Report of the
BFC Executive Board
The Executive Board of the Bible Fellowship Church provided leadership for the BFC during 2010. This was the first year of operations with a full-time functioning office and Executive Director. Several items were foundational for the Executive Board’s consideration during the year. From an operational standpoint, the consolidation of various office processes and procedures, the establishment of standards for Directors and staff, the process of establishing common financial reporting, and the formation of policies that enforce a higher level of accountability amongst the Departments and BFC Committees have begun in earnest. We are grateful to Fellowship Community for graciously providing a place for the Executive Board to call its official ‘headquarters.’ Besides giving us a ‘home,’ they also provide the venue for our monthly meetings. The office staff at Church Extension Ministries, Lisa Christensen and Ruth Richards, also headquartered at Fellowship Community, collects our mail and safeguards it for us. The Board of Missions has given up a corner office at its location on Brookside Road in Allentown, so that the Executive Director would have a place to work, meet with people, and conduct business. This venue has provided for us a better connectivity with our ‘web-master,’ Donald E. Kuntzman, and provided a receptionist, Carolyn Bloomfield, for the official BFC Executive Board telephone.The serendipitous nature of these accommodations has been expressed in the Executive Director’s blog found on the BFC website.
During the year, each one of our four Department Directors met with the whole Executive Board to discuss the status of their Departments. Individually and collectively, the Directors met with the Executive Director to discuss issues relative to their Departments and the BFC as a whole. We give thanks to God for the men He has provided to give leadership to our Departments:
Dana E. Weller, Board of Missions, connecting regularly with our missionaries and our churches;
David E. Gundrum, Church Extension Ministries, working with individual church planters, churches under their care, and our existing churches by providing direction and vision;
Daniel P. Allen, Pinebrook Bible Conference, promoting, directing, and advancing retreats and our own Bible conference ministry;
Douglas Manwiller, Victory Valley Camp, also directing and advancing our children’s camping ministry.
These men have graciously and gracefully submitted themselves to our new denominational structure and have joined together to serve Christ with passion and excellence. Whereas they had previously submitted to their individual boards, now they worked together with their boards to execute the directives of the Executive Board. They willingly complied with the requests of the Executive Director without an expression of annoyance!
From a financial perspective, 2010 was the first year of consolidating, collecting, and allocating the Assessment among the various fiscal responsibilities of the BFC. We are grateful that all of our churches participated in the Assessment and that we were able to pay all of our obligations on time. The majority of the Assessment is allocated to the Pension Fund so that our retired pastors and widows of retired pastors would have some remuneration that reflected their service and ministry within the BFC. Because cost of living adjustments (COLA) have become static, the Executive Board has been able to assume the responsibility of continuing to fund the pensions through the Assessment. Although our annual contribution will continue to rise a small amount over the next few years, we are confident that we can continue to provide this benefit without having to borrow money or place an undo burden upon our churches.
The Executive Board has continued to coordinate the financial reporting and accountability of our Departments and committees. In order to establish a standard to use throughout the BFC, we have begun the process of joining the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). This decision has shaped our processes and encouraged us to provide exceptional levels of accountability within the Denomination. Several new policies were established in order to ensure that we are ‘above reproach’ in all of our financial dealings. We are consolidating the finances within the BFC so that these standards can be met. Our Departments report to the Executive Board monthly, and we review their financial situations at each meeting. We have had to step out and help one of our Departments this year so that it would be able to pay its obligations. We are grateful that one of our churches was willing to assist us in this effort. In order to comply with ECFA’s standards, we have engaged the firm of Buckno Lisicky & Company of Allentown to do an official ‘review’ of our financial situation. As a result, the accounts of the Executive Board, all four of our Departments (Board of Missions, Church Extension, Pinebrook, Victory Valley), as well as Pinebrook Educational Foundation and the Pension Fund, will be combined into Statements of Financial Position and Activities in accordance with ECFA standards.
The Executive Board has developed a Directors’ Handbook which is an employee handbook which assures that all of our Directors and ultimately our entire staff are treated fairly and justly. The handbook is available to our churches should they wish to utilize it. It is also accessible on our info.bfc.org website. This particular website is password protected and designed for the benefit of our pastors and elders. It contains our policies, handbooks, expense reporting forms, assessment forms, updates on procedures, healthcare, and other information that is helpful to our churches. The password is available to pastors and elders, but it is not given to hackers or others for whom the information would not be pertinent. Our www.bfc.org website is available to the general public and contains the latest editions of BFC materials. The official calendar of the BFC is found on the website.
One of the concerns of the Executive Board was the high number of IRS EIN’s (Employer Identification Numbers) that were under the name of the Bible Fellowship Church. Upon receiving legal counsel that we should reduce that number to a more manageable level, the Executive Board put into process the consolidation of several of our Departments. The Executive Board has the responsibility of payroll and other interfaces with the IRS. As of January 1, 2011, this was accomplished and several of the EIN’s have now been retired.
Another legal consideration was the publishing of the Bible Fellowship Church in the IRS Publication 78 which lists recognized charitable organizations. What seemed simple was in actuality an arduous process, but the BFC is now included within the Publication. The IRS had recognized our Denomination since 1960 when it confirmed our status under the provisions of section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code of 1954. Just as a reminder, our exemption can be revoked if we attempt to “influence legislation, or participate in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.” So we won’t!
The officers of the Executive Board are Randall A Grossman, President; Robert A. Sloan, Vice President; Jay H. Fasnacht, Treasurer; and Ronald L. Kohl, Secretary. Charles Lavigna is the Health Insurance Coordinator. The Executive Board has retained:
The American Insurance Group as Health Insurance Administrators,
The firm of Fitzpatrick, Lentz, and Bubba as our legal representatives,
Asset Planning Services as our Pension Fund administrators,
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company as the preferred church liability insurers, and
American Bank of the Lehigh Valley as the depository of its funds.
Internally, L. James Roberts, Stephen J. Kauffman, and Robert H. Zentz serve as the Personnel Committee, while Dennis M. Cahill, Jay H. Fasnacht, and Charles A. Lavigna serve as the Finance Committee for the Executive Board.
The business of the Executive Board in 2010 included receiving requests from the Departments for ratification of their individual board members, reviewing and approving departmental budgets, meeting separately with each Director, and approving and/or clarifying new initiatives of the Departments. In an effort to support our particular churches, we provided funding for a pastoral internship, postponed several repayments of loans, and provided several churches with guidance regarding core values and vision. The Executive Board looked carefully at our fixed assets and decided to sell the Church Extension parsonage to the Director of Church Extension.
The Executive Board spent a considerable amount of time discussing our Core Values and their ramifications for the BFC. We believe that these represent principles, standards, and qualities to which we are committed. They lie at the heart of what we are and define our identity. Because we desire to get them right, we continue to discuss and refine them and are not yet finished! They presently are:
1. We Value the Bible
The Bible is our final authority for life and living. It undergirds all that we believe and do. Our doctrine and principles of living, stated in the F&O of the BFC , express our understanding of the Bible. Therefore, we continue to make sure that our churches conform to the clear teaching of the Bible as expressed in the “Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church.”
2. We Value Worship of God/Fellowship with God
Our purpose is to worship God. Through Christ’s atoning work, we have fellowship with God, allowing us the privilege of bringing glory and praise to God. In prayer, we indicate our dependent relationship and communion with God. Our fellowship with God transforms us so that in daily life we conduct ourselves with Christ-like integrity and love. Therefore, we emphasize these aspects of worship with God within our Denomination.
3. We Value Fellowship with God’s People
Fellowship with God’s people connects us as the body of Christ. Fellowship is evidenced by developing intentional loving relationships within each church and among the churches. Therefore, we encourage our churches to nurture deeper fellowship within each church, and provide opportunities for our churches to meet and minister together.
4. We Value the Church
The Church is the earthly manifestation of the body of Christ. Within a church preaching/teaching are used to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The church functions as an extended family, intentionally strengthening each individual and family unit, while developing servant leaders. Each member is to be involved in ministry, exercising spiritual gifts with excellence. Therefore, we support and assist our churches, which, although autonomous, are not independent, in accomplishing ministry.
5. We Value the Church’s Mission
The Mission of the church is the Great Commission, a commitment to reaching the lost of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching them to obey the commandments of God. Therefore, we support and coordinate the efforts of our churches in making disciples of Jesus Christ both near and far.
These five core values are foundational for us in that they will give us the base upon which we can build and establish a vision for the BFC. These statements reflect the Executive Board. The Executive Board has begun the discussion of vision and what we see as the future of the BFC. The completion of this process will provide direction for our Departments and our Denomination as together we become an expanding fellowship of churches united to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Executive Board is continuing to seek to streamline our denominational gatherings and make our time together as efficient and effective as possible. Legislation that will bring the BFC Committees in sync with the Departments will be presented to this BFC Conference. Second Reading on the functioning of the Departments will also be a part of this year’s Conference. All of the Departments and committees under the auspices of the Executive Board have presented their financial reports which will be included in this year’s report of the Executive Board. Consolidating this information will enable us to spend more time at BFC Conference to develop areas that will enable us to better serve our Lord. We have asked Dr. Daniel Henderson of “Strategic Renewal” to lead us in times of prayer and petition as we seek God’s guidance and direction. He will guide us through a period of personal renewal, teach us about congregational revival, and encourage us towards leadership restoration, all through our prayer life.
The Executive Board brings the following resolutions for consideration:
1. Resolved, that the 2011 revised Executive Board budget be presented to the 128th BFC Conference.
2. Resolved, that an assessment rate of 2 percent be presented to the 128th BFC Conference for 2012 (based on assessable receipts for 2010).
3. Resolved, that the 2012 proposed Executive Board budget be presented to the 128th BFC Conference.
After establishing a corporate office and headquarters for the BFC, the Executive Director attended board meetings of each of our Departments, meetings of the committees that report to the Executive Board, and several other denominational committee meetings, all with a desire to understand the workings of the various aspects of the BFC. He represented the Denomination at building dedications and mortgage burning ceremonies. He visited twenty-one of our churches, several of them on more than one occasion, and had the opportunity to preach, give official greetings, or just enjoy the service, as requested by the pastor, all with the goal of maintaining positive and enriching relationships within the BFC. He assisted several church elder boards in renewing their core values and establishing a vision for future ministry. He provided for the Executive Board the information requested, and created policies and processes for consideration and ultimate adoption. He met with lawyers, accountants, bankers, real estate agents, insurance agents, and other corporate heads in an effort to coordinate the activities of the BFC. He directed the daily operations of the Executive Board and oversaw the integration of common policies and processes among the Departments. He connected with the treasurers and bookkeepers of our churches in order to help in the Assessment process. In short, the Executive Director considered it a privilege to serve our Lord and the BFC in this capacity and appreciated the support from both the members of the Executive Board and his fellow workers within the BFC. May we, individually and collectively, as beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain! (1 Cor 15:58 – ESV)
Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board: Randall A. Grossman, President; Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Vice President; Jay H. Fasnacht, Treasurer; Ronald L. Kohl, Secretary; David T. Allen, Executive Director; Dennis M. Cahill, Carl C. Cassel, Robert T. Evans, Charles A. Lavigna, Stephen J. Kauffman, L. James Roberts, David A. Thomann, Robert H. Zentz.
The Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board presents the following legislation that will bring the BFC Committees in sync with the Departments:
Resolved, that Article 500 – Bylaws for BFC Conference be reordered as follows:
501 Ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church (formerly 509)
502 BFC Conference (formerly 501)
503 BFC Annual Budget (formerly 502)
504 Membership of Congregations in BFC Conference (formerly 503)
505 Members of BFC Conference (formerly 504)
506 BFC Conference Registration (formerly 505)
507 Officers of BFC Conference (formerly 506)
508 Business Rules of BFC Conference (formerly 507)
509 General Rules of Elections and Resignations (formerly 510)
510 Appointments by the Conference Moderator (formerly 511)
511 Boards and Committees elected by BFC Conference (formerly 512)
511-1 BFC Executive Board (formerly 512-1)
511-1.7 Sub-Committees supervised by the BFC Executive Board
(1) Communications (formerly 512-9)
(2) Christian Education (formerly 512-3
(3) Youth and Young Adults (formerly 512-18)
(4) Historical (formerly 512-12)
511-1.8 Pinebrook Educational Foundation (formerly 512-5.7)
511-2 Nominating Committee (formerly 512-15)
511-3 Church Health Committee (formerly 512-16)
511-4 Ministerial Candidate Committee (formerly 512-13)
511-5 Ministerial Credential Committee (formerly 512-11)
511-6 Ministerial Relations Committee (formerly 512-14)
512 BFC Departments (replaces 508)
512-1 Church Extension (formerly 512-4)
512-2 Missions (formerly 512-6)
512-3 Pinebrook Bible Conference (formerly 512-8)
512-4 Victory Valley (formerly 512-10)
513 Miscellaneous Bylaws of BFC Conference
(First Reading)
Proposed Legislation for the 128th BFC Conference
1. Resolved, that 509-6.1 be amended to read as follows:
“The Ministerial Credentials Committee shall set the effective date of the retirement, change the status of the minister on the conference records, and notify the BFC Executive Board for purposes of pension payments” (replaces “notify the Board of Pensions of the effective date of the retirement.”)
2. Resolved, that 511-2.1 “Committee on Auditing” be deleted; and that subsequent articles be renumbered.
3. Resolved, that 512-1.5 “Duties of the BFC Executive Board” be amended by adding a new duty:
512-1.5 (11) It shall have oversight of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
And duty (11) be renumbered to (12).
4. Resolved, that a new paragraph be added to 512-1 “Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board” as follows:
511-1.7 Sub-Committees Supervised by BFC Executive Board.
5. Resolved, that 512-9 “Board of Communications” be replaced with the following:
511-1.7 (1) Communications Committee
Purpose – To promote communication in the BFC through various media.
Composition – It shall be appointed by the BFC Executive Board in composition and terms of service determined by the BFC Executive Board.
Duties – (1) It shall publish the annual Yearbook and other BFC literature.
(2) It shall maintain and oversee the BFC website
(3) It shall perform the duties assigned by the BFC Executive Board.
(4) It shall submit an annual written report to the BFC Executive Board.
6. Resolved, that 512-3 “Board of Christian Education” be revised as follows:
511-1.7 (2) Christian Education Committee
Purpose – To promote and support Christian education on behalf of the BFC
Composition and Election
(1) The committee shall be composed of six ministers and six lay persons.
(2) They shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I – Two ministers and two laypersons
Class II – Two ministers and two laypersons
Class III – Two ministers and two laypersons
(3) The committee shall elect its own members, subject to the ratification of the BFC Executive Board.
Duties
(1) It shall provide guidance to the local church in carrying out the Christian education program.
(2) It shall provide helpful regional denominational programs for any or all aspects of the work of Christian education.
(3) It shall promote the cause of Christian post-secondary education on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This may be done in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, providing information about Christian institutions and encouraging members and other participants of our churches to attend them.
(4) It shall receive funds designated by BFC Conference and disburse them for the needs of its work.
(5) It shall submit financial statements to the BFC Executive Board on a quarterly basis.
(6) It shall submit an annual written report to the BFC Executive Board.
7. Resolved, that 512-18 “Board of Youth and Young Adults” be revised as follows:
511-1.7 (3) Youth and Young Adults Committee
Purpose – To bring glory and honor to God as it ministers to adult youth leaders, teens, and young adults of the BFC. This will be done by:
(1) Promoting unity in youth and young adult ministry with the BFC
(2) Providing training and resources for youth and young adult ministries of Particular Churches within the BFC
(3) Being a catalyst for networking of youth and young adult ministries of Particular Churches within the BFC
Composition and Election
(1) The Committee will be composed of five ministers and four laypersons
(2) They will be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I – Two ministers and one layperson
Class II – Two ministers and one layperson
Class III – One minister and two laypersons
(3) The committee shall elect its own members, subject to the ratification of the BFC Executive Board
Duties
(1) It shall offer guidance to Particular Churches in developing a ministry to youth and young adults.
(2) It shall oversee denominational youth and young adult activities
(3) It shall provide training and resources for Particular Churches in equipping them for youth and young adult ministries.
(4) It shall provide networking between youth and young adult ministries of Particular Churches with the BFC.
(5) It shall submit an annual written report to the BFC Executive Board.
8. Resolved, that 512-12 “Historical Committee” be revised as follows:
511-1.7 (4) Historical Committee
Purpose – To preserve our heritage and to promote the study of the history of the BFC.
Composition and Election
(1) It shall be composed of the archivist and five persons (ministers, elders, or laypersons) elected by the committee, subject to the ratification of the BFC Executive Board.
(2) They shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I – Two persons
Class I – Two persons
Class I – One person
Duties
(1) It shall develop and encourage the study of the history of the denomination.
(2) It shall maintain denominational archives for the accumulation of materials and memoirs relating to the history of the denomination.
(3) It shall appoint an archivist, who shall be responsible for the maintenance and oversight of the archives.
(4) It shall determine policy and procedure by which the archivist can maintain and supplement the historical material of the denomination.
(5) It shall assist the archivist in the collection of relevant historical materials.
(6) It shall encourage each Particular Church and mission to maintain a file of important documents relating to the historical development of the local fellowship.
(7) It shall submit an annual written report to the BFC Executive Board.
9. Resolved, that 512-7 “Board of Pensions” be deleted.
10. Resolved, that 512-5 “Board of Higher Education” paragraphs 5.1 – 5.6 be deleted.
11. Resolved, that 512-5.7 “Pinebrook Educational Foundation” be revised as follows:
511-1.8 Pinebrook Educational Foundation
Section 1 – Establishment and Purpose
The Pinebrook Educational Foundation was established as a division of the Bible Fellowship Church (“Church”) on October 18, 1994. The purpose of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation is to continue the ministry of Pinebrook Junior College (formerly Berean Bible School) to aid Christian individuals involved in higher education and Christian postsecondary institutions (“Purpose”). Said Purpose will be construed broadly enough to include a wide spectrum of aid projects involving Christian post-secondary education, including but not limited to scholarship aid to students and grants to Christian post-secondary institutions.
Section 2 – Overview
The Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall receive, invest, and administer funds (“Funds”) in accordance with its stated Purpose, and such funds shall be designated for such Purpose, segregated from the general funds of the Church, and administered and distributed by the Pinebrook Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors (“Foundation Board”) in conformity with said Purpose. Emphasis and priority will be given to individuals attending Christian institutions and to higher education endeavors closely related to the BFC. Special consideration shall be given to educational organizations with which the BFC Executive Board has affiliations (as referenced in §512-5.4(3) of the F&O).
Section 3 – Control
A. Election and Composition of the Foundation Board
The Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall be directed by the Foundation Board composed of six members (“Board Members”) elected by the Pinebrook Educational Foundation and subject to ratification by the BFC Executive Board. Board Members shall be elected in three classes and shall serve three-year terms of service. The three classes shall be composed of two Board Members each. Each Board Member shall serve until a successor is duly elected.
B. Accountability
The Foundation Board shall be accountable to the BFC Executive Board. The Foundation Board shall administer all activities and investments of
Pinebrook Educational Foundation to ensure that all such activities and investments are financially and legally appropriate with respect to the status of Pinebrook Educational Foundation. The Foundation Board shall report semi-annually to the BFC Executive Board and shall report annually to the BFC Conference.
C. Officers of the Foundation Board
The Foundation Board shall elect annually from its number: a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and a Secretary-Treasurer.
Section 4 – Administration
A. Director/Chairperson of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation
1. An Executive Director of Pinebrook Educational Foundation (“Executive Director”) may be selected by the Foundation Board and ratified by the BFC Executive Board. The position may be paid or unpaid as determined by the BFC Executive Board.
2. The Executive Director shall not be required to be a member of the Foundation Board or the BFC Executive Board. Membership on one of these boards will not, however, disqualify an individual from serving as Executive Director. The Executive Director shall not be an officer of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
3. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of the business of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation. Such duties as administration of the grant and scholarship application process, oversight of all financial activities, investments, administrative procedures, and communication shall be the responsibility of the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall consult with the Foundation Board’s Chairperson regarding general administration matters and with both the Chairperson and Secretary-Treasurer of the Foundation Board regarding financial matters.
4. If a an Executive Director has not been selected by the Foundation Board, the Foundation Board’s Chairperson shall be responsible for the conduct of the business of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation and shall perform the duties identified in paragraph 3 above.
B. Foundation Secretary
1. The Secretary of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall be selected by the Foundation Board subject to approval by the BFC Executive Board.
2. The Secretary shall report to and assist the Executive Director (or Chairperson of the Foundation Board if a an Executive Director has not been selected by the Foundation Board).
3. The Secretary shall be a volunteer or a part-time employee until the Pinebrook Educational Foundation activity requires more assistance and additional funding is available for fulltime compensation, as shall be determined by the Foundation Board.
4. The compensation (if any) of the Secretary shall be determined by the
Foundation Board and shall be subject to approval by the BFC Executive Board.
C. Auxiliary Groups
Support groups previously affiliated with Pinebrook Junior College such as the Alumni Association may be encouraged to continue in existence or to be reactivated. The assistance of such support groups may be sought in raising funds and in providing other assistance to the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
D. Administration of Funds
1. Pinebrook Educational Foundation Funds shall:
(a) be segregated from the general funds of the Church;
(b) be separately invested and administered by the Foundation Board; and
(c) not be disbursed for any purpose other than the Purpose of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
2. A professional investment firm or counselor may be chosen by the Foundation Board to carry out the investment of Pinebrook Educational Foundation Funds. Risk levels and investment criteria shall be determined by the Foundation Board and approved by the BFC Executive Board.
3. The Pinebrook Educational Foundation may be the transferee of funds:
(a) existing Pinebrook Junior College endowment funds;
(b) donations or bequests to, and annuity arrangements made for the benefit of Pinebrook Junior College (or the Berean Bible School);
(c) grants from foundations;
(d) proceeds from general and endowment investments; and
(e) other sources acceptable with respect to the tax-exempt status of the Church.
4. Funds shall be used to disburse grants, scholarships and/or loans in accordance with the Purpose of Pinebrook Educational Foundation and to pay administrative costs of the Pinebrook Educational Foundation.
a. The Foundation Board shall formulate rules for the administration of all Funds. These shall be subject to review by the BFC Executive Board.
b. Administrative costs shall be paid from the General Fund (as defined in Section 5 herein) subject to the approval of the Foundation Board and review by the BFC Executive Board.
Section 5 – Aid Projects/Designated Accounts
A. The Pinebrook Educational Foundation shall be structured to include many types of aid to Christian higher education in accordance with its purpose. Specific programs of aid shall be designated by the Foundation Board as separately administered endowment or current gift “funds” or “accounts” (“Designated Accounts”) within the Foundation.
B. A donation identified by a donor for the support of a specific Designated Account shall be used to fund such Designated Account. Designated Account Funds shall be expended by the Foundation Board in furtherance of the specific aid project(s) for which the Designated Account has been established.
C. Undesignated donations shall go to a General Fund from which administrative costs shall be paid and Board directed grants, loans and scholarships shall be made.
D. Donors shall be encouraged to contribute to Designated Accounts set up as endowments in order to insure a continuous stream of proceeds for the future. However, donations to Designated Accounts which expend non-endowment restricted (“current gift”) funds are also encouraged.
E. Additionally, sizable initial gifts may be used to establish a Designated Account (as an endowment or current gift fund) of the donor’s choosing, subject to Foundation Board approval.
F. There shall be compliance with donor limitations and/or restrictions on Funds received from (or donated, bequeathed, etc. to or for the benefit of) Pinebrook Junior College.
Section 6 – Miscellaneous Regulations
A. Bylaws
The Bylaws of the Foundation Board may be amended by majority vote of the total membership of the Foundation Board at a regular or special meeting.
B. General
The Foundation Board shall be empowered to adopt policies and regulations in addition to its Bylaws. Such policies and regulations must be in conformity with the F&O of the BFC and within the rules, decisions, and directives of the BFC Conference.
C. Quorum
Four Board Members attending a duly announced meeting of the Foundation Board shall constitute a quorum. Unless otherwise specified, a majority vote shall mean a simple majority of those attending any meeting of the Foundation Board in which there is a quorum.
12. Resolved, that 512-13 “Board of Church Health” be changed to 511-3 “Church Health Committee” and that the same change of terms be implemented throughout the F&O.
13. Resolved, that Duty 11 of the Board of Church Health be deleted.
14. Resolved, that 512-11 “Credentials Committee” be changed to 511-5 “Ministerial Credentials Committee” and that the same change of Terms be implemented throughout the F&O.
15. Resolved, that 508 “Agencies of BFC Conference” be replaced with 512 – BFC Departments as follows:
512 -1 The BFC, both through its particular churches and the BFC Conference, may enter in to joint endeavors to further the cause of Christ in the world. Concerns such as church-planting and cross-cultural missions, education and publication, camps and conferences are addressed more effectively by working together than by working alone.
512-2 In order to work together in these joint endeavors, the BFC Conference shall establish departments. The departments shall perform as the servants of the Bible Fellowship Church, shall operate in accordance with the guidelines of the BFC Conference, and shall be directly accountable to the BFC Executive Board.
512-3 Each department shall be headed by a department director. The department director is appointed by the BFC Executive Board, who shall implement and oversee a program which will advance the goals fo the department. The department director is overseen by the BFC Executive Director.
512-4 Each department is served by a department board, which shall assist the department director in achieving the goals of the department. The department board is elected internally, subject to the ratification of the BFC Executive Board. The number and terms of office for each department board is established in its bylaws.
512-5 Each department shall administer its own finances in conformity with policy approved by BFC Conference. Budgeting, fundraising, and auditing will be overseen by the BFC Executive Board. All gift annuities established by the departments shall be approved by the BFC Executive Board and reported annually.
512-6 All funds administered by the departments are held in trust for the BFC Conference. All real estate properties used by the departments are owned by the Bible Fellowship Church.
512-7 Each department shall submit an annual written report to the BFC Executive Board, which will in turn report annually to the BFC Conference on the status of each department.
16. Resolved, that 512-8 “Board of Pinebrook Bible Conference” add duty (7) as follows:
“It shall submit an annual written report to the BFC Executive Board..”
17. Resolved, that 512-2 “Board of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.” be deleted.
18. Resolved, that 513 “Miscellaneous Bylaws of BFC Conference” 513-2 be amended as follows:
The tenure of persons appointed or elected to study committees created for a specific assignment shall continue until the completion of the specific assignment. Vacancies due to death, resignation, or other crises shall be filled by further appointments or elections.