EIGHTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1965
The Eighty-Second Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in the Faith Church, York, Pennsylvania.
The Conference opened at 10:00 a.m., October 11 with the singing of, "Like a River Glorious" directed by W. B. Hottel. Ronald C. Mahurin led in prayer and Carl C. Cassel sang, "When this Passing World is O'er."
District Superintendent and Chairman T. D. Gehret delivered the opening address based on Revelation 3:14-22. His message dealt with the urgency of the hour appealing to us to do our best in the light of the Lord's soon return.
The Chairman 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 CONFERENCE PROGRAM
"Hear What the Spirit Saith to the Churches"
Monday, October 11 - 10:00 a.m.
Song Leader W. B. Hottel
Prayer R. C. Mahurin
Solo C. C. Cassel
Message T. D. Gehret "The Communion of the Individual" followed by the Lord's Supper
Tuesday, October 12 - 9:00 a.m.
Song Leader D. E. Thomann
Instrumental W. A. Heffner, D. J. Watkins, L. J. Bickel
Prayer R. Paul
Message A. L. Seifert "The Consecration of the Leaders"
Wednesday, October 13 - 9:00 a.m.
Song Leader H. J. Fritz
Prayer R. F. Johnson
Solo L. S. Heller
Message C. Richard Shumaker, Church of the Open Door of Shiloh
"The Christian Growth of the Congregation"
Thursday, October 14 - 9:00 a.m.
Song Leader J. E. Golla
Prayer J. A. Beil
Music A Pastors' Quartet
Message C. Jack Orr, Harmony Grove Chapel, Dover, Pa.
"The Concern for the Community"
Evening Conference Service open to the public. 7:30 p.m.
R. T. Allen, Host Pastor presiding
Music The Pastors' Quartet
Message J. H. Riggall
Friday, October 15 - 9:00 a.m.
Song Leader W. A. Heffner
Prayer D. T. Kirkwood
Solo B. N. Brosius
Message E. M. Hosler "The Concord of the Brethren"
Note:Devotional period - 30 minutes except Monday
R. W. Gehret, organist
A prayer room will be open for conference members at 8:30 each morning. We encourage everyone to make use of this facility.
Committee, R. T. Allen
N. R. Weiss
R. C. Reichenbach
The Report was adopted.
District Superintendents T. D. Gehret and A. L. Seifert led the members of the conference in the observance of the Lord's Supper.
Resolved, That the section in front of the Chairman shall constitute the Conference Bar.
The following were enrolled as members of the conference:
Ministers
Ordained - Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Reynold D. Gardner, Sr., 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, Robert F. Johnson, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert Paul, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, Norman R. Weiss, N. H. Wolf, Daniel G. Ziegler, W. F. Heffner, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele.
Probationers - Glenn R. Huratiak, Leon K. Overpeck, David J. Watkins.
Delegates
Allentown District
Allentown (Bethel), Kermit K. Gehman, John Deily
Catasaqua, Arthur W. Deppe
Graterford, Edward A. Stortz
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Harleysville, H. Phares Mumbauer
Harrisburg, Paul T. Rutman
Lancaster, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon, Jack S. Herb
Lehighton, Willard Blocker
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Nazareth, Norman W. Granda
Paradise, Arthur Refford
Reading, Robert Breitegam
Royersford, William R. Hunsberger
Shamokin, T. Lamarn Manney
Spring City, R. S. Weidner
Sunbury, Allan F. Smith
York, Sterling E. Baer
Bethlehem District
Allentown (Salem), Robert E. McIntyre
Bethlehem, Paul H. Cressman
Blandon, John I. Mengel
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Denville, John Moran
Easton, Leonard F. Kessler
Emmaus, Clifford L. Kauffman
Fleetwood, Norman L. Reed
Philadelphia (Calvary), Harry Wilkinson
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Maple Glen, Byron C. Cassel
Quakertown, Harold Shelly, Sr.
Scranton, Carl H. Kellerman
Staten Island, Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg, George R. Fish
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Wallingford, Harold W. Griest
Zionsville, Charles G. Hersh
Resolved, That Paul I. Wentz, Sr. be excused due to illness and that Clifford L. Kauffman, Alternate Delegate, be seated in the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That Allan F. Smith be excused from attending the Conference today and be seated in the bar tomorrow.
Resolved, That we adopt the Agenda.
The Chair appointed the following committees:
Committee on Finance: Byron C. Cassel, Roy E. Williams, Kermit K. Gehman, Robert W. Gehret, Harold W. Griest
Committee on Communications: W. W. Hartman, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius.
Committee on Examination of Local Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, Frank L. Herb, Jr., William R. Hunsberger, Leon K. Overpeck, Norman L. Reed, Allan F. Smith, Edward J. Dietzman, John Deily, Paul T. Rutman, Harold A. Mann, A. W. Deppe, John I. Mengel, Harold Shelly, Sr.
Committee on Resolutions: C. E. Kirkwood, Carl C. Cassel, Jansen E. Hartman, David E. Thomann, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Committee on Auditing: James G. Koch, Daniel K. Ziegler, Horace A. Kauffman, R. S. Weidner, Ralph D. Cole, Norman W. Granda, Paul H. Cressman, Charles G. Hersh.
Timekeeper: Robert F. Johnson
Reporter: R. C. Reichenbach
Tellers: E. W. Bean, David E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach, James G. Koch, John Dunn.
Report of the Committee to Determine the Method and Printer by Which the Yearbook Shall be Reproduced
The Committee met on July 20, 1965 and examined various samples of printed material and presents the following conclusion:
Resolved: That the World Presbyterian Press of Wilmington, Delaware be authorized to produce and distribute the 1965 Year Book.
The Committee recommends the following:
1. That the minutes of the 1965 Annual Conference be mimeographed daily and distributed between sessions. The expense involved shall be met by the Committee on Publication and Printing.
2. That 1200 copies of the Year Book be printed and sold at $1.00 per copy.
The Committee calls the attention of the Conference Members to the standing rule on page 13 of the 1964 Year Book which states,
"The pastors shall pay for their Year Books within one week after they receive them."
T. D. Gehret, Chairman
Robert W. Smock, Secretary
John Dunn
N. H. Wolf
John H. Riggall
Committee
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the minutes of the 1965 Annual Conference be mimeographed daily and distributed between sessions. The expense involved shall be met by the Committee on Publication and Printing.
Resolved, That 1200 copies of the Year Book be printed and sold at $1.00 per copy.
Resolved, That no one leave the Conference Bar without permission of the Chair except the pastor, Russell T. Allen and the delegate of the host church, Sterling E. Baer.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair no later than 3:00 p.m.
Adjourned, 11:30 a.m. with prayer by Donald T. Kirkwood.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 11, 1965
The meeting was opened at 3:00 p.m. with the singing of, "My Lord Knows the Way Thru the Wilderness." William R. Hunsberger led in prayer.
The mimeographed minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of Committee on Credentials:
The Credentials Committee has met to transact its own business and also several times with the Ministerial Candidate Committee to formulate an article on ordination. This article will be presented to this Conference.
The Faith and Order Questionnaire was sent to each of our ministers holding credentials with us. All of the Brethren signed and returned it having answered all the questions in the affirmative. We are grateful to God for this group of men who conform to the Word of God in doctrine and manner of life.
The Committee recommends Raymond R. Dotts, Donald R. Knauer, Leon K. Overpeck and David J. Watkins for ordination. We believe these men to be called of God to the Christian ministry and in accord with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. We also recommend that they be ordained in the Thursday evening meeting of this Conference.
Whereas: Glenn R. Huratiak was ordained to the Christian Ministry on March 14, 1949 after having prepared for the ministry, serving as assistant to the pastor and being examined by the Non-Sectarian Fellowship Church, Limerick, Pa.; therefore,
We recommend that the Bible Fellowship Church recognize this ordination in the Thursday evening meeting of this Conference.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman
W. B. Hottel, Secretary
T. D. Gehret
A. L. Seifert
John H. Riggall
Committee on Credentials
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That Raymond R. Dotts, Donald R. Knauer, Leon K. Overpeck and David J. Watkins be ordained in the Thursday evening meeting.
Resolved, That the ordination of Glenn R. Huratiak be recognized in the Thursday evening meeting.
Report of the Youth Fellowship General Committee: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That each Youth Fellowship remit an offering for the work of the Youth Fellowship General Committee, and that this offering be forwarded to the treasurer of the Youth Fellowship General Committee by April 1, 1966.
Resolved, That we accept the recommendation regarding the unexpired term of Carl Rishel and that it be referred to the Nominating Committee for action.
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That every Bible Fellowship Sunday School make a contribution for denominational Sunday School promotion. This contribution should be mailed to the Financial Secretary of the Committee (James R. Cressman, 1128 N. New St., Bethlehem, Pa.) before April 1, 1966.
Resolved, That in the Pastor's Summary Statistical Report the listing "Sunday Schools Visited" be deleted.
Resolved, That in the By-Laws, Section VI, Article H, be changed to read, "The pastor, by virtue of his office, shall be counted as an officer of the Sunday School." (First Reading)
Resolved, That we discontinue the use of the term "scholars" and use the term "members" instead.
Resolved, That the term "staff member" be used to include the categories formerly known as "teachers and officers."
Report of Ministerial Candidate Committee:
The Ministerial Candidate Committee met eleven times during the year to continue the work of enlisting and screening candidates for the ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church who are born of the Spirit, called of God, equipped to serve and in harmony with our Faith and Order. Also several meetings were held with the Credentials Committee to study ordination. This Committee seeks to enlist the prayer of our people for God to call men to His work in our midst and for God's guidance in the serious responsibilities resting upon it.
The following men were recommended for ordination examination by the Credentials Committee: David J. Watkins, Donald R. Knauer, Leon K. Overpeck, Raymond R. Dotts. Glenn R. Huratiak, having been ordained by another fellowship, was recommended to the Credentials Committee.
The Committee recommends recognition of the following men in their respective stages of development:
Probationers:
LeRoy J. Bickel, Wernersville, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962
T. James Bigley, East Africa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962
Leonard Buck, Union of South Africa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1958
M. Leslie Campbell, Walnutport, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1961
Raymond R. Dotts, Allentown, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1960
Bruce Ellingson, Finesville, N.J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1963
Richard J. Gehman, Allentown, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1964
John H. Herb, Belvidere, N. J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962
Roy Hertzog, France. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1959
Glenn R. Huratiak, Lebanon, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1963
Donald R. Knauer, Macungie, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1962
Robert E. McIntyre, Allentown, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1958
Leon K. Overpeck, Paradise, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1958
Austin B. Sullivan, Jr., Binghamton, N. Y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1964
David J. Watkins, Graterford, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1962
Harold C. Weaber, Miller Heights, Pa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1963
Candidates:
David Branning, Philadelphia, Pa.
David Manney, Shamokin, Pa.
Keith E. Plows, Allentown, Pa.
Theodore R. Shelling, New York, N. Y.
Ronald Zuck, Nazareth, Pa.
Applicants:
William Bartron, Stroudsburg, Pa.
Arthur Frable, Moscow, Pa.
Larry Gradwohl, Nazareth, Pa.
Gary Krick, Catawissa, Pa.
Paul Kuder, Allentown, Pa.
George F. Lee, Mt. Carmel, Pa.
Robert Minnig, Lancaster, Pa.
Donal Nilsson, Allentown, Pa.
Roger Reitz, Shamokin, Pa.
George Riggall, Wallingford, Pa.
Dean Stortz, Collegeville, Pa.
Richard Woelkers, Scranton, Pa.
Larry Yerger, Reading, Pa.
Leonard Yerger, Reading, Pa.
Paul Zimmerman, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Committee:
Carl C. Cassel, Chairman
Jansen E. Hartman, Secretary
William A. Heffner
George E. Herb
John E. Golla
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the above men be recognized in their respective stages of development.
Report of the Committee to Publish Fellowship News: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the month of January be designated as subscription month.
Resolved, That a donation of $50 each be given by the Board of Foreign Missions, Sunday School Promotion Committee, Board of Church Extension and Board of Directors of Berean Bible School.
The oral reports of the Fellowship News Editor, David E. Thomann and Business Manager, R. C. Reichenbach were submitted.
Report of the Committee to Study Annual Conference Housing:
The Committee recommends that if lodging cannot be supplied by the local church holding Annual Conference, the Pastor and delegate shall be lodged in a local motel at the expense of their local church.
John H. Riggall
David E. Thomann
Daniel K. Ziegler
T. D. Gehret
Norman L. Reed
Committee
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Nominating Committee:
We recommend the following to Annual Conference:
That a pastor or layman shall serve on no more than two boards or standing committees.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman
R. W. Gehret, Secretary
F. L. Herb, Jr.
H. A. Kauffman
J. H. Riggall
D. E. Thomann
D. K. Ziegler
Committee
The Report was rejected.
The following were elected:
Committee on Ministerial Candidates: Russell T. Allen, William A. Heffner, Carl C. Cassel, George E. Herb, James A. Beil.
Robert Gordon, J. Barclay Harley, Edward Moyer, returned missionaries, and Sterling Baker, a missionary under appointment were invited by the Chairman to extend greetings to the Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet this evening at 6:30.
Adjourned 5:00 p.m. with prayer by Donald B. Schaeffer.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, October 11, 1965
The meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. by W. B. Hottel directing the singing of "Take the Name of Jesus With You" and Bert N. Brosius led in prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following were elected:
Committee on Credentials: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, John H. Riggall
Report of the Allentown District Superintendent, T. D. Gehret: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Bethlehem District Superintendent, A. L. Seifert: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Church Extension Director, William A. Heffner: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the President of Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
The Recommendations of this Board were tabled.
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That all foreign mission funds be forwarded quarterly to the general secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Report of the Board of Church Extension: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That each church be encouraged to support Berean Bible School at a level equal to 4% of its annual offerings and that this support be remitted to the school in twelve monthly payments. The laymen on the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School shall maintain contact throughout the year with the pastors and official boards of each church keeping them informed of the work of the school and its needs.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Home: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That the section dealing with the By-laws be referred back to the Board for further study and a report be brought back at a later meeting of this Conference.
Report of the Board of Mizpah Grove: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That Section E (Camp Meetings), page 14 of the 1964 Year Book be removed from our by-laws.
Resolved, The following shall be added to the duties of the Board of Mizpah Grove (pg.30, 1963 Year Book)
(Second Reading)
"15. To determine the time and place of Camp Meetings."
Report of the Board of Victory Valley: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That the dates of the camps in 1966 shall be as follows:
July 2-9 Girls 8-14 years old, grades 2-8
July 9-16 Girls 8-14 years old, grades 2-8
July 16-23 Boys 8-14 years old, grades 2-8
July 23-30 Boys 8-14 years old, grades 2-8
July 30-August 6 Junior High boys and girls
August 6-13 Junior High boys and girls
August 13-20 Senior High boys and girls
A choice will be given girls and boys in seventh and eighth grades to continue in Girls and Boys camps, respectively, or select Junior High Camp involving a co-ed situation, according to their preferences.
Resolved, That each Church make a contribution to Victory Valley Camp. The anticipated budget of the Camp indicates need for contributions of at least $3,500.00 by the churches. Checks shall be made payable to Victory Valley Camp and be sent to the secretary of the Board (LeRoy
S. Heller) before March 1, 1966.
Resolved, That the facilities of the Victory Valley Camp be made available for limited use by groups from Bible Fellowship Churches and other interested Christian organizations. Arrangements for such use shall be made through, and offerings sent to, the secretary of the Board.
Resolved, That we extend the time.
The following election took place:
Conference Treasurer: Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Adjourned 9:10 p.m. with prayer by John H. Riggall.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday, October 12, 1965
The meeting was opened by David E. Thomann directing in the singing of "Calvary Covers it All." Robert Paul offered prayer and Daniel K. Ziegler sang a solo entitled, "In Tenderness He Sought Me."
The speaker of the morning was District Superintendent A. L. Seifert who read from Exodus 28:40-43 and spoke on the assigned subject, "The Consecration of the Leader." His helpful message set forth the essential preparation for an effective Christian Ministry.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, Jansen E. Hartman, F. B. Hertzog, John H. Riggall, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Byron C. Cassel, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: Willard E. Cassel
Resolved, That the report of the Committee to Study Redistricting of Churches be stricken from the Agenda.
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, Willard E. Cassel, C. E. Kirkwood, Earl M. Hosler, James R. Cressman, Roy E. Williams, Kermit K. Gehman, Harold W. Griest.
Resolved, That Kermit K. Gehman be excused from the meetings on Thursday.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 1:30 p.m.
Adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 12, 1965
The meeting was opened by singing the hymn, "All the Way My Saviour Leads Me" at the direction of W. B. Hottel and R. C. Reichenbach led in prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Norman B. Jerome, a representative of the American Sunday School Union, gave a brief address in the interest of Christian literature.
Report of the Ministerial Conventions (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Committee to Examine Local Conference Records:
We have examined the Local Conference Records and have found them correct except for a few omissions and minor errors which have been corrected by the Pastors concerned.
The following petitions were found in the Fourth Local Conference Minutes of the Harrisburg Church:
"In view of our unalterable opposition to the purchase of the Fogelsville property, therefore:
Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Harrisburg petitions the Annual Conference of 1965 to be held at York, Pa. to:
1. Reconsider the action taken at the 1964 Conference relative to the purchase of the Fogelsville property.
2. Poll all of the Official Boards of our denomination relative to their interest and to their financial backing and ability to meet the obligation of such a venture before proceeding further."
The following resolution was found in the Blandon Local Conference minutes at a meeting held on July 14, 1965:
Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference to make Trinity Bible Fellowship Church of Blandon a self-supporting church with all the rights and privileges thereof."
The following petitions were found in the Fourth Local Conference Minutes of the Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church:
1. Whereas, Our pastors are at camp up to three weeks in which are included two Sundays, and
Whereas, There is a growing need vigorously to continue the program of the home church, therefore be it
Resolved, That consideration be given to releasing those pastors not on the Sunday program from all Sunday obligations to camp.
2. Whereas, Rule 11 on page 20 of our "Faith and Order" provides that no pastor shall serve any Church longer than nine consecutive years, and
Whereas, it is quite probable that this limitation would not have been enacted had the existing rules with respect to pulpit supply been in effect several years earlier, and,
Whereas, this limit, particularly under existing circumstances, will work a hardship on Maple Glen Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that Maple Glen Church petition Annual Conference 1965 to modify Rule 11 on page 20 of our "Faith and Order" by raising the limit to 12 consecutive years."
F. B. Hertzog, Chairman E. W. Bean, Secretary
Leon K. Overpeck E. J. Dietzman
Frank L. Herb John L. Deily
Norman L. Reed Harold A. Mann
Paul T. Rutman A. W. Deppe
William R. Hunsberger John I. Mangel
Harold Shelly, Sr.
Committee
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the petition from the Trinity Bible Fellowship Church of Blandon to become a self-supporting church with all the rights and privileges thereof be referred to the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Report of the Committee on Credentials:
(Second Reading)
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.
***We recommend duty #5 be revised as following:
5. It shall annually send a Faith and Order Questionnaire to all Pastors, Missionaries, Approved Teachers, Probationers whose names will be listed on the availability list and all others who desire to retain credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church. All those desiring to retain credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church must return the signed questionnaire by August 24.
The Faith and Order Questionnaire shall contain the following:
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 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 August 24.
6. No minister shall have his name placed on the Availability list who does not subscribe to our Faith and Order in its entirety.
The Availability list shall be sent to all Conference Delegates and those whose names appear on the list.
7. It shall deal with charges brought against any minister or cases for suspension presented by the District Superintendents.
Charges brought against any minister of the Bible Fellowship Church must be in writing and presented to the Credentials Committee. It shall request the accused individual to be present during the hearing of the case.
If these charges involve departure from any doctrine or practice of the Bible Fellowship Church, or any improper conduct, a thorough investigation shall be made.
If the charge is of sufficient magnitude in the judgment of the Credential Committee, the accused minister may be temporarily suspended by the Committee and his name withheld from the Availability list for Pulpit Supply.
A report of this action, with appropriate recommendations for disposition of the case shall be made to the Annual Conference.
The accused party shall have the right of appeal to the Annual Conference. If appeal is made to the Annual Conference by the accused individual, his name shall remain on the Availability list until the Annual Conference has passed judgment in the case.
8. It shall submit a report to the Annual Conference.
W. B. Hottel, Chairman A. L. Seifert
C. E. Kirkwood, Secretary Frank L. Herb
T. D. Gehret
Committee
The Report was adopted.
Report of Committee to Study an Alternate Form of Church Government:
I. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CHURCH GOVERNMENT
A. CHRIST IS THE HEAD
"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," Eph. 1:22
"And he is the head of the body, the church:" Col. 1:18
B. AS HEAD, CHRIST GIVES GIFTS TO THE CHURCH
"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. . . . And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" Eph. 4:7, 8, 11
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of hearings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." I Cor. 12:27-28
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth on teaching: Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity: he that ruleth, with diligence: he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." Rom. 12:3-8
C. SOME OF THESE GIFTS HAVE TO DO WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHURCH
1. APOSTLES
"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these;" Matt. 10:1-2a (cf. also Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13; 9:1-6)
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles." Acts 2:42-43 (cf. also Acts 1:2-8; 2:37; 5:12; etc.)
"And laid them down at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need" Acts 5:35
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them." Acts 6:3,4,7
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:" Acts 8:14
"But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles. Acts 9:27a
"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch. . .
And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia;" Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23
"And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem." Acts 16:4
"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office;" Rom. 11:13 (cf. Gal.12:8)
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." I Cor. 9:1-2 (cf.11 Cor.12:12)
"and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone." Eph. 2:20
"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Rev. 21:14
"which, when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul. . . " Acts 14:14
"Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles... Rom. 16:7
"After that he was seen of James: then of all the apostles." I Cor. 15:7
"Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers (apostles) of the churches, and the glory of Christ." II Cor. 8:23
"But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother" Gal. 1:19
2. APOSTOLIC DELEGATES
"Now if Timotheus come, see that he maybe with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do." I Cor. 16:10
"I charge thee. . . . Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 11 Tim. 4:1-2
"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:" Titus 1:5
3. ELDERS/BISHOPS
". . . . To send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul" Acts 11:29b-30
"And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." Acts 14:23
"And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter" Acts 15:6 (cf. Acts 15:2, 4, 22, 23; 16:4)
“. . . . and called the elders of the church.... and when they were come to him, he said unto them, . . . . Take heed therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:17, 18, 28 (cf. I Peter 5:2-3)
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." I Tim. 5:17
"A bishop then must be... apt to teach... one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) I Tim. 3:2a, 4, 5, (cf. Titus 1:7-9)
. . . . the laying on of the hands of the presbytery" I Tim. 4:14b
"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord;" James 5:14
4. DEACONS
"Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree...... I Tim. 3:12-13a
"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant (deaconess) of the church which is at Cenchrea:" Rom. 16:1
D. THE LOCAL CHURCH
"But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another." I Cor. 12:18, 25
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another etc. . . . But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will" I Cor. 12:7-11
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles. . . . etc. I Cor. 12:27-28
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose. Acts 6:3, 5a
“. . . . . the brother. . . . who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord and declaration of your ready mind." II Cor. 8:18, 19
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matt. 18:15-18 (cf. I Cor. 5)
E. THE CHURCHES IN FELLOWSHIP
"When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church.
“And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church. . . ." Acts 15:2, 3, 4
"Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch. . . " Acts 15:22
"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things." Acts 15:28
"And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily." Acts 16:4, 5
"And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." Col. 4:16
II. GENERAL APPLICATION OF THESE FACTS
A. CHRIST IS THE HEAD
The headship of Christ over the Church is not a question in dispute, but rather the dispute is as to how His government is exercised in the visible church.
B. AS HEAD, CHRIST GIVES GIFTS TO THE CHURCH
Christ as the Head of the Church calls, enables and commissions His ministers through the administration of the Holy Spirit. It is the responsibility of the local church to select those whom Christ has ordained to the various ministries of the church.
C. SOME OF THESE GIFTS HAVE TO DO WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHURCH
In the first days after Pentecost, the disciples of Christ had no thought of separating themselves from the religious life of Israel. The temple worship was still adhered to (Acts 2:46; 3:1) though it was supplemented by Apostolic teaching, by prayer and fellowship, and by the breaking of Bread (Acts 2:42, 46). Organization was a thing of gradual growth suggested by emerging needs. The differentiation of functions among those who were drawn into the service of the church was due to the difference in the gifts bestowed by God upon the church members. (I Cor. 12:28)
1. APOSTLES
At first the twelve themselves, as those personally called by Christ and as witnesses of the resurrection, were the natural leaders and teachers of the Church. While they exercised leadership in the early church, their main function was the preaching of the gospel to every creature. In the time of the church's infancy, they held a unique position for the purpose of establishing new groups of believers and building them up in the faith.
In addition to the original twelve and Matthias, Paul was directly called to the apostolate by the exalted Saviour. In this role he fulfilled the apostolic commission of reaching the gospel to the Gentiles. The term "apostles" was applied to Barnabas (Acts 14:14), James (Gal. 1:19), Andronicus and Junius, (Rom. 16:7) and, in the Didache, to a whole class of nameless missionaries.
The missionary function of the apostles has never ceased. (Eph. 4:9- 11). This office is exercised today by missionaries at home and abroad when they are bringing men to Christ, establishing them in local churches and giving the initial aid required in these early stages. This initial aid includes appointment of officers; providing of moral, ethical and spiritual counsel; and teaching so as to establish indigenous churches.
2. APOSTOLIC DELEGATES
In the early stages, the apostle Paul supervised the various churches established under his ministry. With the wider spread of the gospel it became necessary to have help in this function. At this stage we find him delegating some trustworthy disciple to take up residence in a given city for a time, especially at critical seasons, to direct the affairs of the church there, He appointed elders, corrected error, preached the gospel and taught the Word. Most of these functions are carried out by the present day itinerant ministers.
3. ELDERS/BISHOPS
The origin of the office of elder in the Christian church is not recorded in the New Testament, but it existed very early since elders were present at Jerusalem in Acts 11:30. The office was evidently suggested by the eldership among the Jews. They would supervise the affairs of the local church in the same way as Jewish elders looked after the synagogue. Until the 2nd century, the terms "elder" and "bishop" were interchangeable designations. Some believe the first has reference to the dignity of the office while the latter to its duties. Paul in his first missionary journey appointed elders in every church. (Acts 14:23). He also instructed Titus to do the same in churches under his care. (Tit. 1:5) They also held offices in the churches not founded by Paul. (James 5:14; I Peter 5:1).
In the New Testament, we see them functioning in the following capacities:
a. Represent the local church at church council. (Acts 15)
b. Oversee the flock in spiritual matters through the ministry of teaching, exhortation and correction. (Acts 20:28)
c. Ordain men called of God to the ministry. (I Tim. 4:14)
d. Anoint the sick. (James 5:14)
e. Receive and administer funds. (Acts 11:29-30)
It appears that there were several elders in each local church. (Acts 11:30)
Lightfoot says, "Though government was probably the first conception of the office, yet the work of teaching must have fallen to the presbyters from the very first and have assumed greater prominence as time went on.”1 Schaff says, "The distinctions of ‘teaching presbyters’ or ministers proper, and ‘ruling presbyters’ or lay elders, is a convenient arrangement of Reformed churches, but can hardly claim apostolic sanction, since the one passage on which it rests only speaks of two functions in the same office. Whatever may have been the distribution and rotation of duties, Paul expressly mentions ability to teach among the regular requisites for the episcopal or presbyterial office.”2
Suffice it to say that in the New Testament Church, the elders formed the principle local ministry. There appears to have been a number of elders who formed a kind of board or committee which was in charge of local church affairs.
1 Lightfoot, J. B. Saint Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, pg. 194, Zondervan
Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1953
2 Schaff, Philip; History of the Christian Church, Volume I, pg. 496, Charles
Scribner's Sons, New York, 1893
4. DEACONS/DEACONESSES
In Acts 6, seven men were chosen by the congregation and approved by the apostles. Their purpose was to relieve the heavy burden that rested upon the apostles so that they could devote themselves exclusively to prayer and the ministry of the Word. While the seven are not specifically called deacons, their function was like that known to have been discharged by the deacons in the earliest times.
The early church cared for the widows and ministered to the needs of the poor. In caring for such ministries, the deacons, of necessity became involved in human problems which demanded sound character and spiritual maturity.
"Helps" in I Cor. 12:28 may refer to the varied ministries discharged by the diaconate. This would assist the elders to discharge their specific functions.
While the eldership was restricted to men, the diaconate was open to both sexes.
D. THE LOCAL CHURCH
There are certain matters that are spoken of with respect to the whole body as a priesthood of believers.
1. Recognition of Spiritual gifts
Every member has some gift of grace and, this being the case, each member is duty bound to exercise that gift for the benefit of the whole body. It is the congregation's responsibility to recognize these spiritual gifts and to profit by them.
2. Selection of Officers
The church does not create the local ministry; the commission is Christ's. Her responsibility is to recognize the commission and, by the same token, to submit to the administration of those who bear it. (I Cor. 12)
3. Rejection of false teachers and teachings
Even as the church is responsible to recognize true ministers and to submit to their guidance, so they are responsible to discern false teachers and teaching and to reject the same. (Gal. 1:9)
4. Excommunication
Our Lord speaks of the church as a court which has authority to decide disputes and to exercise discipline. (Matt. 18:15-17) In I Cor. 5, the apostle Paul chides the church for not dealing with the case of adultery and incest implying that it was their duty to exercise discipline. He ordered them to discharge this function.
E. CHURCHES IN FELLOWSHIP
The council at Jerusalem consisted of apostles, elders and brethren. The apostles framed and passed the decree not without, but with the elders and "with the whole church" and sent the circular letter not in their own name only but also in the name of all assembled as having been guided by the Spirit. The local churches recognized that the council was under the direction of the Holy Spirit and submitted to its judgment. (Acts 15:22-23; 16:4)
F. SUMMARY
As we look at the church today with its fine sanctuaries, choir directors, paid professional ministers, educational buildings, Sunday Schools, etc., it must be obvious that this is not what existed in the Book of Acts. We believe that the evidence leads to the conclusion that present church order cannot, in detail, be read back into the New Testament.
Leon Morris, in the conclusion of his book, MINISTERS OF GOD states, "From all this it appears that none of the modern systems of church government can claim to have sole scriptural justification. There are elements in the New Testament which were later to give rise to each of the three. But none of the three is to be found exclusively within the pages of Scripture. Some feel this to be a great loss. They think that in the matter of the ministry we ought to have full scriptural justification for our whole system. Nothing ought to be enjoined but that which can be proved from the New Testament. Unfortunately, for this position, the New Testament evidence, as we have seen in earlier chapters, is not full enough for us to know exactly the position in the early Church. It is full enough for us to say that there were certain officers, such as presbyter-bishops and deacons. But it does not enable us to define their status or functions with precision, nor to understand their relation to other figures in the early Church. The New Testament simply does not give us the answers to all our questions."3
In the same vein, Philip Schaff wrote, "Nearly all denominations appeal for their church polity to the New Testament, with about equal right and equal wrong; the Romanists to the primacy of Peter; the Irvingites to the apostles and prophets and evangelists, and the miraculous gifts; the Episcopalians to the bishops, the angels and James of Jerusalem; the Presbyterians to the presbyters and their identity with the bishops; the Congregationalists to the independence of the local congregations and the absence of centralization. The most that can be said is that the apostolic age contains fruitful germs for various ecclesiastical organizations subsequently developed but none of them can claim divine authority except for the gospel ministry, which is common to all.”4
3 Morris, Leon; Ministers of God, pg. 11 1, Inter-Varsity Fellowship, London. 1964
4 Ibid. Volume 1, pg. 487
We do know that a group of office bearers from among the local assembly did have vested in them the responsibility, under God, to administer the affairs of and to teach the local assembly. We do know that the rule of these elders had some limitation. For example, they did not select the officers of the Church nor have the final word in excommunication. (Acts 6:3; Matt. 18:15-18)
We do know that the congregation did share in the administration of the local church in some areas. For example, they chose officers and were the final voice in the act of excommunication. (Acts 6:5; Matt. 18:15-18)
We do know that ministers from without the local church exercised strong influence over the congregation by way of instruction and rebuke. (I Cor. 5-9-13)