2023 Annual Conference Minutes and Yearbook

Annual Conference Proceedings – 2023

Monday, April 25, 2023 – Wednesday, April 27, 2023

View and/or Download the 2023 Yearbook

First Meeting

Monday, April 24, 2023, 2 P.M.

The 140^th Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by Conference Moderator Randall A. Grossman at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Pinebrook Bible Conference. In prayer Grossman asked God’s rich blessings upon the work to be conducted over the next three days.

Musical worship was led by Mark E. Barninger as part of an ensemble that also included James Arcieri, Richard B. Ravis, and Aaron J. Susek. Conference joined in the singing of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” and “He Will Hold Me Fast.” Daniel W. King then led Conference in a time of corporate prayer, especially focusing on Colossians 3:12-17, using the apostle Paul’s instructions to commend pastors and delegates to pray with thankfulness in their hearts to God.

Pinebrook Bible Conference’s new director, Richard B. Brewer, welcomed the pastors and delegates to Conference. Mark Swartley, Executive Director of Spruce Lake Retreat and Pinebrook Bible Conference, noted that its staff, as it met for its regular Monday morning prayer time, focused especially on BFC Conference. “We prayed that God would shower wisdom on you and that He would give you vision for your denomination and on your churches…that He would give you strength to hold onto biblical truth,” Swartley explained.

Report of the Registrar:

Resolved, that the roll of eligible members of the 140^th BFC Conference constitute the Conference Bar for the 140^th BFC Conference.

The roll of the 140^th BFC Conference was established as follows:

Allentown, PA (Cedar Crest) Jason L. Hoy, Adam K. Crain (Probationer), Jules J. Hull III, John R. LoRusso, Chris M. Von Holt, Steven M. Klase, William J. Walters, Daniel D. Waterman

Allentown, PA (Citylight)* Stephen A. Diaz, Rick Dobrowolski (Probationer**)

Bethlehem, PA Jeremy Harkins (Probationer), Michael J. Notary, (Probationer), Marcus J. Brunstetter, Byron D. Roth, Swannie W. Griffin, III

Blandon, PA Daniel L. Williams, R. Jerry Brush, Brad D. Kunkle

Boyertown, PA Barry T. Parsons, Andrew Vasel

Breinigsville (Orchard Hills) Benjamin J. Triestman, John E. Schleicher, Timothy Sweeney

Brick, NJ L. Marc Sweet, Marco Valle

Camden, DE R. Daniel Wagner, Albert F. Biddle, Jr.

Cape May Court House, NJ* Brad L. Boyer, Michael J. Polach

Carmel, NY (Vacant)

Clinton Corners, NY (Vacant), Wayne M. Chadwell

Coopersburg, PA Timothy S. Hogan, Robert A. Moreau, Stephen C. Cassel

Dauphin, PA Mark E. Barninger, Dennis Souder

Denville, NJ (Vacant), Steven Kay

Emmaus, PA David A. Smith, Jared Burkholder, Scott A. Hoffman, David N. Schoen

Ephrata, PA Daniel Z. Krall, Benjamin Ross (Probationer), William F. Early

Exeter, PA William A. Burton III (Probationer), Shawn McAnulty

Finesville, NJ Byron Widger

Forks, PA* Timothy M. Zuck, Frank J. Farley

Graterford, PA Mark R. Orton, Rodger E. Spangler

Harleysville, PA Andrew T. Crossgrove, Michael W. Walker, Andrew J. Miller (Probationer), Richard C. Lutz

Harrisburg, PA (Grace BFC) Joshua P. Miller, Andrew W. Barnes, Steven J. DelDuco, Bryan Bowers, Don Maurer

Harrisburg, PA (Grace Fellowship) (Vacant), Jayonn C. Folks

Hatfield, PA Joel B. Klase, Larry J. Allen

Hellertown, PA Keith A. Strunk, Kevin Sine

Kutztown, PA Sandy Holbert (Probationer), Doug Steffy, Nickolas T. Timpe

LaGrangeville, NY (Vacant), Thomas L. Ward

Lancaster, PA Keith M. Long, William C. Verdon II, Neil J. Franklin, Jr. (Probationer), John J. Brown, Joseph A. Kim

Las Cruces, NM David M. Poland

Lebanon, PA Calvin T. Reed, Jarrod J. Cruise, Eric E. Herb (Probationer), Jack S. Herb, Jr.

Lehighton, PA Robert A. Johnson II, Steven Ramos

Long Neck, DE (Vacant), Richard Petrecca

Merida, MEXICO Marcos G. Ramirez

Mt. Carmel, PA Roger L. Siegrist, James P. Ketner

Mt. Pocono, PA James L. Farver (Probationer), Ronald E. Miller

Nazareth, PA Carl J. Fischer, Jr., James W. Preslar

Newark, DE Andrew R. Hebel (Probationer), Stephen J. Morton, Kenneth J. Klein, David Bradford

Newark, NJ Ron Burgess, Melvin Hinton

Oley, PA Scott A. Allison, James D. MacArthur, Todd Heath

Paradise, PA Jesse A. Benack, Daniel Eckman

Philadelphia, PA Ralph E. Ritter, Joseph P. Specht, Jr.

Piscataway, NJ Richard B. Ravis, John P. Sullivan (Probationer), Jay R. Vroman

Quakertown, PA Ronald L. Kohl, Ezekiel R. Mack, Robert E. Smith, L. James Roberts

Reading, PA Randall A. Grossman, Bryan C. McNally, Ronald W. Reed

Reading, PA (La Roca) Carlos G. Rodriguez, Luis Beltran, Vladimir Caba

Red Hill, PA Michael Meadows (Probationer), J. Rob Vaughn

Royersford, PA Daniel W. King, Ronald C. Erb, Michael Gangwer

Shamokin, PA Ferdie R. Madara, William Kerstetter

Sinking Spring, PA S. Wayne Rissmiller, Paul Harvey, Tim Hart, Donald D. McKinney, Timothy P. Stump, John R. Weller

Spring City, PA Jeffrey A. Kauffman, Sean P. McNamara

Stroudsburg, PA Beau E. Coffman, Brian Seay, Mike Murphy

Sunbury, PA Joshua P. Gibson, Douglas A. Gaugler

Terre Hill, PA Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Andrew S. Littlejohn

Townsend, DE Ronald B. Smith, Dave Graham

W. Norriton, PA (Redeemer) R. Scott Wright, Rodger Eastman

Wallingford, PA Aaron J. Susek, Mark A. Bickel, Timothy S. Cowen, Michael Plourde

Walnutport, PA (Northern Lehigh) Aaron D. Smith, Jason P. Musselman

Whitehall, PA (Bethany) Timothy J. Schmoyer, Mark Hargrove

Whitehall, PA (Rock of Ages) Philip E. Yerrington, Jerald A. Lagler

Woodbury Heights, NJ Timothy R. Nessler, Harry Nessler

York, PA Wesley H. Bunting, Ricardo Vargas (Probationer), Kenneth L. Good

Zionsville, PA (Vacant) Jim Pruitt

*Contingent upon their graduation as a particular church at this Conference

**Contingent upon the graduation of Citylight (Allentown) as a particular church at this Conference

Ordained Ministers Serving in Bible Fellowship Ministries:

BFC Executive Director — David T. Allen

Conference Pastor — Ralph M. Soper

Church Extension — David E. Gundrum (Director), Raymond R. Bertolet, Freddy A. Chi (Probationer), Larry Davies, Joshua P. Dupiche, Jason A. Filbert, Tracy Haines (Probationer), John J. Hanner, Daniel J. Hoffstetter (Probationer), Juan Carlos Morales, Mark L. Morrison, Timothy S. Radcliff, James D. Reff

Board of Missions — James R. Arcieri (Director)

Ordained Missionaries:

Scott B. Evans, James D. Head, D.B.H. (probationer), Daniel Istrate, Walter M. Johnston, Jerry L. Moyer, David W. Riddell, John C. Studenroth

Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the BFC:

Jacob J. Susek, Jr.

Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries:

Timothy J. Bertolet, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., David E. Brandt, Kevin Clineff, William J. Dunn, Jordan K. Eyster, Michael J. Tannous

Ordained Ministers in Retirement or on Permanent Disability:

William C. Aukamp, Delbert R. Baker II, Kenneth F. Barber, Richard F. Bickings, T. James Bigley, Jr., Clifford B. Boone, Leonard E. Buck, Dennis M. Cahill, G. Wayne Clapier, Charles E. Cole, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Richard C. Dodson, Raymond R. Dotts, Bruce Ellingson, Glenn Felty, Richard J. Gehman, Richard D. Harris, LeRoy S. Heller, John H. Herb, Ronald W. Hoyle, W. Scott Kappes, Donald E. Kuntzman, Francis E. Lenahan, Ronald C. Mahurin, David L. Manney, Philip E. Morrison, Duane E. Moyer, Richard A. Moyer, Philip G. Norris, Richard T. Paashaus (Delegate for Finesville, NJ), Keith E. Plows, Louis Prontnicki, Roger L. Reitz, Jeffrey L. Ruhl, David K. Schlonecker, William G. Schlonecker, Austin G. Shelly, Thomas P. Shorb, Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Gene W. Smith, Dennis W. Spinney, Richard E. Taylor, David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, John C. Vandegriff, Jr., David R. Way, Harold C. Weaber, Dana E. Weller, Howard N. Wells, Paul G. Zimmerman

Ordained Ministers Between Calls:

Sean Fox, Carl T. Martin, Thomas H. Morrison

Additional Lay Members of the BFC Executive Board:

John W. Sullivan II, Rick D. Whitmire

Report of the Committee on Agenda and Arrangements: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the proposed agenda for the 140^th BFC Conference be accepted as the guide for our deliberations.

Resolved, that the Registrar be authorized to seat alternate delegates as required during the Conference and report them to Conference in his report at the conclusion of Conference.

Resolved, that the 141^st BFC Conference be held at Pinebrook, April 22-24, 2024.

Resolved, that committee reports for the 141^st BFC Conference be sent in digital format to the BFC Conference Secretary by Feb. 15, 2024 at sportspastor33@gmail.com.

The Conference Moderator announced the following roles:

Timekeeper: Mark L. Morrison

Parliamentarian: Timothy J. Schmoyer

Committee on Resolutions: Scott A. Allison, Chairman; Sandy H. Holbert, Daniel Z. Krall

Committee on Minutes of the 140^th BFC Conference: Philip G. Norris, Richard E. Taylor, R. Daniel Wagner.

Resolved, that the appointments be ratified.

Resolved, that Steven J. DelDuco serve as acting Vice-Moderator on Wednesday afternoon if Daniel L. Williams is unable to be present.

Conference Secretary Ronald L. Kohl appointed Bryan C. McNally as Assistant Secretary and Jared Burkholder and Noah Hottel as assistants to the secretary.

Resolved, that the appointments be ratified.

The following first-time delegates to BFC Conference were introduced and then welcomed by Conference:

John Brown, Lancaster, PA; Frank Farley, Forks Twp., PA; Swannie Griffin, Bethlehem, PA; Michael Meadows, Red Hill, PA; A.J. Miller, Horsham, PA; Michael J. Polach, Cape May Court House, NJ; Timothy P. Stump, Sinking Spring, PA.

The Conference Secretary made the following recommendation:

Resolved, that all minutes of the 139^th BFC Conference be approved.

Report of the Committee on Examination of BFC Conference Minutes (139^th): (see page)

Resolved, that the report be adopted as amended.

Report of the Nominating Committee:

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following were elected to boards or committees:

Committee on Church Health:

Beau E. Coffman (three years)

Jason L. Hoy (three years)

Aaron D. Smith (three years)

Conference Judicatory (elders):

James R. Knapp (three years)

Rodney P. Plows (three years)

Officers of the 141^st BFC Conference

Secretary

Ronald L. Kohl (1 year)

Report of the Ministerial Credentials Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted as amended.

Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended ordination for William A. Burton III and Freddy A. Chi, and

Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Adam K. Crain and Daniel J. Hoffstetter for recognition of previous ordination, and

Whereas, these brethren have served acceptably as ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time or the equivalent thereof, and

Whereas, after examination, the Ministerial Credentials Committee believes these mento 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 William A. Burton IIIand Freddy A. Chi be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and that Adam K. Crain and Daniel J. Hoffstetter be recommended for recognition of previous ordinations.

Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held at the 140^thBFC Conference; and be it

further

Resolved, that Exeter Bible Fellowship Church, Exeter, PA. and Iglesia Biblica La Roca church, Merida, YUCATAN, Mexicobe encouraged to hold services in recognition of the ordinations of William J. Burton III and Freddy A. Chi, respectively; and that Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, PA and Redeemer Bible Fellowship Church, Topton, PA be encouraged to hold services in recognition of previous ordinations for Adam K. Crain andDaniel J. Hoffstetter, and that these churches be encouraged to invite the Ministerial Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at each service.

Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee be approved.

The following men who are under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee were introduced to Conference:

Marcus J. Brunstetter, Bethlehem, PA; Richard Dobrowolski, Allentown, PA; James L. Farver, Jr., Mt. Pocono, PA; Neil Franklin, Jr., Millersville, PA; Andrew Hebel, Newark, DE; Eric E. Herb, Jr., Lebanon, PA; Sandy Holbert, Kutztown, PA; Will Lockhart, Sinking Spring, PA; Michael Meadows, Red Hill, PA; A.J. Miller, Horsham, PA; Jason Musselman, Walnutport, PA; Michael Notary, Bethlehem, PA; Benjamin Ross, Ephrata, PA; Nathan G. Trommler, Reading, PA; Marco A. Valle, Brick, NJ, Joshua Von Holt, Bethlehem, PA.

Report of the Ministerial Relations Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that each church provide a minimum of 3% of the pastor’s salary for retirement, plus an additional 1% match if the pastor is voluntarily contributing 1%.

Report of the Conference Pastor: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Kevin W. Kirkpatrick prayed for the ministry of Ralph M. Soper as Conference Pastor and for his wife Sharon as his partner in the work of supporting pastors and their wives.

Report of the Church Health Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Daniel L. Williams, committee secretary, took time to cite the “success story” of the work of revitalizing the ministry of our Maple Glen, PA church, with considerable thanks to Faith BFC, Harleysville for its support and active engagement.

Report of Church Extension Ministries: (see page)

David E. Gundrum, Director of Church Extension Ministries, entertained motions to receive three new churches into the ranks of Particular Churches of the BFC.

Whereas, the Board of Church Extension has assessed the elder candidates and has reviewed the financial reports of the Cape May (Cape Community) Mission Church, NJ, and

Whereas, Church Extension affirms that the Cape May Mission Church, NJ has sufficient men qualified to be elders, and a sufficient committed participant group who will sign as charter members, and

Whereas, the financial reports of Cape May Mission Church, NJ, have been reviewed, therefore be it

Resolved, that Cape May Mission Church, NJ, be received into the BFC Conference, and be recognized as a Particular Church.

Whereas, the Board of Church Extension has assessed the elder candidates and has reviewed the financial reports of the Allentown (Citylight) Mission Church, PA, and

Whereas, Church Extension affirms that the Allentown Mission Church, PA has sufficient men qualified to be elders, and a sufficient committed participant group who will sign as charter members, and

Whereas, the financial reports of the Allentown Mission Church, PA have been reviewed, therefore be it

Resolved, that the Allentown Mission Church, PA be received into the BFC Conference, and be recognized as a Particular Church.

Whereas, the Board of Church Extension has assessed the elder candidates and has reviewed the financial reports of the Forks Township (Forks Community) Mission Church, PA, and

Whereas, Church Extension affirms that the Forks Township Mission Church, PA has sufficient men qualified to be elders, and a sufficient committed participant group who will sign as charter members, and

Whereas, the financial reports of Forks Township Mission Church, PA, have been reviewed, therefore be it

Resolved, that Forks Township Mission Church, PA, be received into the BFC Conference, and be recognized as a Particular Church.

All three churches were unanimously and enthusiastically received by Conference as new Particular Churches of the BFC. The delegates of all three churches were thus approved to be seated at the Conference bar.

Conference Secretary Ronald L. Kohl provided an update on two prospective changes to the Faith & Order that had been adopted at First Reading and were now in the hands of Boards of Elders from the Particular Churches. Kohl noted that procedurally churches have 24 months to submit elder votes to the Conference Secretary.

Kohl provided updates on two pieces of legislation. First, he related that the Study Committee on the Importance of Preaching had been adopted at First Reading at the 138^th BFC Conference in October, 2021 (see pp. 24-26, 2021 Yearbook) and as such was nearing its two-year deadline. He reported that the current vote in favor of the proposed addition of Article 18-5 to Article 18, The Church, currently falls short of the necessary two-thirds majority of the total number of Particular Churches required to be considered for final adoption at Second Reading in 2024. He noted that churches that fail to register their elder boards’ votes before October, 2023 will be counted as “no” votes. The current vote stands at 26 yes, 14 no.

In addition, Kohl also updated Conference on the proposed changes to Article 8-1 (see 2022 Yearbook, p. 12), which have one more year before, if elder boards vote in favor by a two-thirds percentage, they are presented for adoption at Second Reading at the 141^st BFC Conference. The current vote stands at 27 yes, 0 no.

Report of the Study Committee to Review the Biblical Principles for Living: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The committee presented resolutions to form three new study committees as part of its mandate, as given by the 136^th BFC Conference, to review our current Biblical Principles for Living (BPLs) and offer any appropriate adjustments.

Resolved, that the BFC Conference appoint a committee to examine the matter of addictive behaviors, and, if it deems necessary and appropriate, to prepare statements. Examples of addictive behaviors include, but are not limited to, pornography, other sexual addictions, computer gaming, gluttony, eating disorders, and gambling. Possibly adding to “Alcohol” and “Tobacco” (current BPLs).

Conference voted not to establish the study committee requested by the resolution.

Resolved, that the BFC Conference appoint a committee to examine and prepare a statement on the issues of digital technology (digital, gaming, or computerized devices) and social media by considering the following questions:

1. Where does technology belong in the biblical story of redemption? What are the benefits and detriments?

2. What guidance does the Bible offer on the use of digital technology and social media?

Conference voted not to establish the study committee requested by the resolution.

Resolved, that the BFC Conference appoint a committee to examine the growing marginalization of Christian culture and churches.

1. What should be the response of churches to the growth of secularism and materialism?

2. What should be the response of churches if anti-biblical or anti-church initiatives are proposed by local, state, or national government?

Conference voted not to establish the study committee requested by the resolution.

Report on the Examination of the BPL on the Family

This committee gave no report this year but had two pieces of legislation that needed to be passed at Second Reading – regarding questions 1 and 3 of the matters it was asked to consider for the 139^th BFC Conference. See 2022 Yearbook, pp. 27-28.

Question 1: Does the current statement adequately define biblical marriage and provide adequate response and/or direction regarding culture’s use of domestic partnership, civil union, common-law marriage, and same sex marriage?

Answers to question 1:

Resolved, that the statement below will be our answer to the first part of the first question asked by the Study Committee to review BPLs—“Does the current statement adequately define biblical marriage?”

103-4.2 The marriage covenant is defined as a man and a woman committing themselves to a unique, exclusive, and lifelong relationship with each other and becoming “one flesh”⁹ under God’s authority as found in the Bible.

⁹ Genesis 2:24 (add this to the list of verses below)

Because of temporary technical difficulties connected to phone balloting, Conference agreed to vote by hand. The legislation passed almost unanimously and was adopted at Second Reading.

Question 3: Does the current statement adequately address the structure of single-parent homes and provide guidance for the church in caring for these families?

Resolved, that this be our answer to question 3, proposing this addition to BPL 103-4.6 for adoption at First Reading at the 139^th BFC Conference:

103-4.6 Within the church there exist family units such as single-parent and blended families as well as never-married adult singles who are a part of family units that require special attention and mercy from the church. With prayer, loving support, wise counsel, and God’s abundant grace these families and individuals can be nurtured. The church should gladly and unwaveringlysupply comfort, encouragement, and deep fellowship for all family units and individuals of family units for the ministry of the Word (Ephesians 4:16).*

NOTE: Ephesians 4:16 now becomes footnote 25 and all subsequent footnotes need to be renumbered accordingly.

By hand vote, Conference voted to adopt this legislation at Second Reading.

Whereas, the Study Committee on the Family has completed its assignment and the legislation it has recommended has been approved, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank the members of the committee for their service and declare the committee to be dissolved.

Joshua P. Gibson prayed for the upcoming elections, which were then conducted.

Conference adjourned for dinner at 5:03 p.m. as Louis Prontnicki prayed.

Second Meeting

Monday, April 24, 2023, 6:45 P.M.

The evening session was called to order by the Moderator at 6:45 p.m. Musical worship included the following songs: “Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power” and “Build Your Kingdom Here.”

David E. Gundrum, Director of Church Extension Ministries, provided the keynote address on the Reaching Out theme—which was perfectly appropriate given the groundbreaking addition of three new Particular Churches to the BFC. “What an appropriate time and what an appropriate theme for the 140^th Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church,” he noted.

“It’s a time to reach out,” Gundrum said. “It’s a time to mobilize ourselves individually and also to mobilize our churches.” He said he sees many encouraging signs throughout the Bible Fellowship Church. “What I’m seeing now is…churches wanting to widen their position, churches wanting to reach out to their communities, and churches wanting to reach out beyond their communities to plant new churches…I’m excited about that. Are you?”

Gundrum directed Conference’s attention to Matthew 9, which he said includes several components of reaching out.

Are we called just to live where we do or to claim the place where we live and the people who live in and around it? Matthew 9 says Jesus came to His own city. Matthew is telling us Jesus “owned” Capernaum. The Greek word idios, he says, means “my own possession.” “He made Capernaum and the environs His own possession…this was His own focus for ministry,” Gundrum explained.

One great challenge: Can we say we own our cities, our villages, our towns, our neighborhoods?

Gundrum said he sees five components of missional outreach in Matthew 9—two foundational requirements and three foundational actions that flow from the requirements as Jesus ministered in Galilee. Matthew 9:35 reminds us that our Lord eagerly went out to reach people. “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.”

First component: Going is not geographical but is focused on unbelief wherever it exists. “It wasn’t the geography that was important to Him,” Gundrum said of Jesus. “What was important to Him was going to unbelief wherever it existed.”

Second component: Adopt a more accurate compassionate view for the lost and their deadly spiritual condition. As Matthew 9:36 says, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them…” “It’s that feeling that goes down to the bowels, making you move and do something,” Gundrum said for the Greek word for “compassion.”

The compassion Christ exhibited wasn’t focused on physical needs but was related to their distress. These people, Matthew 9:36, were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. “The compassion we see here is the compassion for a soul that is lost,” Gundrum said.

Gundrum describes words used by one of his former teachers, John Gerstner, who described the unsaved as “a walking corpse; a stench in the nostrils of God.” People without Christ are facing eternal damnation; that ought to move us to compassion and to desire that they be reached with the gospel. Compassion ought to move us to understand the eternal destiny of unbelievers and how graphic that is.

Gundrum noted three foundational actions based on these two components—all flowing out of Matthew 9:35—teaching, gospel proclamation, and mercy ministry.

First, we should be intentional about teaching the gospel in various settings. Jesus was a teacher. He engaged in discourse with people. He dialogued. “He taught people—the idea of coming to a person where they’re living and dialoguing with them,” Gundrum said, noting that our Lord will provide such opportunities for us.

Second, we should prioritize the preaching of Christ’s supremacy. Jesus proclaimed “the kingdom of God.” What gospel was He proclaiming? “In a sense, I think He’s proclaiming Jesus as King of the kingdom—that there is no other,” Gundrum said.

Gundrum quoted R.C. Sproul as saying, “We announce the blessed reign of Christ, and we must repeat His commandment: all people, wherever they are, [are to] repent and bow to His rule.” There is only one way to the King of kings. People think otherwise—that there are many ways to get to God—but Jesus is the only way. “When we preach the kingdom of God, we’re preaching the Lord, high and exalted: the Lord, who is the King of kings, supreme over all things…there is no other way to satisfy a holy God but by the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all impurity.”

Finally, the third foundational action we see exemplified in Matthew 9 is having a fervent concern for mercy. Teaching, proclamation, and mercy are all aspects of the same ministry and should not be seen as separate actions. “Jesus never missed a need; if He did, it was according to His own sovereign plan and purpose,” Gundrum said.

What did the Father send Jesus to do? He sent Him to sinners in order to teach the truth, proclaim the gospel, and serve humanity. In Matthew 9, Jesus showed mercy in a number of healings: of the lame, the blind, and the mute, and in restoring a dead girl to life.

May the Bible Fellowship Church continue to reach out, remaining focused on unbelief wherever it exists while exercising compassion for the lost.

After concluding his keynote address, Gundrum introduced the work in Cape May Court House, NJ. “There was a time when Cape May was on our list to close…but we didn’t close it,” Gundrum said. He noted the crucial sustaining work of Mark L. Morrison in holding the work together as an interim pastor before Brad L. Boyer arrived as a church planter and has been there ever since, moving Cape Community Mission Church along to graduation.

Boyer introduced several members of his congregation who were watching the celebration via livestream from the church building. “I just can’t be more thrilled than I am right now at this moment,” he said, sharing the moment with his wife and with his delegate Michael J. Polach, who was joined by his wife Elaine. “We are grateful to the BFC for your support—way before Elaine and I came [to Cape Community Church],” Mike Polach said. “But most of all we thank God, because He’s building His church throughout the world and especially at Cape May.”

Boyer tried to make a list of everyone who made a contribution to the growth of Cape Community Church but eventually gave up because there were too many to list. Still, he couldn’t stop before praising God for his wife Vicki. “She actually sacrificed way more than I did to go down to Cape May,” he said. “Anyone who knows her and knows me knows that she’s the brains of the outfit.”

Boyer pointed to Isaiah 6 and Isaiah’s response of “Here am I. Send me!” Mark L. Morrison offered a prayer of gratitude for God’s work in Cape May Court House, NJ.

The Moderator prayed to close the evening session at 8:02 p.m. A reception followed in honor of Cape Community Church’s welcome as a Particular Church.

Third Meeting

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 8:45 A.M.

The morning session was called to order at 8:45 a.m. as Donald D. McKinney, a delegate at Calvary BFC, Sinking Spring, PA for about 40 years, prayed for the morning’s proceedings. A musical ensemble led by Mark E. Barninger again led in musical worship as Conference sang “Come, Thou Almighty King” and “Hear the Call of the Kingdom.”

Brad L. Boyer, pastor of Cape Community Church in Cape May Court House, NJ offered the morning devotional. Article 19-1 of our Articles of Faith, The Evangelistic Mission of the Church,reads, “The Church has been commissioned by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel to all nations. Each Particular Church and every believer bear responsibility for this commission.”

Boyer said the mission Christ gave in The Great Commission in Matthew 28 “was commissioned to us because Jesus did His job.” After reading Acts 1:1-8, he noted that Jesus’ “to do list” was what He began to do, according to Acts 1:1. Jesus of course continues to be at work today.

The disciples asked a particular question in Acts 1:6. “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” They assumed that Jesus would answer in the affirmative, but Jesus instead answered in verse 8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Holy Spirit came with power and the church was born as the apostles and their fellow servants carried on Christ’s work.

Boyer noted that the first believers were already in Jerusalem, reaching out, and when Pentecost came, 3,000 souls believed and were baptized—something Boyer called “a logistical dream.” They started in Jerusalem and when Acts 8 noted the beginnings of persecution, they spread throughout Judea and Samaria, taking the gospel with them. By Acts 9, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus continued the spread of the gospel “to the ends of the earth.”

“The time is now. It’s urgent,” Boyer said of the call to witness to the gospel in a world were even professing evangelicals seem to be losing their trust in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Boyer quoted J.I. Packer, who was referencing Jonathan Edwards in describing revival. “Revival is an extraordinary work of God the Holy Ghost, reinvigorating and propagating Christian piety in a community,” Packer said. Revival is directly connected to the outreach of God’s people with the good news of the gospel. We have an ongoing mission—“Each Particular Church and every believer bear responsibility for this commission,” our Articles of Faith declare.

How can we be the kind of church that fulfills its commission? Boyer cited Acts 2:42-47. The people learned, grew, fellowshipped, and served together, and we as individuals and as churches are called to do so “until the nets are filled,” as the late Daniel P. Allen was fond of saying. James D. Reff II of the Prayer Committee followed by leading Conference in a time of prayer based on Acts 1:8.

Following the morning break, the results of elections were communicated to Conference. The following were elected to boards or committees:

BFC Executive Board (ministers):

Randall A. Grossman (3 years)

Ronald L. Kohl (3 years)

BFC Executive Board (elders):

John W. Sullivan (3 years)

William J. Walters (3 years)

Ministerial Credentials Committee:

Jesse A. Benack (3 years)

S. Wayne Rissmiller (3 years)

Ministerial Candidates Committee:

David E. Gundrum (3 years)

Joshua P. Miller (3 years)

Richard E. Taylor (3 years)

Ministerial Relations Committee (ministers):

Daniel Z. Krall (3 years)

Timothy J. Schmoyer (3 years)

Ministerial Relations Committee (elders):

Glendon R. LeSuer, Jr. (3 years)

Committee on Nominations:

Jules J. Hull III (3 years)

Daniel W. King (3 years)

Conference Judicatory:

Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. (3 years)

Bryan C. McNally (3 years)

Special Appellate Judicatory (ministers):

Robert A. Sloan (3 years)

Special Appellate Judicatory (elders):

Robert A. Moreau (3 years)

Officers of the 141^st BFC Conference

Moderator

Daniel L. Williams (1 year)

Vice-Moderator

Timothy J. Schmoyer (1 year)

Report on the Examination of the BPL on Sexual Identity

This committee presented several resolutions that passed at First Reading at the 139^th BFC Conference and are now presented as Second Reading legislation. See 2022 Yearbook, pp. 10-13.

Resolved, that the following additions be made to BFC BPL article 103-3.2 (additions in bold and underlined):

103-3.2 The purpose of sexual expression and the gendered roles we play in it has been given to mankind by his Creator. The sexual union between a man and a woman was created, in part, to image the unity of the Godhead and God’s covenantal relationship with His people. In addition, sexual union was given for the procreation of children and for the mutual enjoyment of husband and wife.

God created the human race into two complementary sexes/genders (“male and female”) and determines each person’s sex/gender at conception. This distinction of male and female is the first fact mentioned in connection with mankind being made in the image of God. The first marriage, and thus the first sexual act, was a recognition, expression, and celebration of this complementary distinction. God designed sexual union such that two complementary sexual halves, one man and one woman, come together and become a sexual whole.

The Bible refers to this sexual union as becoming “one flesh.” This “one flesh” sexual union between the first man and his wife establishes the pattern and standard of sexual expression for all of humanity. The participation in, or promotion of, any sexual act other than this “one flesh” union, within the marriage covenant, or the willful neglect of this sexual union is a sinful disregard of its intended purpose and fails to glorify God in our bodies.

Sexual expression is authorized within the bond of marriage between male and female. God’s name is glorified when the sexual union between male and female within the bond of marriage is honored and protected. God is dishonored when His design for sexual union is disregarded and perverted, and He will not allow this perversion to go unpunished. In addition, sexual expression outside the biblical standard corrupts the ideal in human relationships and prevents human flourishing.

As sexual expression and sexual union are God’s design and created according to His purpose, it is sinful for a man or woman to give in to the temptation to pursue or engage in changing the sex or gender given by God.

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 157; No – 1.

Resolved, that the following change be made to BFC Article 154, Sexual Immorality (addition in bold and underlined).

154-2 The Bible teaches that activities such as adultery, bestiality, fornication, homosexuality (i.e. indulging in a lust for or engaging in a sexual act with a member of the same sex), incest, polygamy, transgenderism, and sexual lust are perversions of God’s created order.

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 151; No – 1.

Whereas, the Study Committeeon Examination of the BPL on Sexual Identity has completed their assignment and the legislation they proposed has been approved, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank the members of the committee for their service and declare the committee to be dissolved.

Report of the Study Committee on the Mode of Baptism with Respect to Disability (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

This committee will present a full report at the 141^st BFC Conference in 2024.

Report of the Study Committee on Eternal Conscious Torment (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

This committee also plans to submit a full report at the 141^st BFC Conference.

The Executive Director presented the following legislation for adoption at First Reading:

506-6 Excuses for BFC Conference

(1) Any lay delegate desiring to be excused from a meeting which will result in his church lacking lay representation shall submit a request in writing to the Registrar. The Registrar shall present such requests to BFC Conference, which shall grant or deny the request.

(2) ADD THE FOLLOWING TO THE END OF THE PARAGRAPH:

Ordained Ministers in retirement or permanent disability who do not attend BFC Conference are excused without a written request.

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 135; No – 1.

This will be implemented by rule of exception but will still be presented at the 141^st BFC Conference for adoption at Second Reading in 2024.

The following change to Article 511-6, Ministerial Relations Committee, was presented for adoption at First Reading:

511-6, Ministerial Relations Committee

511-6.2(1) Composition and Election (proposed changes are in italics)

The Board shall be composed of four ordained ministers who have served or are serving as pastors, and three elders.

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 146; No – 2.

This will also be implemented by rule of exception but will also be presented at the 141^st BFC Conference for adoption at Second Reading in 2024.

The following Second Reading material was proposed in conjunction with the Board of Church Health (see 2022 Yearbook, pp. 17-19)

512-4 Board of Church Health

512-4.1 Purpose

The Board of Church Health serves the Bible Fellowship Church by promoting strong Church Health. It does this by helping Particular Churches evaluate the health of their own church, by helping new Particular Churches develop healthy ministries, and by assisting struggling Particular Churches and Mission Churches as requested by Church Extension Ministries to regain a healthy condition.

512-4.2 Composition and Election

(1) The Board of Church Health will be composed of the Director of the Board of Church Health, and selected ministers and members of the Bible Fellowship Church.

(2) The Director shall be appointed by the BFC Executive Board.

(3) The Board of Church Health will select members to serve on the board who have a heart for healthy churches and can provide valuable assistance to the Board. The number of members will be determined by the Director after consultation with the BFC Executive Board. Members will be presented to the BFC Executive Board for ratification to a three year term of office before beginning service on the board. All board members must presently be serving or have served as a credentialed pastor or an elder within the Bible Fellowship Church.

512-4.3 Duties

(1) It shall oversee the compilation of an annual BFC statistical report of the churches which will assist them in this work.

(2) The Board of Church Health shall monitor the health of Particular Churches.

(3) It shall provide counsel and resources for the self-assessment of the health of Particular Churches.

(4) It shall provide a list of recommended consultants to Particular Churches needing assistance in moving toward stronger church health.

(5) It shall offer training and seminars to promote church health.

(6) It may recommend to the BFC Executive Board that a Particular Church be placed under the supervisory care of the Board of Church Health. When a Particular Church is under the supervisory care of the Board of Church Health, the Director has the right to appoint interim elders to the church. By simple majority, the Executive Board in this case may place the Particular Church under the supervisory care of the Board of Church Health. If a Particular Church resists being placed under the supervisory care of the Board of Church Health, the Executive Board will recommend its placement to the BFC Conference for its consideration. This action by BFC Conference shall be by a simple majority.

(7) A Particular Church is removed from the supervisory care of the Board of Church Health by a simple majority vote of the BFC Conference.

(8) It shall inform the Ministerial Relations Committee if a matter threatening the pastoral relationship becomes evident at a Particular Church receiving Board of Church Health assistance and shall assist a Particular Church at the request of the Ministerial Relations Committee.

(9) It shall, in cooperation with the BFC Executive Board, assist Particular Churches to close when necessary.

(10) It shall provide a report on the closing of a Particular Church to BFC Conference.

(11) In the event of a church closing it shall consult with the Director of Church Extension Ministries regarding the feasibility of planting a new church in the same area.

(12) It shall develop sources of financial assistance for Particular Churches who cannot afford church health resources.

(13) It shall receive and disburse monies designated for the Board of Church Health.

(14) It shall work in cooperation with the Training and Education Committee to provide Pastoral Internships at Churches under the care of the Board of Church Health or when requested by a Particular Church or Church Extension Ministries, and shall oversee the financial arrangements for the Pastoral Internship.

(15) It shall make a written report of its activities to the BFC Executive Board.

512-4.4 Church Health Director

The Church Health Director 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 Health and shall be appointed by and accountable to the BFC Executive Board. He may serve in either a full-time or part-time capacity.

Duties

(1) He shall, in the performance of his duties, work under the direction of the BFC Executive Director in accordance with the policies and directives of the Board of Church Health.

(2) He shall represent the Board of Church Health in its dealings with pastors, elders, and churches.

(3) He shall oversee the Pastoral Internships under the care of the Board of Church Health.

(4) He shall be available as a resource to local churches regarding Church Health.

(5) He shall be available to meet with pastors, boards of elders, and congregations for consultation, evaluation, exhortation, and advice.

(6) He shall give a full report to the Board of Church Health at each of its meetings, and report to the BFC Executive Board as requested.

[SECOND READING]

Yes – 143; No – 11.

Report of the Study Committee on Mode of Believers’ Baptism with Regard to Membership (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Discussion about the legislation proposed by the committee ensued and continued until the Moderator called for the lunch break. Conference adjourned for lunch at 12:30 p.m. as Larry W. Davies prayed.

Fourth Meeting

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 1:30 P.M.

The afternoon session was called to order by the Moderator at 1:30 p.m. Conference praised God with the singing of “To God be the Glory” and “All I Have is Christ.”

Richard Dobrowolski, who shares the pastorate at Citylight Bible Church of Allentown, PA with Stephen A. Diaz, brought the afternoon devotional based on Article 19-2, The Evangelistic Mission of the Church. It reads, “God has clearly revealed in the gospel the only way of salvation sufficient for and applicable to the whole lost race of mankind. Based on His infinite and perfect love and His expressed desire that all men be saved, He bids that the Church, with urgency, compassion, and persuasion, proclaim the gospel to all people and invite them to believe.”

Dobrowolski turned in Scripture to Mark 5 and the story of the woman who was suffering from a discharge of blood—and her going to Jesus for healing and relief. As one deemed “unclean” by the surrounding culture, she was dealing with loneliness and despair in addition to her physical trials. No one else was able to help her. “She knows that Jesus, unlike anybody else, has the physical resources that she needs to bring about help. So she goes…and it works,” he explained.

But her healing wasn’t limited to physical matters. Jesus had higher goals. He sought to draw her out. Upon asking, “Who touched Me?” she came to Him “in fear and trembling,” but He commended her faith and then healed her. “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease,” He said to her.

“Jesus shows compassion by bringing hope to His fallen creation,” Dobrowolski said in applying the text. “This is what compassion looks like, lived out.”

“Shouldn’t compassion be mentioned as our world describes us—the BFC as a whole?” he asked. “Is the BFC known as a compassionate denomination?” He said our compassion should mimic the compassion Jesus showed in Mark 5. Are we compassionate to neighbors with differing political views? How about the person in our congregation who comes to us for the 100^th time. How about always-moody family members who disagree with us about who Jesus is and what He has done? We ought to ask God to change our hearts to be more Christ-like. We ought to be willing to enter people’s lives even before we share the gospel of hope.

David E. Gundrum introduced a service of celebration for Citylight Bible Church. “When I think of Citylight Church, the word ‘providence’ comes into place,” he said. Aaron D. Smith first brought Dobrowolski to Gundrum’s attention, but no further contact was made for 10 years—until discussions about urban ministry brought Dobrowolski and Allentown Bible Church back into the BFC orbit just two years ago.

Citylight Bible Church is a merger between Allentown Bible Church and Lighthouse (El Faro) Mission Church, pastored by Stephen A. Diaz. The combined church has acquired a new building in a strong location in Allentown. “We’re just blessed in seeing the providence of God at work these last few years.”

Following a video highlighting the ministries and people of Citylight Bible Church, Pastors Diaz and Dobrowolski. “I can’t believe we’re here, but Jesus builds His church. Amen?” Diaz said. He explained that following times of disappointment and soul-searching, eventually in 2021 Diaz reconnected with Dobrowolski and over nine months, the prospects of a potential merger emerged. The two congregations voted to merge in June, 2022.

Diaz introduced Joe Fox, who aided in the start of Allentown Bible Church and is now filling a key role in Citylight Bible Church. “It’s been exciting and we’ve been glad to be a part of it,” he said of the relationships that have been built with the BFC. “We desire to reach the city of Allentown with the gospel of Christ…We are called to minister with them.”

John Elias, a long-time servant of the Bible Fellowship Church who returned to the BFC by becoming part of the ministry in Allentown, prayed that God would make Citylight Bible Church a shining light for the gospel in Allentown.

Conference returned to the discussion concerning the Report of the Study Committee on Mode of Believers’ Baptism with Regard to Membership. The following revised legislation—as approved by Conference—was presented as First Reading legislation:

Whereas, the BFC’s current position requiring immersion for everyone, including those who have already been baptized as believers by another mode, creates conflict at worst and tension at best between some parts of the Faith & Order, thereby excluding from membership someone who is a part of the universal body of Christ, and

Whereas, some who have been baptized as believers by another mode and truly desire to be a member of the BFC are precluded from membership because personal conscience and conviction forbid them to be rebaptized as believers, and

Whereas, it is more consistent with the spirit and truth of Christ to receive such individuals as members who, acting in obedience to their God-ordained leadership at the time, were baptized as believers by another mode, therefore be it

Resolved, that we present the following changes to Article 202-3 for adoption at First Reading:

Anyone desiring to be a member of the BFC shall give testimony and evidence of faith
in Christ and the new birth. He shall be in sympathy with the Faith & Order, be baptized
by immersion or have had water applied subsequent to salvation, and manifest holiness toward God and separation from the world (Acts 2:41-47)

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 136; No – 14.

Report of the Study Committee on Strengthening Our Position on Abortion (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Josh Kappes, the son of BFC pastor W. Scott Kappes, offered a guest presentation on Love Life Ministry, which advertises its mission as “uniting and mobilizing the church to create a culture of love and life that will result in an end to abortion and the orphan crisis.”

While many believe that talking publically about abortion will heap shame upon themselves, Kappes said, “Actually, the opposite is true. When we apply the gospel specifically to the sin of abortion, people’s lives are set free from guilt and shame.” The church needs to be a place of redemption—it needs to be made a safe place where people can run.” Love Life offers training and mentoring. “The heart of the culture needs to change. And how does it change? Through the gospel,” he said.

Steven M. Klase prayed for God’s comfort upon the Kappes family, which is mourning the sudden death of Jared Kappes, Scott’s son and Josh’s younger brother.

The committee proposed several additions to the existing BPL Article 152 – Abortion, with additions to 152-1 and 152-2 and the insertion of a new 152-3.

Resolved, that the following BPL on Abortion be adopted at First Reading, with additions and changes in bold face:

Article 152 – Abortion

152-1 God is the creator, sustainer, and giver of life. Only He has the right to say under what conditions it may be taken away.¹ His Word declares that man is made in His image and is endowed with the dignity of personhood from the moment of fertilization,² and it is for this reason that the death penalty was commanded for murder in the Old Testament.³ It is an evil before God to intentionally murder unborn children, since they too bear His image, even if they are disabled or the result of rape or incest. If the life of the mother is in jeopardy, it is the moral and ethical obligation of the mother’s medical care team to work to preserve the life of both baby and mother to the greatest extent their abilities and resources allow. Therefore, since abortion is murder, as members of Christ’s body, the Church, we may not have, give direct assistance to, or perform an elective abortion.⁴ Any BFC church member(s) who, after rejecting repeated, godly, and compassionate counsel, continue(s) to have unrepentant sinful involvement in abortion will be subject to church discipline as prescribed by our Lord in Matthew 18. ⁵

¹ Gen. 9:5-6

² Psa. 139:13-16; Gen. 1:27

³ Exo. 21:14

⁴ Prov. 24:11-12

⁵ Matt. 18:15-20

152-2 Within the marriage bond a pregnancy and resulting child must be accepted as from God, and the parents are commanded to love the child.⁶ Pregnancies resulting from promiscuous or licentious behavior are not to be terminated by abortion, which only adds sin forbidden by the sixth commandment to sin forbidden by the seventh commandment.⁷ Therefore, anyone contemplating an abortion, even though outside the Church, should be encouraged to preserve life by completing the pregnancy.⁸ The child can either be raised by its biological parents or be adopted by others. The Church must strive to create a culture where women and men feel safe in coming forward to share their struggles without fear of being condemned.

⁶ Psa. 127:3-5

⁷ Exo. 20:13-14; 1 Cor. 6:18

⁸ Heb. 10:24

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 105; No – 45.

Resolved, that a new Article 152-3 be added to our Biblical Principle of Living on Abortion.

152-3 As Christians, we call upon our government leaders, with complete dependence on God, to establish equal justice and equal protection for the preborn according to the authority of God’s Word, at the local, state and federal levels, without exception or compromise.⁹ We call upon pastors and leaders to use their God-given gifts of preaching, teaching, and leading with one unified, principled, prophetic voice to uphold and promote God’s justice for all, including our preborn neighbors, at any and all stages of development.¹⁰

⁹ Deut. 16:18-20; Proverbs 20:10; Romans 13:3-4; 1 Pet. 2:13-14

¹⁰ Prov. 24:11-12; Psalm 82:4; Micah 6:8; Matt. 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 119; No – 33.

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

William G. Schlonecker prayed for the upcoming discussion about this significant matter.

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Prior to the legislation being introduced, the Minority Report subcommittee was permitted to present its position with a brief presentation prior to legislation being presented for adoption at First Reading. After considerable discussion on the floor of Conference, the meeting was adjourned for dinner at 5:26 p.m. as Timothy S. Hogan prayed.

Fifth Meeting

Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 7:00 P.M.

The Tuesday evening session was called to order by the Moderator at 7 p.m. No business was conducted; the entire session was set aside for a service of ordination conducted by the Ministerial Credentials Committee.

Mark E. Barninger and Aaron J. Susek led Conference in the singing of “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Keith M. Long read Matthew 10:16-33 and then prayed.

Jesse A. Benack presented William A. Burton III and Freddy A. Chi (in absentia; a separate ordination service and accompanying recognition service for Chi will be held at a future date in Merida, Mexico, with appropriate BFC representation) for ordination and Adam K. Crain and Daniel J. Hoffsttetter for recognition of previous ordination.

Keith A. Strunk provided a charge from 2 Timothy 1. Paul’s final words to Timothy were intensely personal. He spoke of the reality of tears in ministry, encouraging the ordinands to take their eyes off self and place them firmly on Christ during difficult times of trial.

Paul then reminds Timothy of the sincerity of his faith. He exhorted Timothy to “remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,” (2 Timothy 2:8). This passion for Christ and the ministry of the gospel is to be fanned into flame as we use the gifts He has given us. “We must stoke the fire…put more fuel on the fire,” Strunk said.

It is God who gives pastors the power to serve Him. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” “He gave us power to endure. He gave us power to persevere,” Strunk said. God has also given us love and self-control. The latter enables us to be level-headed, with a way of thinking that “defaults to God and faith in God.” We are always to remember who God has called us to be as men called by Him to gospel ministry.

S. Wayne Rissmiller administered the vows of ordination. Each man was then prayed over by the laying on of hands of members of the Ministerial Credentials Committee.

Jason L. Hoy gave the pronouncement of ordination. The service concluded at 7:55 p.m. with Pastors Barninger and Susek leading in the singing of “Yet Not I But through Christ in Me.” Following the benediction, the newly-ordained pastors were greeted by their ministering brethren.

Sixth Meeting

Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 8:45 A.M.

Conference Moderator Randall A. Grossman called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m. Carlos G. Rodriguez led in prayer in both English and Spanish. Mark E. Barninger, James Arcieri, and Aaron J. Susek led Conference in the singing of “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” and “Jesus, All for Jesus.”

Kevin W. Kirkpatrick of the Committee on Prayer led a time of corporate prayer based on Colossians 1:15-20 and focusing on the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

The Darlene J. Mahurin Memorial Fund offering was received. Richard E. Taylor prayed that it would be a blessing to our servant-ministers in need.

Report of the Study Committee on the Role of Women in the Church (continued from session four)

Discussion continued as the Committee (representing the Majority Report) offered some introductory remarks and clarifications and then proposed the following amended resolution, representing an addition to our Principles of Order, Article 404, for adoption at First Reading:

Article 404 Choosing Leaders Other Than Elders

404-6 The elders of each Particular Church shall have freedom to determine which teaching opportunities are available to qualified and gifted laymen and laywomen. However, preaching (i.e., the sermon given in the context of the local church) is to be reserved for elders or qualified men under the authority of the Board of Elders.

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 67; No – 79.

The amended motion having failed, the original motion returned to active consideration. After defeating a motion to refer the work back to the committee, the following original motion was voted upon by Conference:

Whereas, Paul wrote to Timothy, “I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man” in 1 Timothy 2:12, referring to an authoritative teaching in the church reserved for elders, and

Whereas, Paul allowed, expected, and commended women’s participation in the early church, including public prayers (1 Cor. 11:5), public prophesying and teaching (1 Cor. 14:26), public learning (1 Tim. 2:11), and teaching and exhorting (Col. 3:16, 1 Cor. 14:26), and

Whereas, the BFC Principles of Order allows each particular church’s board of elders to decide for themselves how and where laymen and laywomen can lead, serve, and teach in their church, be it

Resolved, that we codify our existing position in keeping with 1 Timothy 2:12 by adding the following to Principles of Order Article 404, Choosing Leaders Other Than Elders and Deacons:

404-6 The elder board of each Particular Church will decide for itself what teaching opportunities are authoritative (which should be reserved for elders) and what teaching opportunities are not authoritative and are therefore available to laymen and laywomen.

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 50; No – 91.

The original motion having been lost, Conference decided to consider the work of the minority committee.

Resolved, that the minority report be accepted.

The minority subcommittee then presented the following resolution for adoption at First Reading. Prior to the First Reading vote, Conference resolved the following:

Resolved, that this legislation be added to the Principles of Order, Article 404-6 [Choosing Leaders Other Than Elders], rather than to the Articles of Faith, Article 18 – The Church.

With the above correction, the following legislation was considered for adoption at First Reading:

Whereas, Jesus Christ is the Lord of His church and has left us His Word to direct and instruct His church, and

Whereas,1 Timothy 3:15 states that this letter was written “that one may know how to behave in the household of God,” and

Whereas,1 Timothy 2:8 and 3:15 speak to the gathering of the people of God as the body of Christ, vested with the authority given to it by Christ, and

Whereas,1 Timothy 2:12 gives specific instruction on how women are to conduct themselves with respect to men in the gathered church, and

Whereas,the meaning of teaching in 1 Tim. 2:12 is to give biblical instruction with the intention of influencing the hearers, and

Whereas, 1 Timothy 2:12 prohibits women from teaching or exercising authority over men in the gathered church, and

Whereas,a refusal to submit to this instruction is in opposition to Jesus Christ’s authority over His church, and

Whereas, clarity and unity on gender roles in the church has become a distinctive belief for churches and denominations, therefore be it

Resolved, that we codify our position on women teaching or exercising authority over men by adding the following statement to the Principles of Order 404-6:

Any teaching given to a gathering of the church where men are present is to be done by qualified men under the oversight of the elders.

And be it further Resolved, that we codify our position on women teaching or exercising authority over men by adding the following statement to Principles of Order 404-6:

Any function of authority over a gathering of the church where men are present is to be done by qualified men under the oversight of the elders.

[FIRST READING]

Yes – 32; No – 117.

Conference adjourned at 12:30 p.m. as Richard T. Paashaus prayed. A short meeting of the Beneficiary Society preceded lunch.

Seventh Meeting

Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 1:30 P.M.

The final session of the 140^th BFC Conference was called to order by the Moderator at 1:40 p.m. as Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr. prayed. Conference engaged in the a capella singing of “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.”

Timothy M. Zuck, church-planting pastor at Forks Community Church in Forks Twp., led Conference in a devotional related to Article 19-3 as part of the Reaching Out theme – “It is the duty and privilege of everyone who hears the gospel to repent and receive its merciful provisions. Those who do are saved, and those who continue in impenitence and unbelief incur aggravated guilt and perish by their own fault.”

Struck by the phrase “receive its merciful provisions,” Zuck said he quickly thought of the salvation story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. “I love this story in Luke because the salvation of Zacchaeus is a wonderful account of the movement of God’s mercy in the life of a sinner,” Zuck said.

God’s mercy moves the sinner to reach out to Jesus, Zuck said. The text shows God the Father drawing Zacchaeus to Himself. What prompted Zacchaeus to seek out Jesus? We read, “He was seeking to see who Jesus was.” Zacchaeus’ curiosity was somehow piqued, and he wouldn’t allow his lack of height prevent him from making contact. God’s mercy often causes people we would never expect to be drawn to the gospel. But we have a role, too; we are called to have open eyes and perceptive hearts to know where people’s hearts are being opened by God’s Spirit. “Mercy moves out to reach the lost,” Zuck noted.

Jesus invited Himself, not only into Zacchaeus’ home but also into his life. Mercy moved Jesus to dine with tax collectors and sinners, and so the invitation to dine at Zacchaeus’ home fit the Lord’s profile of reaching out to the lost and calling them to repentance.

Reaching out, this story tells us, sometimes comes at a cost. Critics said of Jesus, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” But we must stay on mission, not allowing complainers to deter us from accomplishing what Jesus has put on our hearts. The result was that Zacchaeus repented and offered proof that his repentance was genuine by declaring his desire to make restitution for anyone he had defrauded.

“If we believe our doctrines about sin, salvation, and the necessity of evangelism, why aren’t we moving more?” he asked. “Where is our reach?” We should be asking, “Where’s our reach as a church?”

“Every church should be a mission church called by God to reach out and seek the lost,” Zuck stressed.

David E. Gundrum introduced the ensuing celebration service for Forks Community Church. Zuck, he noted, is the first BFC church planter to successfully plant two Particular Churches: in Hellertown, PA (Saucon Community BFC) as well as in Forks Twp. Gundrum credited Zuck with doing “a lot of innovative things” to establish Forks Community Church.

Conference viewed a video that included testimonies from members of the Forks Community Church family. “From the beginning, we wanted to be a church that is for the community and is in the community,” Zuck said as part of the video.

Frank J. Farley, an elder and delegate at Forks Community, praised God for His work in blessing the church before James Arcieri prayed for God’s ongoing blessing on the ministry of Forks Community Church.

Report of the BFC Executive Board: (See page)

Executive Director David T. Allen provided a few particulars from the Executive Board report and then reviewed the BFC’s financial statements before presenting both a revised budget for 2023 and a proposed budget for 2024.

Resolved, that the BFC Executive Board report, which includes the financial statements of the BFC, be accepted as audited.

Resolved, that the 2023 revised BFC Executive Board budget be adopted by the 140th BFC Conference.

Resolved, that an assessment rate of two (2.0) percent be adopted by the 140th BFC Conference for 2024 (based on assessable receipts from 2022).

Resolved, that the 2024 proposed Executive Board budget be adopted by the 140th BFC Conference.

The Executive Board recommended the following resolutions:

Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2023 was $221 per year of service, and

Whereas, cost-of-living adjustments no longer apply to MRF payments, be it

Resolved, that the MRF annuity rate for calendar year 2024 be $221 per year of service.

Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers of this Conference for Calendar Year 2024:

Whereas, the religious denomination known as The Bible Fellowship Church has, and functions through, Ministers of the Gospel who are duly ordained or licensed, and

Whereas, the practice of The Bible Fellowship Church is to provide a parsonage or a rental allowance as part of the gross compensation for each of its active ordained or licensed ministers, and

Whereas, pensions paid to retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers of The Bible Fellowship Church are considered as deferred compensation and are paid to said retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers in consideration of previous, active service, and

Whereas, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized that The Bible Fellowship Church is the appropriate organization to designate a housing/rental allowance for retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers who are members of this Conference, therefore be it

Resolved,

1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2024 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 BFC Conference and whose name and relationship to the conference is recorded in the Yearbook of BFC Conference and in other appropriate records maintained by the conference.

3. The pension payment to which this rental/housing allowance applies shall be the pension payment resulting from all service of such retired or disabled ordained or licensed minister from all employment by any local church, BFC 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 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.”

The Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board has recognized that credentialed BFC pastors who were not members of the MRF at the time when the MRF was closed, but still receive pension benefits that were paid by their church into a 403(b) Retirement Plan, should be able to receive the same recognition as those who receive pension benefits under the MRF.

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, contributions paid to an authorized 403(b) plan for the benefit of 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

Resolved,

1. An amount equal to 100% of the proceeds drawn from a 403(b) plan during the year of 2024 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.

3. The pension payment to which this rental/housing allowance applies shall be considered the pension payment resulting from all service of such retired or disabled ordained or licensed minister from all employment by any local church, BFC 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.

Report of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the BFC Life Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Communications Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Historical Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Prayer Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Youth & Young Adults Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Following the afternoon break, David Marks, a member of the Board of Directors of Harvest USA, explained the ministry, which is committed to upholding biblical sexuality and providing healing for those who are experiencing sexual brokenness. The Moderator prayed for Harvest USA and for the BFC’s commitment to biblical holiness.

BFC Department reports

Report of the Department of Missions: (see page)

James Arcieri, Director of the Board of Missions, provided an overview of the work of missions in the Bible Fellowship Church. A video highlighted the work of the BOM while introducing Conference to several of the BOM board members.

Kevin W. Kirkpatrick prayed for the work of missions in the Bible Fellowship Church.

Report of Church Extension Ministries: (see page)

Director David E. Gundrum reviewed the work of Church Extension Ministries and introduced the men who are currently serving as church planters. Mark L. Morrison provided a few anecdotes about his own experiences in church planting and highlighted the many men who are either involved in Church Extension or whose churches have come through the church planting process.

William G. Schlonecker prayed for Church Extension Ministries and for its ongoing planting efforts.

Report of Victory Valley Camp: (see page)

Curtis Cutler, Victory Valley’s Director, talked about the camp’s ongoing ministry, noting how God has graciously provided many needs. He noted that at least 35 campers trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation in the past year.

“God is growing this ministry,” Cutler said. “He’s growing the staff. He’s growing our reach, and we are excited.”

Cutler noted that the recent Winter Blast attracted the most campers in Victory Valley history. Almost 800 campers have already been registered for summer camp this year, with more than 1200 expected in all, and the majority who will attend are unchurched. “We are full to overflowing,” he said. “And God is bringing the masses to us.”

He added that almost 80 percent of this year’s summer staff are returning from 2022. “We get to train them to be the church planters of tomorrow, the missionaries of tomorrow, the pastors of tomorrow…God is doing something amazing. This is something to be excited about.”

Timothy J. Schmoyer prayed for the expanding vision of the ministry at Victory Valley Camp.

Report of the Conference Judicatory: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Ministerial Convention Committee: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

This year’s Ministerial Convention is scheduled for October 2-3, 2023 with “Regenerate Church Membership and Church Discipline” as the theme.

Report of the Beneficiary Society: (see page)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Registrar

The following delegates requested to be excused from part or all of the 140th BFC Conference:

Luis Beltran (La Roca de Reading, PA), Vladimir Caba (La Roca de Reading, PA), Stephen C. Cassel (Coopersburg, PA), Wayne M. Chadwell (Clinton Corners, NY), Rodger Eastman (W. Norriton, PA), Dave Graham (Townsend, DE), Mark Hargrove (Whitehall, PA), Tim Hart (Sinking Spring, PA), William Kerstetter (Shamokin, PA), James P. Ketner (Mt. Carmel, PA), Steven M. Klase (Cedar Crest-Allentown, PA), Brad D. Kunkle (Blandon, PA), Jerald A. Lagler (Rock of Ages-Whitehall, PA), Donald Maurer (Harrisburg, PA), Shawn McAnulty (Exeter, PA), Sean P. McNamara (Spring City, PA), Robert A. Moreau (Coopersburg, PA), Michael Murphy (Stroudsburg, PA), Harry Nessler (Woodbury Heights, NJ), James W. Preslar (Nazareth, PA), John E. Schleicher (Breinigsville, PA), Brian Seay, (Stroudsburg, PA), Dennis Souder (Dauphin, PA), Doug Steffy (Kutztown, PA), Timothy P. Stump (Sinking Spring, PA), Timothy Sweeney (Breinigsville, PA), Nickolas T. Timpe (Kutztown, PA), Andrew Vassal (Boyertown, PA), J. Robert Vaughn (Red Hill, PA).

Resolved, that these requests for excuses be granted.

The following licensed and ordained pastors/missionaries requested to be excused from part or all of the 140th BFC Conference. These requests were approved by the Ministerial Credentials Committee.

Delbert R. Baker II, Timothy J. Bertolet, T. James Bigley, David E. Brandt, R. Jerry Brush, Leonard E. Buck, Dennis M. Cahill, Freddy A. Chi, Kevin Clineff, Charles E. Cole, Raymond R. Dotts, William J. Dunn, Scott B. Evans, Jordan K. Eyster, Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Sean Fox, Jeremy Harkins, James D. Head, LeRoy S. Heller, D. B. H., Daniel Istrate, Walter M. Johnston, W. Scott Kappes, Francis E. Lenahan, Ronald C. Mahurin, David L. Manney, Andrew J. Miller, Duane E. Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Keith E. Plows, Roger L. Reitz, David W. Riddell, David K. Schlonecker, Austin G. Shelly, Robert A. Sloan, Ronald B. Smith, Marcos G. Ramirez, Richard B. Ravis, Jeffrey L. Ruhl, David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Ricardo Vargas, David R. Way, Dana E. Weller, Byron Widger, Daniel L. Williams, Philip E. Yerrington, Paul G. Zimmerman.

The following licensed and ordained pastor(s) were noted as absent for part or all of the 140th BFC Conference without excuse.

None

The following Ordained Ministers in Retirement or on Permanent Disability were noted as being absent and excused without a written request from the 140th BFC Conference:

Kenneth F. Barber, G. Wayne Clapier, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Richard C. Dodson, Bruce Ellingson, Glenn R. Felty, Richard J. Gehman, John H. Herb, Donald E. Kuntzman, Gene W. Smith, Harold C. Weaber.

Conference addressed the not-yet-resolved work of the Study Committee on the Role of Women in the Church.

Whereas, the Study Committee on the Role of Women in the Church labored to reach consensus on the meaning and application of 1 Timothy 2:12, and

Whereas, BFC Conference had concerns and rejected both the majority and the minority reports’ resolutions, and

Whereas, pursuing further unity on this matter both honors our Lord’s Word and promotes brotherly love, therefore be it

Resolved, that we send the issue of women in ministry, based on the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:12, back to the committee, asking it to bring new legislation that is faithful to the meaning of the text and addresses the concerns of Conference, including the following:

What is the gathered church?
Is there authoritative teaching and non-authoritative teaching in the gathered church?
In what areas and situations can women teach?

Appointments for the 141^st BFC Conference

The Moderator made the following appointments for the 141^st BFC Conference:

Registrar: Joel B. Klase

Assistant Registrar: Jules J. Hull IIII

Committee on Agenda & Arrangements: Ronald L. Kohl, Chairman; David T. Allen, Joel B. Klase, Bryan C. McNally, Timothy J. Schmoyer, R. Daniel Wagner, Daniel L. Williams.

Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches: Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Chairman; Bryan C. McNally, Mark R. Orton, Barry T. Parsons, Roger L. Siegrist, Robert A. Sloan, Jr.

Resolved, that the appointments be ratified.

Secretary of the Conference Judicatory: Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr.

Secretary of the Special Appellate Judicatory: Scott Wright.

Report of the Committee on Resolutions

Whereas, David E. Gundrum, Brad L. Boyer, Richard Dobrowolski, and Timothy M. Zuck challenged us to REACH OUT, and Keith A. Strunk challenged us to “fan into flame God’s gift” at Tuesday evening’s ordination service, and

Whereas, Daniel W. King; James D. Reff, II; and Kevin W. Kirkpatrick led us in prayer, and

Whereas, Josh Kappes from the ministry Love Life challenged us to fight for the unborn and vulnerable mothers and fathers, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank the Lord for His faithful servants and His holy Word.

Whereas,CityLight Bible Church, Cape Community Church, and Forks Community Church have been recognized at the 140^th Annual Conference as particular churches, be it

Resolved,that we give praise to God for His work in these three churches.

Whereas,we celebrated the ordinations of William A. Burton, III and Freddy A. Chi; and

Whereas, the BFC recognized the previous ordinations of Adam K. Crain and Daniel J. Hoffstetter, therefore be it

Resolved, that we give thanks to God for calling these men to serve Him as shepherds of His church. We also ask God’s blessing on them and their churches.

Whereas,Mark E. Barninger and his band led our hearts and minds back to the living God again and again through worship in song, be it

Resolved,that we thank them for their faithful ministry to us.

Whereas,Conference Secretary Ronald L. Kohl, Assistant Secretary Bryan C. McNally, and Assistants to the Secretary Jared Burkholder and Noah Hottel have served so well behind the scenes, and

Whereas, David T. Allen has served us diligently as Executive Director, and

Whereas,Randall A. Grossman, has once again served exceptionally as the Moderator of the 140^th Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it

Resolved, that we thank them for serving this conference so well.

Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference have graciously served the members of the 140^th BFC Conference, be it

Resolved,that we extend our sincere thanks to them.

Whereas, Daniel L. Williams, Ryan Diffenderfer, and their team of quick-stepping pages did a wonderful job of serving the needs of the conference attendees, be it

Resolved,that we thank them for all the planning and work they did to make this conference a success!

Whereas,Brothers Daniel P. Allen, Roy A. Hertzog, Carl K. Spackman, Dean A. Stortz, and Daniel G. Ziegler havepassed into glory and God’s rest in the past year, be it

Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the faithful ministry of these men, and that we pray for the comfort of their family members.

Whereas, we have much to thank God for and think about as a result of this year’s sermons, reports, testimonies, and times of prayer, be it

Resolved, that, as we go from this place, we ask the Lord for His grace to boldly and actively search for opportunities to personally and corporately REACH OUT with the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.

The 140^th BFC Conference was adjourned at 4:45 p.m. as James D. MacArthur prayed, thanking God for the work that was accomplished by His grace.

Category:Minutes of Conference