SEVENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1961
The Seventy-eighth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in Allentown Bethel Church, 526-30 N. Eighth St., Allentown, Pa.
The Conference opened at 9:00 a.m., Monday, October 9, with the singing of "Holy, Holy, Holy" and prayer by P. T. Stengele.
The Chairman of the Annual Conference, F. B. Hertzog, led in the responsive reading of Psalm 139, and reviewed the progress of the last year relating to the use of our time and talents in the service of the Lord.
District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood, conducted a season of prayer and gave a Communion Meditation on Colossians 1:21, 22.
The Communion service, in which the entire Conference participated, was a time of real fellowship and rejoicing in the Lord.
REPORT OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Organist for morning devotions — Robert W. Gehret
Song Leaders: Daniel K. Ziegler (Mon., Tues., Wed.)
Byron C. Cassel (Thur., Fri.)
MONDAY: 9:00 a.m. Opening Address by the Chairman of the Annual Conference - F. B. Hertzog. (Address limited to 20 minutes)
Prayer Period and Communion Meditation conducted by C. E. Kirkwood, District Superintendent.
(Limited to 20 minutes)
Observance of the Lord's Supper.
TUESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions
Vocal Solo - Carl C. Cassel
Meditation - P. T. Stengele
WEDNESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions
Vocal Solo - LeRoy S. Heller
Meditation - John H. Riggall
THURSDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions
Vocal Solo - Ken Masterman
Meditation - Russell T. Allen
7:30 p.m. ORDINATION SERVICE in charge of
C. E. Kirkwood, D.S.
Song Leader - LeRoy S. Heller
Organist - Clarence Kauffman
Worship service to include a musical selection by a Pastors' Chorus directed by William A. Heffner.
Speaker - F. B. Hertzog, D. S.
FRIDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions
Vocal Selection - Preachers Quartet
Meditation - Rev. S. A. Witmer, Ph. D.
Executive Director of the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges
Note:The Committee recommends:
The morning devotional periods be limited to 30 minutes.
Committee:A. L. Seifert
Earl M. Hosler
David E. Thomann
Report was adopted.
The Secretary, N. H. Wolf, appointed the following assistants: Assistant Secretary, Ernest B. Hartman; Recording Secretary, Robert W. Smock.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained — Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, W. F. Heffner, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, A. G. Woodring.
Probationers — James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Reynold D. Gardner, Elwood L. Heiser, Robert F. Johnson, Daniel G. Ziegler.
Delegates
Allentown District
Allentown (Bethel), Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer
Reading, Robert Breitegam
Sunbury, A. F. Smith
Shamokin, T. Lamarn Manney
York, David Fahs
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Harrisburg, David F. Gardner
Lancaster, Horace A. Kauffman
Royersford, William R. Hunsberger
Spring City, R. S. Weidner
Graterford and Harleysville, S. A. Hackman
Nazareth and Catasauqua, A. W. Deppe
Lebanon, Charles W. Weaber
Lehighton, Edwin P. Yerger
Walnutport, Burton Deppe
Stroudsburg, George R. Fish
Bethlehem District
Bethlehem, A. Franklin Campbell
Philadelphia (Salem), Byron C. Cassel
Quakertown, George W. Krigor
Emmaus, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Easton, Allen F. La Rose
Fleetwood, Clayton E. Weber
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Wallingford, Rufus Spedden
Allentown (Salem), Allan C. Palmer
Scranton, Carl H. Kellerman
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Philadelphia (Calvary), Leon H. Naudasher
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Blandon, John I. Mengel
Staten Island, N.Y., Ralph D. Cole
Zionsville, John L. Shelly
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the pastor and delegates submitted, and when they arrive they shall be seated in the Conference Bar and further that alternate delegates be seated in the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the first seven pews to the front and right of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That no one be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission of the Chair, except A. L. Seifert, Clarence L. Kauffman and R. Paul Schaeffer.
The Committee appointed at the Annual Conference of 1960 presented a proposed agenda for this Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Committee on Examination of Travelling Elders be composed of the two District Superintendents and one member appointed by the chairman.
He appointed: W. B. Hottel.
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS: David E. Thomann, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Richard H. Kline.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE: Paul I. Wentz, Byron C. Cassel, S. A. Hackman, Roy E. Williams.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF LOCAL CONFERENCE RECORDS: E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, Russell T. Allen, Donald B. Schaeffer, Harvey J. Fritz, Richard H. Kline, James A. Beil, Robert F. Johnson, Bert N. Brosius, George E. Herb, T. Lamarn Manney, David F. Gardner, Edwin P. Yerger, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, Leon Naudasher, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, David H. Fahs, George R. Fish, John I. Mengel, John L. Shelly, A. W. Deppe, Allen C. Palmer, Ralph D. Cole, Reynold D. Gardner.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF TRAVELING ELDERS: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood and W. B. Hottel.
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS: Appointed at Adjourned Session. Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF APPLICANTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE LICENSE: Jansen E. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. B. Hottel, John H. Riggall, W. W. Hartman.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR ORDINATION: C. E. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, David E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach, A. L. Seifert.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS: John H. Riggall, Earl M. Hosler, Elwood L. Heiser, Carl C. Cassel.
COMMITTEE ON AUDITING: T. D. Gehret, Daniel K. Ziegler, James G. Koch, Rufus Spedden, R. S. Weidner, Clayton E. Weber, Robert W. Gehret, Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer, Edward J. Dietzman, Harold A. Mann, Robert Breitegam, William R. Hunsberger, George W. Krigor, Horace A. Kauffman, A. F. Smith, A. Franklin Campbell.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECORDS: Frank L. Herb, Jr., Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
REPORTER: R. C. Reichenbach.
TIME KEEPER: Daniel G. Ziegler.
REPORT OF DISCIPLINE EXAMINATION
This is to certify that on Wednesday, September 13, 1961, M. Leslie Campbell was examined on the Discipline, Articles of Faith and Supplemental Rules, of the Bible Fellowship Church and received a grade of 81.
F. B. Hertzog, D. S.
Examiner
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That M. Leslie Campbell be referred to the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
The following Church Extension ministers were present during the Conference: M. Leslie Campbell, Alva C. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert J. Entler, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert E. McIntyre, Leon K. Overpeck, Richard R. Ruth, Norman R. Weiss.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 3:30 p.m.
Adjourned at 11:10 a.m. with prayer by John H. Riggall.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 9, 1961
The meeting was opened at 3:30 p.m. with the singing of "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" and Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., led in prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Youth Fellowship General Committee: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we have three (3) Retreats in September 1962. The first retreat on August 31-September 2 for post-High School and College age young people; the second on September 7-9 for Senior High School age young people; the third on September 14-16 for Junior High School age young people. Each of these would be held at Victory Valley Camp; each would begin with Friday evening meal and close with Sunday noon meal.
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Report of the Laymen's Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Victory Valley Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee over District Superintendents:
We wish to report that to the best of our knowledge and belief, the two District Superintendents have fulfilled their duties well and have served in a Spirit-filled and godly manner.
W. W. Hartman,
Frank L. Herb, Jr.
P. T. Stengele,
Committee
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet this evening at 6:30 o'clock.
Adjourned, 4:45 p.m. with prayer by Frank L. Herb, Jr.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, October 9, 1961
The meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. with the singing of "Blessed Assurance" and A. G. Woodring led in prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports)
Report of the Bethlehem District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood: (See Reports)
Report of the Allentown District Superintendent, F. B. Hertzog: (See Reports)
Report of the Church Extension Director, William A. Heffner: (See Reports)
Report of the President of Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Church Extension: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Education: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
Resolved, That Austin G. Shelly be referred to the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Home: (See Reports)
The Board announces that brochures of the Nazareth Home have been printed and are available for distribution.
Whereas, We have learned from the Board of Directors that Pastor Paul T. Stengele of Reading, Pa., a minister in the Bible Fellowship Church for a period of forty-three years, has submitted a letter to the Board requesting permission to retire from the active ministry as of this Annual Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That his request be granted.
Adjourned 8:20 p.m. with prayer by Willard E. Cassel.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, October 10, 1961
The meeting was opened at 9:00 a.m. with the singing of "Praise Ye the Triune God" and W. W. Hartman led in prayer.
A stirring address was given by P. T. Stengele using Ephesians 2:11-13: Acts 17:27 and Psalm 139:1-6. He emphasized the fact that "the sense of God's presence is the flow of our entire Christian ministry."
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Conference recessed at 9:45 a.m.
Business was resumed at 11:00 a.m.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We have examined all the Pastors through their respective delegates and have found our ministering brethren to be true men of God who are preaching the Word, growing spiritually themselves, living consistent Christian lives and seeking to meet the needs of their people.
We therefore recommend them for future service among us.
C. E. Kirkwood
F. B. Hertzog
W. B. Hottel,
Committee
Report of the Committee on Examination of Local Conference Records:
We have examined all Local Conference Records and have found them to be correct except for a few omissions and minor errors which were corrected by the Pastors concerned.
The following petitions were found:
Petition #1
Lebanon, Pennsylvania: Whereas the Internal Revenue Service requests full and proper receipts for Church giving,
Resolved, that the congregation of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church petition the Annual Conference to prepare and print receipt forms that will be available for all the churches.
Petition #2
Nazareth and Catasauqua: Whereas it is believed to be feasible, desirable, and for the best interest of both churches to break up the circuit consisting of the Bible Fellowship Churches located at Nazareth and Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, therefore,
Resolved that we petition the Annual Conference convening at Allentown, Pa., on October 9, 1961, to assign to the Nazareth and Catasauqua Congregations their own Pastors as soon as possible.
Petition # 3
Allentown (Bethel): Resolved, that we petition the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convening at Bethel Church in Allentown on October 9, 1961 to abolish the regulation stating that no Pastor shall serve any church longer than nine consecutive years.
Whereas, We have noted a difference in practice in the completion of the Summary Sheet to the Local Conference Minutes, therefore,
Resolved, That the names listed on the Summary be the names of the Officers who have reported to the Local Conference during the year.
Attention is called to the 1959 Year Book P. 25 relative to Congregational Meetings for election of Church Officers:
"Resolved, That the minutes of the Congregational Meeting at which the Church Officers are elected be included with the Local Conference Minutes."
E. W. Bean Burton Deppe
W. B. Hottel Charles W. Weaber
Russell T. Allen Leon Naudasher
Donald B. Schaeffer Allen F. LaRose
Harvey J. Fritz Carl H. Kellerman
Richard H. Kline David W. Fahs
James A. Bell George R. Fish
Robert F. Johnson John I. Mengel
Bert N. Brosius John L. Shelly
George E. Herb A. W. Deppe
T. Lamarn Manney Allan C. Palmer
David F. Gardner Ralph D. Cole
Edwin P. Yerger Reynold G. Gardner
Committee.
Resolved, That the petition of the Nazareth and Catasauqua Bible Fellowship Churches be referred to the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we determine who are the preachers willing to minister the coming year according to the direction of the Conference and our Discipline.
The following ministering brethren responded "yea" to the roll call: Russell T. Allen, E. W. Bean, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel. John Dunn, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Reynold D. Gardner, Elwood L. Heiser, Robert F. Johnson, Daniel G. Ziegler.
Adjourned with prayer by E. W. Bean.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 10, 1961
The meeting was opened with the singing of "Amazing Grace" and James G. Koch led in prayer. Carl C. Cassel rendered, "Teach Me Thy Way" as a solo.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Rev. Ronald Hoyle, missionary to France, Rev. David Watkins of Ipswich, Mass., and Rev. LeRoy Bickel of Fitchburg, Mass., were invited by the Chairman to briefly address the conference.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Church Publication: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee to Study Pastoral Support:
The committee to study pastoral support, insurance and the establishing of the District Superintendent's salary met on several occasions throughout the conference year.
The following recommendations are submitted for your prayerful consideration:
1. A pamphlet shall be prepared and printed by the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee covering pastoral support, to be freely distributed throughout our Churches and Missions.
2. A letter shall be sent to our Churches receiving appropriations. The form of the letter shall stress the following:
A. The importance of tithing.
B. The fact that it is Scriptural for a Church to become self-supporting as well as self-governing.
C. The thought that Church Extension offerings should be used primarily for Church Extension work, not for the support of long established churches.
a. The reason for opening new churches.
b. The cost of opening new churches.
D. The fact that Conference has made appropriations to your church for the past years.
E. A definite recommendation as to the increase in Steward offerings to be made over the previous year, using October 1 to September 30 as a basis for comparison so that ultimately, appropriations may be discontinued.
F. The proper channeling of funds.
3. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee of Annual Conference shall elect a sub-committee of five laymen from the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee plus the two District Superintendents to carry out instructions of Annual Conference with regard to the financial support of our pastors.
4. Each church shall establish its own minimum support that it will pay its pastor. This action shall be by the Official Board annually at its first meeting after annual conference. This meeting should be held no later than November 1. Report of this action by the Official Board shall be made to the local congregation for approval with the first Delegate presiding at a meeting held not later than November 15.
F. B. Hertzog Daniel K. Ziegler
C. E. Kirkwood Byron C. Cassel
R. W. Gehret Clarence L. Kauffman,
Roy E. Williams
Committee.
Resolved That we adopt this report and also approve the recommendations.
Report of the Committee to Study District Superintendent Support:
Complying with the action of Annual Conference, the committee, minus the two District Superintendents discussed the amount of and method of obtaining the District Superintendent(s) salary.
We recommend the following to Annual Conference:
1. The District Superintendent's salary be set at $9,000 for the conference year 1961-62. He shall continue to pay the cost of his own utilities and travel expenses in connection with the work in his own district.
2. Each Church in our Annual Conference shall remit on November 1, February 1, May 1, and August 1, a minimum sum equal to one dollar per member (membership as reported at Annual Conference 1961) to the secretary of the Board of Directors to be placed in a salary fund for the District Superintendent. The conference treasurer shall send to each District Superintendent on the first of each month, starting November 1, 1961, a salary check of $750. Should there be at any time a surplus in the District Superintendent Salary Fund, it shall be used in connection with the parsonages of the District Superintendents at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
R. W. Gehret Daniel K. Ziegler
Clarence L. Kauffman Byron C. Cassel
Roy E. Williams
Committee
Resolved, That this report be tabled.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m.
Adjourned 5:00 p.m. with prayer by Robert Breitegam.
Sixth Meeting
Tuesday Evening, October 10th, 1961
The meeting was opened with the singing of "Lead On O King Eternal." Donald B. Schaeffer led in prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
(Second Reading)
WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING:
Duty #1 under the District Superintendents shall read as follows: The District Superintendents shall visit each appointment quarterly. Two of these visits shall be for complete Sundays. He shall be Chairman of the two Local Conferences.
WHEREAS, there will be less visits of the District Superintendents with less opportunity to receive offerings for their support, therefore,
WE RECOMMEND that the District Superintendents be salaried.
WE RECOMMEND the following changes in our Standing Rules so that they will conform to the above changes in our Church Government:
Supplemental Standing Rules. Local Conference, Section I p. 1 shall read as follows: Each Congregation shall hold at least two Local Conferences each Conference year.
Supplemental Standing Rules, Local Conference, Section III #3, p. 1 shall read as follows: The election of all Church Officers shall be held shortly before the Second Local Conference at congregational meeting(s) which has been announced at three services, and their term of office shall begin immediately after said Local Conference.
Supplemental standing Rules, Local Conference, Section III #4 p. 1 shall read as follows: The following Delegates shall be elected at the time of the election of all Church Officers. They shall serve in the order listed.
Resolved, That the above section from the report of the Government Committee be tabled.
WE RECOMMEND the following addition to Supplemental Standing Rules, Local Conference, Section III. p. 1. The following to be #4; present #4 to be #5:
4. The following shall be the procedure in case of death, resignation or removal of an Officer.
a. The Official Board shall review and act upon the resignation or removal of any Local Conference Officer.
b. The Official Board shall determine the time of a congregational election to fill the unexpired term of the Local Conference Officer due to death, resignation or removal.
We recommend the formation of a Credentials Committee as a substitute for the following:
a. Committee to Examine Traveling Elders.
b. Committee to Examine Applicants for Annual Conference License.
c. Committee to Examine Candidates for Ordination.
d. Committee to Examine District Superintendents, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries.
e. Committee Over the District Superintendents. (Please note that the present Committee Over the District Superintendents is composed of three members — this would be the three members of the Credentials Committee exclusive of the District Superintendents.)
f. Yeas and Nays Roll Call.
This Committee shall be a standing committee that shall function throughout the year. (The Committee for Examination of Candidates for the Ministry would have jurisdiction over the Candidate until he is ready for ordination. The Credentials Committee would have the jurisdiction over all men who are ordained by the Bible Fellowship Church.)
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
Election — The Credentials Committee shall be composed of the District Superintendents and three ordained ministers elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference.
Duties —
1. The Credentials Committee shall examine all candidates for ordination. This examination shall take place at least one month prior to Annual Conference.
2. It shall recommend candidates for ordination to the Annual Conference. It shall recommend the place and time for the ordination service.
3. It shall have the oversight of all men who hold credentials with the Annual Conference.
4. It shall receive annually a report from the District Superintendents relative to the pastors on their Districts.
5. It shall annually send to all ministers a Faith and Order Questionnaire containing the following:
Faith and Order Questionnaire
a. Are you willing to subscribe to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church? Yes or No
b. If you are unwilling to subscribe to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, state specifically your reason(s).
c. Will you endeavor to follow the Rules of Order of the Bible Fellowship Church? Yes or No
d. Are you willing to serve a church(es) as stationed by the Annual Conference through Pulpit Supply? Yes or No
e. This questionnaire is to be signed and returned to the Credentials Committee by September 1.
(SEAL)
6. It shall compile the Availability List for Pulpit Supply on the basis of the District Superintendents' Reports and the Faith and Order Questionnaire.
7. It shall deal with charges brought against any minister or cases for suspension presented by the District Superintendents.
a. It shall request the accused individual to be present during the hearing of the case.
b. It shall have the power to suspend.
c. Any individual suspended shall have the right of appeal to the Annual Conference.
8. It shall receive charges brought against any minister which are presented in writing and properly signed by the party or parties bringing the charges.
9. It shall submit a report to the Annual Conference.
The Supplemental Standing Rules, Pulpit Supply, Local Conference Action, #4 (last sentence) shall be changed to read — "It shall be furnished by the Credentials Committee."
Willard E. Cassel Harold A. Mann
R. C. Reichenbach James G. Koch
William A. Heffner Rufus Spedden
Carl C. Cassel George E. Herb
A. L. Wentz Donald T. Kirkwood
Committee
Report was adopted.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY ARTICLES OF FAITH
(Second Reading)
Article
FREE AGENCY
In his original creation man was endowed with freedom to will1 and to do good or evil. But by the fall of Adam man forfeited his freedom of the Will.
Man has not lost his free moral agency in that he retains the freedom to act in accordance with his fallen sinful nature.2
Apart from God's infinite grace man cannot will or do anything necessary to his salvation.3 God causes man to will and to do His Will.4
I Ephesians 2:1-3 — 2 Romans 3:10-12 — 3Romans 9:16 — 4James 1:18.
Article
THE ETERNAL STATE
There are two final destinies for man, heaven for the righteous and penitent, and hell for the unrighteous and impenitent.1 At the great white throne judgment, all 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 wherein dwelleth righteousness shall be created3 as the final state in which the righteous shall dwell forever in the presence of God.4
1Matthew 25:46 — 2Revelation 20:11-15 — 3II Peter 3:10-13 — 4Revelation 21:3.
Article
ORDINANCES
BAPTISM — Water baptism,1 the immersion of the believer, is a visible testimony to the work of regeneration2 and a mark of identification and union with Christ.3 It has no saving or cleansing power, but is the answer of a good conscience before God, hence, should only be administered to those who have, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, realized the forgiveness of sins and have the assurance of acceptance with God.
1Acts 8:36 — 2Acts 2:41 — 3Matthew 28:19,20; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:11,12.
THE LORD'S SUPPER — The Lord's Supper is an ordinance of the New Testament,1 wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, His death is proclaimed.2 They that worthily partake in remembrance of Him, feed upon Him to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace,3 have their union and communion with Him confirmed, testify and renew their thankfulness and commitment to God4 and their mutual love and fellowship each with the other as members of the same mystical body.5
The Scriptures direct that each one examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup "until He comes."6
1Luke 22:19,20 — 2I Corinthians 11:26 — 3John 6:55,56 — 4I Corinthians 10:21 — 5I Corinthians 10:17 — 6I Corinthians 11:26.
Article
DIVINE HEALING
It is the believer's privilege to seek the will of the Lord in matters of physical healing. This healing whether by natural, medical or supernatural means must come from the Omnipotent God who created the human body. The believer may implore the Lord for physical restoration according to the Scriptures,1 and if the healing is for the highest glory of God, His power will be displayed.2
1James 5:14-16 — 2John 11:4.
Article
ELECTION
Election is a free act of the sovereign God in which from eternity,1 and for reasons known only to Himself2 and apart from any goodness in man He graciously chose from among the fallen mankind a people unto salvation,3 that they might be conformed to Christ's image.4 Those so chosen He redeemed,5 by His Son and seals by His Spirit.6
1Ephesians 1:4,11 — 2Matthew 11:27 (ASV) — 3II Timothy 1:9 — 4Ephesians 4:13 — 5II Thessalonians 2:13 — 6Ephesians 1:13.
Article
PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
Salvation is the work of God from its commencement to its consummation.1 Those regenerated by the Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit become partakers of the divine nature.2 They are preserved by the power of God,3 so that they shall never totally or finally fall away,4 but shall persevere unto the end.5
1 Romans 8:29,30 — 2 II Peter 1:4 — 3Philippians 1:6; I Peter 1:5 — 4John 10:27-29; I Corinthians 1:8; I John 2:19 — 5II Thessalonians 3:3,4.
Article
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the personal, visible, bodily return of our Lord to this earth,1 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 tribulations5 and the inauguration of the millennial reign.6 Following the millennium there will be the resurrection and judgment of the unrighteous. The righteous will be eternally glorified with Him, the unrighteous will be eternally punished.
It 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
1John 14:2,3; Acts 1:11 — 2I John 3:2; I Corinthians 15:51,52 — 3I Thessalonians 4:13-18 — ' 4Romans 11:25b,26a — 5Matthew 24:21— 6Revelation 20:6 — 7John 3:3.
C. E. Kirkwood Jansen E. Hartman
Daniel G. Ziegler P. T. Stengele
F. B. Hertzog Robert W. Smock
Donald T. Kirkwood
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the Government Committee produce an inexpensively printed pocket-size booklet containing our Articles of Faith and By-Laws as pertain to duties of members and the financial and electoral structure of the Church. This booklet shall be produced as a self-liquidating project.
Adjourned 9:00 p.m. with prayer by James A. Beil.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday Morning, October 11, 1961
The meeting was opened with singing of "Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart" and Elwood L. Heiser led in prayer.
During the devotion period, John H. Riggall chose as his theme, "The Compassion of Jesus as Found in the Gospel of John."
LeRoy S. Heller sang a solo entitled "In Tenderness He Sought Me."
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That T. D. Gehret be excused tomorrow to officiate at a funeral.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and recess to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 2:10 p.m. with the singing of "Blessed Assurance."
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Report was adopted.
Alva C. Cassel and Norman R. Weiss were invited to sit in the Conference Bar.
Russell Baker, missionary to Africa, and Austin G. Shelly, missionary to Venezuela, spoke briefly of the Lord's blessing upon them and their labors.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
(Second Reading)
The Ministerial Candidate Committee met six times during the year. The problem of enlisting and choosing men for the ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church was discussed in the light of the formation of this committee, its objectives and its duties. This committee did not examine any candidates this year.
This committee makes the following recommendations to the Annual Conference:
1. The OBJECTIVE of the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall be: To provide the Bible Fellowship Church with a ministry that is called of God, true to the Word, filled with the Holy Spirit, dedicated wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ and thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2. The DUTIES of the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall be as follows:
(1) To receive applications from all those who offer themselves for service in the Bible Fellowship Church.
(2) To take under care the candidates and probationers while in training.
(3) To examine those who offer themselves for service in our Church determining as far as possible the sincerity and genuineness of their call to the ministry.
(4) To ascertain as far as possible whether the candidates and probationers have the Scriptural qualifications of a minister of the Word of God.
(5) To safeguard the doctrinal purity of the Church by exercising vigilance when examining prospective ministers concerning their beliefs and practices endeavoring to approve only those who are committed without reservation to the authority of the Scriptures and the doctrines and practices of our Church as the system of doctrine taught in Scripture.
(6) To license probationers for the Annual Conference prior to ordination.
(7) To recommend qualified probationers to the Credentials Committee for ordination examination.
3. The TERMS used to designate the classification of those under the care of this committee shall be applicant, candidate and probationer. An applicant is a man who offers himself to this committee for service in the Bible Fellowship Church. A candidate is a man whose application is accepted and who remains under the guidance of this committee. A probationer is a man who has been approved by this committee, has passed an examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, and is working under the jurisdiction of the Board of Church Extension or the Board of Foreign Missions.
4. The PROCEDURE to be followed by an individual offering himself for service in the Bible Fellowship Church shall be as follows:
(1) The applicant would make known to the Chairman of the Ministerial Candidate Committee his desire to serve in the Bible Fellowship Church,
(2) The applicant will fill out and file with the committee an application received from the Chairman, which shall include the following: personal information; approval of his local conference; letters of recommendation from his pastor, a former employer, and a former instructor.
(3) The candidate will carry out a program of personal development and training developed in consultation with this committee.
(4) When this committee believes that he is prepared and when the candidate is ready to enter the work of the Bible Fellowship Church; upon approval of this committee, the candidate will be recommended to the Board of Church Extension or the Board of Foreign Missions. Part of this approval is passing the Examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
(5) During the time of work with the Board of Church Extension or the Board of Foreign Missions, the probationer will be under the jurisdiction of this committee; and his work will be under the jurisdiction of the Board with whom he works.
(6) At the end of the probationary period, upon approval of this committee, the probationer will be recommended to the Credentials Committee and his probationary period will cease. To serve as a candidate and probationer does not guarantee being recommended for ordination examination.
Donald T. Kirkwood, Chairman, William A. Heffner,
Carl C. Cassel, Secretary, P. T. Stengele,
Jansen E. Hartman,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Report of the Committee to Study Camp Meetings:
A Meeting of Bible Fellowship Pastors was held Monday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock, October 31, 1960 in the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Shamokin, Pa., to review the Agenda on Mizpah Grove Utilization, as submitted at the last Annual Conference. District Superintendent, F. B. Hertzog, served as Chairman and N. H. Wolf was secretary. The Chairman appointed 7 discussion groups. Recommendations were submitted for further study and were discussed at the Ministerial Convention on May 2nd at Victory Valley.
The Ministerial Convention elected a committee to continue the study of the program and formulate a report for presentation to Annual Conference. This Committee authorized a questionnaire to be sent to all the pastors of our Conference. On the basis of the returns from this questionnaire, it is apparent that our Pastors favor the continuation of camp meetings, with certain improvements being considered essential.
We recommend that Annual Conference elect a committee of 7 ministering brethren, including the District Superintendents, to study program, grounds and facilities for future use of Camp Meetings.
Jansen E. Hartman, Chairman C. E. Kirkwood Earl M. Hosler,
Robert W. Smock, Secretary T. D. Gehret
F. B. Hertzog A. L. Seifert
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the name of the publication containing the doctrines and discipline of our Church shall be entitled, Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, That the Committee to Study Forms of the Church shall formulate a statement on dedication of children.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn and meet at 6:30 p.m Adjourned 5:00 p.m. with prayer by A. Franklin Campbell.
Eighth Meeting
Wednesday Evening, October 11, 1981
The meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. with the singing of "Where His Footprints Go I Will Follow" and R. Paul Schaeffer led in prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the last meeting were approved.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FORMS
BAPTISM
(See Article on Ordinances)
(See Duties of Ordinances and Practices Committee)
At the appointed time and place of the baptismal service, there shall be singing and prayer, after which the officiating minister may give a brief address.
QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. Can you testify that through repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ you have experienced the forgiveness of your sin and enjoy peace with God?
If so, answer, "yes."
2. Are you willing to renounce the world, shun all the ways of sin, cleave unto the Lord, and serve Him only?
If so, answer, "yes."
3. Are you willing to be taught from the Word of God and to yield obedience to all that God enjoins upon you?
If so, answer, "yes."
ACT OF BAPTISM
The minister shall immerse the candidate one time backward, saying: (Name) upon the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, I baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
MARRIAGE
(See Articles on Marriage and Divorce)
Prior to the ceremony, the Minister should arrange an interview with the couple and counsel them concerning the ideals of marriage.
At the time appointed for the solemnization of matrimony, the persons to be married shall stand together, the man on the minister's left hand and the woman on the right hand.
THE CEREMONY
(Suggested Procedure)
(An invocation, scripture, and/or a charge to the couple may appropriately be given here.)
Dearly beloved: We are gathered together in the sight of God and in the presence of this company to join together this man and this woman in the bonds of Holy Matrimony. This honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, is a symbol of the mystical union of Christ and His Church which He purchased with His own blood at Calvary. As Christ's love for the Church is sacred, in like manner marriage is sacred and is not to be entered into inadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Be ye well assured that if any persons are joined together otherwise than God's Word allows, their marriage is not blessed of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined.
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
(The one who presents the bride in marriage shall make appropriate reply such as "I do" or "Her mother and I" after which the minister shall say to him, "Take her right hand and place it in his right hand signifying that you surrender her to his care and keeping for life.")
TO THE GROOM:
Do you take this woman whose hand you now hold, to be your true and wedded wife and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, cherish, honor, and protect her, and her only, forsaking all others for her sake, as long as you both shall live? If so, answer, "I do."
TO THE BRIDE:
Do you take this man who now holds your hand, to be your true and wedded husband, and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, honor, cherish, obey and protect him; to forsake all others for his sake and to cleave unto him, and him only, so long as you both shall live? If so, answer, "I do."
(The Minister shall then ask the Groom to repeat after him the following:)
I, take thee, to be my wedded wife; to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, and thereto I pledge my troth.
(The Minister shall then ask the Bride to repeat after him the following:)
I, take thee, to be my wedded husband; to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, and thereto I pledge my troth.
You may now give and receive the marriage rings, as a pledge and in token of the vows between you made.
(Join your right hands.)
Inasmuch as and have taken these sacred vows in the presence of God and this assembled group, now therefore by the authority conferred upon me by the Church of Jesus Christ and by the laws of the state of pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In this new relationship let me remind you that hereafter you are one in interests, one in reputation, and above all, one in affection. These, therefore, whom God has joined together let not man put asunder.
Prayer may be offered, if desired.
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.
FUNERAL SERVICE
(THE SERVICE - Suggested Procedure)
Beloved: We are gathered together in the name of Christ to pay our last respects in memory of . The comfort in this hour is found in the Holy Scriptures. Let us hear what they say.
The scripture reading may be followed by prayer, hymns, poems, an appropriate message, words of comfort, and a closing prayer.
As we depart, may I remind each of you that every man stands before God in a day of judgment. Blessed are they whose hearts are prepared to meet their God.
We invite you to join with us for the service of committal at cemetery.
COMMITTAL
(as per discipline)
(From "I am the resurrection etc. to their works do follow them.") Benediction.
DEDICATION OF CHURCHES
(See Article on The Church)
District Superintendent: Beloved, it behooves us in this solemn hour, to appear before the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, the Source and Giver of all good, who has given us the desire and the ability to build this house, and it being now accomplished by His help, we therefore dedicate it to His service.
Our Blessed Redeemer gives us the precious assurance that He will meet with His people where they assemble themselves.
Thus encouraged and strengthened in faith, we have confidence that the Most High who inhabiteth eternity and dwelleth also in those who are born of His Spirit, will accept this house which we have built to His glory, at our hands, and regard it with good pleasure, to the salvation and benefit of those who may from time to time here assemble to magnify His holy Name.
Having this confidence, we now designate this house as the Bible Fellowship Church, unto the Triune God. We dedicate this house to the singing of His praise, the offering of thanksgiving, prayer, reading, expounding and preaching of His Word, the administration of the Ordinances, and the observance of such other devotional services as are according to the rules adopted and practiced in public worship by the Bible Fellowship Church agreeable with His Word. Here may His name be magnified and His Church increase through the salvation of men.
Pastor: Dearly Beloved God, our Heavenly Father, has prospered us and (enabled us by His grace to complete this house of worship. We are gathered here this day to dedicate this building to the honor and service of our Lord. Within His house of worship the Word of God will be truly preached, His ordinances faithfully administered, prayer and praise freely offered unto Him Who, above all, is worthy. We desire that this shall be His house, and the place of His presence. We are thankful unto Him and bless His name.
People: The Lord is Good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endureth to all generations.
Pastor: To God, the Everlasting Father, in Whom we live and move and have our being, and from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift, by Whose mercy and grace we are saved.
People: We do now with gratitude solemnly dedicate this church.
Pastor: To the service of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Who loved us and gave himself for us, Who rose again and liveth forevermore, to Him Who is the way, the truth, and the life.
People: We dedicate this house of worship.
Pastor: To the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide, by Whom alone is wrought the renewal of heart, Who leadeth us to repentance, and enricheth us through His work.
People: We dedicate this house of worship.
Pastor: For the comfort of those who mourn, for strength to those who