[view printable 2008 Yearbook]
Annual Conference Proceedings – 2008
First Meeting
Monday Morning, April 28, 2008, 10:00 AM
The 125th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by the Chairman, William G. Schlonecker, at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He read from the Faith and Order article 501-4 reminding us of the purpose of Annual Conference. He then led the conference in prayer.
Richard T. Paashaus, worship leader of the 125th Annual Conference led the men in singing Rejoice, the Lord Is King. He prayed and read Psalm 51. The conference sang Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. He closed the worship time in prayer.
William G. Schlonecker, Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference, spoke on the theme, A Mandate to Godly Leadership: The Man. He emphasized the need for brokenness in the life of Godly leaders. Richard T. Paashaus led the men in singing Search Me, Oh God. William G. Schlonecker ended the worship time in prayer.
Report of the Registrar
Resolved, that the tables with red tablecloths constitute the Conference Bar.
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 125th Annual Conference: William C. Aukamp, Delbert R. Baker, II, T. James Bigley, Thomas J. Boose, Walter E. Bortree. Leonard E. Buck, Bud Burroughs, Alva C. Cassel, Wayne M. Chadwell, G. Wayne Clapier, Hugh C. Colbourn, Jr., Robert S. Commerford, Ronald K. Denlinger, Willis I. Dowling, William J. Dunn, Michael P. Emrick, Jr., Richard J. Gehman, Michael Giordano, J. Barclay Harley, Richard D. Harris, James D. Head, Frank L. Herb, George E. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, Keith R. Howland, Ronald W. Hoyle, Ronald E. Miller, Barry J. Minsky, Duane E. Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Edgar H. Munyan, David W. Riddell, Roger L. Reitz, R. C. Reichenbach, David N. Schoen, A.L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Arthur J. Simpson, Robert A. Sloan, Harold C. Weaber, Philip E. Yerrington
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegates be seated: Alan Russell, Emmaus; Ken Reif, Cedar Crest; Robert L. Tomlinson, Pocono Mountain.
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, Charles A. Bloomfield, Walter E. Bortree, William J. Walters
Bethlehem, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Brian H. Cooper, Robert K. Fields, John Quigley, Keith Strunk
Blandon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan G. Miller, Thomas E. Rutt
Brooklyn, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph E. Ritter
Camden, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy J. Schmoyer, Keith Splawn
Carmel, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven J. DelDuco (Probationer), Hans R. Waldvogel
Clinton Corners, NY. . . . . . . Gerald D. Clark
Coopersburg, PA. . . . . . . . . Thomas P. Shorb, Richard T. Paashaus, Mark R. Evans (Probationer)*, Gary Sterner, David R. Vinson
Denville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard D. Harris, Guy Warner
Emmaus, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . David N. Schoen, Ralph M. Soper, Robert W. Davies
Ephrata, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert B. Kramer**, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . Byron Widger, Michael P. Emrick, Jr.
Fleetwood, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Roger J. Brush, David Rothenberger
Graterford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Douglas D. Bowne
Harleysville, PA. . . . . . . . . . Andrew T. Crossgrove, 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
Howell, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric R. North, Alan R. Heinlein
Kutztown, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Allan R. Vivona, Byron G. Barnshaw
LaGrangeville, NY. . . . . . . . James A. Wickstead, Thomas L. Ward
Lancaster, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert L. Yinger
Las Cruces, NM. . . . . . . . . . Thomas H. Morrison**, M. E. Brown
Lebanon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy S. Heller, David E. Brandt (Probationer)*, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce A. Kellerman
Long Neck, DE. . . . . . . . . . . Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., James C. Hart
Maple Glen, PA. . . . . . . . . . Louis Prontnicki, Keith Howland
Merida, Mexico. . . . . . . . . . Marcos G. Ramirez (Probationer), Daniel A. Hernandez
Mt. Carmel, PA. . . . . . . . . . Philip G. Norris, Bryan L. Snyder
Mt. Pocono, PA. . . . . . . . . . Timothy J. Bertolet, Ronald E. Miller
Nazareth, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Rodney P. Plows
Newark, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . William G. Schlonecker, Robert C. Kaatz
Newark, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delbert R. Baker, II, Thomas J. Boose, Jr.
Old Bridge, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . David J. Peters (Probationer), Steven L. Ziegler
Oley, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., Robert Kohler
Paradise, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Shan D. Cleck**, Amos F. Kinert
Philadelphia, PA. . . . . . . . . . G. Wayne Clapier, Bud Burroughs
Piscataway, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis M. Cahill, Richard B. Ravis, J. Richard Vroman
Quakertown, PA. . . . . . . . . . Ronald L. Kohl, L. James Roberts
Reading, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall A. Grossman, Ronald W. Reed, James A. Stapleton
Red Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael J. Tannous, Scott M. Tibbetts
Royersford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Aaron J. Susek (Probationer)*, Orville E. Gibson
Shamokin, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Ferdie R. Madara**, Richard Nye
Sinking Spring, PA. . . . . . . . Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Donald McKinney, Harold P. Shelly
Spring City, PA. . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Clineff
Stroudsburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . Davis E. Duggins, Ed Coover
Sunbury, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles E. Cole, Kurt P. Francis (Probationer)*, Robert H. Cox
Terre Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Robert L. Weaver, Sr.
Thompson, CT. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis W. Spinney, Thomas Krans
Toms River, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dean A. Stortz, Allen Dorst
Wallingford, PA. . . . . . . . . . Richard E. Taylor, Timothy S. Cowen, Daniel L. Williams (Probationer)* Steven L. Piasecki
Walnutport, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Timothy D. Weaber
Whitehall, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Rob J. Hodge
Whitehall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Richard J. Drosnock
(Fellowship Community)
York, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth D. Keeler, Roger L. Shambough
Zionsville, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . C. Larry Bennett, Kevin D. Derr
* pending approval of Second Reading – re. probationers
** pending approval of ordination
Ordained Ministers Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
Daniel P. Allen, Pinebrook Bible Conference; Raymond R. Bertolet , Church Extension; Albert J. Dommel, Church Extension; David E. Gundrum, Church Extension; Donald E. Kuntzman, Missions; Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor; Mark L. Morrison, Church Extension; Elliot H. Ramos, Church Extension; Carlos G. Rodriguez, Church Extension; John C. Vandegriff, Jr., Pinebrook Bible Conference; Dana E.Weller, Missions.
Ordained Missionaries
William C. Aukamp, Ronald K, Denlinger, James D. Head, Walter M. Johnston, David L. Manney, Philip E. Morrison, Duane E. Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Thomas A. Pollock, 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)
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, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert L. Draper, John Dunn, Bruce A. Ellingson, Walter H. Frank, Harvey J. Fritz Jr., Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Frank L. Herb Jr., George E. Herb, John H. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, Ronald W. Hoyle, Barry J. Minsky, Edward K. Moyer, Edgar H. Munyan, D. Thomas Philips, 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
Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, both the Chairman and the Vice Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference are members of the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation and will be involved in the presentation and discussion of the consideration of legislation at Second Reading pending a positive vote by a sufficient number of churches, therefore be it
Resolved, that Randall A. Grossman, the Chairman of the 123rd and 124th Annual Conferences when this committee previously reported, assume the Chair during the discussion of the Second Reading of the Articles on Salvation.
Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
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, 2009.
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; Byron G. Barnshaw, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce A. Kellerman, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Hans R. Waldvogel
Resolutions: Ralph E. Ritter, Chairman; Glenn R. Felty, Eric R. North, Robert C. Kaatz
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Chairman; Horace A. Kauffman, Carl K. Spackman
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: Philip G. Norris, Chairman; Dean A. Stortz, Byron Widger
Timekeeper: David N. Schoen
Parliamentarian: Clifford B. Boone
Reporter: Carol Z. Snyder
The following new members were introduced to Annual Conference: Keith Splawn, Camden, DE, Amos F. Kinert, Paradise, PA, Dick Drosnock, Whitehall, PA (Fellowship Community), Keith A. Strunk, Bethlehem, PA, Richard J. Nye, Shamokin, PA, Tomas E. Rutt, Blandon, PA, Steven J. DelDuco, Holmes/Carmel, NY, Steven L. Ziegler and David J. Peters, Cottrell Corners, NJ, Scott M. Tibbetts, Red Hill, PA
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Richard B. Ravis 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 Thomas H. Morrison, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended prior ordination recognition for Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara, 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 Thomas H. Morrison be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved that the prior ordination of Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara to the gospel ministry be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church.
R. C. Reichenbach offered prayer for these men who are joining us in the gospel ministry.
Resolved, that the Grace Bible Church of Las Cruces, NM, Paradise, PA, Ephrata, PA and Shamokin, PA, BFC, be encouraged to have a service in recognition of the ordination of Thomas H. Morrison and prior ordination of Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara, respectively, and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the service.
The new ordinands were welcomed by the members of Annual Conference.
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following list of men under the direction of the Ministerial Candidate Committee be approved:
Probationers
[Year of licensure is within parentheses.]
Brandt, David E. (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lebanon, PA
Cleck, Shan D. (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lancaster, PA
DelDuco, Steven J. (2007).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mahopac, NY
Evans, Mark R. (2008). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coopersburg, PA
Forsythe, Jonathan D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brigantine, NJ
Francis, Kurt P. (2008). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northumberland, PA
Kramer, Robert B. (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ephrata, PA
Lenahan, Frank E. (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cape May Court House, NJ
Madara, Ferdie R. (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benton, PA
Miller, Joshua P. (2007). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quakertown, PA
Morrison, Thomas H. (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Las Cruces, NM
Peters, David J. (2008). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chambersburg, PA
Peters, David W. (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steilacoom, WA
Ramirez, Marcos G. (2008). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merida, Mexico
Rodriguez, Carlos G. (2008). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading, PA
Susek, Aaron J.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Royersford, PA
Weinhofer, Colby A. (2007). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Akron, PA
Williams, Daniel L.(2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aston, PA
Zaspel, Fred G.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lansdale, PA
Candidates
MacArthur, James D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oley, PA
Schlonecker, David K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emmaus, PA
Stoltzfus, Alphaus D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Downingtown, PA
Applicants
Allen, Jason M.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Stroudsburg, PA
Allen, Joshua M.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Stroudsburg, PA
Clark, Timothy G.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sinking Spring, PA
Claudio, Samuel, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethlehem, PA
Cole, Raymond L.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newark, DE
Edwards, Joshua D.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Old Zionsville, PA
Elias, John C.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bethlehem, PA
Gibson, Joshua P.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northumberland, PA
Gilbert, Shad A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stockertown, PA
Graham, Daniel J.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dallas, TX
Green, Robert W.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newark, DE
Kappes, W. Scott.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Catasaqua, PA
King, Jonathan H.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schnecksville, PA
Stapleton, Andrew J.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenkintown, PA
Zuck, Timothy M.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Telford, PA
Resolved, that the following amendment to Article 505-1 of the F&O be approved at second reading:
505-1. Voting Members.
(5) probationers who have been licensed by the Ministerial Candidate Committee
Yes – 134; No – 2
The men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee who were present introduced themselves to the conference: Mark R. Evans, Joshua P. Miller, Kurt P. Francis, David Brandt, Colby A. Weinhofer, Carlos Rodriguez, Marcos G. Ramirez, Daniel Williams.
David A. Thomann gave an update on his sister Beverly who had a fall at his home and sustained multiple fractures. She is healing and hopefully will be home from the hospital shortly.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned 11:58 a.m. L. James Roberts prayed specifically for Beverly Thomann in her recuperation.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:30 p.m. leading the men in prayer.
Report of the Board of Directors (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the rate of mileage reimbursement for conference business conducted in 2008 be 27¢ per mile.
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.
Ronald W. Reed prayed for Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor, and for those churches looking for pastors to fill their pastoral needs.
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee reported the establishment of Aaron J. Susek’s pastorate, making him a licensed probationer and,
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has voted to issue Aaron J. Susek a license, be it therefore
Resolved, that Aaron J. Susek be seated in the conference bar.
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.
Mark E. Barninger and Daniel L. Williams reported on their future activities in church planting. Daniel L. Williams is serving at the Woodbury Heights Mission Church, NJ and Mark E. Barninger is working to plant a daughter church out of the Harrisburg, PA congregation.
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mission Church meets the qualifications of a Particular Church as specified in Article 18 of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mission Church be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the 125th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, the elders currently serving at Iglesia Biblica La Roca Mission Church of Merida, Mexico, meet the qualifications for an elder in the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, more than twenty persons are committed participants in the La Roca Mission Church, and
Whereas, La Roca Mission Church has demonstrated that it can offer an adequate salary package for a pastor and is able to financially maintain its ministry outreach and facility costs, and
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Iglesia Biblica La Roca Mission Church of Merida, Mexico, meets the qualifications of a Particular Church as specified in Article 18 of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Iglesia Biblica La Roca Mission Church of Merida, Mexico, be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the 125th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
David E. Gundrum, prayed and thanked the Lord for His grace in bringing in the Las Cruces Mission Church and Iglesia Biblica La Roca Mission of Merida, Mexico into the fellowship of the BFC. Elliot H. Ramos also thanked the Lord for the two churches as he prayed in Spanish.
M. E. Brown, delegate of the Las Cruces Church and Daniel A. Hernandez, delegate, and Marcos G. Ramirez, Pastor, of Iglesia Biblica La Roca were seated in the conference bar.
Report of the Joint Committee on Ethnic Church Planting (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Missions (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
A missionary candidate made a presentation to update the conference on the Tanzania Project. Eleven young people have committed themselves to this project for at least three years. Clifford B. Boone gave thanks for the progress of the project and asked the Lord’s blessing on the work.
Resolved, that Daniel G. Oswald be ratified as Financial Secretary of the Board of Missions for a three year term.
Affiliate Report of the Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc. (See page:)
Resolved, that the affiliate report be accepted.
Raymond R. Dotts prayed for the ministry of the BFC Homes, Inc.
Report of the Board of Victory Valley (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Harold E. Snyder prayed for the ministry of Victory Valley Camp.
Report of the Board of Communications (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
1.Resolved, that the cost of the 2008 Yearbook be $9.00 per copy.
Resolved, that a contribution of three hundred fifty dollars ($350) for the conference year 2008 be given 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, 2008
Resolved, that $1.85 per member of the Bible Fellowship Church for 2008 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 125th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that Carol Snyder be ratified as the Editor of Fellowship News for a three year term.
Report of the Board of Christian Education (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
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 Stephen C. Cassel and Judith Rychnovsky for terms to end in 2011.
Report of the Strategic Planning Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Board of Pensions (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2008 is $217 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 2009 be $218 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 2009 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.”
Report of the Historical Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, during this conference year we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the meeting which launched the Bible Fellowship Church, and
Whereas, this anniversary should be a time of joy and gratitude for what God has done for us and through us, therefore, be it
Resolved, that all Bible Fellowship Churches be encouraged to hold a service of worship to celebrate this 150th anniversary, and further
Resolved, that all Bible Fellowship Churches be encouraged to show the video, “According to the Holy Spirit,” to their congregations to promote an understanding of our heritage and an appreciation of our values, and further
Resolved, that the theme of the 126th Annual Conference be a celebration of this 150th Anniversary.
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 124th Annual Conference Minutes (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.
Howard N. Wells expressed his gratitude to all who prayed and showed support to him and his family in the loss of their daughter Nina who passed away on New Year’s Eve 2007. Ronald C. Mahurin prayed and asked the Lord for His continual comfort and strength for the Wells family.
The following were elected:
Board of Christian Education
Kevin W. Kirkpatrick (3 years)
Michael J. Tannous (3 years)
Board of Church Extension
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Board of Church Health
Robert C. Kaatz (3 years)
Jerry Rasmus (3 years)
Board of Communications
Ralph E. Ritter (3 years)
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Board of Directors, BFC
Randall A. Grossman (3 years)
Horace A. Kauffman (3 years)
L. James Roberts (3 years)
Board of Directors, BFC Homes
LeRoy S. Heller (3 years)
Robin A. Musselman (3 years)
Board of Higher Education
Stephen C. Cassel (3 years)
Board of Missions
Ralph M. Soper (3 years)
Craig Tress (3 years)
Board of Pensions
Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. (3 years)
David J. Watkins (3 years)
L. James Roberts (3 years)
Board of Victory Valley
Bruce A. Ellingson (3 years)
Timothy J. Schmoyer (3 years)
Gregory A. Uhrich (3 years)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Lisa Kellerman (3 years)
Committee on Credentials
Carl J. Fischer, Jr. (3 years)
Keith E. Plows (3 years)
Committee on Ministerial Candidates
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
Richard E. Taylor (3 years)
Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. (2 years)
Committee on Nominations
Raymond R. Bertolet (3 years)
Robert A. Johnson II (3 years)
Betty Herb (3 years)
Conference Judicatory
James A. Beil (3 years)
Carl C. Cassel (3 years)
S. Lester Moyer (3 years)
Rodney P. Plows (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
Hans R. Waldvogel (3 years)
Ministerial Relations Committee
Jacob J. Susek, Jr. (3 years)
Byron Widger (3 years)
L. James Roberts (3 years)
Strategic Planning Committee
Elliot H. Ramos (3 years)
J. Robert Vaughn (3 years)
Secretary for the 126th Annual Conference
David A. Thomann (1 year)
Colonel David H. Jones, the senior member of the BFC chaplaincy ministry, addressed the conference. He spoke of the opportunities he has had in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ freely among the military personnel.
Leroy O. Herb, a veteran, offered prayer for those serving in the military services. He asked that God’s grace would be shown in their lives as they serve the Lord by serving the United States in its military.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:54 p.m. with Dana E. Weller closing in prayer.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, 6:30 PM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:30 p.m. with Louis Cursio leading in prayer.
Resolved, that the minutes of the first meeting of the 125th Annual Conference be approved.
Those serving under the direction of the Board of Missions, who were present, introduced themselves to the Annual Conference. Those introduced were: Philip E. Morrison, Lynnette Dallmann, Craig Miller, Scott Tibbetts, Francisco de Souza, David & Georgina Solt, Bob Sloma, Sandy Mitchell, David J. Kelly, Scott Evans, Chris & Becky Merrick, Tom & Becky Pollock, R. Glenn & Ruth Blauser, Jason Raines, Kimberly Knaub, Byron Barnshaw, Colby A. Weinhofer, William Early, John C. Studenroth, Walter Johnston, David L. Manney, Paul G. Zimmerman, Ronald W. Hoyle, Robert L. & Lois Draper.
Dana E. Weller offered prayer for the missionaries and their ministries around the world.
The following legislation was adopted at Second 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.
[SECOND READING]
The following legislation was adopted at Second Reading:
Paragraph 409-2.1 – 409-2.3 refer to the resignation of a Senior Pastor in a church with more than one pastor, or the only pastor in a church with one pastor. For pastors called under the procedures 409-1.4, the resignation shall be according to the procedure of 409-2.4.
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 of 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.
[SECOND READING]
A special service of recognition of two new churches was conducted for the church at Las Cruces, New Mexico and Iglesia Biblica La Roca, Merida, Mexico. Richard T. Paashaus led the conference in singing I Love Thy Kingdom Lord. Secretary David A. Thomann introduced the ceremony. Chairman William G. Schlonecker read the recommendation by the Board of Church Extension to the 125th Annual Conference to recognize Grace Bible Church, Las Cruces, New Mexico as a Particular Church of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Daniel P. Allen and Kenneth D. Keeler, organizing elders, introduced Thomas H. Morrison, organizing pastor and others attending from the Las Cruces church. After some testimonies, Dr. Michael Brown, delegate from the BFC of Las Cruces, New Mexico, showed a visual presentation of the church.
Chairman William G. Schlonecker read the recommendation by the Board of Church Extension to the 125th Annual Conference to recognize the Iglesia Biblica La Roca, Merida, Mexico as a Particular Church of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Alfred G. Roberts, David K. Schlonecker, Elliot H. Ramos, Dana E. Weller, Carlos G. Rodriguez and David E. Gundrum were instrumental in connecting with Iglesia Biblica La Roca, Merida, Mexico. A DVD presentation was given to introduce us to the work in Merida.
Randall A. Grossman led the conference in prayer giving the praise to God for the inclusion of our brothers and sisters in Christ from the churches in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Merida, Mexico. The conference rose and sang the Doxology – Praise to our great Lord and Savior.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m. The men of Annual Conference had the opportunity to personally welcome those representing these two new Particular Churches of the BFC.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, 9:00 AM
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, William G. Schlonecker at 9:00 a.m. Richard T. Paashaus read from Psalm 111:1-2 and led the conference in singing O for a Thousand Tongues. He then read various verses from Psalm 86 and Jeremiah 3:15. The conference sang, My Heart is Filled, Purify My Heart and Create in Me a Clean Heart. Mark Evans (guitar) and Eric North (piano) accompanied the men as they sang. Romans 12:1-8 was read and Richard T. Paashaus closed in prayer.
David T. Allen addressed the conference with a message entitled, A Mandate to Godly Leadership: The Mission.” He noted that our mission should be guided by our core values and grows by having Godly leaders who develop Godly leaders who develop Godly leaders. David T. Allen closed in prayer.
Report of the Registrar:
The following have requested to be excused from part or all of the 125th Annual Conference: Timothy J. Bertolet, M. E. Brown, Allen Dorst, Ferdie Madara, David H. Jones, J. Mark McCreary, John C. Vandegriff, Jr., J. Richard Vroman, Thomas L. Ward, and Guy Warner.
Resolved, that the excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegates be seated: John C. Crouch, Denville, NJ; Dan Dunwell, Las Cruces, NM; Peter Everett, Cedar Crest; Charles Webb, Lagrangeville, NY.
The following were elected:
Board of Christian Education
David W. Eisenhower (3 years)
Rachel Norris (3 years)
Board of Church Extension
Robert A. Sloan (3 years)
Board of Church Health
Byron Widger (3 years)
Board of Directors, Pinebrook Bible Conference
Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. (3 years)
Leroy O. Herb (3 years)
Charles D. Bomgardner (3 years)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Ronald L. Kohl (3 years)
Historical Committee
Ronald L. Kohl (3 years)
Chairman for the 126th Annual Conference
William G. Schlonecker (1 year)
Report of the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Charles Cole led the conference in prayer remembering the ministry of Pinebrook Bible Conference and its needs to fulfill its mission for the cause of Christ.
Resolved, that the 126th Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 27-29, 2009 beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at the 126th Annual Conference.
Randall A. Grossman assumed the role of Chairman of Annual Conference due to both the Chairman (William G. Schlonecker) and Vice Chairman (Calvin T. Reed) serving on the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation.
Report of the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation (see page )
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of the 125th Annual Conference reported on the results of the vote taken on the Second Reading material by the Boards of Elders of the Bible Fellowship Churches. All five resolutions received the necessary affirmative votes from the churches to be presented as Second Reading material.
Article 9 – Sin – Yes – 43, No – 9, Abstain – 1
Article 10 – Human Ability & Responsibility – Yes – 40, No – 13
Article 11 – Election – Yes 36, No – 17
Article 12 – Salvation – Yes 38, No – 15
Article 13 – Repentance – Yes – 41, No – 12
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§9-1 Sin, (2006 Yearbook, p. 32).
9-1. “Sin is any lack of conformity to the will of God1 or any transgression of the law of God. 2 Sin separates man from God, incurring His wrath and judgment, and is manifest in the selfishness, rebellion, unbelief and total depravity of man’s being.3 Sin is the cause of the curse on and defilement of the created universe.” 4
1 All wrongdoing is sin (1Jo.5:17a). Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins (James 4:17).
2 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness (1Jo.3:4). For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it (James 2:10).
3 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, (2) in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air. (3) All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” (Eph. 2:1-3). “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (20) For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. (21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Rom.1:18-21). Also Rom. 3:10-12, Rom. 8:7-8.
4 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Rom.8:22). (See also Gen.3:17,18).
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 135, No – 22
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§10-1 Human Ability and Responsibility
10-1 In his original creation man was endowed with the ability to will and do good or evil and was accountable for his willing and doing.1 But through the fall of Adam man lost his ability, apart from God’s grace,2 to will and to do those things necessary for a right relationship with God;3 however, he is still accountable to God for obedience to all of His commands.4 Man has not lost his ability to make decisions,5 but left to himself, he acts only in accordance with his fallen, sinful nature.6
10-2 “Only by God’s infinite grace can man will or do anything necessary to his salvation. 7 By that grace, God saves those men whom He causes to will and to do good;8 however, He does this without nullifying man’s ability to act responsibly. 9
1 And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Gen.2:16,17).
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath (Eph.2:1-3).
3 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God (Rom.3:11). Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God (Rom.8:8).
4 God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (Rom.2:6-10). In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).
5 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live (Deu.30:11,19).
6 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Rom.3:10,12). Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil (Jer.13:23). (See also footnote 2).
7 It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy (Rom.9:16).
8 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (James 1:18) Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God – (13) children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
9 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Phil.2:12,13).
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 137, No – 24
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§11-1 Election
11-1 Election is a free act of the sovereign God in which from eternity, 1 for reasons known only to Himself, 2 and apart from any foreseen faith and/or goodness found in man, 3 He graciously chose from among the fallen mankind a people unto salvation, 4 that they might be conformed to Christ’s image. 4 Those so chosen He redeemed by His Son5 and seals by His Spirit. 6
1 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (Eph.1:4,11).
2 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (Mat.11:27).
3 Who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Tim.1:9). For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)
4 Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph.4:13).
5 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth (2 Thes.2:13).
6 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Eph.1:13).
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 119, No – 42, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m. as Thomas P. Shorb closed in prayer.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
Randall A. Grossman, Acting Chairman, called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Bryan L. Snyder led the conference in prayer.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§12-1, 12-2 Salvation
12-1. Salvation is the work of God1 in which He reconciles fallen men to Himself,2ultimately removes the consequences of the curse, 3 and bestows upon His redeemed Creation4 the riches of His grace, all to His glory. 5
12-2. Salvation is offered in the gospel to all men6 and is accomplished in all the elect.7 It is received by grace through faith and the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit,8 apart from works or human merit.9 Salvation centers in a person, Jesus Christ, and receiving Him10 includes the remission of sins on the grounds of His shed blood on the cross,11 the imputation of His perfect righteousness,12 the reception of the Holy Spirit, 13 and the impartation of eternal life. 14
1 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Heb. 7:25) Also Eph. 2:4-5, 8-9.
2 “Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself…” (Col. 1:20) For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! (Rom. 5:10)
3No longer will there be any curse. (Rev. 22:3)
4 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Rom. 8:18-25)
5 I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
6 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
7 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:37) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44) For you granted him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those you have given him. (John 17:2) When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all those who were appointed for eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48)
8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph.2:8,9).
10 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
11 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Eph.1:7).
12 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Cor.1:30).
13 And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ (Rom.8:9b).
14 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:11, 12).
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 123; No – 26
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§13-1 Repentance
13-1. Repentance unto life is a gift of God1 and a voluntary act of man,2 accomplished by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Repentance consists in a knowledge of sin, 3 a sense of guilt and corruption that results in the confession and forsaking of sin and a turning to God4 that results in loving, obedient service. 5
1 Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? (Rom. 2:4) When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”(Acts 11:18) “correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of truth . . .” (2 Tim. 2:25)
2 And repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).
3 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
4 For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess.1:9).
5 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 1:3)
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 131; No – 19
Whereas, the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation has completed its work, therefore be it
Resolved, that the committee be disbanded.
William G. Schlonecker resumed his role as Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference reported that there were sufficient affirmative votes on the First Reading of Article 18-4 for it to stand for Second Reading.
Yes – 53; No – 0
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Article 18 – The Church
Article 18-4.
A properly constituted local Church must include the ministry of God’s Word, the observance of the ordinances, the oversight by elders and the exercise of discipline. The overseers of the Church are to be prayed for, obeyed and honored.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 147, No – 3
Report of the Study Committee on Women Serving As Deacons
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§201-5, 201-6 Preliminary Principles
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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 148, No – 5, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§202-3.2(5) Qualifications & Duties of Church Membership
Resolved, that “pastor” be changed to “elders” in section 202-3.2 (5) of the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 148, No – 4
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204 Elders, Deacons, Staff
Resolved, that the new title and introduction “Article 204 – Elders, Deacons, Staff” be adopted as a Second 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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 130, No – 21
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-1 Elders
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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 148, No – 6
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-1.6 Elders
Resolved, that the word “office” be changed to “position” in Article 204-1.6 as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 147, No – 8
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-2 Ministers
Resolved, that the new Article 204-2.1 and Article-204-2.2 be approved as Second 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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 154, No – 6, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-4.1, 204-4.4
Resolved, that Article 204-4.1 and 204-4.4 be adopted as a Second 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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 142, No – 14, Abstain – 2
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-4.2, 204-4.3 Deacons
Resolved, that the new Article 204-4.2 and Article 204-4.3 be adopted at Second Reading.
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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 146, No – 7
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§401-1.1, 401-1.8, 401.1-9 The Board of Elders
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 401-1.9 to be adopted as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 153, No – 6
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§401-2, The Board of Deacons; § 404 Choosing Leaders Other Than Elders and Deacons
Resolved, that “office” be changed to “position” and “exercise” be changed to “hold” in 401-2 as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order, and be it further
Resolved, that “office” be changed to “position” in 404 as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 147, No – 8, Abstain – 2
Report of the Steering Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading: 512-1: “Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church” be replaced with :
512-1: Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board
The Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board (BFC Executive Board) performs the executive functions of our denomination. It shall provide leadership for the BFC by proposing strategic direction to the BFC Conference, implementing direction through the oversight of the BFC agencies, and monitoring progress in the direction approved by the BFC Conference. It shall have the authority between the meetings of the BFC Conference to execute the decisions made by that body.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 130, No – 17, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:
512-1.1: Composition, Election, and Terms of Office:
(1) The BFC Executive Board shall have thirteen voting members: A President (who is elected directly by the BFC Conference), The Executive Director (by virtue of his office), and eleven members (five ordained ministers and six elders.)
(2) The elected Classes shall be as follows:
Class I President, one ordained minister and two elders.
Class II Two ordained ministers and two elders
Class III Two ordained ministers and two elders
(3) Each member shall be elected for a term of three years.
(4) Each agency shall be represented by one non-voting member selected by the agency board.
512-1.2: Meetings and Quorum:
(a) Meetings:The BFC Executive Board shall establish a schedule of stated meetings, at which any business of the board may be conducted. Special meetings may be convened by the President on his own initiative , or at the call of the Secretary when requested by five members. Any special meetings must be held with at least a seven day notice, and business must be limited to the announced purpose unless all thirteen members of the board are present and consent to transact other business.
(b) Quorum: Nine voting members must be present to transact business of the BFC Executive Board. If unanimous consent is required by our rules, no action may be taken until every absent member records his vote on the matter in writing.
512-1.3: Organization:
(1) President: The President shall be elected by the BFC Conference for a term of three years. He may be an ordained pastor or an elder. The Executive Director is ineligible to serve as President.
(2) Other Officers: The BFC Executive Board shall elect annually from their number a Vice President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and any other officers as the business of the board may require. The Executive Director is ineligible to serve in these offices.
(3) Vacancies: Vacancies in these offices shall be filled as soon as possible. In the event that the office of President is vacant, the Vice President shall serve until the next meeting of the BFC Conference.
(4) Removal from Office: The President may be removed from office at any time by a majority vote of the BFC Conference. The other officers elected by the BFC Executive Board may be removed from office at any time by the majority of the whole BFC Executive Board.
512-1.4 Duties of Officers:
President:
(1) He shall chair the meetings of the BFC Executive Board.
(2) He shall serve as legal representation for the corporation, empowered to execute all contracts, deeds, mortgages, and other documents, as the business of the corporation may require. He may designate another officer of the BFC Executive Board to exercise this power in his place. He shall report all such executions to the board.
(3) He shall carry out all other responsibilities as are usually conducted by the president of the corporation.
Vice President:
(1) He shall chair the meetings of the BFC Executive Board in the absence of the President.
(2) If the President is unable to serve, he shall serve as President until the next meeting of the BFC Conference.
Secretary:
(1) He shall record and maintain minutes of the BFC Executive Board.
(2) He shall provide for the safe preservation of the records and legal documents of the corporation.
Financial Secretary:
(1) He shall maintain accurate records of all assets held by the corporation and all financial transactions of the corporation.
(2) He shall issue payment of all duly authorized financial obligations.
Treasurer:
(1) He shall deposit all funds for which the BFC Executive Board is responsible in depositories approved by the Board.
(2) He shall provide for an annual audit of all funds held by the BFC Executive Board.
512-1.5: Duties of the BFC Executive Board
(1) It shall provide leadership for the BFC by presenting strategic direction to the BFC Conference. It shall seek approval of the BFC Conference to pursue this direction through the implementation of strategic plans.
(2) It shall appoint the Executive Director, subject to ratification of the BFC Conference, and oversee his performance in carrying out the work of the BFC Executive Board.
(3) It shall appoint the directors of the agencies and establish the terms of their employment, with the advice and consent of the agency boards.
(4) It shall offer counsel, advice and direction, oversee the work of the agencies in furthering the overall ministry of the BFC and shall ratify the elections of each agency board.
(5) It shall administrate the BFC Annual Budget, and make annual recommendations to the BFC Conference concerning the Budget and Church Assessment Rate.
(6) It shall provide for and oversee the administrative aspects of the BFC including (but not limited to education, accounting, auditing, pensions, publications, publicity, stewardship, and development.
(7) It shall hold title to and have charge of all property, both real and personal, belonging to the corporation. It shall buy or sell property for the corporation only by the approval of all members of the board or by direction of the BFC Conference. It shall have the authority to borrow money, contract mortgages, or make loans against any property of the corporation by approval of all members of the board or by direction of the BFC Conference.
(8) It shall have oversight over all funds entrusted to it by the BFC Conference.
(9) It shall have oversight of all insurance programs offered by the BFC.
(10) It shall act as the legal representative in the name of and on behalf of the corporation known as the Bible Fellowship Church (a non profit corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ). It shall have all the rights and privileges, as well as responsibilities and liabilities, conferred by the charter creating the corporation.
(11) It shall report annually to the BFC Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 136, No – 15
Resolved, that we recess for dinner.
The meeting was recessed at 5:08 p.m. with Delbert R. Baker, II closing in prayer.
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by the Chairman as Carl J. Fischer, Jr. led in prayer.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
512-1.6: Executive Director of the Bible Fellowship Church:
The Executive Director shall be an ordained pastor or elder appointed by the BFC Executive Board to carry out the direction approved by the BFC Conference. He shall be appointed, with the terms of employment, for a term of three years, subject to ratification by the BFC Conference. He shall serve as a voting member of the BFC Executive Board.
Duties:
(1) He shall implement the direction and strategic plans of the BFC Conference.
(2) He shall represent the BFC in public ministry.
(3) He shall encourage churches and pastors toward achieving the plans of the BFC Conference.
(4) He shall encourage and coordinate BFC committees in achieving the plans of the BFC Conference.
(5) He shall encourage and coordinate BFC agency directors in achieving the plans of the BFC Conference.
(6) He shall oversee the daily operations of the BFC administration.
(7) He shall report to the BFC Executive Board and the BFC Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 140, No – 15, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Replace current 501-2, 501-3, 501-4, and 501-5 with:
501-2The BFC Conference performs the legislative function of our denomination. As such it alone has the power to amend and authoritatively interpret the F&O. By this means it governs the affairs of the Particular Churches on a denominational level, serves the health of the Particular Churches, and receives requests and petitions from the Particular Churches. Although it has these powers, it shall not subvert the autonomy of the Particular Churches.
501-3 The BFC Conference also exercises final oversight of the judicial function of our denomination. In this capacity, it examines, licenses and ordains candidates for pastoral ministry, provides counsel in the calling of pastors to Particular Churches, supervises the resignation and removal of pastors, examines and approves or censures the records of Particular Churches, elects judicatories and serves as a final court of appeal in matters of discipline.
501-4 The BFC Conference also provides for the executive function of our denomination. As such it elects a President and BFC Executive Board, ratifies the Executive Director, and approves the direction and planning proposed by the BFC Executive Board. To provide for this executive and administrative leadership, the BFC Conference has the authority to assess the Particular Churches a percentage of their offerings.
501-5 The BFC Conference shall meet annually in performance of its responsibilities outlined above. Officers and committees shall be elected and appointed each year in order to conduct its business in an efficient manner. The purpose of the annual gathering is to govern the BFC though the F&O, promote unity and fellowship between the churches, and to focus our vision on unified goals for our churches and their joint endeavors.
501-6 The proceedings of the BFC Conference shall be conducted according to the Business Rules of BFC Conference (see 508). It shall keep and publish a record of its proceedings and make it available to the membership of the churches
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 142, No – 12
Resolved, that the following be adopted as First Reading
Replace 407-5 “Board of Directors of BFC” with “BFC Executive Board”
Replace 203-6 “Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church” with “Bible Fellowship Church Conference.”
Replace “Annual Conference” with BFC Conference”.
302-3.2, 302-4.1, 302-4.2, 401-1.7, 403-1.4, 403-1.5, 405, 405-1, 405-2, 407-4, 500, 501, 501-1, 501-2, 501-3, 501-4, 501-5, 502-3.5, 502-4.1, 504, 504-1, 504-2.2, 504-2.3, 504-3.1, 504-3.3, 504-3.4, 505, 505-1, 505-2, 506, 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5, 506-6, 506-8, 507, 507-1, 507-2, 507-3, 508, 508-4, 508-6, 508-7, 508-8, 510-2, 510-4, 510-5, 510-6, 510-7, 511-1, 511-1.1, 511-1.2, 511-1.3, 511-1.4, 511-2, 511-2.1, 511-2.2, 511-2.3, 511-2.4, 511-2.5, 511-2.6, 513, 513-1, 513-3, 801-1, 801-4, 802-1, 802-3, 802-4.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 139, No – 6, Abstain – 3
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
The officers of the BFC Conference are to be viewed as servants of the business meeting, not leaders of the denomination. The Chairman and Vice Chairman will be changed to the Moderator and Vice Moderator.
Replace 506-1 “Chairman of Annual Conference” with “Conference Moderator.” 405-2, 505-2, 506-1, 506-2, 506-5, 507-1, 508-4, 508-6, 511, 511-2.4, 511-2.6.
507-1 Duties – omit Duties (4) (5) (6) & add to election (3) The BFC Executive Director is ineligible to serve as the Conference Moderator.
507-2 replace “ Vice Chairman” with “Vice Moderator”
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 143, No – 6, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
The new structure also involves a major change in the way we fund our denominational administration. The following legislation provides for this:
a. Omit 407-2 offering (6) Administrative Budget
b. New 502 “ BFC Annual Budget”
Administration
502-1The BFC Annual Budget is administered by the BFC Executive Board. The Board prepares the budget and presents it to the BFC Conference for adoption. The budget provides for the executive administration of the BFC and includes (but is not limited to) salaries of the Executive Director and other employees, expenses of committees, pension obligations, administrative departments, and any other obligations or projects approved by the BFC Conference.
502-2Funding: The BFC Annual Budget is funded by the Church Assessment Rate. At the time that the BFC Executive Board presents the budget, a rate shall be recommended which provides for the funding of the budget. The rate shall be a percentage of the regular offerings received by the particular churches in the previous calendar year. The BFC Executive Board must present a balanced budget which is adequately funded by the assessment.
502-3Adoption: The BFC Annual Budget shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the BFC Conference. The budget shall include the Church Assessment Rate necessary to fund it, so that a vote for the budget is also a vote for the assessment. The BFC Conference shall not adopt an Annual Budget without approving the Church Assessment Rate which balances it.
Move the current Article 502 – Procedure for the Resignation of a Minister and Article 503 – Retirement from the Ministry to a new Article 509 – “Ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church”
407-2: Church Assessment The Particular Churches through their representatives to the BFC Conference adopt the BFC Annual Budget with a Church Assessment Rate each year. This rate is a percentage of the regular offering from the previous calendar year. (For instance, The BFC Annual Budget for 2006 is adopted at the BFC Conference in 2005. It includes the adoption of a Church Assessment Rate of % of the regular offerings reported for 2004. The amount is provided in the Particular Church budget for 2006 to fund the BFC Annual Budget for that year.)
407-3: Offerings, renumber subsequent articles.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 127, No – 20, Abstain – 3
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading
BFC Conference business rules will be updated.
Replace 508-1, 508-2, 508-3, 508-5 with
508-1 Regular Order of Business Each meeting of the BFC Conference shall be opened and closed with prayer. Times for worship shall be provided in each day’s agenda. The parliamentary procedure shall follow the rules of the BFC and Robert’s Rules of Order. Business shall generally proceed according to an approved agenda. Minutes shall be recorded and approved for each meeting. (subsequent articles in 508 shall be numbered accordingly)
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 139, No – 5, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Substitute the following for 203-5 as it now stands:
The church consists of many particular churches needing counsel and assistance. Because this counsel and assistance is needed on occasion by each particular church, each particular church is responsible for and accountable to the others and to the denominatoin body as a whole. However this counsel and assistance must neither violate the autonomy of particular churches in the body nor negate the accountability of each to all other churches. The goals of this mutual counsel and assistance are to encourage and maintain spiritual health, to preserve soundness of doctrine and discipline, to enter into joint effort for the advancement of the work of Christ, and to guard against doctrinal error and immorality. From these arises the importance and usefulness of assemblies of particular churches.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 145, No – 4, Abstain – 1
Byron Widger prayed for the offering received for the Darlene Mahurin Memorial Fund.
The meeting concluded with an ordination service. Thomas H. Morrison was ordained into the Gospel Ministry and Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara had previous ordinations recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church. Ralph M. Soper issued a challenge to the ordinands.
After a time of greeting by the rest of the ordained men, a time of refreshment and fellowship followed.
Sixth Meeting
Wednesday Morning, 9:00 AM
The Chairman, William G. Schlonecker, called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
Richard T. Paashaus read Psalm 145:1-3 and led the conference in singing All Hail the Power. After leading in prayer, the men sang We Are God’s People and I’m Forever Grateful. Richard T. Paashaus read Luke 10:1, 17-24 and closed this part of the worship time in prayer.
Richard B. Ravis delivered a message on A Mandate to Godly Leadership: The Motivation. We are motivated by our joy which is found in what the Lord has done for us and our relationship with Him. We sang My Heart is Filled in closing.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 125th Annual Conference: W. Neil Harding, Jr., James Hart, Robert A. Johnson II, Robert W. Kohler, Alan G. Miller, Richard A. Moyer and Carlos G. Rodriguez.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegate be seated: Kenneth P. Reif, Cedar Crest.
Whereas, the creation of the Executive Board of the Bible Fellowship Church has been approved as First Reading, and
Whereas, the work of the Executive Board will include accepting the full legal responsibility for Bible Fellowship Church when it is fully approved by Annual Conference, and
Whereas, the Executive Board will have responsibility, should be ready to enter into its work as soon as it is fully approved by Annual Conference and, therefore, needs to prepare for that responsibility, and
Whereas, these reasons make it important for the Executive Board to begin its work now, therefore be it
Resolved, that by our rule of exceptions (F & O 508-8) we elect the President and Executive Board for a term of one year now and that the rotating classes be elected (512-1.1) when the establishment of the Executive Board has been approved at Second Reading by the Annual Conference.
The following was elected:
Board of Higher Education
David T. Allen (3 years)
Report of the Study Committee on the Millennium (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The Study Committee presented a revision to the Articles of Faith called “The Kingdom of God.”
Resolved, that we table the motion to adopt the article on the Kingdom of God as First Reading.
Resolved, that we recess.
We recessed at 12:11 p.m. as John H. Riggall, who retired as an officer of the Beneficiary Society after 49-years of service, closed in prayer.
The meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m. Albert J. Dommel opened this segment of the meeting in prayer.
The following were elected
Vice Chairman for the 126th Annual Conference
Randall A. Grossman (1 Year)
President of the Executive Board
Randall A. Grossman (1 Year)
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be absent from the remainder of the 125th Annual Conference: Dana E. Weller and Gregory A. Uhrich.
Resolved, that the excuses be granted.
Resolved, that we lift the article on the Kingdom of God off the table.
The following resolution was defeated as First Reading:
Resolved, that we delete Article 27 – The Millennium from the Articles of Faith.
Yes – 16, No – 128
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Article – The Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is His sovereign rule over all things (1Chr. 29:10-11; Psa.103:19; 145:11-13). It is powerfully active in human history through Jesus Christ and is a present reality experienced by believers through their being united with Him and His resurrection in the New Birth (John 3:3,5; Eph.2:6; Col.1:13; 3:1). The kingdom of God is also a longed for and confident hope that awaits its fullness with the return of Jesus Christ, (Mat.6:10; 25:31-46; Rev.20-22). While believers live in this present evil age (Gal.1:4), through their union with Christ they also experience a foretaste of the powers of the age to come (Heb.6:5). The moment a believer is regenerated he possesses eternal life (John 6:47) and having been made alive spiritually he is a new creation (2Cor. 5:17). However, he is still in a mortal body, living in a fallen world, awaiting the resurrection of the body (John 6:39,40) and Christ’s final victory. Thus, a believer in Jesus Christ experiences the tension between already sharing in the glories of the Kingdom of God while yet awaiting Christ’s millennial reign and the Kingdom’s final and complete realization. (Rom.8:17-25 ; 2Thes.1:3-10; Heb.2:5-9).
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 130, No – 13
Resolved, that the remainder of the report (see page:) by the Study Committee on the Millennium be referred back to the committee to be brought back to the 126th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§504-1.1, 504-1.2 Membership of Congregations in Annual Conference
504-1.1 All new Particular Churches are to be evaluated by the Board of Church Health for two years.
504-1.2 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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 133, No – 5
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§512-17, Strategic Planning Committee
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.
[SECOND READING]
Whereas, the Annual Conference has elected a President and BFC Executive Board for a one-year transitional term of office, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Steering Committee continue in existence as a resource for the President and the BFC Executive Board until they are approved at second reading by Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the following amendment to Article 204-2.3 of the Faith & Order be adopted as First Reading:
Physical Qualifications. The pastor must be a mature man who is physically and mentally fit, being free from impairments that would undermine his ability to minister. His physical and mental fitness should give promise that he will be able to bear the demands of the ministry.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be adopted at one reading:
701-1 Beneficiary Society
701-1.1 Preamble The Beneficiary Society of the Bible Fellowship Church is a mutual aid society of all the ordained and/or licensed ministers engaged in the ministries of the BFC.
We seek to aid one another in the time of death or when disability may cause one of our brethren to be laid aside. This aid is not only for the minister but extends to his family as well. We suggest that every minister and his wife read the rules and regulations and become aware of their responsibilities and benefits.
701-1.2 Organization
(1) The Beneficiary Society shall meet at least once a year to transact business relative to the Society. This meeting shall be held at the time of Ministerial Convention.
(2) The secretary’s annual report and the financial report shall be submitted at this meeting.
(3) At this annual meeting officers shall be elected by and from the members of the Society. They shall be elected for terms of three years. These terms shall be staggered so normally one officer is elected each year. The elected officers shall be privileged to organize as chairman, secretary and treasurer.
(4) The accounts of the secretary and treasurer shall be audited prior to Annual Conference and reported to the Committee on Auditing of the Annual Conference.
(5) The officers of the Beneficiary Society shall be authorized to invest the funds of the Beneficiary Society and shall report all investments at the Annual Meeting.
(6) The officers shall be authorized to conduct all necessary business of the Society throughout the year.
(7) All three officers’ names shall be on record at the financial institutions chosen by the officers. The secretary is authorized to carry out investments and arrange with financial institutions for financial transactions when benefits for members of the society are necessary. If the secretary is unable to carry out his duties, the two remaining officers together are authorized to engage in financial transactions with the financial institutions. Benefits for members are paid by check, signed by two officers.
701-1.3 Rules and Regulations
Membership. On becoming licensed as a probationer in the ministry of the BFC, one shall become a member of the Beneficiary Society beginning at the succeeding Annual Conference and shall be responsible to pay into the fund. Every probationer/ordained man licensed or ordained by the BFC must be a member of the Beneficiary Society of the BFC, except those designated in the next paragraph.
Only active and retired ministers of the BFC can continue to be part of the Society. Ministers of the BFC who are working with other Christian ministries are not members of the Beneficiary Society and are not eligible for benefits from the fund; the same applies to ministers on leave of absence.
Ministers receiving Ministers’ Retirement Fund benefits, ministers on disability, and ministers under the Ministers’ Annuity Fund who have retired at age 65 or later are members of the Society but are exempt from dues. Those who continue or choose to continue serving as Pastors under agencies of the BFC must pay dues. Ministers who continue on active service are exempt from dues after reaching forty years of licensed ministry in the BFC.
Dues. The dues of all members of the Beneficiary Society shall be set at the annual meeting and shall be paid at Annual Conference. After a Pastor reaches the age of 72 he no longer is expected to pay into the fund of the society. Non-payment by the end of Annual Conference automatically cancels any claims to benefits until payment is received by the secretary.
Benefits. Each member of the Society is entitled to death benefits for himself, his wife and his children. Each child is insured until her or she reaches the age of nineteen. These benefits, as recommended by the officers of the Society, are determined by the members of the Society at their annual meeting. Information concerning benefits may be secured from the secretary at any time during the year. Benefits are subject to annual review.
Current benefits are as follows:
Ministers holding credentials with BFC – $6,000*
When the assets of the Society fall below $110,000, death benefits for the minister revert to $5,500.
Wives and widows of BFC ministers – $5,000*
Children of BFC ministers:
Birth through 3 years of age – $1,000*
Age 4-9 – $1,500*
Age 10 through 19th birth date – $2,500*
*A member must pay into the Beneficiary Society Fund for at least 10 years to receive full benefits. If a member pays into the fund less than 10 years the benefits are as follows:
1-4 years – 1/4 of the prescribed benefits
5-9 years – ½ of the prescribed benefits
Aid Grants
(1) Widows. Widows of deceased ministers who have complied with the provisions of the Beneficiary Society (membership, dues) shall receive aid grants beginning at the time of the death of the husband and continuing until she is 65 years of age or until the time of her death or remarriage.
Widows of ministers who were retired and receiving annuities under the MRF benefits or under the MAF at the time of marriage shall not receive aid grants under this legislation.
Widow’s aid grants shall be compiled at the rate of $12.50 for each year that she was the wife of a minister who was in active service, giving his whole time to the ministry in the BFC, but such payments shall not exceed $500.00 per year. A widow of a minister not receiving aid from MRF or MAF shall not receive less than $100 per year. These benefits are subject to annual review.
(2) Ministers. A minister who, because of physical illness or disability, finds it necessary to leave the active ministry under the terms of a leave of absence and who has complied with the provisions of the Beneficiary Society (membership, dues) shall receive aid grants beginning at the time of the severance from the active ministry and continuing until he reaches the age of 65 years, or until the time of his death or severance from membership in a Bible Fellowship Church.
Minister’s aid grants shall be compiled at the rate of $25.00 for each year of active service and shall not exceed $1,000.00 per year. Benefits are subject to annual review.
No minister shall be eligible for disability benefits from the Beneficiary Society unless he has fulfilled a full-time ministry in the BFC for ten years or if he has a gainful occupation. Appeals of exception can be made to the officers of the Beneficiary Society.
Miscellaneous Rules. The term of office for officers elected or appointed to this Society shall be for the term designated by our rules for that office or until successors are elected.
Once a member leaves the active ministry of the BFC (except for retirement or disability under the Annual Conference rules and regulations), he forfeits all claims upon the fund. This is a mutual aid society and there are no refunds.
If a man has paid into the Beneficiary Society Fund for 30 or more years and leaves the ministry of the BFC to labor in a full-time ministry with some other Christian organization, he may, if he desires, continue as a member of the Society by making the regular yearly payments to the fund.
Each probationer/ordained man upon re-entering the membership of the Society must pay an equal amount of money equivalent to the number of years he was licensed up to the present year. This amount will be the total amount that was to be paid for the years that he was not a paying members of the Society.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Whereas, legislation is deficient regarding the timing of the convening of Annual Conference and the procedure for calling an Adjourned Session of Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading and that the present §501-5 become §501-7.
§501-5 Annual Conference convenes by precedent on the Monday following the fourth Sunday in April. The starting time and place of the Conference shall be recommended by the Committee on Arrangements and ratified by Annual Conference. The length of the Conference shall be determined by the Committee on Agenda and Program.
§501-6 An Adjourned Session of Annual Conference may be scheduled by action of Annual Conference or called by the Chairman by giving the members of Annual Conference a four-week written notification. The call for the meeting shall communicate the time, place, and purpose of the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference.
and be it further
Resolved, that §507-1 Chairman, Duties (3) be changed to read:
(3) After the close of Annual Conference, the Chairman shall have the power to convene Annual Conference by circulating a written call for such a session, giving the members a four-week written notification.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 124, No – 1, Abstain – 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§406-2 Mission Organizations
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.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§504 Membership of Congregations in Annual Conference
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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 125, No – 3
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§512-4 Board of Church Extension
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.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 119, No – 13
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 be adopted.
Administrative Budgets
2008
Budget
1. Beneficiary Fund 500
2. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 100
3. Ministerial Convention 1,000
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 66,000
5. Annual Conference
a. Conference Entertainment 7,500
b. Conference Expense 4,150
6. Fund to Assist Churches 100
7. Board of Communications 5,000
8. Expenses of Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 700
b. All other Expenses 8,000
9. Expenses, Board of Directors 3,000
10. M.C.C. Internship Fund 250
11. Historical Committee 1,000
12. Conference Pastor 42,500
13. ONE Voice 2,750
Total Budget 142,550
% of previous budget 103.1
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 (see page )be approved for submission to the churches for their pledges. Pledges for the 2009 Administrative Budget shall be received by the Financial Secretary by September 1, 2008.
Whereas, starting in calendar year 2006, the per church and per member contribution rates to the MRF have been $900 / $9.00 respectively, and
Whereas, periodic inflation and mortality adjustments to the contribution rates have been part of the long-term MRF strategy, therefore be it
Resolved, that beginning in calendar year 2009, the per church and per member contribution rates to the MRF be $1,000 / $10.00 respectively.
Whereas, the Department of Church Extension Ministries is investigating church plant affiliations outside of the United States, and
Whereas, some of these affiliations may be with established churches that could become recognized churches of the BFC as early as 2008, and
Whereas, for the first 5 years after their admission to the BFC, newly recognized churches are required to support the MRF at 50% of the normal contribution rate, and
Whereas, the assessment could be an undue and disproportionate burden on these non-American churches,
Resolved, that these churches be exempt from supporting the MRF until the Board of Pensions, in conjunction with Church Extension Ministries, investigate an appropriate contribution rate for presentation to the 126th Annual Conference in 2009.
Resolved, that the recommended minimum salary for a pastor serving in the BFC be $32,000.00. 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 for the Pastoral Relations Committee can be found in the Yearbook. You can also contact the Reading BFC for added information.
Resolved, that the salary for the Conference Pastor be $26,000.00, and in addition we provide $7,200.00 for health insurance and $7,200.00 for car and professional expenses.
Resolved, that the minutes of the second meeting be approved.
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.
Resolved, that the minutes of the Adjourned Session of the 124th Annual Conference be approved.
Resolved, that we recess.
The meeting was recessed at 5:06 p.m. as Clifford B. Boone closed in prayer.
The following were elected:
Executive Board
David T. Allen (1 year)
Dennis M. Cahill (1 year)
Carl C. Cassel (1 year)
Robert A. Sloan (1 year)
David A. Thomann (1 year)
Robert Evans (1 year)
Jay H. Fasnacht (1 year)
Steve Kauffman (1 year)
Charles Lavigna (1 year)
L. James Roberts (1 year)
Robert H. Zentz (1 year)
Report of the Committee on Statistics (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Auditing
The committee on auditing has reviewed the financial reports of conference agencies and boards. All were found to be in compliance with article 511-2.1 of the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Annual Conference was requested to pray for visas needed to enable Craig Miller and his family to leave together for their new field of service in the Canary Islands, and
Whereas, it was later reported that the visas had been received, be it
Resolved, that we praise God for His sovereign intervention on behalf of the Miller family.
Whereas, in the past year, our ministering brothers, Robert W. Green and Ronald C. Erb, experienced serious medical challenges, and
Whereas, testimony was given to Annual Conference of their divine preservation and restoration, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise God for His mercies to our brothers, praying for continued divine blessing on their health and ministries.
Whereas, a recent serious accident involving the Brothers Thomann’s daughter and sister and its aftermath were reported to Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we continue to pray for the recuperation of Beverly Thomann who sustained multiple fractures in a fall.
Whereas, it has pleased God to call to Himself our dear brothers and long term pastors, Robert N. Gordon, Jansen E. Hartman, Donald T. Kirkwood, and James G. Koch, and
Whereas, the Lord has seen fit to call our sister, Judy Pello, to join her husband, our dear brother John Pello, in glory, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give deepest thanks to the Lord of the Church for these precious saints whose godly lives and service to the kingdom of God through the Bible Fellowship Church have provided and will continue to provide an example by which we each should live.
Whereas, we desire to share in the grief of our ministering families, and
Whereas, our brother Howard Wells and his wife Meta have suffered the loss of their daughter, Nina Johnson, therefore be it
Resolved, that we be faithful in prayer on behalf of those whose loved one has been called to the Lord’s presence and that we continue to assist them practically wherever possible.
Whereas, Thomas H. Morrison was approved for ordination, and
Whereas, Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara were approved to have their prior ordination 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 125th Annual Conference enthusiastically and unanimously received two mission churches in the Conference as particular churches, and
Whereas, God has providentially supplied the human and practical resources necessary to bring these churches into fellowship, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for brother Jack Becker and his vision to plant the church in Las Cruces, NM and to connect it with the BFC, and further
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for Pastor Tom Morrison with the organizing elders and the Las Cruces A-Team who worked and served with great diligence in developing and presenting Grace Bible Church for reception into Annual Conference, and further
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for Pastor Marcos Ramirez, the elders of Iglesia Biblia La Roca whom He has led to this connection, and further
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for the vision given to Iglesia Biblia La Roca to plant churches in the Yucàtan and train men to be church planters, and further
Resolved, that we commit to regular prayer on behalf of Grace Bible Church and Iglesia Biblia La Roca de Mérida for God’s blessing and wisdom as they continue to develop to His glory.
Whereas, the Joint Committee on Ethnic Church Planting and others have worked concertedly to accomplish the extension of the BFC beyond our national borders, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks for their efforts and give praise to God for His leading in this historic forward move.
Whereas, the Boards, Committees and Study Committees of the BFC have served with diligence during this past year, and
Whereas, they have reported faithfully to the 125th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we recognize their service and ask God to give them strength for the coming year.
Whereas, the leaders of the Tanzania Project have reported God-sized progress in the development of their vision for this mission to unreached peoples, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise the Great Commissioner of the Church and promise to persevere in prayer for the personnel and the resources to complete this task.
Whereas, our Agencies faithfully pursue the collective will of the BFC to serve our church and reach our world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, therefore be it
Resolved, that we offer prayer and practical assistance that their endeavors may be blessed with spiritual progress and glorify the cause of Christ.
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has reported the establishment of eleven pastorates, therefore be it
Resolved, that we offer praise to God for His gracious provision of pastors for our churches.
Whereas, the Graterford and Whitehall churches are in need of pastor, and
Whereas, several of our churches are seeking pastoral staff members to serve in the local church, and
Whereas, several of our mission churches are in need of church planters to lead in their development, therefore be it
Resolved, that we faithfully pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for these pastoral searches and further
Resolved, that we pray that God would raise up new pastors and elders from our denomination who will be qualified to serve our churches.
Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference, along with wives and family members of our pastors and delegates, have readily and cheerfully served the members of the 125th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we express our appreciation for their special contribution in care of Conference Members.
Whereas, Head Page, Daniel L. Williams, Assistant Head Page, Raymond L. Cole, and Pages, Joshua M. Allen, Benjamin J. Armstrong, Mark A. Bickel, David E. Brandt, Joshua D. Edwards, Mark R. Evans, Sidney C. Fields, Kurt P. Francis, Timothy S. Hogan, Scott W. Kappes, Keith M. Long, Joshua P. Miller, Steven J. Morton, David K. Schlonecker, Aaron J. Susek, Carlos G. Rodriguez, Colby A. Weinhofer, have humbly, readily and cheerfully enabled the work of the Annual Conference to function efficiently, therefore, be it
Resolved, that we acknowledge our appreciation for their service on behalf of the Conference with a round of applause.
Whereas, William G. Schlonecker, David T. Allen, Richard B. Ravis, have served Annual Conference as our devotional speakers, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their ministry in proclamation of God’s Word, and be it further
Resolved, that each be presented $50.00 for his ministry.
Whereas, Richard T. Paashaus has served Annual Conference as Worship Leader ably assisted by several musicians, 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, David A. Thomann, and his Assistants, Daniel P. Allen, David T. Allen, Donald E. Kuntzman and Robert W. Smock, have served with individual distinction, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful service and be it further
Resolved, that each man be awarded $50.00 for his labors.
Whereas, William G. Schlonecker has served exceptionally as Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of the Annual Conference show their appreciation for Brother Schlonecker’s service with a standing ovation.
Whereas, we have come this far by faith, therefore be it firmly
Resolved, that we won’t turn back, and further
Resolved, that we will always glory in the manifold grace of our great and gracious God.
The Chairman made the following appointments:
Registrar: Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Assistant Registrar: Davis E. Duggins
Agenda & Program: David A. Thomann, Chairman; William G. Schlonecker, Randall A. Grossman, Thomas P. Shorb, Timothy S. Cowen, Ronald L. Kohl
Committee on Arrangements: David A. Thomann, Chairman; Daniel P. Allen, Thomas P. Shorb, William G. Schlonecker, Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Daniel L. Williams
Committee on Statistics: LeRoy S. Heller, Chairman; David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Hugh C. Coulborn, Jr., C. Larry Bennett
Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches: Allan R. Vivona, Chairman; Ronald C. Erb, C. Larry Bennett, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Ralph M. Soper, Louis S. Cursio, Jacob J. Susek, Jr.
The secretary of the Conference Judicatory is Gregory A. Uhrich. The secretary of the Special Appellate Judicatory is David J. Watkins. The address of the primary place of business of the corporation known as the Bible Fellowship Church is: 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052.
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
The 125th Annual Conference was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. as Calvin T. Reed, Vice Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference, closed in prayer.