BFC Conference Proceedings – 2026
COMING: Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 2026 Yearbook
First meeting
Monday, April 27, 2026, 2:30 P.M.
The 143rd Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by Conference Moderator Randall A. Grossman at 2:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Pinebrook Bible Conference. Grossman welcomed the pastors and delegates and prayed for the weighty matters to be considered over the next three days. “This is God’s call for us today and for these three days, because we’re theologically convinced that we are accountable to one another and we’re interconnected, and the expression of that is right here in this room,” Grossman said.
Report of the Registrar:
Resolved, that the roll of eligible members of the 143rd BFC Conference constitute the Conference Bar for the 143rd BFC Conference.
Christopher M. Von Holt prayed for assistant registrar Jules J. Hull III, who was unable to attend and to fill his role at BFC Conference this year due to serious debilitating illness.
The roll of the 143rd BFC Conference was established as follows:
Allentown, PA (Cedar Crest) Jason L. Hoy, Jules J. Hull III, Christopher M. Von Holt, Nathan G. Trommler (Probationer), Scott Allen, Peter J. Everett, David Tress, Daniel D. Waterman
Allentown, PA (Citylight) Richard L. Dobrowolski, John C. Elias, Michael Whiteford
Bethlehem, PA Scott Wright, Jeremy L. Harkins, Michael J. Notary, Josh Von Holt (Probationer), Swannie W. Griffin III, Travis Schanely, Will Alpaugh (alt.)
Blandon, PA Daniel L. Williams, R. Jerry Brush, Brad D. Kunkle
Boyertown, PA Andrew J. Vasel (Probationer), Lucas Parsons
Breinigsville, PA Benjamin J. Triestman, Jon Fisher
Brick, NJ L. Marc Sweet, Donald W. Salafia, Jr.
Camden, DE R. Daniel Wagner, Albert F. Biddle, Jr.
Cape May Court House, NJ Brad L. Boyer, Gordon Oeschger
Carmel, NY (Vacant)
Chestertown, MD* James D. Reff, Tracy D. Haines
Clinton Corners, NY (Vacant), Wayne M. Chadwell
Coopersburg, PA Peter C. Bogert (Probationer), Jacob B. Dearmon (Probationer), David E. Speel, Robert A. Moreau
Dauphin, PA Mark E. Barninger, Scott Bogdon
Denville, NJ Daniel A. Cali (Probationer), Steven Kay
Emmaus, PA David A. Smith, Jared M. Burkholder, Scott A. Hoffman
Ephrata, PA Daniel Z. Krall, David J. Parsons (Probationer), Jonathan D. Grassi
Exeter, PA William A. Burton III, Andrew C. Eichelberger
Finesville, NJ Brandon D. Olbrys (Probationer)
Forks Twp., PA (Interim), Daniel F. Mazzeo, Greg Swigart
Gettysburg, PA John J. Hanner, R. Edward Snyder-Ritter
Graterford, PA Mark R. Orton, Geoffrey Sobeck
Harleysville, PA Andrew T. Crossgrove, Michael W. Walker, Andrew J. Miller, Rick Lutz
Harmony, NJ Richard J. Paquette (Probationer), Robert W. Burnett, David W. Heller, Donald C. Jackson, Jr.
Harrisburg, PA Joshua P. Miller, Andrew W. Barnes, Richard Prensner
Hatfield, PA Joel B. Klase, Robert King
Hellertown, PA Keith A. Strunk, Dwayne M. Kemmerer
LaGrangeville, NY (Interim), Evan T. Climpson
Lancaster, PA Keith M. Long, Neil J. Franklin, Jr., William C. Verdon II, Nathaniel A. Miller (Probationer), Chris Young
Lancaster City, PA Juan Carlos Morales, Wayne V. Cooley, Jr.
Las Cruces, NM David M. Poland
Lebanon, PA Jarrod J. Cruise, Eric E. Herb, Jr., Judah E. Wise (Probationer), Eric E. Herb, Sr.
Lehighton, PA Stephen A. Diaz, Steven Ramos
Long Neck, DE Richard F. Bickings, Richard M. Petrecca
Merida, MEXICO Marcos G. Ramirez
Milford, DE* Joshua P. Dupiche, Alton Hester
Mt. Carmel, PA Roger L. Siegrist, A. Mark Cassel
Mt. Pocono, PA James L. Farver, Ronald E. Miller
Nazareth, PA John P. Sullivan (Probationer), James W. Preslar
Newark, DE Andrew R. Hebel, Jonathan Limm (Probationer), Ronald L. Bove, Kenneth J. Klein
Newark, NJ Ron Burgess, Melvin Hinton
Oley, PA Scott A. Allison, Christian D. Lefko (Probationer), Todd Heath, William S. Ryan
Paradise, PA Jesse A. Benack, Daniel J. Eckman
Philadelphia, PA Ralph E. Ritter
Piscataway, NJ Jason D. Falzarano (Probationer), Mark C. Baker
Pottstown, PA (formerly Spring City) Jeffrey A. Kauffman, Sean P. McNamara
Quakertown, PA Ronald L. Kohl, Robert E. Smith
Reading, PA (Grace BFC) Gary L. White (Probationer), Greg C. Tuke
Reading, PA (La Roca) Carlos G. Rodriguez, Vladimir L. Caba, Alexis Ramirez
Red Hill, PA (Vacant), J. Robert Vaughn, Jr.
Royersford, PA Daniel W. King, Connor A. Roskowski (Probationer), Michael Gangwer
Shamokin, PA Ferdie R. Madara
Sinking Spring, PA S. Wayne Rissmiller, Paul Harvey, Donald D. McKinney, Donald M. Eenigenburg, Timothy P. Stump, John R. Weller
Stroudsburg, PA Beau E. Coffman, Michael D. Murphy
Sunbury, PA Joshua P. Gibson, Douglas A. Gaugler
Terre Hill, PA Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Andrew S. Littlejohn
Topton, PA Daniel J. Hoffstetter, Larry Davies, Steven K. Myers (Probationer)
Wallingford, PA Aaron J. Susek, Mark A. Bickel, Mark E. Kessler
Walnutport, PA Aaron D. Smith, Jason P. Musselman
W. Norriton, PA (Interim), Tirus T. Twyne
Whitehall, PA Timothy J. Schmoyer, Daryl A. Crawford (Probationer), Philip E. Yerrington, Laszlo Onody (Probationer), Mark Hargrove
Woodbury Heights, NJ Timothy R. Nessler, Harry Nessler
York, PA Wesley H. Bunting, Alex Kocman, Joshua Vann
Zionsville, PA Benenz J. Hitchcock (Probationer), Jim Pruitt
*Contingent upon their graduation 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 — Timothy M. Zuck (Director), David E. Gundrum (Director of Expansion and Development), Raymond R. Bertolet, Freddy A. Chi, Steven J. DelDuco, Jason A. Filbert, Mark L. Morrison, Stephen J. Morton, Timothy S. Radcliff, Shawn C. Rohrbach (Probationer)
Board of Missions — James D. MacArthur (Director)
Ordained Missionaries:
Scott B. Evans, James D. Head, D.B.H., Jerry L. Moyer, David W. Riddell, John C. Studenroth
Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the BFC:
Ezekiel R. Mack, Daniel Istrate
Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries:
Timothy J. Bertolet, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., David E. Brandt, Kevin W. Clineff, Adam K. Crain, William J. Dunn, Jordan K. Eyster
Ordained Ministers in Retirement or on Permanent Disability:
William C. Aukamp, Delbert R. Baker II, Kenneth F. Barber, Clifford B. Boone, Leonard E. Buck, Dennis M. Cahill, G. Wayne Clapier, Charles E. Cole, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Richard C. Dodson, Bruce A. Ellingson, Ronald C. Erb, Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Richard J. Gehman, Randall A. Grossman, Richard D. Harris, LeRoy S. Heller, John H. Herb, Ronald W. Hoyle, Robert A. Johnson II, Walter M. Johnston, David H. Jones, W. Scott Kappes, Donald E. Kuntzman, Dennis J. Lawrence, Francis E. Lenahan, John R. LoRusso, 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), Barry T. Parsons, Keith E. Plows, Thomas A. Pollock, Louis Prontnicki, Richard B. Ravis, Calvin T. Reed, Roger L. Reitz, Jeffrey L. Ruhl, David K. Schlonecker, William G. Schlonecker, David N. Schoen, Thomas P. Shorb, Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Ronald B. Smith, Dennis W. Spinney, Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Michael J. Tannous, Richard E. Taylor, Gregory A. Uhrich, John C. Vandegriff, Jr., David R. Way, Dana E. Weller, Howard N. Wells, Byron Widger, Paul G. Zimmerman
Ordained Ministers Between Calls:
Sandy J. Holbert, Carl T. Martin
Additional Lay Members of the BFC Executive Board:
Gary E. Karch, Ronald W. Reed, L. James Roberts, John W. Sullivan II, William J. Walters
Report of the Committee on Agenda & Arrangements: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the proposed agenda for the 143rd 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 144th BFC Conference be held at a site and date to be determined.
Resolved, that committee reports for the 144th BFC Conference be sent in digital format to the BFC Conference Secretary by February 15, 2027 at sportspastor33@gmail.com.
The Conference Moderator announced the following appointments:
Timekeeper: Mark L. Morrison
Parliamentarian: Daniel L. Williams
Committee on Minutes of the 143rd BFC Conference: Philip G. Norris, Thomas P. Shorb, R. Daniel Wagner.
Committee on Resolutions: Daniel Z. Krall, Jarrod J. Cruise, Daniel J. Hoffstetter.
Resolved, that the appointments be ratified.
Conference Secretary Ronald L. Kohl appointed Timothy S. Radcliff as Assistant Secretary and Samuel Janney and Shawn Rohrbach as Assistants to the Secretary.
Resolved, that the appointments be ratified.
Pinebrook Bible Conference site director Richard B. Brewer officially welcomed the pastors and delegates to Pinebrook Bible Conference.
Resolved, that all minutes of the 142nd BFC Conference be approved.
The following first-time delegates to BFC Conference introduced themselves to Conference:
Mark Baker, Piscataway, NJ; Jonathan Grassi, Ephrata, PA; David Heller, Harmony, NJ; Alton Hester, Milford, DE; Robert Kim, Hatfield, PA; Gordon Oeschger, Cape May, NJ; Laszlo Onody, Whitehall, PA; Greg Tuke, Reading; Michael Whitefield, Allentown, PA; Chris Young, Lancaster, PA.
A time of concerted prayer was led by Dennis W. Spinney of the Prayer Committee, using the Beatitudes – Matthew 5:2-12 – as a guide.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The following were elected to boards or committees:
Ministerial Relations Committee (elders):
Mark Hargrove (3 years)
Glendon R. LeSuer Jr. (3 years)
Conference Judicatory (elders):
Michael Gangwer (3 years)
Sean McNamara (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory (minister):
Philip E. Morrison (3 years)
Officers of the 144th BFC Conference
Secretary
Ronald L. Kohl (1 year)
Daniel W. King prayed for the elections to be held on Tuesday.
Report of the Ministerial Credentials Committee: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended ordination for Jacob B. Dearmon and Benenz J. Hitchcock, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Peter C. Bogert, Daniel A. Cali, Jonathan Limm, James D. MacArthur, and John P. Sullivan for recognition of previous ordination, and
Whereas, these brethren have served acceptably asministers 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 Jacob B. Dearmon and Benenz J. Hitchcock be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and that Peter C. Bogert, Daniel A. Cali, Jonathan Limm, James D. MacArthur, and John P. Sullivan be recommended for recognition of previous ordination.
Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held at the 143rd BFC Conference, and be it further
Resolved, that Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, PA, and Zionsville Bible Fellowship Church, Zionsville, PA., be encouraged to hold services in recognition for the ordinations of Jacob B. Dearmon, and Benenz J. Hitchcock, respectively, and that Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, PA., Denville Bible Fellowship Church, Denville, NJ., the Bible Fellowship Church of Newark, DE, New Life Bible Fellowship Church, Oley, PA., and Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA., be encouraged to hold services in recognition of previous ordination for Peter C. Bogert, Daniel A. Cali, Jonathan Limm, James D. MacArthur, and John P. Sullivan, respectively, and that they be encouraged to invite the Ministerial Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at these services.
Jeremy L. Harkins, accompanied by Steve Jackson, Steven K. Myers, Aaron J. Susek, and Max Whylings, led Conference in the singing of “May the Peoples Praise You,” “Facing a Task Unfinished,” and “The Lord is My Salvation.” He also read Matthew 28:16-20, reminding the pastors and delegates of the Lord’s call to make disciples while also reminding them that we have the promise of His presence until the end of the age. Harkins then prayed with thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness and calling.
Sean Cooper of Global Serve International, a church planting missions agency that is focused on establishing healthy churches in regions that are either unreached or largely closed-off to the gospel, presented the keynote address, “A Biblical Theology for Mission: A People from All Peoples.”
Cooper told Conference a bit of his own story, growing up in a poor family but with self-centered aspirations. “It was baked into my soul as a youth that my purpose in life was to chase this thing called the American Dream: safety, comfort, security and all that goes with it,” he explained.
But in his sophomore year of college, God sent a minister into Cooper’s path to share with him that life is not about his own selfish agenda, but about God and His purpose. “God has a very basic purpose and agenda, and it’s this: to make Himself famous worldwide…He is doing this through His Son, Jesus Christ.”
It was what Cooper, as an only child focused on having his own needs and wants met, needed to hear, though the challenge wasn’t initially received with open heart and mind. His response to the minister’s call to missions wasn’t met with immediate acceptance. He thought, “Missions is for weird people who don’t fit into America; that’s why we send them overseas. That’s not for me; it’s for someone else, somewhere else.”
But God’s truth eventually took hold of Cooper’s heart in a life-shaking way. He asked, “If missions matters to God, brothers, does it matter to us?”
Cooper began in Genesis 1 with Adam and Eve and walked the pastors and delegates through the whole Bible. Adam and Eve were called to multiply and spread out and populate and fill the planet, for God wanted them to teach those who follow and fill the earth that all are image-bearers of God. Sin, however, severed our relationship with God. By Genesis 6, every intention of man’s heart was only set on evil – always.
Right from the start, God commanded His people to go and fill the earth, but sin immediately placed an obstacle to God’s call. “There’s no such thing as a neutral party between God and mankind. You either love God and hate sin or you love sin and hate God,” Cooper said.
By the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, humanity had no desire to make God great, and God scattered mankind – sending them apart with differing languages: from one language to many languages, from one location to many locations. Most of the 7,000 present-day languages throughout the world are unreached: no Bible, no believers, no church body. They will perish and die unless someone is sent. “Someone must go and tell them, and there must be churches that send them. Someone must send and some must be sent in order to reach these unreached languages.”
By Genesis 11, a question is begged: What is God going to do to bring people to Himself? The answer begins to be told in Genesis 12 as God tells Abram, “Go to the land that I will show you.” God interrupts Abram’s agenda. Abram is not seeking God but God in His sovereignty and grace breaks into Abram’s life, speaking His call as a command to Abram: Leave. Go. “I want there to be a decisive break from your place. I am commanding you to leave your people and go away from your place.” Abram was even called to make a break from his own father; God called Abram to walk away, essentially, from everything.
God’s promise to Abram was to give him a place – to make him an heir to the whole world. “I’m going to give you a people more numerous than the stars in the sky,” God said. “There is nothing greater that God can give us than to give us Himself…to get God is to get all,” Cooper stressed.
What are the ultimate blessings God promised to Abram? Not temporal, material blessings, but Himself; God is the ultimate blessing to His people. “In Him we have every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies,” Paul tells the Ephesian Christians.
“God is preaching the gospel to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3. In Galatians 3:8, Paul confirms that God was preaching the gospel through Abraham. “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’”
Through Christ, God promises that whoever will turn from their sins and turn to Christ – through grace alone, through faith alone – will receive salvation and the forgiveness of sins. God fulfills His purpose through His promises.
By Exodus, we are told that God begins to multiply the Israelites to an exceedingly great number. Pharaoh begins to enslave them as a tyrant to them and after 400 years of torment, Israel cries out to God, and God remembers the promise He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through Moses, God rescues His people, only to hear their complaints within a few weeks. The result is 40 years of wilderness wandering. But God’s intention, revealed in Exodus 9:16 in the midst of the plagues, is to make His name famous: “…that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”
In the midst of their wandering, God sends Moses to Mt. Sinai to receive the law so that, according to Deuteronomy 4:6, the nations would see God’s wisdom and understanding. “Israel was meant to be a reflection of God,” Cooper said. Global implications were involved; Israel was to be a light to the nations and God worked through His servants to serve His purpose through His promises, which were for all the nations.
Cooper rattled off examples from throughout the Old Testament of God’s faithfulness despite the repeated stubbornness of His people: people like Jonah, who didn’t want the Assyrians to hear that God is gracious and merciful. This message resounds throughout the Psalms, in verses like Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” The message of that verse is for His people to sit still because God will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth, for He has promised it and He is a covenant-keeping, faithful God.
God’s purpose will not be thwarted; He is gathering a people unto Himself. “The same promise is still at work,” Cooper said. And when Jesus comes, He repeatedly says that He is about His Father’s purpose and agenda. “I have come not to do My will but the will of Him who sent Me.” Jesus is a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 12 by His whole life and ministry. Cooper gave several examples of this from throughout Jesus’ public ministry: from His miracles, from His work with the 12 disciples. And when His own people received Him not, Jesus went to the Gentiles. He tells the twelve that they will be sent to make disciples of all nations.
Cooper closed with the spread of the gospel in Acts 1:8 and the final evidence from Revelation 7:9. “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb…” In the new heavens, God gets “a planet full of people, from all peoples, worshiping Him,” he noted.
Conference adjourned for dinner at 4:35 p.m. as the Moderator led in prayer.
Second Meeting
Monday, April 27, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
Moderator Randall A. Grossman called the evening meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Keith M. Long offered prayer for the evening’s events.
Musical worship was again led by Jeremy L. Harkins as the pastors and delegates raised their voices in praise to God by singing “O Church, Arise,” “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” and “All I Have is Christ.” In between, he read Philippians 3:7-8.
Sean Cooper followed with an address entitled, “A Biblical Mandate to Church Plant,” drawn from Acts 1:1-3. “Last words are not wasted words,” Cooper said in introducing his topic. Jesus’ last earthly words before He departed from the disciples and ascended to the Father’s right hand held great meaning and importance. What we know as Jesus’ Great Commission took place between His resurrection and ascension; it was during this time that He with specificity spoke of the kingdom of God. A 2018 Barna poll, Cooper said, revealed that only 17 percent of churchgoers who were polled understood what the Great Commission is and what it means.
These “last words” – the Great Commission – in the four Gospels and opening the Book of Acts were both intentional and purposeful.
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus called His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” In this longest and most detailed of the commissioning passages, Jesus directed His disciples to meet Him on a mountain. Mountains, Cooper said, are a major motif in Matthew’s Gospel, noting the Sermon on the Mount and the Mount of Transfiguration. Mountains, he said, are places “where heaven comes to meet earth and God comes to speak.”
When Jesus says to them, “all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me,” as He speaks to them on a mountain, it is clear that God is addressing them.
What does Matthew say the disciples are to do? Make disciples. Disciple-making is not to be an option or a good suggestion. Discipleship may be defined as “seeking to do spiritual good to those in the body of Christ.” Cooper asked, “For all that you have going on in front of you, week in and week out, the fact that Sunday’s a-coming…who is your Timothy? Can you tell me his name? Do you have a Timothy? A Titus?” Who are the faithful men to whom you are entrusting the Word?
The fruit of a church is to be more churches just as the fruit of an apple tree is ultimately more apple trees. “The heart of the Great Commission is about church planting, Cooper stressed.
Jesus tells us we are to go, teach, and baptize. We are to teach them to observe all that Jesus commands. We are to teach what Paul calls “the full counsel of God” – from beginning to end. And we are to administer the ordinances, just as Jesus has instructed. These are things we are to do to “all nations.” This translates the Greek word ethne, which much more closely identifies with ethnicities or people groups than it does with nations. We identify people groups with their languages. Finishing this task that we have been given involves taking the gospel to the remaining 3100 unreached language groups in the world.
“You can’t microwave this process,” Cooper said. “If we’re going to send qualified elders, are they prepared to be examined and vetted by their local church…Are those we are sending vetted so that they can defend sound doctrine?”
Mark 16:15, which is similar to Mark 13:10, tells us that Jesus sends His disciples to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” If we’re going to go and proclaim the gospel, the good news, we’re going to do this in the whole world among all these different cultural contexts, it means that proclamation is going to require clarity and proficiency. We must be clear with the gospel we preach. “Proclamation demands a clear gospel message. Are we modeling in our preaching a clear gospel?”
Proclamation also necessitates proficiency. Cooper works with professional linguists. They will tell you that learning a language proficiently requires, on average, 3500 hours. Language-learning could require 6-7 years at 10 hours of study per week, or perhaps 3 ½ years at 20 hours per week. But many who will do this may need to learn two languages, not one, or perhaps even more. “It’s going to take time; that’s what I’m driving at,” Cooper explained. “Our expectations need to be clear about what it’s going to cost us.”
To clearly proclaim the gospel, we need to understand what the gospel is, and then how to explain it. Luke 24:46-47 contains a clear explanation. Jesus says, “Thus it is written…” “The gospel grows out of the soil of the Old Testament,” Cooper said. The Old Testament points to Jesus. “The whole Bible is pointing to Christ: His life, His death, His resurrection, and His purpose to gather a people to Himself from all peoples.”
Cooper pointed out four gospel ingredients that we must preach and teach. Ingredient # 1 – “Is the gospel you preach a gospel that can be preached from the Old Testament. Ingredient # 2 – Does your gospel declare that Christ suffered, died, and rose from the dead? This gospel demands a human response. “All revelation demands a response.” Ingredient # 3 – What response is demanded of humanity? That they repent and believe. Ingredient # 4 – For those who repent and believe, what are they promised? Forgiveness of sins.
John 20:21 adds, “As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” “Sent-ness is not just something we do to keep busy,” Cooper noted. “It is one of the ways we bear the image of God Himself, who is a sending God.” While we are not sent like Christ, to atone for sins, we can argue from John’s Gospel, at minimum, that those who are being sent are expected to be those who, like their Master, serve. Second, John’s context suggests, being sent means suffering. A servant is not above his Master, and so if Jesus, the Master, suffered, we should expect that possibility. Jesus is the suffering Servant and we are united to Him. “Are we prepared to help those we send recognize and understand that, and step into that?”
Finally, Acts 1:8 stresses that disciples will be Jesus’ witnesses “to the end of the earth.” Cooper says the work indicated by the four Gospel accounts and from Acts 1:8 “is not something we can do in our own strength. This work, to be carried out, must be carried out in the power of the Spirit.” Apart from His strength, after all, the Bible says we can do nothing.
David E. Gundrum, outgoing Director of Church Extension Ministries, came forward to speak about the two new Particular Churches that would be approved and welcomed to BFC Conference. Hope Community Bible Fellowship Church of Milford, DE, and Grace Community Bible Fellowship Church of Chestertown, MD represent the 23rd and 24th churches to be welcomed into the Bible Fellowship Church.
The following resolution for receiving Hope Community Church of Milford, DE was introduced by Gundrum:
Whereas, Church Extension Ministries has assessed the elder candidates and has reviewed the financial reports of the Hope Community Mission Church, Milford, DE and
Whereas, Church Extension Ministries affirms that the Hope Community Mission Church, Milford, DE, has sufficient men qualified to be elders as well as a sufficient committed participant group who will sign as charter members, and
Whereas, the financial reports of Hope Community Mission Church, Milford, DE, have been reviewed, and it was determined that Hope Community Mission Church is financially self-supporting, therefore be it
Resolved, that Hope Community Mission Church, Milford, DE, be received into the BFC Conference and be recognized as a Particular Church.
By raise of hand and by vigorous applause, BFC Conference unanimously approved the resolution. Joshua A. Dupiche, Hope’s church planter, said “For those of you who know my history, this is a long time in coming,” he said.
He added that faithfulness doesn’t always result in fruit, but God calls His people to be faithful. Upon arriving in Milford, Dupiche found himself asking, “Whose glory am I after?” He concluded of God, “He’s the one who opens and closes doors, who blesses and curses, and I need to trust Him.” And God has indeed blessed Hope Church – both numerically and spiritually.
Dupiche thanked several individuals and churches for their encouragement and support throughout the journey from church plant to Particular Church. He expressed gratitude for the many churches who helped in the purchase of a new church building. “So much support, from people who said, ‘Keep on going,’” he said.
He shared his verse for the church: Revelation 3:8. “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.” “Pray that for us – that every door Christ opens, we would run through it,” Dupiche said.
Several members of Hope Church made the five-hour trip to witness Hope’s graduation.
Gundrum also introduced the following resolution for Grace Community BFC of Chestertown, MD”
Whereas, Church Extension Ministries has assessed the elder candidates and has reviewed the financial reports of the Grace Community Mission Church, Chestertown, MD, and
Whereas, Church Extension Ministries affirms that theGrace Community Mission Church, Chestertown, MD, has sufficient men qualified to be elders as well as a sufficient committed participant group who will sign as charter members, and
Whereas, the financial reports of Grace Community Mission Church, Chestertown, MD, have been reviewed, and it was determined that Grace Community Mission Church is financially self-supporting, therefore be it
Resolved, that Grace Community Mission Church, Chestertown, MD, be received into the BFC Conference and be recognized as a Particular Church.
Grace Community Bible Fellowship Church was also welcomed with enthusiastic applause. Gundrum introduced church planters James D. Reff II and Tracy D. Haines. After asking Conference how many knew where Chestertown is located, Reff said, “We are excited to bring the Bible Fellowship Church to Maryland.”
“It’s been a long journey for us as well,” Reff said, noting that he felt the call to church planting several years ago. “It’s been almost 10 years, but it’s been amazing how God has directed us.”
“We were technically a restart,” Reff explained, noting that there was a small remnant that stayed with the church when it committed to Reformed theology. James and Mindy Reff engaged in the work, and God has brought a strong foundation of committed members. Trace and Renee Haines came to the church in 2022. “Trace has been a great help to us. Many have said that he doesn’t know a single stranger anywhere.”
“We’re thankful for all of you guys,” he added, singling out several people who have provided support over the years – support through finances, prayers, and friendship. Grace Community Church also brought a strong contingent to celebrate along with the pastors, delegates, and other guests.
Both new Particular Churches used encouraging video presentations to introduce themselves to BFC Conference.
The evening session concluded with a prayer offered by William G. Schlonecker at 8:20 p.m. A reception in honor of Hope Community Church of Milford, DE and Grace Community Church of Chestertown, MD followed in Pinebrook’s Fellowship Hall.
Third Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 8:45 A.M.
The Tuesday morning session of the 143rd BFC Conference was called to order by the Conference Moderator, Randall A Grossman at 8:47 a.m. Jarrod J. Cruise offered an opening prayer.
Conference sang “And Can It Be,” “Sing,” and “Behold Our God” as Jeremy L. Harkins and his team used musical worship to prepare the hearts of pastors and delegates to receive God’s Word. Psalm 96:1-3 served as a call to worship – and a call for Conference to sing God’s praises with joyful hearts.
Sean Cooper’s third address, “The Apostolic Pattern: Proclaim, Plant, and Pastor,” flowed from the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:10 – “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”
“God’s purpose to gather a people to Himself is God’s idea,” Cooper said.
Cooper walked Conference through the Book of Acts. “What the apostles were engaged in was the very thing they were told to do in the passages we looked at last night [Jesus’ final words recorded in the four Gospels and the first chapter of Acts]. It was not their job to be creative; it was their job to be faithful,” he said.
“In many ways as we walk through the Book of Acts, we pick up as we left off,” Cooper said. Jesus instructed the apostles to start from Jerusalem (“…beginning from Jerusalem,” Luke 2:47 says). Why did Jesus tell them to start in Jerusalem? Because the yearly celebration of Pentecost was going to take place, drawing faithful Jews from around the civilized world. And because this was to be seen as a part of the restoration of Israel. “It is not accidental that He tells them to start in Jerusalem. It’s all a fulfillment of prophecy and promise.”
The gospel was given to the Jew first. The apostles, Galileans, started in Jerusalem knowing that they were Public Enemy No. 1 and would suffer for the gospel. They were called to be Christ’s witnesses. According to Mark 3:14, Jesus appointed the apostles that they might preach but also that they might be with Him – for three years, day in and day out. They needed to witness all that Jesus said and did. “Their with-ness became the substance of their witness,” Cooper said.
The record of Acts is a record of apostolic service and suffering. “Apostolic suffering is the warp and woof of the entire book,” Cooper said. “To be united to Him means that we will suffer. Those who prepare to be sent must understand that they will suffer.”
Acts, Cooper explained, is Genesis 12:1-3 “in technicolor” – referencing God’s call to Abram. “There is a clear pattern that runs through the whole book…No matter the people and no matter the place, the pattern is the same: Proclaim, plant, pastor.”
In Acts 1, the apostles were told to remain in Jerusalem; they were to wait for the Holy Spirit. And in Acts 2, the Spirit descends. “The pouring out of the Spirit is actually a fulfillment of Genesis 12:1-3. Now that the Spirit has been sent and poured out, He is empowering His people to be sent out themselves. At Pentecost, the apostles spoke in real, known languages because faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the Word of God. Peter preached one sermon and the result was a church of 3,000 people.
As the believers were gathered into a church, the new believers were being taught what Jesus had commanded them in the Great Commission: all that He had commanded. They were baptized and shared in the Lord’s Supper. This same pattern followed throughout the ensuing chapters; as the apostles taught and proclaimed, persecution and suffering ensued. In Acts 4, for instance, the religious authorities were “greatly annoyed” because the apostles were teaching and proclaiming – exactly what they were told to do in the commissioning passages in the four Gospels and in Acts 1. “They are proclaiming the gospel, disciples are being added to the church, and they were being cared for by pastors,” Cooper said.
Acts 7 saw the introduction of serving ministry, but it came at a cost. As Stephen proclaimed the good news, the end result was that he was stoned to death. He served and he suffered. But the gospel advanced, and by Acts 8, the church was spreading out from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. Churches were planted and the office of elder was being established in each church. The church was scattered by persecution, but as believers scattered, they preached the Word wherever they went, and churches were planted.
Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 was a watershed event, for Paul was called by Jesus to “carry My name for the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” He went to his own countrymen, but when they rejected him, he went to the Gentiles. Acts 10-11’s story of the conversion of Cornelius is the longest narrative in the Book of Acts: 66 verses of text that represents a transition to a new people and a new place: Joppa. There Peter, having seen a vision which was repeated twice, proving to him that God’s purpose was to take the gospel to the Gentiles, taught Cornelius and all who were with him. An equivalent of Pentecost followed to the Gentile world as the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard Peter’s proclamation of the gospel.
Acts 11 takes the pattern of Acts 8 and broadens. Persecution scatters the believers and they take the gospel with them wherever they go. But this time, the gospel goes further, to Antioch and other Gentile areas. Now the gospel, which has left Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, is now spreading “to the ends of the earth.” Acts 11:26 reveals that Paul and Barnabas, having planted a church in Antioch, spent a full year teaching and pastoring them. Antioch will be the “mother church” that will send Paul and his co-workers out to plant churches based on the gospel.
“Brothers, are you begging God to raise up laborers in your church to go to the ends of the earth?” Cooper said, asking what great things God might do through our 72-church denomination if we would faithfully obey the Lord’s commands to go and plant churches throughout the world, discipling and raising up elders in each church. “They proclaimed, they planted, and they pastored,” Cooper said. “Brothers, keep doing likewise, and may God keep raising up workers from your congregations to go to the end of the earth.”
Stephen J. Morton of the Prayer Committee directed Conference in a time of prayer.
Report of the Executive Board: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
David T. Allen, Executive Director of the Bible Fellowship Church, thanked Conference for continuing to allow him to serve in his current capacity. He reviewed a few highlights from the Executive Board report, noting three cases where the baton of ministry has either already been passed or will soon be passed. First, he cited the transition in Church Extension Ministries from longtime Director David E. Gundrum to Timothy M. Zuck.
Second, Allen noted that Robert A. Sloan Jr. is stepping away from his role as Interim Director of the Board of Church Health; Daniel L. Williams will step into that role. Williams thanked Sloan for his years of faithful service. “Bob, we say, with all sincerity, how deeply grateful we are to you.”
“Personally, I step into this role with equal measures of humility and excitement,” Williams added, noting that he has served on the Board of Church Health, in one capacity or another, for the past six years. “We are here to help,” Williams said of the board’s role in the BFC.
The third “new baton,” Allen said, is the development of a new position: Director of Development and Expansion, which will be filled by Gundrum. This fulfills 2020 Vision Point #12 – “The BFC will provide a Financial Development Office/Director.”
Expansion, Gundrum said, includes work in facilitating the interest independent churches have been showing in becoming part of a larger entity like the Bible Fellowship Church. His work will also include development, and Gundrum said a recent course he took showed him his need to increase in knowledge about things like capital campaigns and stewardship of donors, etc. “This development department is really meant to help the BFC,” Gundrum said, noting that he hopes to development a Strategic Development Plan (SDP).
Allen noted that, because our credit line agreement with Pinebrook Bible Conference will be exhausted by the 143rd BFC Conference, several options are being considered for where and when BFC Conference will be held in 2027. Pinebrook, Harvey Cedars Bible Conference (Long Beach Island, NJ), Newark Bible Fellowship Church (Newark, DE), and Kutztown University (Kutztown, PA; though Conference would need to be held during spring break – in early March) are all under consideration. Allen invited pastors and delegates to offer their thoughts to him. At present, the date and site remain TBD (to be determined).
Resolved, that the 2026 revised BFC Executive Board budget be adopted by the 143rd BFC Conference.
Resolved, that an assessment rate of two (2.0) percent be adopted by the 143rd BFC Conference for the budget year 2027 (based on assessable receipts from 2025).
Resolved, that the 2027 proposed Executive Board budget be adopted by the 143rd BFC Conference.
The Executive Board recommended the following resolutions pertaining to the Ministers Retirement Fund (MRF):
Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2026 is $221 per year of service, and
Whereas, cost-of-living adjustments no longer apply to MRF payments, therefore be it
Resolved, that the MRF annuity rate for calendar year 2027 be $221 per year of service.
Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers of this Conference for Calendar Year 2027:
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 2027 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
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 proceeds drawn from a 403(b) plan during the year of 2027 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.
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 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.
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.”
Consideration of Legislation at Second Reading
BFC Conference considered the following proposed pieces of legislation for adoption at Second Reading:
Executive Board, Article 8-1, Gender (see 2024 Yearbook, p. 32)
Article 8-1
God, by a special, instantaneous act, created man in His image—holy, righteous, and possessing true knowledge—by forming him out of the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life. Thus man became a living soul. In creating man in His image, God created them male and female. Males and females each have unique and complementary physical attributes determined by their God-given biological sex and which serve to form and distinguish a person’s God-given sexual identity and function.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 143; No – 14.
Note: most recent results of elder board voting – late February – was 54-5 in favor.
Article 511-1.7 (3), Youth and Young Adult Committee, Purpose (see pp. 22-25, 2025 Yearbook)
Whereas, the Youth and Young Adults Committee does not feel the current purpose statement is specific enough in supporting the local church ministries, and
Whereas, the Youth and Young Adults Committee desires to serve the local church ministries more effectively and practically, therefore be it
Resolved, that we adopt the following resolution, replacing current purpose statement 511-1.7 (3):
Purpose: The Youth and Young Adults Committee exists to glorify and honor God by primarily equipping churches to effectively reach and disciple students and young adults for Christ. This includes (1) training leaders, (2) providing relevant insights and trends in culture, (3) hosting discipleship and outreach events, and (4) promoting unity among the churches.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 146; No – 0.
Article 511-1.7 (6), Prayer Committee, Composition and Election, Finances (see pp. 23-24, 2025 Yearbook)
Whereas, the composition of the BFC Prayer Committee as specified in the Principles of Order currently states, “(1) The BFC Prayer Committee shall be composed of four ministers and three laypersons. Laypersons must be members in good standing at a BFC church,” and
Whereas, it also states that, “(3) No member of the committee may serve more than two consecutive terms. A member may be elected to a new term after a minimum of one year’s time following two consecutive terms,” and
Whereas, the Committee has found it difficult to find laypersons who are both passionate about prayer and are able/willing to serve on the committee, and
Whereas, the current composition of the committee consists of six ministers and two laypersons, and
Whereas, the Committee is seeking to undertake two separate Days of Prayer (North and South) and needs more members in order to facilitate the Days of Prayer effectively, therefore be it
Resolved, that 511-1.7 (6), under “Composition and Election” be changed to the
following:
(1) The BFC Prayer Committee shall be composed of members in good standing of a BFC church.
(2) The committee shall elect its own members, subject to the ratification of the BFC Executive Board.
(3) No member of the committee may serve more than two consecutive terms. A member may be elected to a new term after a minimum of one year’s time following two consecutive terms.
(4) The members of the committee shall be elected for a term of three years.
(5) The committee shall organize itself at the call of the chairman of the previous year, at which time new officers shall be elected.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 146; No – 1.
Resolved, that the paragraph in Article 511-1.7(6) – BFC Prayer Committee – entitled “Treasurer” be deleted.
The resolution was conducted by a hand vote and passed unanimously.
Implementation of a Legislative Facilitator (see p. 35, 2025 Yearbook)
While the 142nd BFC Conference implemented the temporary position of Legislative Facilitator on a one-year probationary status and Keith A. Strunk served in that capacity, the legislation was not furthered for Second Reading consideration.
Legislation proposed by Northern Lehigh BFC via request at the 142nd BFC Conference (see p. 36, 2025 Yearbook)
Article 202-3.2 (5) (7) – Qualifications and Duties of Church Membership
Whereas, the elders of Northern Lehigh BFC (Walnutport, PA) want to make sure our members abide by the BFC Faith and Order without failure while not hindering anyone from becoming a member who is faithful in the Lord, therefore be it
Resolved, that we make these changes to Section 202-3, Qualifications and Duties of Church Membership in the Faith & Order:
Resolved, that we change the fifth duty from “To pray daily for the elders and ministries of the church” to “To pray consistently for the elders and the ministries of the church.”
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 149; No – 4.
And be it further
Resolved, that we change the seventh duty from “To submit to those God has ordained as rulers in the Church” to “To submit to those God has ordained as overseers in the church.”
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 147; No – 7.
Article 404 – Choosing Leaders Other Than Elders and Deacons (see p. 37, 2025 Yearbook)
Article 404-6
Preaching and teaching in the church’s gathered worship is to be done by qualified men, typically elders or elders in training, and ruling authority is exercised by elders who must give an account to God. Women are not permitted to function as elders over the church. Women are encouraged to exercise their gifts of teaching and administration in God-glorifying ways in the life of the body. The Board of Elders of each particular church shall determine such settings in accordance with Scripture.
[SECOND READING]
Yes – 145; No -14.
Conference adjourned for lunch at 12:28 p.m. as Paul Harvey prayed for the morning’s work and for lunch.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 1:30 P.M.
Conference Moderator Randall A. Grossman called the pastors and delegates back to order for the Tuesday afternoon meeting at 1:30 p.m. Raymond R. Bertolet prayed, especially remembering Richard E. Taylor, who is experiencing serious health concerns and had just undergone surgery.
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 (ministers):
Jesse A. Benack (3 years)
Daniel W. King (3 years)
Ministerial Candidate Committee (ministers):
David E. Gundrum (3 years)
Joshua P. Miller (3 years)
Juan Carlos Morales (3 years)
Ministerial Relations Committee (ministers):
Daniel Z. Krall (3 years)
Timothy J. Schmoyer (3 years)
Committee on Nominations (ministers):
Mark A. Barninger (3 years)
Brad L. Boyer (3 years)
Committee on Nominations (laypersons):
Angela Vaughn (3 years)
Conference Judicatory (ministers):
Scott A. Allison (3 years)
Stephen A. Diaz (3 years)
Special Appellate Judicatory (elders):
Robert A. Moreau (3 years)
Officers of the 144th BFC Conference
Moderator
Randall A. Grossman (1 year)
Vice-Moderator
Timothy J. Schmoyer (1 year)
Report of the Board of Church Health: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Interim Director of the Board of Church Health, described the work of Church Health and encouraged churches to be willing to seek help. The development of an assessment plan is a helpful tool that the Board of Church Health offers to churches. He stressed that each church is unique so no one model exists that will uniformly correct the issues of all struggling churches. “We give additional input to the elders and the churches to refresh the ministry that they’re doing,” Sloan said. “It’s always helpful to have fresh eyes.”
BFC Conference is grateful to Sloan for his faithful service as Interim Director and thanks him for his commitment to this role.
Report from Study Committees
Study Committee on the Mode of Believers’ Baptism with Regard to Church Membership (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted as amended to correct numbering on one of the resolutions.
Whereas, the practice of baptism in the Bible Fellowship Church is required to be by the mode of immersion, and
Whereas, pastors and elders in the Bible Fellowship Church are required to be “in agreement” with the Articles of Faith and not just “in sympathy” with them, therefore be it
Resolved, that we require that any man who seeks to serve as a pastor or elder at a Bible Fellowship Church be required to have been baptized by immersion as a believer, and further
Resolved, that any pastor or elder candidate who has not yet been baptized by immersion be required to be rebaptized in order to align with the requirements of Article 20-1 of our Articles of Faith.
Article 204-1 Elders
We propose introducing a new 204-1.8.
“Because of the qualifications and dignity of the position of Elder, including minister, and because baptism in the Bible Fellowship Church is practiced by immersion, each elder and minister must be required to be baptized by immersion. If he was baptized as a believer by another mode, he would be required to be baptized by immersion, unless physically unable, so as to be in agreement with Article 20-1, Baptism, which states, ‘Water baptism, the immersion of the believer…’”
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 120; No – 39.
Article 204-2 Ministers
Under 204-2.3, The Qualifications for the Ministry – under Personal Qualifications – we propose this addition as a new 204-2.3(8).
“Because of the qualifications and dignity of the position of minister, and because baptism in the Bible Fellowship Church is practiced by immersion, each minister must be required to be baptized by immersion. If he was baptized as a believer by another mode, he would be required to be baptized by immersion, unless physically unable, so as to be in agreement with Article 20-1, Baptism, which states, ‘Water baptism, the immersion of the believer…’”
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 126; No – 33.
Study Committee on Strengthening Our Position on Abortion: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
It is this committee’s intention to present “a proper report and improved language” at the 144th BFC Conference in 2027.
Study Committee on Examining BFC Articles 24-27: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas,the Bible Fellowship Church has historically maintained a premillennial interpretation based on the authority of Scripture and the importance of good hermeneutics, and
Whereas,somemodern day amillennial interpretations admit that in the past, their hermeneutics have not always been precise and they have sought to rectify these previous weaknesses through faithful practice of grammatical-historical exegesis, and they have rejected spiritualizing or allegorizing the text, and
Whereas,the issue of the millennium has been debated down through church history, with faithful godly believers falling on both sides of the issues, and
Whereas, the nature of prophecy, inaugurated eschatological fulfillment, figures of speech, and apocalyptic literature leave room for reasonable debate and variance between positions that do not impinge upon the doctrines of the clarity, sufficiency, and authority of the Word of God, and
Whereas,the Bible Fellowship Church has already granted exception on the issue to men who were previously ordained, and their change in belief on the millennium has not been considered to be a breach in doctrine, character, or conduct that disqualifies them from ministry in the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved,that we amend the Articles to allow for the premillennial and amillennial views as proposed below.
The following changes to the Articles of Faith were presented for adoption at First Reading, starting with the preface accompanying the committee’s legislation for Article 24 – Resurrection. The following is the preface statement proposed by the committee for adoption at First Reading.
Preface: The Bible Fellowship Church has historically been, and still is, premillennial in its eschatology. Our Articles 24-28 fit into that framework. We do, however, recognize that the specificity of prophecy is open to legitimate discussion among God’s people. We can accept as ministers and elders those who have a reservation concerning our position and instead prefer an amillennial position, provided they recognize the premillennial position is within orthodoxy, do not denigrate it, interpret the Scriptures according to their grammatical-historical meaning, and affirm future aspects of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants to be fulfilled on earth after Christ’s return. We reject any form of eschatology in which the believer does not live waiting in active anticipation of Christ’s return or in which the church experiences an age of earthly peace and prosperity before the Lord returns.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 64; No – 97.
The following motion was adopted by BFC Conference
Whereas, the 142nd BFC Conference elected Option 4 proposed by the Millennium Study Committee, and
Whereas, the Millennial Study Committee proposed changes to allow for both amillennial and premillennial positions within the BFC in the Fall, and
Whereas, the Millennial Committee’s current proposal does not reflect the wishes of the 142nd BFC Conference, and
Whereas, the current proposal that includes a preface within the Articles of Faith insinuates tiers of doctrine, and
Whereas, doctrine ought to be safe-guarded and defended, rather than include exceptions, therefore be it
Resolved, that Conference instructs the Millennial Study Committee to further amend its proposed changes so that it can be accepted by both premillennial and amillennial brothers.
Conference having given some early guidelines for the committee’s ongoing work, the following changes to the Articles of Faith were proposed for adoption at First Reading:
Article 7 – Satan
| Current | Change |
| 7-1 Satan is a created angelic being who fell from his first estate.1 He is the god of this age, ruling by the permissive will of God.2 He exercises authority over the unsaved, tempts the believer to sin, and continually accuses the brethren before the throne of God.3 7-2 He has been defeated by the finished work of Christ on Calvary. During the millennium he will be confined to the abyss,4 to be released at the end of that period to lead the armies of evil against God. He will be finally judged and doomed to the lake of fire.5 | 7-1 Satan is a created angelic being who fell from his first estate.1 He is the god of this age, ruling by the permissive will of God.2 He exercises authority over the unsaved, tempts the believer to sin, roams around like a roaring lion, and continually attacks the brethren. |
| Footnotes 1-2 and 4-5 remain the same. One addition for footnote 3. 3 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain (1Thess 3:5). For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down (Rev 12:10b). Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.(1 Pet 5:8) |
[FIRST READING]
Yes –137; No -16.
Article 24 – Resurrection
| Current | Change |
| 24-1 The bodily resurrection of Christ is the basis for the resurrection of man.1 At the return of the Lord the bodies of the righteous dead will be raised, and the living believers will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.2 Believers will, at the resurrection, receive spiritual and immortal bodies like Christ’s own glorious body.3 24-2 The event of the resurrection is divided into two stages, separated by a period of a thousand years and differing in respect to both their subjects and their issues.4 The first resurrection includes only the righteous dead.5 The second resurrection is universal and occurs at the close of the millennium when all the unregenerate dead are raised to be brought before the great White Throne for judgment.6 | 24-1 The bodily resurrection of Christ is the basis for the resurrection of His people |
| No changes to the footnotes. |
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 126; No – 31.
Article 25 – The Second Coming of Christ
| Current | Change |
| 25-1 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the personal, visible, bodily return of our Lord to this earth1 to conform believers to His image and to establish the millennial kingdom. In connection with Christ’s return there will be the resurrection of the righteous dead,2 the rapture of the saints,3 the salvation of Israel,4 the great tribulation,5 and the inauguration of the millennial reign.6 Following the millennium will be the resurrection and judgment of the unrighteous. The righteous will be eternally glorified with Him; the unrighteous will be eternally punished. 25-2 The Second Coming is the believer’s source of encouragement and comfort inspiring him to active service for Christ, and is a motive for purification and holy living.7 | 25-1 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the personal, visible, bodily return of our Lord to this earth1 to conform believers to His image2 and visibly manifest the |
| 1 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:2,3). “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is (1Jo. 3:2). Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed (1Cor. 15:51,52). 3 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words (1Thes. 4:13-18). 4 A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:25b, 26a). 5 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be (Mat. 24:21). 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years (Rev. 20:6). 7 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure (1Jo. 3:3). | Footnote 1 remains the same. Footnotes 2-3 are new additions. The current Footnote 2 becomes new 4 and adds 1 Thes 4:16. The current Footnote 3 becomes new 5 and adds Matt 24:31. The current Footnote 4 becomes new 6 with no changes. The current Footnote 5 becomes new 7 with no changes. The current Footnote 6 is dropped. A new Footnote 8 is added with 2 Thess 1:7-9. A new Footnote 9 is added with Matt 25:46. The current Footnote 7 becomes new 10 and adds Col 3:4-10. 1 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:2,3). “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). 2 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Phil 3:21). Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1 Jn 3:2). 3 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. (Matt 25:31). And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one. (Zech 14:9). (see also Isa 2:4,11:4). |
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 121; No – 34.
Article 28 – The Eternal State
| Current | Change |
| 28-1 There are two final, eternal destinies for man: heaven for the righteous and penitent, and hell for the unrighteous and impenitent.1 At the great white throne judgment, all of the enemies of God will be consigned to the place of eternal conscious punishment, from which there is no escape.2 The new heavens and the new earth shall be created3 as the final state in which the righteous shall dwell forever in the presence of God.4 | 28-1 There are two final, eternal destinies for man.1 |
| No changes to the footnotes. |
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 145; No – 8.
Committee to Report on Civil Government (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The Committee’s report included no proposed legislation.
Resolved, that we thank the committee for its work, and be it further
Resolved, that we consider its assignment complete and consider the committee dissolved.
Committee to Review Biblical Principles for Living (BPLs): (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The Committee to Review Biblical Principles for Living recognizes the use of technology potentially moving from being a helper or servant of man to becoming a tool that may isolate people-to-people interpersonal contact, perhaps even to the point of affecting fellowship within the Church, the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Committee to Review Biblical Principles for Living brings the following Resolution to the 143rd BFC Conference for consideration at First Reading:
Resolved, that the BFC Conference appoint a Study Committee to examine and prepare a statement on the issues of digital technology (digital, gaming, or computerized devices), Artificial Intelligence, and social media and/or a believer’s online presence by considering the following questions:
- Where does the use of technology belong in presenting the biblical story of redemption? Worship? Teaching/preaching? What are the benefits and detriments corporately and/or personally?
- What guidance does the Bible offer to individual believers on the use of digital technology (such as Bible versions on smartphones and tablets during corporate teaching and/or worship), Artificial Intelligence (for Bible reading and/or study, etc.), and the believer’s online presence (posting and/or information resources) regarding personal testimony and faithful dependence upon the leading of God the Holy Spirit?
- How might it be possible for the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to lead the way in using technology internally and externally to the honor and glory of God?
Conference voted in favor of the formation of such a study committee.
The following missionaries were present and greeted BFC Conference:
Lisa Barnshaw – Christar; Glen & Leah Ruth Blauser, JAARS; Alex Hartranft, AIM; Brian & Carol Ann Lawrence, Christar; Chris Merrick, BFC BOM; Efthemes Sioukiouroglou, FIM.
James D. MacArthur, Director of the BFC Board of Missions, thanked God for the faithfulness and dedication of these men and women.
Marcos Ramirez closed the afternoon session with prayer at 4:57 p.m. The pastors then attended a meeting of the BFC Beneficiary Society.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7 P.M.
Steven K. Myers and accompanists led in the singing of “O Great God” as Conference held its annual service of ordination beginning at 7 p.m. Ralph M. Soper of the Ministerial Credentials Committee read Ephesians 3:7-12.
Keith M. Long presented the ordinands to the congregation of pastors, delegates, family members, and other guests. Jesse A. Benack gave the charge to the candidates from the above text. “It’s valuable to be reminded of what gospel ministry is,” Benack said. We have a glorious calling to proclaim a glorious Savior for a glorious purpose.”
Gospel ministry utilizes unworthy servants. Paul said he was made a minister, a diakonos, a servant of Jesus Christ. He was carrying out the commands of his Savior. The initiative was God’s; Paul did not make himself a minister of the gospel. “He was bent on being an anti-minister of the gospel, and yet he was arrested by Christ, Benack said, referencing Saul of Tarsus’ conversion on the road to Damascus. “He was called by Christ. It was the Lord’s doing and it’s always the Lord’s doing.”
None of us, on our own initiative, decides to become a minister. We are made ministers only by the grace of God; we are unworthy. Paul called himself “the very least of all the saints.” The Greek suggests that he is calling himself “lesser than the least” – find the least of all the saints and Paul was saying he is lesser than them. “He gives us the impression, throughout all his ministry, that he never got over his unworthiness,” Benack stressed.
“We are debtors to God’s grace. We are saved only by grace and we minister only by grace,” he added. “We must not mistake giftedness for worthiness.” We should never forget that our ministry is a gift from God to unworthy sinners. It’s only by His grace.
Paul also got to proclaim an unfathomable Savior, privileged to preach “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” The message he was called to proclaim was impossible to do because of the nature of who Christ is; He is beyond our ability to describe Him, let alone declare His inexhaustible, inscrutable, glorious riches. “This is what we are called to proclaim week-in, week-out, all the years of our ministry: the unsearchable riches of Jesus,” Benack said. “You can never get bored if you are preaching about the unsearchable riches of Jesus. There’s no bottom to the well.”
“As long as we are preaching Jesus, we will never run out of something worthy to tell people,” he said.
Third, the gospel ministry serves God’s cosmic purposes. God chooses to use His church to make “the manifold wisdom of God” known, even “to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.” God is uniting people from all nations and all walks of life in His Son, and what He is doing is on display in the church. Our gatherings, Benack said, are bearing witness even to heavenly powers: all kinds of angels, both good and evil. Some long to hear and see the things of the gospel. The fallen angels hear and see the gospel and shudder in response.
“The church was not His backup plan. It was not His failsafe. It was His eternal plan,” Benack said. Are we worthy to do the work He has given to His church? None of us are. We cannot do this on our own. But it is in Christ, through our faith in Him, we have access, boldness, and confidence. “Since we are frail and fragile, we need Him all that time. We need to keep running to our Savior to find help, to find hope, and to find strength,” Benack noted.
Jason L. Hoy administered the ordination vows. The members of the Credentials Committee laid hands on and prayed for the ordinands. S. Wayne Rissmiller gave the pronouncement of ordination and greeted the newly-ordained men.
Jacob B. Dearmon and Benenz J. Hitchcock were ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church while Peter C. Bogert, Daniel A. Cali, Jonathan Limm, James D. MacArthur, and John P. Sullivan had their previous ordinations recognized by the BFC. Jeremy L. Harkins, who was ordained in 2025 but was unable to attend the ordination service due to illness, was also included in the service.
Conference and guests sang “Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me” as a closing hymn. Scott Wright gave the benediction at 8 p.m., whereupon the already-ordained ministers of the BFC greeted their newly-ordained brothers.
A reception in honor of these newly-ordained men followed in Pinebrook’s Fellowship Hall.
Sixth Meeting
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 8:45 A.M.
Moderator Randall A. Grossman called the Wednesday morning session of the 143rd BFC Conference to order at 8:47 a.m. as Beau E. Coffman prayed for the day’s business and ministry.
Jeremy L. Harkins led Conference in the singing of “Facing a Task Unfinished,” “And Can It Be,” and “All Sufficient Merit.” He also read Philippians 3:7-10.
Sean Cooper addressed the matter of “The Task Remaining: Unreached People Groups and the Training Needed to Get There.” “It is impossible to finish a task that you haven’t clearly defined,” Cooper said. “Are we clear on exactly what [the task] is?”
Definitions determine outcomes. “Semantics matter. Words carry weight. But just like our theology, our ecclesiology, and our eschatology needs to be defined, I would argue that our missiology also needs to be defined,” he explained. “If everything is missions, nothing is missions,” he said, quoting Stephen Neill.
Cooper explained that while there are similarities between the ministries of Paul and Timothy, there were also distinct differences. Timothy was called to pastor the church at Ephesus – a church Paul had planted. But what was Paul to do? He was off to the next place. “Paul is trying to go where no one else has laid a foundation – where the gospel has not been preached,” Cooper said. He was intending to go to Spain to plant churches there. So the ministries of Paul and Timothy were clearly different.
While Cooper was in college, he worked with a master carpenter in building houses. “We did about everything that you could absolutely imagine,” he said. They were handed blueprints which told them what to do and how they were to do it. They were not to be creative. “It was the homeowner and not the laborer that decided what was on the blueprints.”
Turning to 1 Corinthians 3, Cooper noted that Paul often used agricultural and architectural metaphors; he uses both in that chapter. One man plants and waters; another lays a foundation and others build on top of it. Paul’s warning in v. 10: “Let each one take care how he builds.” We will only finish tasks that we have clearly defined. Jesus has given us the blueprint and pattern from His post-resurrection commands and the apostolic pattern set in Acts.
“The question we must ask is, ‘What is the present task remaining?’” Cooper noted. We are to plant churches in every single ethnic and language group. Most of the unreached people groups, it is widely known, reside in what is known as the 10-40 Window. “This is where we must go,” he said.
“We might do many things when it comes to missions, but we must do this thing,” he said. It is God’s intention to reach the people inside that 10-40 window where most unreached people groups reside. Matthew 9:37 reminds us, through Jesus’ words, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Why are the laborers so few? Cooper said several talks would be required to begin to provide the answers to that question. “Some are willing to go but are unable. Many are able to go but are unwilling,” he said. But a willing heart and a warm body are not enough, Cooper added. “Just because there’s a shortage of laborers, that doesn’t mean that we should short-cut the demands of the development that we send.”
What will it take to reach the remaining 3100 unreached people language groups? First, workers and laborers must be equipped by the local church. The local church must equip workers in terms of character, competency, conviction, and calling. Workers must meet the qualifications listed for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These things are ironed out over time and in the context of a church.
“There’s no magic switch that gets flipped when you take the ministry cross-culturally.
In terms of competency, are the works adaptable? Are they problem-solvers?
Workers we sent must have biblical convictions. “Are the workers clear in their own theology?”
Fourth, are we affirming the calling of potential workers – both their inward and external callings?
From there, workers must be trained. They must be educated for the work. Training programs must be implemented in order that pre-field workers be equipped for ministry. Cooper endorsed Radius International as a valuable immersive ministry that takes pre-field workers to Tijuana, Mexico in order to give them 10 months of cross-cultural ministry training. At that point, workers should go back to their local churches so churches and laborers work together.
Upon going overseas, laborers undergo the “arduous grind” of language-learning in the field prior to researching minority language groups are within the greater language context. Returning to the local church, the next question is, “Which one of these language groups is our church being led to reach?” Building a business team that can be established within that minority language group setting allows laborers to then be sent to that people group. There they finally have the opportunity start formal narrative Bible teaching, beginning with Genesis 1 and walk people through the whole Bible so they see the full narrative of God’s redemption plan. This leads to the planting of churches and the development of qualified elders and pastors. Finally, as healthy churches are planted and established, the worker can come home.
Cooper concluded by going back to his initial statement: “Brothers, it’s impossible to finish a task that we haven’t clearly defined.” He asked the pastors how a proper understanding of missiology will affect how they minister in their churches. “Now is as good a time as any. Will you passionately fulfill the Great Commission?”
Michael W. Walker of the Prayer Committee directed the pastors and delegates through a time of prayer using Psalm 67 as a guide.
Board of Missions report: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
James D. MacArthur, Director of the Board of Missions, talked of his own life’s direction and then pointed to Cooper’s messages as an incentive for us, both as ministers and as guides for the people in our churches. “I hope your heart has been ignited by the things that you’ve been challenged by,” he said.
MacArthur pointed out several missionaries who have retired after long and fruitful ministries: Bill Early (39 years), Walt & Sue Johnston (38 years), and Tim & Michelle Obarow (25 years). He also noted several transitions that took place since the last BFC Conference:
- Nate Reimer, commissioned in January to DiscipleMakers ministry on the campus of Muhlenberg College.
- Amy Everett was commissioned in March to be the Board of Missions ESL Outreach Facilitator.
- Melea and Temo Ramos were commissioned in January to work with Rio Grande International, mobilizing new workers from Latino churches in Central and South America.
- Kim Schlonecker Cyr married Jeff Cyr; the Cyrs were accepted as associate members of the Board of Missions and now serve at Black Forest Academy in Germany.
- Mark & Jocelyn Scott have discontinued membership in the BFC and have joined a non-BFC church.
- Dan & Ana Istrate, and Dan & Amina Ruth, have transitioned out of missions.
“My contention…is that mission is God’s desire. It begins with the heart of God and is a theme that’s entirely through the Bible,” MacArthur said, noting that in some cases, promoting missions in churches is like swimming up Niagara Falls. It should not be that way. Outreach should be at the heart of what we do as churches. That is a consistent message from Scripture, he stressed.
MacArthur echoed Paul’s words from Romans 10 as a challenge to us and to our churches: “How will they hear? How can they believe in somebody they haven’t heard about unless someone is sent to proclaim the gospel?” Where, he asked, is our evangelistic spirit today? “I believe in the BFC that God is at work in someone in your churches’ lives,” MacArthur said.
His dream for the next 5-10 years is that the BFC would identify one or two unreached people groups, raise up competent laborers, and then plant churches among them. This will require humility on our part and a willingness to focus, not on our individual churches but on the greater team that is the Bible Fellowship Church.
Sean McNamara, Chairman of the Board of Missions, prayed for the ongoing work of the BFC Board of Missions.
Reports of elected boards and committees
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.
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.
Ralph M. Soper said he has now been in his current role for 10 years and noted that he still greatly enjoys his ministry. He expressed thanks that he can join the various pastors’ regional meetings and encouraged pastors who may not be currently doing so to participate.
The Darlene J. Mahurin Memorial Fund offering was received. A total of $1,739 was collected for this fund that provides support for our pastors in times of emergency and need.
After announcing that the recent Grace BFC (Harrisburg, PA) Book Sale raised about $10,000 to aid church planting in France, Joshua P. Miller, Steven J. DelDuco, and David E. Gundrum informed BFC Conference about a growing connectional relationship between the BFC and Manuel Brambila, who seeks to plant an international church plant in Cannes, France. The relationship between Brambila and the BFC began at a Founders Conference in California, for it was there that Brambila met DelDuco while standing in a line. A relationship and partnership between Brambila and the Harrisburg Church. Brambila, who is now a Probationer under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, greeted Conference and received a warm applause from the pastors and delegates.
Committee to Report on Stewardship (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
First Reading legislation proposed by the BFC Executive Board:
Article 408 – Church Properties (p. 57, 2025 Yearbook)
(Strikeouts indicate current language of Article 408 that is to be removed. Proposed changes are indicated in bold face italics.)
408-1 The title of church property where the church is incorporated shall be conveyed directly to the Corporation. In cases in which the church is not incorporated, the conveyance shall be made to a Board of Trustees duly elected according to the Rules of the BFC Conference (setting forth their names), their successors, and assigns. the BFC Executive Board shall hold title to that property until the church becomes a Particular Church within the BFC, self-incorporates, and elects officers, after which the BFC Executive Board shall transfer the title to the Particular Church Corporation. Whether the title is conveyed to a corporation or is held by the BFC Executive Board, the title shall contain a trust clause in the following words:
In trust for the use of the ministry and membership of the Church (name of the Bible Fellowship Church) at (location) subject to the doctrines, laws, usages, and ministerial appointments of the BFC Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church incorporated under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as from time to time established, made and declared by the lawful authorities of the said church, and if the said property shall be sold or encumbered, the proceeds of the sale or the encumbrance shall be applied for the use of the aforesaid, subject, however, to the provisions of the law of the church relating to abandoned church properties and of that forbidding mortgaging of real estate for current expenses. If the congregation controlling this property shall be disbanded or dissolved, the property and assets shall be controlled and disposed of according to the rules of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Conference agreed to adopt the above at First Reading by a hand vote. The vote was nearly unanimous.
408-3 In instances where a Particular Church loses its corporate officers, votes to close, and abandons its property and assets, the BFC Executive Board is authorized to appoint surrogate elders who become the officers, to settle its affairs in closing the church, and to sell its properties dispose of its assets, with any residual proceeds going to the Bible Fellowship Church, Inc., a non-profit 501c3.
The motion to adopt the above at First Reading was approved unanimously via hand vote.
Christian D. Lefko closed the morning meeting in prayer at 12:10 p.m.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 1:15 P.M.
Conference Moderator Randall A. Grossman called the final session of the 142nd BFC Conference to order at 1:15 p.m. Gary L. White prayed for the meeting.
Report of Victory Valley Camp: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
“For the last three years I’ve had the privilege and joy of sharing what the Lord has been doing at Victory Valley Camp – your ministry to the next generation,” Camp Director Curtis A. Cutler said. He shared some of the significant facility upgrades at the camp: a new pool in 2023, a new replacement cabin at Timbers, and a new ropes course, Goliath. More importantly, the discipling and training of staff is a huge part of ministry at the Valley. Dozens of campers, he said, have professed faith in Jesus Christ. “Miracles still happen as the dead are raised to life,” he said. Victory Valley now has the ability to be able to pair newly-saved campers with BFC churches closest to them, so as to integrate them into ministries like AWANA, etc.
The Goliath project, Cutler said, was completed debt-free. Victory Valley will again have the largest staff in its history this summer in this, the camp’s 70th anniversary.
Cutler sees Victory Valley as having a unique privilege and opportunity to reach the lost in this generation and to disciple, train, and send out young workers to minister to their contemporaries. He noted that the Bible Fellowship Church as a whole commits only 0.2 % of its budgets to support this crucial camping ministry. Numbers of campers and camp staff from the Bible Fellowship Church have been decreasing. “It’s about doing something together that we cannot do by ourselves,” Cutler said. “What are we committed to do together?”
Timothy J. Schmoyer, Director of the VVC Board, prayed for the camp’s ministry and especially remembered Mandy Cutler, Curt’s wife, who has been dealing with serious debilitating illness for the past four years.
Report of Church Extension Ministries: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
David E. Gundrum, the outgoing Director, served Church Extension Ministries for 25 of his 41 years of ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church. “I praise God for being part of the Bible Fellowship Church,” Gundrum said. “One thing I look back on is that the churches have been supportive. I think God for everything you have done in planting new Bible Fellowship Churches…We always want to look back and say, ‘It was all of the Lord.’ For everything we accomplished, and over the last 25 years it has been a lot, it was all of the Lord.”
He expressed thanks for everything his brothers in the BFC have done for him over the past quarter-century. Conference responded with applause, and then Gundrum announced the BFC’s new Church Extension Ministries Director, Timothy M. Zuck. “I’m now a whopping 29 days into my new role, and I’m having a lot of fun and I’m not overwhelmed yet,” Zuck said.
Zuck introduced his church planters and the members of his church-planting team and introduced several “First Look Initiatives” that will occupy much of his attention in the coming weeks, months, and into the future. Zuck said his goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to help it run “more effectively and more efficiently.”
William G. Schlonecker, Secretary of the Church Extension Ministries board, expressed the Board’s appreciation for Gundrum’s long and faithful service. He used the acronym SUV to describe Gundrum’s ministry: Steady, Untiring, and a Visionary. “We can’t overestimate the impact David has had on the ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church,” Schlonecker said.
Schlonecker presented Gundrum with a special blanket as a token of the Board’s appreciation for his tireless work, and Conference responded with a standing ovation.
Aaron D. Smith, Chairman of the Church Extension Ministries, prayed
Report of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
John W. Sullivan prayed thanking God for using the Pinebrook Educational Foundation to help further the educations of so many of our people.
The Moderator named the newly-constituted Study Committee on Digital Technology. It inclues Scott A. Allison, Richard Dobrowolski, John J. Hanner, Todd Heath, Daniel W. King, Edward Snyder-Ritter, John C. Vandegriff Jr.
Resolved, that the appointment of the members of the Study Committee on Digital Technology be ratified.
Committee to Review Biblical Principles for Living (BPLs): (see page)
The newly-reformed committee (the previous committee, having completed the assignment given it at the 136th BFC Conference, had been disbanded) focused its attention on reexamining the Existing Article 153, Harmful Indulgences, while also proposing that the BFC Conference appoint a Study Committee to examine and prepare a statement on the issues of digital technology.
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, alcohol and tobacco are not the only substances that can lead to addiction and
destruction of the Christian testimony, and
Whereas, the amount of substances that are harmful if misused or abused continues to grow as mankind continues to invent new and increasingly harmful substances, and
Whereas, the goal of the Biblical Principles for Living is to give guidance to elders and members of local churches and not to be a list of every sin or potential danger to be avoided, and
Whereas, Article 104-4.2, Christian Liberty & Servanthood,already speaks to the need for limiting freedom for the sake of others and lists many of the same biblical texts as found in
Articles 153-1 and 153-2, and
Whereas, the Committee to Review the Biblical Principles for Living has agreed that it is
desirable to have a concise article covering all harmful substances and indulgence in them and
further, that it is more in keeping with the original intent to speak broadly to multiple cultures,
therefore, be it
Resolved,that Article 153 be revised as follows (all changes marked in bold):
| As listed in 2024 BPLs | Proposed Legislation |
| Article 153 – Harmful Indulgence | Article 153 – Harmful Indulgence 153-1 All believers are saved through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. God calls His people to live by faith.1 This life of faith is an obedient response to the revealed truth of God in the Scriptures.2 153-2 At salvation believers are baptized into the Church, the body of Christ, sealed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.3 They are to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit.4 This filling and leading by the Holy Spirit progressively transforms believers into the Lord’s likeness.5 153-3 The misuse of, and overindulgence in, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or any substance—including legal and illegal, prescribed and non-prescribed—is sin and is not of faith. This sin destroys self-control, gratifies the flesh,6 causes the believer to live by feelings rather than by faith in God’s revealed Word,7 leads to addiction,8 and makes it impossible for the believer to live for the will of God.9 153-4 Sinning in this way affects the thinking, attitudes, and passions of the believer.10 This results in the believer falling progressively deeper into sin,11 damaging the body and the mind. Not only does this sin harm the individual, but it also damages relationships within the family, church, and the world.12 Additionally, encouraging or aiding others to misuse or overindulge in any substance is sin.13 153-5 Therefore, the Church must warn against the dangers of the misuse of, and overindulgence in alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or any substance, provide counsel to those enslaved, direct them to places of treatment, help them to rebuild their lives, and determine how such a person is free for ministry in the church.14 1 2 Cor. 5:7; Col. 2:6, 7 2 1 Thes. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21 3 Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13,14 4 Rom. 8:13-14; Eph. 5:18 5 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 1:6 6 Rom. 8:5-13; Gal. 5:16,17 7 Eph. 2:1-3; 4:20-24 8 Rom. 6:16; 1 Cor. 6:12; 2 Pet. 2:19b 9 Col. 1:9,10; 1 Pet. 4:2 10 Eph. 4:17-19; Titus 3:3 11 Pro. 23:29-35; Rom. 7:14-24; Col. 3:5-10 12 Rom. 14:15-21; 1 Cor. 8:9-13; 1 Cor. 9:12 13 Matt. 18:6-7; Luke 17:1-3 14 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 1 Tim. 1:12-16 |
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 130; No – 4.
Legislation proposed by Ebenezer BFC via petition at the 142nd BFC Conference (see p. 172, 2025 Yearbook)
A proposed modification to Article 701-4 was discussed on the floor of Conference but was superseded by the following substitute motion leading to the formation of a permanent Legislative Facilitator was that was adopted at First Reading.
The following substitute motion for the implementation of a Legislative Facilitator was presented and was adopted at First Reading:
- He shall send monthly email reminders to the pastors and delegates to turn in the result of their votes to the voting webpage.
- Beginning in December he shall review the responses from the churches and compile a list of those churches which have not yet responded to his reminders. He shall call each of the pastors whose church is on this list in order to personally encourage a response from their elder board.
- He may refer a church and/or committee-of-origin to the other so that the elder board can gain enough information to take an informed vote.
- He shall report to Conference on his findings as well as a list of those churches who have not yet responded by the time of his report. He shall submit his report to the Secretary of Conference by the February 15 deadline.
- He shall continue to encourage response from the remaining churches during the period between February 15 and the start of the ensuing Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Yes – 90; No – 36.
Other Boards and Committees that Report to the BFC Executive Board
Report of the BFC Life Committee: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted as amended for the Yearbook.
Report of the Conference Judicatory: (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 and Young Adults Committee: (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Final report of the Registrar
1. The following delegates requested to be excused from part or all of the 143rd BFC Conference:
Wayne M. Chadwell (Clinton Corners, NY), Evan T. Climpson (LaGrangeville, NY), Daniel J. Eckman (Paradise, PA), Andrew C. Eichelberger (Exeter, PA), Jon Fisher (Breinigsville, PA), Jonathan D. Grassi (Ephrata, PA), Brad D. Kunkle (Blandon, PA), Rick Lutz (Harleysville, PA), Richard M. Petrecca (Long Neck, DE), Richard Prensner (Harrisburg, PA), Harry Nessler (Woodbury Heights, NJ), James W. Preslar (Nazareth, PA), Joshua Vann (York, PA), J. Robert Vaughn, Jr. (Red Hill, PA)
Resolved, that these requests for excuses be granted.
2. The following delegate replacements occurred during the 143rd BFC Conference:
Allentown, PA (Cedar Crest): Peter Everett served on Monday and Tuesday, David Tress on Wednesday
Allentown, PA (Citylight): Michael Whiteford served on Monday, John Elias on Tuesday and Wednesday
Coopersburg, PA: David Speel served Tuesday, Robert Moreau on Wednesday
Forks, PA: Daniel Mazzeo served on Tuesday, Greg Swigart on Wednesday
Harmony, NJ: David W. Heller served on Monday, Donald Jackson on Tuesday, and Robert Burnett on Wednesday
Reading, PA (La Roca): Vladimir Caba served on Tuesday, Alexis Ramirez on Wednesday
Sinking Spring, PA: Timothy Stump served on Monday and Tuesday, Donald Eenigenburg on Wednesday
York, PA: Alex Kocman served on Wednesday
3. The following licensed and ordained men requested to be excused from part or all of the 143rd BFC Conference. These requests were approved by the Ministerial Candidate and Credentials Committees, respectively.
Peter C. Bogert (Probationer), David E. Brandt, Jared M. Burkholder, Freddy A. Chi, Kevin W. Clineff, Daryl A. Crawford (Probationer), William J. Dunn, Scott B. Evans, Jordan K. Eyster, Jason A. Filbert, James D. Head, Sandy J. Holbert, D. B. H., Jules J. Hull III, Daniel Istrate, Daniel W. King, Daniel Z. Krall, Ezekiel R. Mack, Ferdie R. Madara, Carl T. Martin, Jerry L. Moyer, Timothy R. Nessler, Marcos G. Ramirez, David W. Riddell, Carlos G. Rodriguez, Connor A. Roskowski (Probationer), David A. Smith, John C. Studenroth, L. Marc Sweet, Philip E. Yerrington
4. The following licensed and ordained men were noted as absent for part or all of the 143rd BFC Conference without excuse.*
Richard F. Bickings, Andrew R. Hebel, Andrew J. Miller, David J. Parsons (Probationer)
5. The following Ordained Ministers in Retirement or on Permanent Disability were noted as being absent and excused without a written request from part or all of the 143rd BFC Conference:
William C. Aukamp, Delbert R. Baker II, Kenneth F. Barber, Clifford B. Boone, Leonard E. Buck, G. Wayne Clapier, Jr., Charles E. Cole, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Richard C. Dodson, Bruce A. Ellingson, Ronald C. Erb, Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Richard J. Gehman, Richard D. Harris, LeRoy S. Heller, John H. Herb, Ronald W. Hoyle, Walter M. Johnston, David H. Jones, W. Scott Kappes, Donald E. Kuntzman, Dennis J. Lawrence, Francis E. Lenahan, John R. LoRusso, Ronald C. Mahurin, David L. Manney, Duane E. Moyer, Richard A. Moyer, Richard T. Paashaus (Delegate for Finesville, NJ), Barry T. Parsons, Keith E. Plows, Thomas A. Pollock, Louis Prontnicki, Richard B. Ravis, Calvin T. Reed, Roger L. Reitz, Jeffrey L. Ruhl, David K. Schlonecker, David N. Schoen, Thomas P. Shorb, Robert A. Sloan, Ronald B. Smith, Michael J. Tannous, Richard E. Taylor, Gregory A. Uhrich, John C. Vandegriff, Jr., David R. Way, Dana E. Weller, Byron Widger, Paul G. Zimmerman
- Our “Blue Book” (Article 506-6) specifies that pastors (aside from retired) need excuses from the Credentials Committee (Ralph M. Soper, Secretary) if they’re going to miss any meeting of Conference. This includes leaving on Wednesday at lunch and missing the final session! For consistency, we have also applied that to Licensed Probationers by requiring them to request excuses from the Candidate Committee (Andrew T. Crossgrove, Secretary). In past years, the Registrar has done a lot of work behind the scenes to either obtain excuses from Soper for Ordained Ministers and Crossgrove for the Licensed Probationers who leave after lunch on Wednesday or during the closing session; this year, I’m just going to list some of those unexcused absences (particularly those who have left on Wednesday before the afternoon break around 3:45 p.m.). This is not in an effort to shame anyone, but rather to be more honest and accurate about the attendance record.
Appointments for the 144th BFC Conference
The Moderator made the following appointments for the 144th BFC Conference:
Registrar: Joel B. Klase
Assistant Registrar: Jules J. Hull III
Committee on Agenda & Arrangements: Ronald L. Kohl, Chairman; David T. Allen, Randall A. Grossman, Joel B. Klase, Timothy S. Radcliff, Timothy J. Schmoyer, R. Daniel Wagner
Study Committee on Digital Technology: Scott A. Allison, Richard Dobrowolski, John J. Hanner, Todd Heath, Daniel W. King, Edward Snyder-Ritter, John C. Vandegriff Jr.
Resolved, that the appointments be ratified.
The following were also announced:
Secretary of the Conference Judicatory: Kevin W. Kirkpatrick
Secretary of the Special Appellate Judicatory: Daniel Z. Krall
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, guest speaker Sean Cooper exhorted us to preach, plant, and pastor churches to the ends of the earth for the glory of God and Jesse A. Benack challenged us to live as unworthy servants of the unfathomable riches of Christ, through God’s Word, and
Whereas, Jeremy L. Harkins, Steven K. Myers, Steve Jackson, Aaron J. Susek, and Max Whylings led our hearts and minds back to the living God again and again through worship
in song, and
Whereas, Dennis W. Spinney, Stephen J. Morton, and Michael W. Walker led us in prayer, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for His faithful servants and His holy Word.
Whereas, Hope Community BFC of Milford, DE and Grace Community Church, Chestertown, MD have been recognized at the 143rd BFC Conference as Particular Churches, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give praise to God for His work in these churches.
Whereas, we celebrated the ordinations of Jacob B. Dearmon, Jeremy L. Harkins, and Benenz J. Hitchcock, and
Whereas, the BFC recognized the previous ordinations of Peter C. Bogert, Daniel A. Cali, Jonathan Limm, James D. MacArthur, and John P. Sullivan, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to God for calling these men to serve Him as shepherds of His church, asking also for God’s blessing on them and their churches.
Whereas, Conference Secretary Ronald L. Kohl, Assistant Secretary Timothy S. Radcliff, and Assistants to the Secretary Samuel Janney and Shawn Rohrbach 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 served exceptionally as the Moderator of the 143rd Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank them for serving this Conference so well.
Whereas, Ryan Diffenderfer and the team of quick-stepping pages did a wonderful
job of serving the needs of the conference attendees, and
Whereas, Joel B. Klase and Harrison Clark served Conference well as Registrar and
Assistant Registrar, respectively, and
Whereas, Rachel Schmoyer and Julie Sebastian have worked tirelessly and with
exemplary efficiency leading up to and during this Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank them for their humble, sacrificial, and tireless service.
Whereas, Pastors Glenn R. Felty, T. James Bigley Jr., Gene W. Smith, and David A. Thomann, and pastors’ wives Marilyn Coble and Jacquelene Ziegler, have passed into glory and have entered God’s rest, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful ministry, and 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, therefore be it
Resolved, that as we go from this place, we would be united in our common purpose
and mission as defined by God and His Word, and that this unity would not only be good
and pleasant, but that it would enable us to boldly reach out with the good news of Jesus
Christ personally and corporately to a lost and dying world, from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
The 143rd Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was adjourned with prayer by Steven J. DelDuco at 4:32 p.m.