Report of the

Board of Church Extension

              The Board of Church Extension continues to be actively engaged in the ministry of planting and overseeing new Bible Fellowship Churches to the glory of God. The Board met two times since the 111th Annual Conference. We are deeply aware of our dependence upon the Lord for His gracious provision and for His sufficient power. Indeed, Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” Our confidence is that the Lord is the “Builder” of His Church, and He produces fruit that will last for eternity.

              We are grateful to God for the men whom He has raised up to be church planters within the Bible Fellowship Church. These men are committed to fulfilling the Great Commission. They have demonstrated great measure of faithfulness and endurance in carrying out their responsibilities. It is easy to overlook the unique challenges they often face in meeting the demands of starting a new ministry, providing for their financial needs, and fulfilling their family responsibilities. Some men continue to work in bi-vocational situations and some wives work as well in order to lessen the burden. These men and their families are worthy of our support, both in prayer and resources. Presently, two of our missions are without organizing pastors – Upper Pocono, PA, (presently dormant) and Walnutport, PA. Two others, Gilbertsville, PA, and Somers Point, NJ, are being served by men who are in the process of becoming licensed by the Bible Fellowship Church.

              The Assessment Committee for the Pleasant Valley, NY, Mission has completed its evaluation and the Board is pleased to recommend that the Pleasant Valley, NY, Mission be recognized as a Particular Church at the 112th Annual Conference. Other Assessment Committees continue to work with various missions in evaluation and development.

              The Board continues to move forward with “Mission America,” a plan adopted to expand our vision of planting new churches, confronting the challenges, and embracing the opportunities of the next five years, (1995-1999). A video is being produced in order to share the vision with pastors and congregations in the year ahead. “Mission America” is a goal-oriented plan, the result of much prayer and planning.

              The Board accepted the resignation of Chairman, Dana E. Weller. Dana has served on the Board for twelve years. He resigned in order to become the Assistant Director of the Board of Missions, effective January 2, 1995. The Board expresses deep gratitude to Dana for his valuable service during his tenure. We look forward to working together in the days ahead as the Lord continues to open doors for “ethnic church planting” in cooperation with the Board of Missions.

              The Board acknowledges the diligence and leadership of the Executive Director, Daniel G. Ziegler. His vision for the work of church planting, encouragement of the men in the Department, and his consistent oversight of the affairs of this ministry are a great asset. Carol Z. Snyder, Director of Development, continues to do a commendable job of keeping people informed with quality and up-to-date materials.

              The following is a list of the fourteen missions and churches presently under the Board of Church Extension, and the men serving in each ministry:

              Aberdeen, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John C. Vandegriff, Jr.

              Edison, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis M. Cahill, Richard B. Ravis

              Gilbertsville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

              Holmes, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert S. Commerford

              Newark, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Delbert R. Baker, II

              Ocean County, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dean A. Stortz

              Pleasant Valley, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David R. Way

              Red Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ronald K. Denlinger, D. Thomas Phillips

              Scranton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger L. Reitz

              Somers Point, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

              Staten Island, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph E. Ritter

              Thompson, CT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis W. Spinney

              Upper Pocono (dormant). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

              Walnutport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

              The Board of Church Extension recommends the following resolutions be adopted by the 112th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church:

WHEREAS, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Pleasant Valley, NY, Mission meets the qualifications of a Particular Church as specified in Article 18 of the Articles of Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Pleasant Valley, NY, Mission be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the 112th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.

WHEREAS, the Board of Church Extension on February 23, 1995 has unanimously elected Daniel G. Ziegler to a three-year term as Executive Director of Church Extension effective April 24, 1995, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Election of Daniel G. Ziegler to a three-year term as Executive Director of Church Extension effective April 25, 1995, be ratified.