Report of the
Strategic Planning Committee
The heart of the Strategic Planning Committee’s work this past year was the development of a “vision statement” for the Bible Fellowship Church. John Chaya, an experienced business consultant with a desire to equip us for effective ministry, worked with the committee to review our purpose and develop a focus for the future of the denomination.
After hours of revising, the Committee concluded that an appropriate “Vision Statement” for the BFC is:
“We, the Bible Fellowship Church, seek to become an expanding fellowship of churches united to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
The theme and focus of this year’s Annual Conference was planned with that vision in mind. During the year ahead effort will be made to flesh out the vision and make practical application of it in the life of our fellowship of churches.
Continued development of the regionalization of the BFC took place this year. The following is a synopsis of what occurred in the regions:
Report of the BFC Regions
Lehigh Valley – (Allentown – CC, Lighthouse; Bethlehem, Coopersburg, Emmaus, Finesville, NJ, Hellertown, Nazareth, Walnutport, Whitehall, Zionsville)
Pastors from the region meet once a month for prayer and interaction. They have worked together this year to support the Saucon Valley church plant and are making progress on the development of a Mission’s Consortium. Pastors, Delegates, and their wives met for a dinner and concert. Together the churches of the Valley enjoyed a “Night of Praise” and a combined Good Friday Service.
Pocono – (Lehighton, Pocono Mt, Stroudsbrug)
Though pastoral changes and busy schedules have impacted on regional gatherings, the Pocono churches did gather for a corporate Good Friday worship this year.
North-West – (Mt. Carmel, Shamokin, Sunbury)
There were no formal meetings of the pastors or delegates of the North-West Region this year but the pastors did interact over specific issues. There were some ministry opportunities where members of each of the churches were involved.
Bucks – (Graterford, Harleysville, Hatfield, Quakertown, Red Hill, Royersford, Spring City
The pastors and staff members have found bi-monthly gatherings for lunch and prayer this past year to be of great value.
South Central – (Camden, DE, Chesapeake, VA, Maple Glen, PA, Wallingford, PA, Wissinoming, PA)
In addition to the bi-monthly gatherings of the pastors for prayer and fellowship, the South Central Region hosted four Youth Evangelism Sports Nights as well as a Sweetheart Banquet. These events have been well attended and greatly appreciated.
Metro
The Metro church pastors met monthly for lunch and prayer. Corporately, the churches have hosted a “Celebration Service” of praise and worship, have agreed to support one missionary family, and are discussing a church planting project.
Mid-Hudson – (Beacon, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Holmes, NY, Pleasant Valley, NY, Poughquag, NY, Thompson, CT)
These New York State pastors met monthly for prayer and fellowship as they have for many years. This past year they worshiped together for Good Friday and gathered one additional time for a family dinner.
Capital – (Ephrata, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Newark, DE, Paradise, Terre Hill, York)
A well-established group, the pastors of the Capital Region meet monthly for prayer and lunch. Their Missions Consortium met twice this year and is actively involved in corporate missionary support. One new project facing the Region is an ethnic church plant. Their first annual Pastors/Wives retreat was held in Cape May, NJ, Mother’s Day week. A second one, with Ron Mahurin as speaker, is planned for this year’s Mother’s Day week.
Berks – (Blandon, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Oley, Reading, Sinking Spring)
These Pennsylvania pastors gathered bi-monthly for prayer and encouragement. All of the pastors and their wives met for dinner and fellowship. A regional picnic is being planned for the Summer of 2002.
In accord with the Faith and Order of the BFC, all pastors and delegates are urged to develop a working relationship with other churches in their given region, including at least one gathering annually of pastors and delegates. Our experience has shown that regional ministry and fellowship have strengthened and encouraged local churches and pastors. Reports of regional ministry should be forwarded annually to the Strategic Planning Committee.
Other Activity
At the directive of the Committee, the BFC E-group was divided into two segments. The first group is for pastors within the denomination. The second group is now for pastors, delegates, and denominational ministry leaders as a whole. Use this year of these e-groups has been extensive, successful, and found to be of great value. The BFC E-group serves as the official communication means for the leadership of the denomination. All delegates who are e-mail accessible are asked to contact Rev. Roy Hertzog at “rhertzog@enter.net” to be added to the E-group.
In looking ahead, plans are just now forming for BFC2005. Pastors and congregational members interested in organizing such an event should contact the Strategic Planning Committee.
Ground breaking for the next phase of development of Fellowship Homes brings consolidation of BFC offices one step nearer to fulfillment. Further plans for such a consolidation will be considered this year and hopefully will be presented to the denomination at next year’s Annual Conference.
The Committee expresses its appreciation for our outgoing chairman, Daniel P. Allen. Your continued prayer and input for the Strategic Planning Committee in the year ahead will be of great value.
Strategic Planning Committee: Daniel P. Allen, Chairman; Richard T. Paashaus, Secretary; Raymond R. Dotts, Dana E. Weller, Robert H. Zentz, Richard E. Taylor, Byron Barnshaw.