SEVENTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1962
The Seventy-ninth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in the Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, West Broad Street, Hatfield, Pennsylvania.
The Conference opened at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 15, with the singing of "The Church's One Foundation" led by Roy E. Williams and prayer by Byron C. Cassel and John E. Golla. District Superintendent C. E. Kirkwood read Philippians 3:10 and spoke of “The Sufferings and Compassion of Christ,” followed by a Communion service which was a time of heartsearching and Christian fellowship.
C. E. Kirkwood presented T. D. Gehret, Chairman of the Annual Conference, who then instructed the Secretary, N. H. Wolf, to appoint his assistants. He appointed Ernest B. Hartman Assistant Secretary and Robert W. Smock Recording Secretary.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM
Theme: Why the Bible Fellowship Church?
MONDAY 10:00 a.m. Communion Service
Leader and Speaker-C. E. Kirkwood
Song Leader-Roy E. Williams
Special Music-Daniel K. Ziegler
6:30 p.m. "Why the Bible Fellowship Church Began"- T. D. Gehret
TUESDAY 9:00 a.m. Scripture and Prayer-John E. Golla
Song Leader-Roy E. Williams
Special Music-Ministers' Quartet
"Why the Bible Fellowship Church Today"- F. B. Hertzog
WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Scripture and Prayer-James G. Koch
Song Leader-Roy E. Williams
Special Music-Bert N. Brosius
"Why the Bible Fellowship Church Today"- John H. Riggall
THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Scripture and Prayer-W. W. Hartman
Song Leader-Clarence L. Kauffman
Special Music-LeRoy S. Heller
"Why the Bible Fellowship Church Today"- Donald T. Kirkwood
7:30 p.m. Ordination Service
Presiding-Host Pastor
Speaker-William A. Heffner
Special Music-Pastors' Chorus
Charge to the Congregation-A. L. Seifert
Giving the Vows-T. D. Gehret
FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Scripture and Prayer-W. B. Hottel
Song Leader-Clarence L. Kauffman
Special Music-Ministers' Quartet
"Why the Bible Fellowship Church Today" - A. L. Seifert
The organist for all morning sessions will be Robert W. Gehret.
Jansen E. Hartman
Earl M. Hosler
Carl C. Cassel
Committee
The report was adopted.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained- Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Dean, Bert N. Brosius, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Reynold D. Gardner, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, Robert F. Johnson, 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, W. F. Heffner, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, A. G. Woodring.
Probationers- James A. Beil, Alva C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, Norman R. Weiss, Daniel G. Ziegler.
Delegates
Allentown District
Allentown (Bethel), Clarence L. Kauffman, Kermit K. Gehman
Reading, Robert Breitegam
Sunbury, Allan F. Smith
York, David H. Fahs
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Shamokin, T. Lamarn Manney
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Harrisburg, David F. Gardner
Royersford, William R. Hunsberger
Spring City, R. S. Weidner
Nazareth, Ralph Hendershot
Catasauqua, Warren Stuber
Graterford and Harleysville, S. A. Hackman
Walnutport, Burton Deppe
Lehighton, Floyd J. Thomas
Lebanon, Charles W. Weaber
Stroudsburg, George R. Fish
Lancaster, Horace A. Kauffman
Bethlehem District
Bethlehem, Paul H. Cressman
Emmaus, Paul I. Wentz
Philadelphia (Salem), Byron C. Cassel
Quakertown, George W. Krigor
Fleetwood, Norman L. Reed
Wallingford, Rufus Spedden
Easton, Allen F. LaRose
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Allentown (Salem), Allan C. Palmer
Philadelphia (Calvary), Donald L. Sedgwick
Blandon, John I. Mengel
Scranton, Carl H. Kellerman
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Staten Island, N.Y., Ralph D. Cole
Zionsville, John L. Shelly
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the brethren as 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 constitute the Conference Bar, and further that the eighth and ninth pews be reserved for Advisory Members.
Resolved, That no one be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission of the Chair except Carl C. Cassel and Daniel K. Ziegler.
The Committee on Agenda presented a proposed agenda for this Annual Conference.
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE: Paul I. Wentz, Byron C. Cassel, Roy E. Williams, Paul H. Cressman, S. A. Hackman.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS: C. E. Kirkwood, David E. Thomann, Russell T. Allen, Harvey J. Fritz.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECORDS: Earl M. Hosler, Richard H. Kline.
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS: W. W. Hartman, John H. Riggall, George E. Herb, Ernest B. Hartman, W. B. Hottel.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF LOCAL CONFERENCE RECORDS: F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, Donald B. Schaeffer, Bert N. Brosius, Robert F. Johnson, James A. Beil, Alva Cassel, Daniel G. Ziegler, Norman Weiss, Charles W. Weaber, Norman L. Reed, Carl H. Kellerman, John L. Shelly, George R. Fish, Floyd J. Thomas, Warren Stuber, Ralph W. Hendershot, David F. Gardner, Allan F. Smith, T. Lamarn Manney, Burton Deppe.
COMMITTEE ON AUDITING: James G. Koch, Daniel K. Ziegler, Robert W. Gehret, Robert Breitegam, Clarence L. Kauffman, Kermit K. Gehman, David H. Fahs, Horace A. Kauffman, William R. Hunsberger, R. S. Weidner, George W. Krigor, Ralph D. Cole, John I. Mengel, Edward J. Dietzman, Donald M. Sedgwick, Harold A. Mann, Allan C. Palmer, Rufus Spedden, Allen F. LaRose.
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS: (Appointed at Adjourned Session) Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn.
REPORTER: R. C. Reichenbach.
TIMEKEEPER: Reynold D. Gardner.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
The Credentials Committee of the Bible Fellowship Church held two regular meetings and several sub-committee meetings during the year.
During these meetings the committee fulfilled its purpose, and the obligations assigned to it by the Annual Conference.
The Faith and Order questionnaire was sent to each Minister in the Bible Fellowship Church and every Minister completed and returned his questionnaire. The differences of belief in the Faith and Order questionnaire were very few and did not include any of the cardinal doctrines of the Faith.
The committee, after an intensive ordination examination given to our Pastors, James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz and Alva C. Cassel believe that these men are called of God to the Gospel Ministry. They have served acceptably during their probationary period of ministry within our Conference, and are in complete accord with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
The committee received favorable reports concerning the Ministers of the Conference from the District Superintendents, and certain committee chairmen, and is thankful to the Lord for His giving of Godly, conscientious Ministers to the Bible Fellowship Church.
The Credentials Committee has accepted the resignation of Elwood L. Heiser as of June 30, 1962.
The committee makes the following recommendations to the Annual Conference:
1 . That Pastors, James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz, and Alva C. Cassel be ordained during the Thursday evening service of Annual Conference at the Bible Fellowship Church in Hatfield, Pa.
2. Ordained ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church who are called to the faculty or staff of the Berean Bible School shall continue to be accountable to the Credential Committee of the Annual Conference.
3. Men who feel called to the teaching ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and who have not been licensed or ordained by Annual Conference and whose preparation qualifies them for teaching shall serve a two year probationary period at Berean Bible School and if approved by the Board of Education, they shall recommend them to the Credential Committee of Annual Conference for status as a teacher.
4. The Credential Committee recommends that another classification be created to be known as "approved teacher" and an appropriate certificate be issued and their names be carried on the official register of the Annual Conference under the heading of "Approved Teacher."
Respectfully submitted,
John H. Riggall, Secretary
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman
John H. Riggall
F. B. Hertzog
T. D. Gehret
W. B. Hottel
Credentials Committee
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 3:30 p.m.
Adjourned at 11:30 a.m. with prayer by Richard H. Kline.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 15, 1962
The Meeting was opened at 3:30 p.m. with singing, "He Keeps Me Singing and P. T. Stengele led in prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the first meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Youth Fellowship General Committee: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That every Bible Fellowship Sunday School receive an offering for denominational Sunday School promotion. This offering should be mailed to the Financial Secretary of the Committee before April 1, 1963.
Resolved, That we hold a Denominational Sunday School Convention on Saturday, May 18, 1963, in the Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Reading, Pa.
Report of the Laymen's Benevolent Society: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That the officers of the Laymen's Benevolent Society under the supervision of the Board of Directors be authorized to make disposition of each account as they see fit.
Report of the Victory Valley Board: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That the dates for the camps in 1963 shall be as follows:
July 6-13 Girls 8-12 years old.
July 13-20 Girls 8-12 years old.
July 20-27 Junior High boys and girls.
July 27-Aug. 3 Junior High boys and girls.
Aug. 3-10 Senior High boys and girls.
Aug. 10-17 Boys 8-12 years old.
Aug. 17-24 Boys 8-12 years old.
Resolved, That the Sunday School of each Bible Fellowship Church receive an offering for Victory Valley Camp before March 1, 1963. This check may be made payable to Victory Valley Camp and sent to the secretary of the Victory Valley Board.
Resolved, That the facilities of Victory Valley Camp be available for limited use by groups from Bible Fellowship Churches. Arrangements for such use shall be made through and offerings sent to the secretary of the Board.
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Report)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet this evening from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Adjourned 4:20 p.m. with prayer by Robert Breitegam.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, October 15, 1962
The meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. by singing, "Blessed Assurance". Daniel G. Ziegler led in prayer.
The Chairman, T. D. Gehret, gave an address on the subject, "Why the Bible Fellowship Church Began".
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were adopted:
Report of the Allentown District Superintendent, F. B. Hertzog: (See Report)
Report of the Bethlehem District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood: (See Report)
Report of the Church Extension Director, William A. Heffner: (See Report)
Report of the President of Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Report)
At the request of the Chairman, the members of the Conference stood, expressing appreciation for the above men for their faithfulness to the duties assigned them.
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Report)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Report)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Church Extension: (See Report)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Education. (See Report)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the name of the Board of Education be changed to the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School.
Resolved, That the following procedures for meeting the needs of Berean Bible School this coming year shall be:
a. Proclamation of a day as Berean Bible School Day in the Sunday School and Churches at which time offerings shall be received in the schools and churches for the purpose of promoting interest and support of the School. Checks for these contributions shall be sent and made payable to the Berean Bible School, 1020 S. Hall St., Allentown, Pa.
b. A special offering shall be received at the annual Youth Rallies at Camp Meeting at Mizpah Grove.
c. The laymen of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School shall constitute a committee to work with all our churches to promote the advantages of training at Berean Bible School and formulate a plan to raise $25,000.00 needed to carry on the Berean Bible School program in the 1962-63 year. The District Superintendents shall be advisory members of the committee.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Home: (See Report)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That Pastors, James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz and Alva C. Cassel be ordained during the Thursday everting service of Annual Conference at the Bible Fellowship Church in Hatfield, Pa.
Resolved, That ordained ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church who are called to the faculty or staff of the Berean Bible School shall continue to be accountable to the Credentials Committee of the Annual Conference. (This is to be considered as first reading.)
Resolved, That the Credentials Committee bring to this Conference a recommendation for additional legislation required to implement carrying out of the duties of this committee.
Adjourned 9:00 p.m. with prayer by E. W. Bean.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, October 16, 1962
The meeting was opened at 9:00 a.m. with "May Jesus Christ Be Praised", led by Roy E. Williams. John E. Golla led in the responsive reading of Ephesians, Chapter 1 and invoked the blessing of the Lord upon the conference proceedings. A quartet of ministers sang the beautiful hymn, "From Every Stormy Wind that Blows."
F. B. Hertzog gave the second address dealing with the subject, "Why the Bible Fellowship Church Today".
The roll was called and the minutes of last night's meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Local Conference Records:
We have examined the Local Conference Records and have found them to be correct except for a few minor errors and omissions which were corrected by the pastors involved.
The following petitions were found:
Petition #1
Found in the Third Local Conference Records of the Bible Fellowship Churches of Graterford and Harleysville:
"Whereas the Graterford and Harleysville Congregations of the Bible Fellowship Church have prayed and given due consideration to the question of continuing as a circuit, and,
"Whereas both congregations deem it feasible and in the best interests to ask for a change of their status, therefore,
"Resolved that we petition the Seventy-ninth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convening at Hatfield, Pa., on October 15, 1962 to change their status from a circuit to individual stations and grant (to each) their own pastor just as soon as possible."
Petition #2
Found in the Fourth Local Conference Records of the Bible Fellowship Church of Walnutport, Pa.
"Resolved that the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Walnutport, Pa., relinquish its rights to choose a pastor under the Pulpit Supply system for the 1962-1963 Conference Year, and, further,
"Resolved that we petition the Annual Conference convening at Hatfield, Pa., in the month of October 1962 to supply the pulpit at Walnutport, Pa., for the said year."
Petition #3
Found in the Second Local Conference records of the Bible Fellowship Church, Reading, Pa.
"That churches desiring to continue the washing of the saints' feet be privileged to do so if this is approved by Local Conference Action."
Petition #4
Found in the Third Local Conference Record of the Bible Fellowship Church, Lebanon, Pa.
"Whereas, the congregation of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, has been able, by the grace of God and His bountiful provision, to support its pastor for more than a year at a rate that is well above the minimum established by the Annual Conference as a basis for membership on its Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee, and
"Whereas, it is the desire of the congregation to release the funds which it would receive in Church Extension appropriations in the future so that they may be used in the establishment of new Bible Fellowship Churches, therefore, be it,
"Resolved, that the congregation, at its third Local Conference, convened in the church Wednesday evening, March 21, 1962, hereby express its appreciation to its sister churches in the Bible Fellowship Church for their generous and faithful assistance during most or all of its fifty-one year history, and, be it further
"Resolved, that the congregation of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, hereby petition the Seventy-ninth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, convening on October 15, 1962 at Hatfield, Pennsylvania, to discontinue forthwith its Church Extension Appropriations and admit its duly elected delegate to membership on the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee."
Committee:F. B. Hertzog Daniel G. Ziegler Ralph Hendershot
E. W. Bean Norman R. Weiss David F. Gardner
Donald B. Schaeffer Charles W. Weaber Allan F. Smith
Bert N. Brosius Norman L. Reed T. Lamarn Manney
Robert F. Johnson Carl H. Kellerman Burton Deppe
James A. Beil John L. Shelly
Alva Cassel Warren Stuber
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That three petitions numbers 1, 2 and 4 found in the report of the Committee to Examine Local Conference Minutes be referred to the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
The Chairman appointed the following tellers: E. W. Bean, John Dunn, Russell T. Allen and Earl M. Hosler.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee of five including the pastor and delegate from Reading to work on the petition from Reading and to report to this Conference this week. He appointed F. B. Hertzog, Robert Breitegam, Carl Cassel, Clarence Kauffman and James G. Koch.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned 10:55 a.m. with prayer by W. B. Hottel.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 16, 1962
The meeting was opened with singing, "Heavenly Sunlight".
The roll was called and the minutes of the morning meeting were read and approved.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
The Ministerial Candidate Committee met fifteen times during the year to carry out its responsibilities. This was the first year of operation for the committee under the new rules and procedures adopted at the 78th Annual Conference. While continuing to study further developments of the system now in use, the committee put most of its efforts toward developing the forms and procedures necessary for the new program. The committee had correspondence with twenty-eight men throughout the year. Some of these were just inquiries which did not develop further; some were fruitful contacts which are still under care.
A probationer's license was granted to Mr. T. James Bigley on January 30, 1962, and to Messrs. Leroy J. Bickel, John H. Herb, Donald R. Knauer, David J. Watkins and Robert Paul on September 25, 1962. The committee revoked the license of Mr. Robert J. Entler as of December 11, 1961. Three men were recommended for ordination examination; they are Alva C. Cassel, James A. Bell and Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
The committee recommends recognition of the following men in their respective stages of development:
Probationers
Leroy J. Bickel, Trenton, N. J. 1962
T. James Bigley, Kenya, Africa 1962
Leonard Buck, Union of South Africa 1938
M. Leslie Campbell, Millersville, Pa 1961
Raymond R. Dotts, Miller Heights, Pa 1960
John H. Herb, Walnutport, Pa 1962
Roy Hertzog, France 1959
Donald R. Knauer, Allentown, Pa 1962
Ronald C. Mahurin, Denville, N. J. 1960
Robert E. McIntyre, Finesville, N. J. 1958
Leon K. Overpeck, Paradise, Pa 1938
Robert Paul, Emmaus, Pa 1962
Richard R. Ruth, Belvidere, N.J 1960
David J. Watkins, Binghamton, N.Y. 1962
Norman R. Weiss, Lancaster, Pa 1960
Daniel G. Ziegler, Lebanon, Pa 1960
Candidates
William A. Benedick, East Earl, Pa.
David L. Manney, Shamokin, Pa.
Theodore R. Shelling, New York, N.Y.
Harold C. Weaber, Lansdale, Pa.
Ronald K. Zuck, Quakertown, Pa.
Applicants
Bruce A. Ellingson, Glenside, Pa.
William L. Ernst, Lancaster, Pa.
Richard J. Gehman, Reading, Pa.
William Hedrick, Allentown, Pa.
George F. Lee, Jr., Mt. Carmel, Pa.
Donald Nilsson, Ft. Washington, Pa.
David K. Lilley, Essington, Pa.
Harold P. Shelly, Jr., Allentown, Pa.
Richard Woelkers, Scranton, Pa.
The following material is presented as a summary of some of the study done in the Candidate Committee this year; it is presented here to provide background for the legislation recommended at the end of this report.
The Ministerial Candidate Committee has as one of its duties: To recommend qualified probationers to the Credentials Committee for ordination examination.
The present regulations of the Bible Fellowship Church tie closely the ending of the probationary period to the kind of church a man serves. We now require that a man have a probationary license for at least three years, and that at least one of these years be as pastor of a conference appointment.
Does the Biblical picture encourage us to continue this kind of practice? The New Testament does not have a collection of specific rules pertaining to ordination, but its practice is rather clear. Men were set apart for different ministries to which God had called them. In Acts 6:5, 6 we read:
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man of full faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch; whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
The church at Jerusalem had lived with these men and, therefore, recommended them for responsibility. In Acts 13:2, 3 we read:
And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
This separation was the action of men on the basis of the call of God. Hands were laid on them only after deep spiritual exercise on the part of the church. At this time Paul had only been Barnabas' helper for a year (Acts 11:26). I Timothy 5:22-"Lay hands suddenly on no man."-indicates the need for caution in these matters; but it does not say anything about the size or type of service a man should render before being considered for ordination. The Biblical emphasis is on the need for care and deliberation in knowing the qualifications of the man who is to be ordained. Does he demonstrate the gifts and calling of God that he professes to have? It does not appear that any of the Biblical evidence looks in the direction of the size or type of organization in which a man serves.
The Church Extension Board has proposed to establish a program whereby men with no experience could serve with experienced men and where men with experience could serve in Church Extension Churches. With the shift of emphasis in our Church Extension Department from that of developing men (this is now the responsibility of the Ministerial Candidate Committee) to that of developing and establishing churches, some men may desire to spend their entire ministry in opening new churches.
Our present regulations make no provision for such men to be recommended for ordination. Also men who may be called to teach Bible and theology in our school could not qualify for ordination under our present rules; but if they teach the Word, it seems that they should be recognized and disciplined as one of us.
Because the Biblical evidence lends no support to the idea that a man's preparedness should be determined by the fact that he serves an organized, self-supporting church, and because the present direction of development in the Bible Fellowship Church makes it appear that we are ready to make this change; therefore WE RECOMMEND that the following should be our regulations determining who shall be recommended for ordination examination:
A probationer qualified for ordination examination is one who, in the judgment of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, has the qualifications of a Christian minister and has demonstrated during a probationary period his ability to exercise these gifts to the glory of God in the edification of believers and salvation of the lost; this probationary period shall be for at least two years and shall be served in any of the ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, there are changes in our position on ordination involved in the previous recommendation (namely, that of changing the place of service in the probationary period and the time period spent in probation); and
Whereas, the 78th Annual Conference gave this committee the assignment to study the matter of probationers voting at Annual Conference; therefore
WE RECOMMEND that the following be our statement regarding the ministers who vote at the Annual Conference:
When a man is ordained to the Christian ministry by the Bible Fellowship Church, he shall then become a voting member of the Annual Conference.
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
A. L. Seifert, Chairman William A. Heffner
Carl C. Cassel, Secretary Earl M. Hosler
Jansen E. Hartman
Report was adopted.
Report of Committee to Publish Fellowship News: (See Report)
Resolved, That our Pastors make themselves responsible to submit at least one devotional article each Conference year.
Resolved, That the month of JANUARY be designated as subscription month.
Resolved, That an honorarium to the Editor of $100.00 and to the Circulation Manager of $75.00 be paid from the FELLOWSHIP NEWS treasury.
The Editor and Circulation Manager of the FELLOWSHIP NEWS made oral reports to the Conference.
Resolved, That we delegate section "U" on page 16 in the 1961 Year Book.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY CAMP MEETINGS
The committee met during the year and herewith presents the following recommendation:
We recommend that a board of nine men, including the 2 District Superintendents, the Chairman of each camp division, 2 pastors and 3 laymen elected by the Annual Conference comprise the MIZPAH GROVE BOARD. This Board shall be responsible for the development of facilities, program and the financial structure of Mizpah Grove. They shall elect a Chairman and a Secretary and all deposits and disbursements of funds shall be made thru the Conference Treasurer.
The officers and operation of each camp division shall continue as heretofore.
John E. Golla, Chairman James A. Beil
Robert W. Smock, Secretary A. L. Seifert
C. E. Kirkwood Robert F. Johnson
F. B. Hertzog
Committee
Report was adopted.
REPORT OF STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
This report is brought in response to resolutions adopted at Annual Conference as recorded in the 1961 Year Book, reading as follows:
Page 47: "Resolved, That the Publication and Printing Committee print a limited number of receipt forms and that a Committee on Stewardship be elected, composed of three pastors and two laymen to study the financial structure throughout the denomination."
Page 54: "Resolved, That the Faith Promise Card recommended by the Board of Church Extension, be referred to the Committee on Stewardship."
I. A BIBLICAL BASIS FOR CHURCH FINANCE
A. Receiving of the Lord's Money
1. The tithe antedates the Law
The tithe or tenth was used as a systematic method of giving before the provision made under the Law (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:4). In the time of Moses the tithe of land, fruit, grain and beast were to be given to the Lord by God's command at Sinai (Leviticus 27:30-34). Note that these were considered as belonging to the Lord (Psalm 24:1); it is implied that the tenth of the increase was "land rent" - an acknowledgment that the whole land belongs to God.
2. Levites the recipients of the tithe tinder the Law
The Levites were the recipients of the tithe as their portion in Israel (Numbers 18:20-32). Nine-tenths of what was received was for their support, the other tenth being given to Aaron by them as an offering to the Lord (v. 28). This is the divinely appointed means of supporting the tabernacle service: ". . . it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation." (v. 31)
3. The tithe is the Lord's
The tithe was to be given to the Lord, the Lord's House or the Lord's Work. The Lord designated the place for the giving of the tithe (Deuteronomy 12:5-7, 11). Giving at the place of the Lord's choice, and not every man doing what was right in his own sight is emphasized in vv. 8, 13, 14. If the tithe is the Lord's, it no longer is ours to say what is to be done with it. The judgment as to where the tithe is to be given is not left to the individual, but is placed in the hands of divinely chosen representatives. God challenges His people to try this plan and promises an overflow of blessing (Malachi 3:8-10).
4. The tithe a minimum under the New Testament law of love
We find no record in the New Testament of a command regarding tithing, but it is reasonable to believe that the Lord would be pleased that His people should give no less than under the Mosaic economy. The New Testament changes the motive from keeping an external law to following an inner compulsion — love and gratitude (II Corinthians 8:3-5, 8; 9:78, 11). Giving is to be proportionate and regular (II Corinthians 8:12; I Corinthians 16:2).
5. The tithe belongs to Christ and His Church
The tithe belongs to Christ. Hebrews 7:2-9 indicates that Christ, who is a priest after the order of Melchizedec, is greater than Levi. As our living High Priest (v. 8) He is the successor to all priesthoods and the proper recipient of all tithes. Thus the Church, the body of Christ, rightfully receives tithes given to Christ, just as the Levites received tithes under the Old Testament Law.
B. Distribution of the Lord's Money
1. Systematic administration of tithes and offerings under Old Testament Law
A very graphic illustration of the systematic giving of tithes and offerings and the detailed administration of them is found in II Chronicles 31. The implication of Malachi 3 is that distribution was to be made from the "storehouse," even as the Levites were in charge of the affairs of the tabernacle in Moses' day.
2. Orderly administration of temporal affairs in the New Testament Church
Acts 6:1-6, in which is recorded the entrusting of the oversight of temporal affairs to ". . . men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom," is a pattern of delegated responsibility in the local church. One of the gifts to the body, the church, is that of "rulers" (Romans 12:8) who superintend the order of the body with authority. I Corinthians 12 speaks of a diversity of function within the framework of unity. Although not all parts perform the same work, all are dependent upon and in subjection to one another. Among these are "helpers" and "administrators." (v. 28 Amp. NT)
3. Orderly administration of finances in the New Testament Church
That the administration of finances was committed to men in authority is indicated by several passages. Acts 11:29, 30 speak of the gift for relief committed to Paul and Barnabas for delivery to the elders, who administered it. Paul in II Corinthians 9 speaks of the "administration of this service" (v. 12), referring to the gift promised by the Corinthian believers (v. 5). The Amplified New Testament illuminates the manner in which these gifts were communicated to the saints at Jerusalem in vv. 11 and 12: "Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, (and your generosity as it is) administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. For the service the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints ... but it also overflows in . . . thanksgiving to God." In another reference to these collections for the saints Paul calls for an orderly gathering of them, laying aside money weekly for this purpose until the time arrives for it to be sent to Jerusalem. (I Corinthians 16:1-3)
4. Distribution by the Church
Philippians 4:15 seems to imply that churches rather than individuals supported Paul on some occasions on his missionary travels. Thus we conclude that the church through its officers distributed the Lord's money to meet the varied needs of His work. We further conclude that the above teachings from both Old and New Testaments point in the direction of systematic and orderly administration of funds committed to the church.
II. PROBLEMS EXISTING IN THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
A.The Local Church Level
1. Disproportionate allocation of funds by the individual contributor
The question each contributor is faced with is, How much shall I give for pastoral support? for Church Extension? for Foreign Missions? for current expenses? for special offerings? Unfortunately, accurate information regarding the needs is not always available to help him make his decision. He is obliged to give more on the basis of feeling than fact; and feelings are not quite so reliable as fact when seeking God's direction in this important matter. Thus, congregations find some areas of the work suffering for lack of funds.
2. Irregular giving habits
Some congregations find their finances largely controlled by the number in attendance at a given service. What happens to the tithe of God's people on a snowbound Sunday? What happens to a particular cause for which an offering was received on that day?
3. Cumbersome and inadequate record of individual giving
In this day when the tax burden upon the individual is so heavy, good stewards of God's money will seek honest exemptions by listing contributions to charitable organizations. The Federal Government, in seeking out fraud, demands sufficient bonafide evidence of giving to the church organization. Our present system of collection of funds on the local level makes keeping of records difficult and inadequate for this purpose.
4. Inadequate giving
Because of an inadequate knowledge of the total program of the local church and the conference, many people feel that a portion of their tithe is sufficient. They are more deeply challenged by works outside the church, often because we have failed to give a comprehensive view of the needs of God's program in our own churches.
B. The Conference Level
1. Denominational projects
To refresh our consideration of this subject and for the purpose of orderly presentation, the denominational projects are listed below:
Foreign Missions
Foreign Missions in Sunday School Church Extension
Church Extension in Sunday School Printing and Publication
The Home for the Aged
Conference Expenses
Beneficiary Fund
Sunday School Promotion
Berean Bible School
Victory Valley
District Superintendents' Offerings
District Superintendents' Parsonages
Ministers' Retirement Fund
Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings
2. The need for improved stewardship
We have many obligations. At the denominational level, it would seem a fair evaluation to find that, in many ways as a group, we do not acknowledge all of these obligations.
We voted to purchase the properties in the following list. Since the dates shown, our financial support of these purchases has not enabled the reduction of even one dollar in the indebtedness incurred:
1953 -Allentown District Parsonage - $11,244.37
1954 - Bethlehem District Parsonage - 16,000.00
1956 -Victory Valley - 16,000.00
For many years the Board of Foreign Missions has loaned the Board of Directors $22,000 as a working fund. Without such a working fund, the Board of Directors could not have carried on the business of the church.
In 1961 the Board of Directors paid and bore the following expenses (see p. 85 of 1961 Year Book):
Attorney Fees $180.95
Articles of Faith Committee Fares 144.50
Ministerial Candidate Comm. Fares 89.12
Board of Directors Fares 79.36
Government Committee Fares 591.21
Moral Standards Committee and
Committee on Forms Fares 233.87
Summer Camp Committees 22.34
Workmen's Compensation Insurance 247.20
Safe Deposit Box Rental 5.50
Stationery, Printing, Postage 44.22
Office (Equipment repairs, help) 31.45
$1,669.72
and for these expenses there is no provision for receiving the money required. The income available to meet these administration expenses is interest received on various loans made by the Board. In 1961 the interest income was $722.41. In some years income is produced by operation of Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings. Years ago balances on our Sunday School Conventions were used for expenses of the Board of Directors. But we are now devoting all of the last named for Sunday School promotion and there are some who feel that all Mizpah Grove balances should be devoted exclusively to Mizpah Grove.
We are prone to vote for this project or that. But frequently we seem to behave as though the obligation created thereby is not our responsibility. When we voted to purchase parsonages for the use of our District Superintendents, we voted that each of our churches shall receive an offering toward the purchase and maintenance of these houses. In the eight or nine years since, the sums of all these offerings failed by $1,818.88 to cover the costs of ownership, such as insurance, interest on the debt, repairs and taxes. The deficit represents an increase in our indebtedness, and as has already been observed, the original indebtedness made when the properties were acquired has not been touched.
To provide for a modest annual development in the faculty and facilities of Berean Bible School, it must receive a minimum support from us of $25,000 annually. For several years our support of Berean has been good, but we never quite reached our goal of $25,000 annually in support of our school.
Much time has been spent discussing facilities to care for the aged of our number. We now have a beautiful building in which to care for them, In 1961, the total of our contributions for this work was $1,686.27. We have paid help in our Home. Our total giving is insufficient to pay the wages of one man for one year.
Our District Superintendents receive no allowances to cover their traveling expenses. These men each drive their cars 30,000 miles annually in carrying out their duties. When one of our committees brought in a recommendation that they be salaried, this body seemed to shrink from the suggestion.
3. Methods now used to meet the needs
Free Will Offerings
Foreign Missions
Church Extension
Home for the Aged
Beneficiary Fund
Sunday School Promotion
Berean Bible School
Victory Valley
District Superintendents
Parsonages for District Superintendents
Ministers' Retirement Fund
Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings
Assessments
Conference Expenses
Moving Fund
Publication and Printing
No Provision
Administration expenses
4. The effectiveness of our methods
There is evidence that our people are not sold on our programs. Communications on denominational programs are almost entirely in the hands of the individual pastors. This committee cannot know how each of our denominational programs is presented to our constituency. It is quite human to expect that each individual places emphasis on his greatest interest, and that to some, certain endeavors have no appeal and so receive scanty mention. An examination of the records shows that occasionally even the rules of Conference are ignored in that all of the prescribed offerings do not come in, with no official notice or disciplinary action being taken. All this puts our denominational projects in the position of being generally subject to the impulse of the moment or to the more emotional appeals of channeling our funds into the more glamorous programs. Are we failing to do the will of the Lord in not meeting these obligations? Or did we fail in knowing the will of the Lord when we embarked on these programs?
Over the five-year period 1957-1961 our offerings were divided as follows:
Giving to Denominational Projects Giving to Local Work
Total % of Grand TI. Total % of Grand TI. Grand TI.
1957 $157,765 24.5 $486,075 75.5 $643,840
1958 170,040 25.8 489,664 74.2 659,704
1959 184,441 26.2 519,090 73.8 703,531
1960 184,620 24.8 560,736 75.2 745,356
1961 173,871 24.0 548,966 76.0 722,837
The increase of $6,100 in our offerings for denominational projects in 1961 over 1957 was made up of the following differences:
Increases Decreases
Foreign Missions $ 4,130
Foreign Missions in S.S. $ 330
Church Extension 3,000
Church Extension in S.S. 1,640
Publication and Printing 1,230
Home for Aged 440
Beneficiary Fund 110
Sunday School Promotion 460
Berean Bible School 80
Victory Valley 1,780
District Supt. Offerings 1,070
District Supt. Parsonages 270
Ministers' Retirement Fund 300
Camp Meetings 7,100
$14,020 $7,920
In 1961 the proportion of our total giving by individual churches for denominational programs was as follows:
Percentages to
Where Total Offerings Were: Denominational Programs Were: