approved.
The following was elected:
Historical Committee:
Harold P. Shelly (3 years)
Report of the Study Committee on Women Serving as Deacons (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following be approved as First Reading:
Whereas, the 122nd Annual Conference (2005) approved the possibility of women serving as deacons at first reading (2005 Yearbook, p. 34); and
Whereas, the Conference asked that study be made of the Principles of Order “to provide legislation covering the entire Article 204 making clear distinction between the qualifications for the offices of elders and deacons and a clarification of the word “minister” (2005 Yearbook, p. 34); and
Whereas, in doing that work the Committee identified other needed changes in Sections 201, 202, 204, 401-1, 401-2; therefore be it
Resolved, that “officers” and “church officers” be changed to “elders” in sections 201-5 and 201-6 of the Faith & Order.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 135; No – 7; Abstain – 1
Resolved, that “pastor” be changed to “elders” in section 202-3.2 (5) of the Faith & Order.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 131; No – 8
Resolved, that the new title and introduction “Article 204 – Elders, Deacons, Staff” be approved as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
Article 204 – Elders, Deacons, Staff
Having called and assembled His church, our Lord provides for the leadership and care of each Particular Church by providing elders and deacons and enabling them to do their work. Elders are responsible to rule the church and must be qualified men, and deacons are responsible to serve the church and may be qualified men or women. Elders and deacons are the only terms describing continuing positions in the New Testament church. Those who serve in these ways do not create their positions, nor do their positions clothe the individuals with power, but the Lord endows individuals with gifts and qualifications (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5) that enable them to do their work as God Himself has designed.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 124; No – 18
Resolved, that the new Article 204-1 Elders, 204-1.2; 204-1.2, 204-1.3, 204-1.4 and 204-1.5 be adopted as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
204-1 Elders
204-1.1 In the New Testament church Christ has provided men to hold the position of elder to oversee the life of His Church; those whom He commissions He enables to shepherd His Church.
204-1.2 The position of elder is given broad responsibility and authority in the New Testament. Because they are to be examples to the flock in godliness and to govern well, they are called elders. Because they are responsible for oversight and administration of the life of the church, they are called overseers or bishops. Because they are to care for and feed God’s people, they are called pastors (shepherds). Because they serve the people of the church, they are called ministers.
204-1.3 All elders together share the authority in and responsibility for the life of the church. Some elders are gifted and recognized as teaching elders; their primary authority and responsibility is in the Word and doctrine and secondarily in oversight. Other elders are gifted and recognized as ruling elders; their primary authority and responsibility is in oversight and secondarily in the Word and doctrine.
204-1.4 The work of the elders is to shepherd the flock. This work includes: Guarding (Acts 20:28), Overseeing (1 Tim 5:17; 1 Pet 5:2), Discipling (1 Thes 5:12; 2 Tim 2:2), Preaching and Teaching (1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:9; John 8:31-32), Evangelizing (2 Tim 4:5), Praying (Acts 6:4, John 17, John 14:12-14, Jas 5:13-16), Serving (1 Tim 4:14; 1 Pet 4:10-11) and Disciplining (Titus 1:9).
204-1.5 Elders, as leaders of the people, are chosen by the membership of the church on the basis of Scriptural qualifications.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 135; No – 4
Resolved, that word “office” be changed to “position” in Article 204-1.6 as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 127; No – 12
Resolved, that the new Article 204-2.1 and Article-204-2.2 be adopted as a First Reading to the Faith & Order to replace the former Article 204-1.1 through 204-1.3.
204-2 Ministers
204-2.1 The Lord of the Church has given gifts to men called ministers in His church. This position is the first in the church in both dignity and usefulness. Although all elders are to be able to teach, some elders are specially gifted for teaching and preaching. The Lord of the Church has given those gifts to men we call ministers.
204-2.2 Terminology. The term “minister” is not used in Scripture to identify the specific position of elder, but to indicate the service to Christ and His people given by those who hold this position. “Pastor” is used as a gift to the church. Although neither “minister” nor “pastor” is used in Scripture as a specific position, these titles are used and are interchangeable in practice for those men we call ministers.
Moreover, though the English word “deacon” has its roots in the Greek word “diakonos,” which is translated “minister” or “servant”; this gives no basis for women being elders, ministers or pastors.
A minister or pastor in the BFC must hold or be seeking credentials in the BFC.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 126; No – 7; Abstain -1
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc.
C. Larry Bennett (3 years)
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference
Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. ( 1 year)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Mark Barninger (2 years)
Mark R. Evans (3 years)
Board of Pensions
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
Board of Communications
Ralph E. Ritter (1 year)
Historical Committee
Ronald Hoyle (3 years)
Resolved, that Article 204-4.1 and 204-4.4 be adopted as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order at second reading with additional word changes for “office” to become “position”.
204-4.1 The position of deacon is presented in the Scriptures as a position not of ruling, but of service. A deacon should be aperson of deep spiritual life, exemplary conduct, and sound judgment (1Tim 3; Acts 6:1-8). This position is one of sympathetic service to the church and to the distressed, friendless, or sick, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
204-4.4 Because of the qualifications and dignity of the position of Deacon, each Particular Church shall give careful consideration to ensure that a person who has been divorced or who has married a divorced person is presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to their spouse.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 114; No -14
Resolved, that the new Article 204-4.2 and Article 204-4.3 be adopted as a First Reading addition to the Faith & Order.
204-4.2 Those who serve in this position should be known for their trustworthiness, their temperance, their faith, and their blameless life.
204-4.3 Deacons, as servants of the church, are chosen by the membership of the church on the basis of Scriptural qualifications.
[FIRST READING]
Yes -123 ; No – 7
Resolved, that “lay elder” be changed simply to “elder”, that “office” be changed to “position”, and “exercise” be changed to “hold” in Articles 401-1.1, 401-1.8 and 401.19 to be adopted as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 124; No -10
Resolved, that changes listed under Article 401-2 be approved at Second Reading (changes found in bold type.)
401-2. The Board of Deacons
401-2.1 The Board of Deacons shall be composed of all deacons duly elected by and from the congregation who meet the qualifications of the Scriptures. They shall be mature believers (replaces men) who demonstrate a spiritual wisdom and compassion so that they might serve the needy in a Christlike, merciful way.
401-2.5 Election and Installation of Deacons. Each congregation may elect deacons in keeping with the qualifications set forth in Scripture. Deacons must be (delete male) members in full communion in the church in which they are to exercise their office.
The term of office shall be determined by the Particular Church by congregational vote, but shall not be less than three years, except when a Particular Church desires a probationary term of service for newly-chosen deacons. When possible the Board of Deacons shall be divided into not fewer than three classes as determined by congregational vote in each of the Particular Churches.
In the event of a vacancy by death, resignation, or removal, a member (replaces man) may be elected to fill the unexpired term of office….
Questions to the congregation – end of 401-2.5
(1) Do you, the members of this church, acknowledge and receive this brother (or sister) as a deacon?
(2) Do you promise to give him (or her) all the honor, encouragement, and support in the Lord to which this (replaces his) office entitles him (or her)?
After the members of the church have answered these questions in the affirmative by holding up their right hands, the minister shall proceed to set apart the candidate by prayer to the office of deacon and shall give to him (or her) and to the congregation an exhortation suited to the occasion.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 109; No – 26
Resolved, that “office” be changed to “position” and “exercise” be changed to “hold” in 401-2 as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order, and be it further
Resolved, that “office” be changed to “position” in 404 as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 119; No -13
The following resolution failed at First Reading.
Resolved, that “chairman” be changed to “chair” in 401-2.2 as a First Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
Yes – 65; No -73
Report of the Study Committee on Credentials and Multi Staff Churches (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The following resolution failed at Second Reading.
401-1.1
The Board of Elders shall be composed of the pastoral staff and all of the active lay elders of the congregation. The active lay elders shall designate at least one individual of the pastoral staff as a voting member of the Board of Elders, and shall designate others of the pastoral staff as either voting or non-voting members. The lay elders shall be elected by majority vote of the congregation. They shall be mature men who meet the qualifications of Scripture (1Tim 3; Titus 1; I Peter 5). If the congregation has more qualified elders than are needed to serve at one time, the number of active elders shall be determined by the congregation by ballot vote upon recommendation of the Board of Elders.
Yes – 55; No -80
Resolved, that the following be adopted as Second Reading for inclusion into the Faith and Order:
401-1.2
The Board of Elders shall elect one of its members to serve as chairman, and one of its members to serve as secretary. Two thirds of the membership of the board shall constitute a quorum.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 105;No – 29
Whereas, the Strategic Planning Committee is proposing major organizational changes to the BFC structure, and
Whereas, the Board of Directors is proposing a steering committee to work on organizational changes, and
Whereas, the steering committee will likely vitiate the work of the Multi-Staff Committee, therefore be it,
Resolved, that the Study Committee on Credentials and Multi-staff Churches suspend its work until the BFC reorganization is determined.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:21 PM with Shan Cleck closing the meeting in prayer.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Evening, 6:30 PM
The Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Bruce A. Kellerman led the conference in prayer.
The conference took time to hear about the “Trophies of God’s Grace” as the different regions made reports. Ronald C. Mahurin served as host and opened the time in prayer. The regions reported and prayer was offered praising God for His goodness and asking for His continued blessing on the ministries of the churches.
Resolved, that we adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Following the fifth meeting, we celebrated the ordination of seven men and recognized the prior ordination of two others. We offer our welcome to the Gospel ministry to: Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Davis E. Duggins, Scott B. Evans, Glenn R. Felty, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris and Timothy J. Schmoyer. May God cause their ministry to be fruitful and honoring to Him.
Sixth Meeting
Wednesday Morning, 9:00 AM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman at 9:00 AM. Prayer was offered for Edward K. Moyer (by Richard E. Taylor), Sandy Snyder (by Ronald C. Mahurin), Ralph Reed (by David E. Gundrum) and Ethan Chon (by Dennis M. Cahill) who are experiencing physical difficulties at this time. Randall A. Grossman prayed and asked the Lord for His blessings during this day of Annual Conference.
Richard B. Ravis led the conference in worship accompanied by Eric R. North, Mark E. Barninger, Mark R. Evans, Elliot H. Ramos and Byron Barnshaw. The conference sang Everlasting God after which Mark R. Evans read Colossians 3:1-4 and prayed. We then sang Be Unto Your Name. James R. Batchler, Jr. read 1 John 4:7-21 and the conference repeated the Nicene Creed. Worship was concluded with the conference singing Take My Life and Let it Be.
Philip E. Yerrington spoke on the topic, “Fellowship Restored at Great Grace” from 1 John 4.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused for portions of Annual Conference: Kenneth F. Barber, Raymond R. Bertolet, John Dunn, Frank L. Herb, Jr., David H. Jones, J. Mark McCreary, Dana E. Weller and Richard A. Moyer.
Resolved, that these requests be granted.
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegates be seated: Peter Everett, Cedar Crest, Jay Reinhard, Cedar Crest, and Charles Webb, Lagrangeville, NY.
Resolved, that the minutes of the third meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the fourth meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the fifth meeting be approved.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.
Bruce A. Ellingson (2 years)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Dorothy Ruch (2 years)
The Study Committee on the millennium led a discussion of their work which is found in the 2006 yearbook page 205-221.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:27 PM with James E. Mortland closing in prayer.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, at 1:31 PM. Robert K. Fields led in prayer remembering Brian H. Cooper who is having physical issues.
Clyde W. Snyder updated the conference on the tragic accident that claimed the life of his son, David. He spoke of the goodness of God and of the love displayed by the family of God. David R. Way prayed for Clyde and Carol and the rest of the family in their time of need.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused from the remainder of the sessions of the 124th Annual Conference: Scott B. Evans and Ronald W. Reed.
Resolved, that these excuses be granted.
The following failed at Second Reading:
“Because of the qualifications and dignity of the position of Pastor, when considering a man for ordination, the Ministerial Candidate Committee and Credentials Committee shall give careful consideration to ensure that a man who has been divorced or who has married a divorced womanhas Biblically resolved the issues in family, the church, and community raised by the divorce, demonstrated since the divorce stability of character andis presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to his wife.”
Yes – 63; No – 71; Abstain – 2
Resolved, that the following addition (found in bold type) be adopted to Article 204-1.6 of the Faith and Order at Second Reading.
Because of the qualifications and dignity of the office of Elder, each Particular Church shall give careful consideration to ensure that a man who has been divorced or who has married a divorced woman has Biblically resolved the issues in family, the church, and community raised by the divorce, demonstrated since the divorce stability of character and is presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to his wife.”
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 114; No – 19
Resolved, that the request of the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church Board of Elders dated February 6, 2007 be received.
Whereas, some members of Annual Conference sincerely understand the proposed wording changes of the BFC Articles of Faith as suggested by the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation to be a significant change in the denomination’s theological position; and
Whereas, some of these members would consider themselves unable to subscribe to the Articles of Faith if the proposed wording changes take effect; and
Whereas, it is our desire that wording changes such as these be undertaken with Christian grace; therefore be it
Resolved, that Annual Conference allow those present members of the Conference who would find themselves unable to agree with the Articles of Faith if the proposed wording changes take effect to remain in the Conference and continue serving the Lord with the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that Annual Conference consider the first resolution following the reception of the Report of the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation (recorded in the minutes of the Third Meeting) to be the answer to the request of the CCBFC Board of Elders.
Robert W. Gehret, delegate of the Ephrata BFC, brought a request to address Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the request of the Board of Elders of the Ephrata BFC be received.
The Board of Elders of the Ephrata BFC wanted to thank the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation for their work and for retracting the phrase, but unless regenerated from Article 10 of the Articles of Faith.
Resolved, that the request of the Board of Elders of the Wallingford BFC be received.
Whereas, the Annual Conference has sought to clarify Articles 9-13 of the Articles of Faith, and
Whereas, we have no previous documentation of study papers that allow us to understand why these articles were adopted, and
Whereas, we believe that further study would better allow us to make more informed decisions with regard to the proposals to clarify Articles 9-13, therefore be it
Resolved, that we, the Board of Elders of Grace BFC of Wallingford, PA, request that the Annual Conference appoint the Study Committee on Articles Pertaining to Salvation prepare studies on these articles, and further
Resolved, that their assignment be to consider, as a result of their study, whether to retain or change these articles, and further
Resolved, that if they recommend changes they offer proposals and Biblical justification for those changes.
Resolved, that the study committee on the Articles Pertaining to Salvation provide exegetical studies on the proposed changes they are presenting, and further
Resolved, the Study Committee provide these studies before the 125th Annual Conference for the elder boards of the BFC to consider, and further
Resolved, that this be the answer to the Board of Elders of the Wallingford BFC.
Resolved, that Annual Conference receive the request of the elders of the Maple Glen BFC to have a study committee appointed to study the theological changes taking place at Biblical Theological Seminary.
Whereas, a request was received from Maple Glen BFC requesting a study committee to consider theological changes at Biblical Theological Seminary and
Whereas, we do not see just cause to warrant the appointment of such a committee, therefore be it
Resolved, that we deny their request.
Resolved, that the minutes of the sixth meeting be approved.
Report of the Committee on Auditing (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Statistical Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The following were appointed:
Register: Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Assistant Registrar: Davis E. Duggins
Agenda and Program Committee: Three officers for 2008; Andrew T. Crossgrove, Robert A. Johnson, II, Thomas P. Shorb
Arrangements Committee: David A. Thomann, Chairman; Daniel P. Allen, Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Thomas P. Shorb, Chairman for 2008
Committee on Statistics: LeRoy S. Heller, Chairman; Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., David N. Schoen, David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich
Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches: Ralph M. Soper, Chairman; Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Louis S. Curcio, C. Larry Bennett, Ronald C. Erb; Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Allan R. Vivona
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 be approved for submission to the churches for their pledges.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:26 PM. Jansen E. Hartman closed the meeting in prayer remembering the family of Ralph Reed who went home to be with the Lord this afternoon.
Eighth Meeting
Wednesday Evening, 6:15 PM
The Chairman, Randall Grossman called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM. Gary Sterner led the conference in prayer.
Resolved, that the logo presented at the 124th Annual Conference be adopted as the official logo of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that Annual Conference direct the Board of Directors to acquire appropriate legal protection of our name, Bible Fellowship Church, and logo.
Resolved, that the following resolution be approved as First Reading:
Whereas, the work of the Strategic Planning Committee as established by the Annual Conference and outlined in the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church will no longer be necessary when the Executive Board and Executive Director are in place, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Strategic Planning Committee as described in Article 512-17 of the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church be dissolved, and further
Resolved, that the responsibilities for strategic planning now be cared for by the Executive Board and Executive Director of the BFC, and further
Resolved, that Article 512-17 as well as other references to the Strategic Planning Committee be deleted from the Faith & Order.
[FIRST READING]
Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2007 is $215 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 2008 be $217 per year of service.
Whereas, the religious denomination known as The Bible Fellowship Church has and functions through Ministers of the Gospel who are duly ordained or licensed; and
Whereas, the practice of The Bible Fellowship Church is to provide a parsonage or a rental allowance as part of the gross compensation for each of its active ordained or licensed ministers; and
Whereas, pensions paid to retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers of The Bible Fellowship Church are considered as deferred compensation and are paid to said retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers in consideration of previous, active service; and
Whereas, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized that The Bible Fellowship Church is the appropriate organization to designate a housing/rental allowance for retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers who are members of this Conference;
Resolved,
1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2008 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 Yearbook of the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church 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.”
Resolved, that the recommended minimum salary for a pastor serving in the BFC for the calendar year 2007 be $31,000.00. In addition to his salary, the church must provide half of the pastor’s Social Security tax, parsonage and/or housing allowance (which would include utilities, repair costs, etc.), health insurance, and provision should be made for reimbursement for allowable car and professional expenses. The church must also contribute a minimum of 3% of the pastor’s salary for retirement to the Ministers Annuity Fund, plus an additional 1% match if the pastor is voluntarily contributing 1%.
Note:
The above recommendation is considered the minimum. In establishing a fair and equitable salary and benefits package for the minister, consideration should be given to experience, education and the cost of living as per one’s location. In some areas, a higher figure would be more equitable.
Additional information from the Pastoral Relations Committee can be found in the Yearbook. One can also contact the Reading BFC for added information.
Resolved, that the Annual Conference ratify the election of Ronald C. Mahurin as Conference Pastor for a term of three years.
Resolved, that the salary for the Conference Pastor be $26,000.00 and in addition, we provide $6,200.00 for health insurance and $9,300.00 for auto and professional expenses.
Total – $41,500.00
The Ministerial Relations Committee presented the following resolution:
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading
Article 409 – Pastoral Change Procedure
The orderly transition of pastoral leadership is crucial to the health of a church. As the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ should be invoked to provide for the care of His under- shepherds, the pastors, and for the needs of His flock, the congregation. The Ministerial Relations Committee is responsible to provide guidance to both pastors and churches during this transition.
409-1 Instituting the Pastoral Relationship
409- 1.1 When a church is seeking a Pastor, the Board of Elders shall meet with representatives of the Ministerial Relations Committee to discuss the following:
(1) Temporary pulpit supply. The Board of Elders shall provide for temporary pulpit supply on an interim basis. Pastors serving in this capacity shall be in sympathy with the F&O of the BFC.
(2) Election of a pastoral search committee.
(3) Congregational self-study, pastoral profile, and candidate search procedures.
(4) Rules for calling a pastor.
409-1.2 The Board of Elders shall call a congregational meeting according to our rules (see §403) in order to elect a pastoral search committee. The Board of Elders shall recommend the composition, size and election of the pastoral search committee. The committee may vary from church to church, but in all cases shall be viewed as subordinate to the Board of Elders. Under normal circumstances, the chairman of the pastoral search committee shall be an elder.
409-1.3 The Pastoral Search Committee shall maintain regular communication with the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee concerning progress in the pastoral search. The Ministerial Relations Committee shall seek to provide guidance and advice to the Pastoral Search Committee in its work.
409-1.4 The Pastoral Search Committee shall seek a candidate who is fitted to the needs of the church and is or will be licensed to serve as a pastor in the BFC. If a candidate is not licensed to serve as a pastor in the BFC, he shall be referred to the Ministerial Candidate Committee. Under ordinary circumstances, the candidate must gain final approval by regular procedures in order to be called by the church.
409-1.5 On certain exceptional occasions, it may be necessary to expedite the procedure for issuing a call to a man who is previously ordained but not licensed by the BFC.
These circumstances are when:
(1) geographic distance allows limited, direct contact.
(2) the demands of current ministry do not allow for the normal process.
(3) the church applies for special consideration because of urgent circumstances.
The expedited process is as follows:
(1) The church shall request the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee to use the expedited process. He, in consultation with the chairman of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, approves or disapproves the request.
(2) If the request is approved, the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall interview the man. If he is approved as a candidate under our rules (see 512-13.4), he shall be given the Open Book Examination.
(3) Upon the satisfactory completion of the Open Book Examination, the church may seek to issue a call, which is provisional.
(4) After the provisional call is issued, the man shall complete all other examinations and requirements of the Ministerial Candidate Committee before beginning the new ministry or moving into church-provided housing.
(5) When all examinations and requirements are satisfactorily completed, the Ministerial Candidate Committee will approve the man as a licensed probationer (see §514-13.4), effective on the date of the approval of his final examination. The Ministerial Relations Committee will recognize the provisional call as the formal call on the same date.
409-1.6 When the Pastoral Search Committee had completed its work, it shall recommend a candidate to the Board of Elders. The Board of Elders shall conduct any other research or interviews it deems necessary, including establishing the terms of the call.
409-1.7 When the Board of Elders is ready to present a candidate to the congregation, it shall inform the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee of the name and of the terms of the call. The purpose of this consultation is to protect the candidate, the church, and the BFC from unnecessary difficulties. The Ministerial Relations Committee shall have one week to approve or disapprove of the presentation of the candidate to the congregation.
409-1.8 If the Ministerial Relations Committee approves the presentation of the candidate, the Board of Elders shall call a congregational meeting according to our rules (see §403) for the purpose of calling a pastor.
409-1.9 The congregational meeting shall be led by the First Delegate or, at his request, a member of the Ministerial Relations Committee. Following the report of the pastoral search committee and/or the Board of Elders, the congregation shall vote on the question, “Are you ready to proceed to the calling of a pastor?” If a majority of members present and voting approve, a vote shall be taken to call the pastor. This vote shall be by written ballot. Absentee ballots are not allowed. The leader of the meeting shall announce the outcome of the vote and inform the congregation that the next step in the process is the approval or disapproval of the call by the Ministerial Relations Committee.
409-1.10 The Ministerial Relations Committee shall be informed of the outcome of the vote. The purpose of this consultation is to advise the Board of Elders concerning the issuing of a call and to approve or disapprove it. If the vote is approved by a strong majority, the Elders will be advised to proceed with the issuing of a call. If the vote is not approved by a strong majority, the Elders may be advised to consider options other than issuing a call. The Ministerial Relations Committee shall have the final authority to approve or disapprove the call.
409-1.11 Upon receiving the approval of the Ministerial Relations Committee, the Board of Elders may proceed to issue a call to the pastor as follows:
The (name) Church, of (city and state) , believing that you are well-qualified to serve as our pastor for the glory of God and our spiritual benefit, invite you,
(name of candidate) to accept this call to serve as our (title of pastor) promising you all proper support, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord.
In order to provide for your needs, we promise to pay you an annual salary of $ together with additional benefits as follows; (other benefits may include provision of housing as agreed upon by you and the church, housing allowance, educational or professional allowances). We also will provide (number of weeks) vacation each year.
We also will pay into your Minister’s Annuity Fund the percentage of your salary established by Annual Conference.
We will also pay you a sum equivalent to your self-employment tax (FICA).
We will also provide health insurance for you and your family, equivalent to a standard set by the BFC Board of Directors and agreed on by you and the church.
And we promise to review with you the adequacy of this compensation annually. We, the elders of Church, sign our names to this call on (date).
409-1.12 Upon receiving the approval of the Ministerial Relations Committee (see 409-1.9), the Board of Elders or Agency Board may proceed to issue a bi-vocational call as follows:
The (church / agency) , believing that you are well-qualified to serve as pastor for the glory of God and the benefit of His church, invite you (name of candidate) to accept this call to serve in the office of (position / title) , promising you all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord.
In order to help provide for your needs, we promise to pay you an annual salary of $ , provision of housing as agreed upon by you and the church, together with additional benefits as follows: (other benefits may include parsonage use, housing allowance, educational or professional allowances). We also will provide (number of weeks) vacation each year.
We also will pay into your Ministers Annuity Fund the percentage of your salary established by Annual Conference.
We also will pay you a sum equivalent to your self-employment tax (FICA).
(The following sentence is optional.)
We also will provide health insurance agreed on by you and the (church / agency) .
This is a call to serve bi-vocationally, that is, with the understanding that you will provide part of your support through other employment than the ministerial position to which we are calling you.
We promise to review with you the adequacy of this call and its conditions each year, to increase our provision for your support as we are able, and to provide full support for you as soon as it is possible.
We sign our names to this call on (date) .
409-1.13 An Agency of the BFC may call a person to serve in its ministry. In such cases the board of directors of the Agency shall act in the place of the Board of Elders, Pastoral Search Committee, and Congregation. As in the case of a call to a Particular Church, the Ministerial Relations Committee shall approve the name, the terms, and the call of the candidate. The form of the call shall be modeled after the form for Particular Churches (see 409-1.11).
409-1.15 Upon receiving the call from the church or agency, the candidate has three weeks to accept or reject the call in writing. If the candidate accepts the call, the Ministerial Relations Committee shall set the effective date in consultation with the candidate and the church.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following be approved as First Reading:
Paragraphs 409-1.1 – 409-1.13 refer to the calling of a Senior Pastor in a church with more than one pastor, or the only Pastor in a church with one pastor. In churches with more than one pastor, the elders may choose to adopt the procedure in paragraph 409-1.14
409-1.14 In churches with more than one pastor, the elders may choose to call a pastor other than the Senior Pastor as follows: The Board of Elders shall serve as the Pastoral Search Committee and shall issue a call without a congregational vote.
The Ministerial Relations Committee shall approve the name, the terms and the call of the candidate. The form of the call shall be modeled after the call in paragraph 409-1.11. The call shall be communicated to the congregation.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
409-2 Dissolving the Pastoral Relationship (omit present 409-2, 409-2.1, 409-2.2)
(omit paragraph following title of 409-3)
409-2.1 An Uncontested Resignation (unchanged except for the following)
(2) Omit
(2.1) Omit “severance pay”
(2.2) Ordinarily . . . The action of the Board of Elders shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee prior to the effective date of the resignation. (omit “. . . by the secretary . . . cannot be reached.”).
(omit paragraph (3) and replace (4) with the following:)
(3) The Board of Elders shall call a congregational meeting according to our rules (see 403) in order to consider the resignation of the pastor. When the congregation approves the resignation of the pastor, this information shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee within one week. The special provisions made for the pastor’s transition (see 2.1 above), may be announced by the Board of Elders or, if they so decide, approved by the Congregation, by a separate resolution at the same meeting.
409-2.2 A Contested Resignation
(1) Replace final sentence beginning “Rules for communicating the results . . .” with “This decision shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee within twenty-four hours.
409-2.3 Churches Desiring Dissolution of the Pastorate
(1) If the issues leading to a desire by the church to dissolve the pastorate involve moral or doctrinal charges against the pastor, the church shall follow the procedure outlined in the Book of Discipline (see section 300).
(2) No changes
409-3.4, 409-3.5, 409-3.6 Omit
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading:
409-2.4 Resignation or Removal of Pastors called by Boards of Elders.
In the case of a pastor called under the procedure of 409-1.14, resignation or removal is as follows:
Resignation – The pastor submits his resignation to the Board of Elders. He shall submit a copy to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee. The Board of Elders shall act on the resignation, including special provisions such as in 409-2.1
The Board of Elders shall inform the congregation of the effective date and terms of the resignation.
Removal – Boards of Elders shall adopt the procedure of 409-2.3 except that following the due process if (409-2.3 (1)(2.1-5) the Ministerial Relations Committee may approve the request of the Board of Elders to terminate the pastorate. The effective date and terms of the termination shall be communicated to the congregation. paragraph (409-2.3 (2.12) is in effect in this situation.
409-3.4, 409-3.5, 409-3.6 Omit
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
512-14 Ministerial Relations Committee
The purpose of the Ministerial Relations Committee is to foster a healthy relationship between pastors and churches, to help to resolve problems in the pastoral relationship, and to assist churches in calling pastors.
512-14-1 Composition and Election
Omit (3)
512-14-2 Duties
(1) The committee shall provide counsel and advice to churches and pastors upon their invitation. The committee may be invited to assist a church in this way upon request of the Board of Elders, the Pastoral Relations Committee of the church, an individual Elder or Elders, or the Pastor.
(2) The committee may initiate involvement and call a meeting with the Pastor, Pastoral Relations Committee, or Board of Elders if the committee concludes there are matters threatening the health of the pastoral relationship which are not being adequately addressed by the Particular Church. This request for a meeting shall be in writing, stating the reasons that the Ministerial Relations Committee has for requesting it.
(3) The committee shall seek to resolve difficulties in the pastoral relationship whether they have been invited or have initiated involvement in the Particular Church. This involvement may take the form of meetings with the Pastor, Elders or Members, with the Pastoral Relations Committee, with the Board of Elders, or with the Congregation.
(4) The committee shall oversee the resignation of a pastor according to our rules.
(5) The committee shall meet with the Elders and/or Pastoral Search Committee with respect to temporary pulpit supply, the pastoral search process, and the calling of a pastor. It shall oversee the calling of a pastor according to our rules.
(6) The committee shall refer any problems concerning pastoral relationships that it cannot resolve to Annual Conference for final resolution. This referral may or may not have recommendations concerning resolution.
(7) The committee shall submit a report to Annual Conference, including recommendations concerning the minimum salary package for pastors called under our rules.
512.14.3 Conference Pastor – same
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 be adopted.
Administrative Budgets
2007 2007 2008
Budget Budget Budget
1. Beneficiary Fund 500 500 500
2. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 100 100 100
3. Ministerial Convention 1,000 1,000 1,000
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 63,000 63,000 66,000
5. Annual Conference
a. Conference Entertainment 7,000 7,000 7,500
b. Conference Expense 4,100 4,100 4,100
6. Fund to Assist Churches 100 100 100
7. Board of Communications 5,000 5,000 5,000
8. Expenses of Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 700 700 700
b. All other Expenses 8,000 8,000 8,000
9. Expenses, Board of Directors 3,000 3,000 3,000
10. M.C.C. Internship Fund 250 250 250
11. Historical Committee 1,000 1,000 1,000
12. Conference Pastor 40,000 41,500 41,500
13. ONE Voice 3,000 3,000 2,750
Total Budget 136,750 138,250 141,500
% of previous budget 102.2 103.4 102.4
The Ministerial Candidate Committee presented the following resolution.
Resolved, that the following amendment to Article 505-1 of the Faith & Order be approved at first reading:
505-1. Voting Members.
(5) probationers who have been licensed by the Ministerial Candidate Committee
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be approved as First Reading:
406-2 Mission Organizations: (proposed changes are underlined and bold)
406-2.1 Each Particular Church is encouraged to establish organizations that will promote and assist in carrying out its task of world evangelization. Organizations so established are encouraged to inform the Board of Missions and Church Extension Ministries of their officers in order that information can be circulated to and coordinated with similar organizations from other Particular Churches. Suggested bylaws for such organizations are available in the Appendix.
406-2.2 Regional Mission Organization Programs. The Board of Missions and Church Extension Ministries may coordinate regional programs as deemed advisable.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading:
Article 504 -Membership of Congregations in Annual Conference
504-1. Particular Church.
Any congregation meeting the standards of Article 18 of the Articles of Faith and committed to the F&O, may be admitted to membership in Annual Conference and shall be known as a Particular Church. This admission must follow upon a positive assessment and recommendation by the Board of Church Extension. Assessment includes an evaluation of elders, committed participants and financial stability.
504-2. Mission Churches
504-2.1 Any congregation that is under the supervision of the Board of Church Extension of the BFC but has not yet met the standard for recognition as a Particular Church shall be called a mission church. The term mission church is used in a technical sense, but this does not preclude the use of the term church in any of the congregation’s public relations activities.
504-2.2 The Board of Church Extension has the responsibility of assessing the preparedness of the mission church for admission to Annual Conference.
504-2.3 Upon recommendation by the Board of Church Extension, the mission church may be recognized as a church and admitted to Annual Conference by a majority vote of Annual Conference.
504-3. Other Congregations
504-3.1 Daughter churches of Bible Fellowship Churches
(1) A Bible Fellowship Church desiring to plant a daughter church shall contact the Board of Church Extension and seek its counsel and assistance in the development and preparation of the daughter church for recognition at the Annual Conference.
(2) When the parent church determines that the daughter church is ready to pursue membership in the Annual Conference, the parent church shall request an assessment from the Board of Church Extension. The daughter church shall be assessed by the Board of Church Extension.
(3) The daughter church shall be recommended for membership in the Annual Conference by the parenting church and the Board of Church Extension and admitted to Annual Conference upon majority vote of Annual Conference.
504-3.2 Pre-existing Congregations
(1) An independent congregation or an established congregation of another denomination desiring membership in Annual Conference shall contact the Board of Church Extension.
(2) This church shall be evaluated by the Board of Church Extension on the basis of its agreement with the F&O, particularly as to its compliance with Article 18 of the Articles of Faith. This church shall meet the standards of Article 18 of the Articles of Faith and be committed to the F & O.
(3) This church may be recommended for membership in Annual Conference by the Board of Church Extension upon satisfactory completion of an assessment.
(4) A majority vote of Annual Conference shall be required for membership in Annual Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading:
Board of Church Extension
The Board of Church Extension governs Church Extension Ministries which consists of the Board of Church Extension, the Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries, church planters serving under the direction of the Board, all other employees of the Board, and mission churches under jurisdiction of the Board.
512-4.1 Purpose
Church Extension Ministries exists to plant churches in order to build the Body of Christ through extending the Bible Fellowship Church.
It does this by evangelizing in areas, communities, and neighborhoods as well as among people, where Bible Fellowship Churches do not exist, by forming and nurturing to maturity new congregations.
512-4.2 Composition and Election
(1) The Board of Church Extension will be composed of the Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries, five ministers and five elders. Classes shall be formed as follows:
Class I Two ministers and two elders
Class IITwo ministers and two elders
Class IIIOne minister and one elder
(2)The Executive Director shall be called by the Board of Church Extension.
(3) Each class of the Board of Church Extension shall be elected in turn annually by ballot by the Board of Church Extension, subject to ratification by the Annual Conference.
(4) The term for each class shall be for three years.
512-4.3 Duties
(1)It shall have authority to establish and oversee the development of mission churches.
(2) It shall issue calls to church planters credentialed by the BFC.
(3) It shall have authority to hire church planters not credentialed by the BFC. But they must be under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee and be seeking credentials in the BFC. In such cases, a contract for ministry shall be established.
(4) It shall function as a board of Elders in behalf of mission churches.
(5) It shall receive applications for admission to Annual Conference from daughter churches or congregations outside the Bible Fellowship Church.
(6)It shall require all mission churches to adhere to the Faith and Order.
(7)It shall receive and disburse monies designated for Church Extension Ministries.
(8) It shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church on the approval and consummation of legal transactions for the purchase of real estate and/or the erection of buildings for purposes of Church Extension Ministries.
(9) It shall make recommendations to Annual Conference on the admission of mission churches and daughter churches to membership in Annual Conference.
(10) It shall make a written report of its activities to Annual Conference.
(11) It shall promote the program of Church Extension Ministries and develop a broadening financial base for its ministry.
512-4.4 Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries
The Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries shall be an ordained minister of the Bible Fellowship Church. He shall, by virtue of his office, be a member of the Board of Church Extension and shall be accountable to the Board of Church Extension for his ministry.
512-4.5 Rules Relative to the Recognition of Churches.
(1) Any congregation that has a relationship with the Bible Fellowship Church but has not yet met the standards for recognition as a particular church shall be called a mission church. (See 504-2)
(2) When, in the opinion of the Board of Church Extension, a mission church is prepared for recognition, the Board shall recommend to Annual Conference that this mission church be recognized as a Particular Church and that it be admitted to the membership of Annual Conference. This recognition will be by a majority vote of Annual Conference.
(3) Churches which have been recognized by the Annual Conference are no longer under the jurisdiction of the Board of Church Extension and are no longer eligible for financial aid from the Board. Churches recognized by the Annual Conference shall not again come under the jurisdiction of the Board of Church Extension but may seek counsel from the Ministerial Relations Committee and assistance from the Board of Church Health.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be adopted at one reading:
702-1.1 Name- The name of this organization shall be the (Name of Organization) of (Name of Church) (City. State) . (proposed changes are underlined and bold)
702-1.2 Purpose -The purpose of this Mission Organization shall be to
(1) Give diligence to intercessory prayer in behalf of missionaries under the care of the Board of Missions and the Board of Church Extension.
(2) Encourage sacrificial giving in behalf of missions
(3) Support missionary projects, both domestic and foreign
(4) Correspond with missionaries under the care of the Board of Missions and the Board of Church Extension.
(5) Assist BFC missionaries and missionary appointees under the care of the Board of Missions and the Board of Church Extension.
(6) Promote spiritual growth among the members of the organization
(7) Seek to provide spiritual growth to missionaries in remote areas of the world (e.g. tapes of good messages and music, Christian magazines, etc. )
(8) Provide prayer letter reproduction, address maintenance, and mailing services to missionaries under the care of the Board of Missions and the Board of Church Extension where possible
(9) (Other purposes can be added or deleted to fit the organization’s purposes.)
702-1.3 Membership -Membership shall be open to Christians of like faith who are interested in missionary work and desire to share in this fellowship.
Whereas, Church Extension Ministries has received a petition from a church outside the USA to become a mission church of the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved, that, by rule of exception, article 512-4.1 – Purpose be implemented at this Annual Conference.
The Board of Church Health presented the following resolution.
Whereas, it is the goal of the Board of Church Health to support and assist Particular Churches in need, and
Whereas, it is imperative that benchmarks be established to allow the Board of Church Health to initiate discussions with local churches with the goal of assisting them in their ministries, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the following legislative additionto the Bylaws for Annual Conference beapproved as First Reading:
504-1.1 All new Particular Churches will be on a two year probation with open accountability to the Board of Health. Any congregation that reports any one of the following criteria will allow the Board of Church Health to initiate discussion with that Particular Church.
(1) Three consecutive years where attendance declined more than 5% per year.
(2) Three consecutive years of declining offerings.
(3) An Elder Board that has declined to fewer than two lay elders.
[FIRST READING]
~Whereas, we have taken action requiring ministers who now have our credentials and hold a foreseen faith view of election to declare their reservation regarding Article 11; and
Whereas, our Faith and Order views ministers and elders as bearing equally the responsibility for the life of the church; and
Whereas, the Faith and Order requires both ministers (512-11.2) and elders (401-11.9) to subscribe annually in writing their agreement with our Articles of Faith; therefore be it
Resolved, that men now serving as Elders and who hold to a foreseen faith position on election should not sign that they subscribe without reservation to our present Articles of Faith but should declare their reservation regarding Article 11. Whether or not the proposed clarifications are adopted, such men, if now serving as elders should continue to serve and will continue to be embraced by the BFC. Every Board of Elders will continue to require men being considered to become elders to include only those men who are able annually to declare in writing their agreement with the Articles of Faith (401-1.9)
Whereas, there has been considerable discussion at the 124th Annual Conference of the proposed changes to the Articles of Faith regarding salvation, and
Whereas, additional materials pertaining to these proposed changes are being prepared for circulation to the churches, and
Whereas, some Boards of Elders have already voted on the proposed changes and have reported these votes prior to the 124th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that any Board of Elders desiring to change its position on these proposed changes in articles 9-13 prior to the 125th Annual Conference be allowed to do so, and that the revised position be considered to supercede any prior communication with respect to articles 801-3 and 801-4 of the Faith and Order.
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has reported establishment of nine pastorates, therefore be it
Resolved, that we offer praise to God for His gracious provision of pastors for our churches.
Whereas, Jonathan W. Arnold, Sr., Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Kenneth F. Barber, Tim Bertolet, and Gene W. Smith have resigned from their positions of ministry, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their ministry and service at their particular churches and prayer for God’s guidance as they seek to serve the Lord with the calling and gifts that He has given them, and be it further,
Resolved, that we praise God for Jonathan W. Arnold Sr.’s current ministry at New Life Bible Fellowship Church, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr.’s current ministry at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church of the Northern Lehigh Valley, Shan Cleck’s current ministry at Paradise Bible Fellowship Church, David E. Brandt at Lebanon Bible Fellowship Church, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. at Fellowship Manor Bible Fellowship Chuch, Robert B. Kramer at Ephrata Bible Fellowship Church, Ferdie R. Madara at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Shamokin, Steven J. DelDuco at Reading Bible Fellowship Church, and Timothy J. Bertolet’s current ministry at Pocono Mountain Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer were approved for ordination, and
Whereas, Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty were approved to have their prior ordinations recognized by the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank God for the calling and gifts of these men and that we be steadfast in prayer for them.
Whereas, the Boards and Committees of the BFC have labored diligently during this past year, and
Whereas, they have reported faithfully to the 124th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we recognize their service and ask God to give them strength for the coming year.
Whereas, BFC Homes Inc., Pinebrook Bible Conference, and Victory Valley Camp continue to provide services that meet the needs of people at their respective campuses, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the leadership and consistent progress He has provided.
Whereas, David E. Gundrum is the Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray to our sovereign God to grant David E. Gundrum wisdom, direction and strength as he continues to serve the Lord expanding the borders of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, Mark L. Morrison is now full time as Assistant Director of Church Extension Ministries, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray that our sovereign Lord would grant Mark L. Morrison wisdom, direction and strength as he continues to serve in this ministry.
Whereas, Dana E. Weller, Director of the Board of Missions, introduced us to the Tanzania Project, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray for God’s leading in each particular Bible Fellowship Church’s involvement in this exciting ministry.
Whereas, Ronald C. Mahurin has served diligently and with a shepherd’s heart as the Conference Pastor, and
Whereas, Ronald C. Mahurin was ratified by the 124th Annual Conference for a term of 3 years as the Conference Pastor, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray to our sovereign God to grant Ronald C. Mahurin, wisdom, direction , and strength as he continues to serve the Lord as the Conference Pastor.
Whereas, the Joint Committee on Ethnic Church has began to pray and take the necessary steps to investigate the possible connection of Iglesia Bíblica La Roca of Mérida, México to the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, this is a new venture for Church Extension Ministries and the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Members of the 124th Annual Conference continue to pray to our Lord for wisdom, direction and guidance in regards to how the Bible Fellowship Church can connect with Iglesia Bíblica La Roca de Mérida.
Whereas, Pastor Marcos G. Ramírez Montalvo has began the process for credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, he has traveled from the city of Mérida in México, to bring greetings from Iglesia Bíblica La Roca de Mérida, and return with a report to his congregation on the 124th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the interest and commitment of Pastor Marcos G. Ramírez Montalvo to pursue connection with the Bible Fellowship Church by becoming an applicant for credentials, and further
Resolved, that we pray for the leadership and the members of Iglesia Bíblica La Roca as they continue to seek God’s wisdom in regards to their connection to the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved, that we pray for the continual spiritual and numerical growth, and witness of Iglesia Bíblica La Roca de Mérida.
Whereas, it has pleased God to call to Himself our dear brothers and longtime pastors William H. Bartron, Willard E. Cassel, long time elder Ralph Reed, and long time missionary John Pello, and
Whereas, William H. Bartron, Willard E. Cassel, Ralph Reed and John Pello served the Lord faithfully for many years, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for these saints of God whose gracious lives and service to the Kingdom of God through the Bible Fellowship Church and their commitment exemplified lives dedicated to giving God all the glory.
Whereas, since our last Annual Conference, the Lord saw it fit to call home to Glory our sisters Addy Mull, wife of former pastor and missionary William Mull; and Mary Heffner, wife of former pastor William A. Heffner, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their life, and pray for God’s comfort for their loved ones.
Whereas, Cottrell Corners, Whitehall, and Blandon churches are in need of a pastor, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray for wisdom and guidance for each church in their pastoral search and further,
Resolved, that we pray that God would raise up new pastors and elders from our denomination who are qualified to serve in our churches.
Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference along with some wives of our pastors and delegates have readily served the members of the 124th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we note with thanksgiving the helpful service of those who have labored to care for us.
Whereas, the pages, Josh Allen, Mark Bickel, David Brandt, Steve Delduco, Mark Evans, Jonathan Forsythe, Kurt Francis, Josh Gibson, John Lorusso, Josh Miller, David Mumma, Carlos Rodriguez, Dave Schlonecker, Colby Weinhofer, Dan Williams, Tom Morrison, and Steve Morten have humbly, readily, and cheerfully enabled the work of the 124th Annual Conference to function smoothly, therefore be it
Resolved, that we acknowledge our appreciation for their service and fellowship with a round of applause.
Whereas, Randall A. Grossman, Calvin T. Reed, Philip E. Yerrington, have served Annual Conference as our devotional speakers, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their gift of wisdom and their insight into His Word, and be it further
Resolved, that each be awarded $50 for their labors.
Whereas, Richard B. Ravis has served Annual Conference as worship leader and was ably assisted by several others, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their leading us in worship of our great God.
Whereas, the Annual Conference Secretary and his assistants have served with spectacular effectiveness, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful service and be it further
Resolved, that each man be awarded $50 for their labors.
Whereas, Calvin T. Reed has served with distinction as Vice-Chairman of the 124th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for his faithful service.
Whereas, Randall A. Grossman has served outstandingly as Chairman of the 124th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of The Annual Conference show their appreciation for Brother Grossman’s four consecutive years of service with a standing ovation.
Whereas, Bill Schlonecker will serve as Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that we be steadfast in prayer for him as he strives for fulfill his responsibilities.
Resolved, that the members of the 124th Annual Conference send our greetings to Pastor Marcos G. Ramírez Montalvo and the members of Iglesia Bíblica La Roca de Mérida.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The 124th Annual conference was adjourned at 8:50PM as Vice-Chairman, Calvin T. Reed closed in prayer.
The corporate and official address will be 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, Pa. 18052. The Secretary of the Conference Judicatory is Gregory A. Uhrich. The Secretary of the Special Judicatory is David J. Watkins.
The Report of the Steering Committee for the 2007 Adjourned Session
Minutes
Adjourned Session of 124th Annual Conference
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church
Allentown, PA
The Chairman, Randall A Grossman, called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. by leading the Conference in prayer.
Report of the Registrar
Resolved that the two center sections of the sanctuary constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, that the following alternate delegates be seated: John Crouch (Denville, NJ); Mike Helfrich (Whitehall, PA); Donald D. McKinney (Sinking Spring, PA); John Quigley (Bethlehem, PA); Alan Russell (Emmaus, PA); Thomas Rutt (Blandon, PA); Keith Strunk (Bethlehem, PA); David Tress (Allentown, PA); Rob Vaughn (Red Hill, PA).
Resolved, that the following excuses for absence from this meeting be granted: James Batchler, Bert N. Brosius, Wayne Chadwell, Robert Cox, Robert Draper, Ronald C. Erb, Scott B. Evens, Carl J. Fischer, James C. Hart, LeRoy S. Heller, Horace A. Kauffman, Ferdie R. Madaro, Rodney Plows, Calvin T. Reed, R. C. Reichenbach, Arthur J. Simpson, Keith Splawn, Mark Twolmby.
A time of worship was led by Timothy Schaeffer and the Instruments of Praise. The Conference read Psalm 104:1-4 then sang, “O Worship the King,” “Meekness and Majesty,” “We Worship and Adore Thee,” “Here I Am To Worship,” “I Surrender All,” and “You Are God Alone.” Instruments of Praise ministered to the conference in special music by singing, “Blessed Assurance.”
Robert A. Sloan led in a time of devotional thought from Acts 6. He noted that changes were needed and brought about in the early church. He challenged us not to fear change but to make the changes that need to be made, always remembering to be true to the Word of God which is changeless.
The members of the Steering Committee presented their work and led a time of report and discussion. The members of the Committee are: Randall A. Grossman, Chairman, David T. Allen, Carl C. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert T. Evans, Jay H. Fasnacht, Ronald W. Reed, Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Hans R. Waldvogel, J. Robert Vaughn, Timothy D. Weaber and Robert H. Zentz.
Since Randall A. Grossman, Chairman of the 124th Annual Conference, is also the Chairman of the Steering Committee and illness caused the Vice Chairman, Calvin T. Reed, to miss this meeting, William G. Schlonecker, Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference, was selected, to chair the proceedings.
Resolved, that William G. Schlonecker serve as Chairman of this Adjourned Session of the 124th Annual Conference.
The Conference recessed for lunch at 12:24 p.m. as Clifford B. Boone closed in prayer.
The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 1:15 p.m. Thomas P. Shorb led the Conference in prayer.
The Steering Committee continued with the presentation of its material.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:23 p.m. with David A. Thomann, Secretary of the 124th Annual Conference, closing in prayer.