Report of the
Ministerial Relations Committee
Last year was an extremely busy year for the committee. We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to His church and to the committee and would request prayer for continued wisdom and strength in the fulfillment of our responsibilities.
In the year ending December 31, 1999, resignations from pastorates were as follows:
Church Pastor Effective Date
Camden, DE Dennis J. Lawrence January 31, 1999
Terre Hill Steven L. Trommler June 13, 1999
Stroudsburg Mark J. McCreary June 30, 1999
York Kenneth L. Good July 31, 1999
Zionsville Gregory A. Ulrich September 5, 1999
Harrisburg Allan R. Vivona December 31, 1999
Kutztown John C. Studenroth December 31, 1999
Nazareth Keith E. Plows January 31, 2000
Stroudsburg Carl C. Cassell January 31, 2000
Quakertown David E. Gundrum April 30, 2000
Red Hill Ronald K. Denlinger May 31, 2000
The following pastorates were established under our rules:
Quakertown Dennis J. Lawrence February 1, 1999
Howell, NJ David N. Heineman March 14, 1999
Pinebrook Bible Conference
Mark J. McCreary July 1, 1999
Harleysville Andrew T. Crossgrove September 12, 1999
Emmaus William J. Dunn November 28, 1999
York Kenneth D. Keeler March 1, 2000
Church Extension
David E. Gundrum May 1, 2000*
*Subject to ratification by Annual Conference
At the close of the year, Oley, Pleasant Valley, NY; Spring City; Camden DE; Kutztown, Terre Hill, Zionsville, and Harrisburg were in the process of seeking a pastor. Pleasant Valley, NY; Spring City, and Camden DE were served by men providing ministry and were moving toward the establishment of pastorates. Also, the Quakertown and the Red Hill pulpits will become vacant in the year 2000. Keep praying with us for the Lord’s provision for each of our churches.
The Committee met with the Ministerial Candidate Committee to discuss the process of calling a pastor. Further study will continue in an effort to facilitate the process in a manner acceptable to both churches and the committee.
During the year, Harold L. Snyder, Jr., committee member for many years, passed away. We thank the Lord for Harold’s life and service and request prayer on behalf of his family and friends. Ronald W. Reed was appointed, by the committee, to serve for the remainder of the conference year. Keith E. Plows completed his final term of service before his retirement.
The Committee has a strong desire to appoint a Conference Pastor (F&O ¶512-14.3) and present a name for ratification to the next conference. The committee also strongly recommends that provision be made for a part-time salary through the Administrative Budget for 2001. (Up to $24,000 including all expenses and benefits).
The committee makes the following recommendations to the 117th Annual Conference:
Resolved, that the recommended minimum salary for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church, including benefits, be $25,750 for the year 2001.
Resolved, that the recommended revisions to Article 409 – Pulpit Supply Procedure be adopted at Second Reading (see 1999 Yearbook, pp 35-40)
Whereas, Harold L. Snyder, Jr. served faithfully on this committee for many years prior to his death, therefore
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the life and ministry of Harold L. Snyder, Jr. and pray God’s comfort for his family.
Whereas, Keith E. Plows has served faithfully on this committee for many years prior to his retirement, therefore
Resolved, that we tan the Lord for the services of Keith E. Plows and pray for God’s blessing upon him during his retirement.
Ministerial Relations Committee: David J. Watkins, Chairman; Randall A. Grossman, Secretary; Lee E. Boyles, Keith E. Plows, Calvin T. Reed, Ronald W. Reed, L. James Roberts, Jr.