EIGHTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1971
First Meeting
Monday Morning, October 11, 1971
The 88th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by Chairman, C. E. Kirkwood at 10:00 a. m.
The roll was called as follows:
Church Ordained Pastor Delegate
Allentown (Bethel) James G. Koch John O. Deily
Allentown (Cedar Cr) Howard Schaeffer
Allentown (Salem) Willard E. Cassel Dale Kemmerer
Belvidere, N. J. John H. Herb Philip T. Link
Bethlehem Frank L. Herb, Jr. Arden Gachenbach
Blandon Donald T. Kirkwood Stanley Kalbach
Catasauqua Brian H. Butler Arthur W. Deppe
Coopersburg LeRoy S. Heller Arthur Mack
Denville, N. J. George W. Harper
Ephrata Robert W. Smock Robert W. Gehret
Emmaus Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. Clifford L. Kauffman
Finesville, N. J. Harold C. Weaber H. Walter Stout, Jr.
Fleetwood Austin G. Shelly Norman L. Reed
Graterford Keith E. Plows Edward A. Stortz
Harleysville David E. Thomann Clayton Dietz
Harrisburg R. C. Reichenbach Richard S. Achey
Hatfield Ronald C. Mahurin Clyde W. Snyder
Lancaster John Dunn Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon Bruce A. Ellingson Ronald Ensminger
Maple Glen Byron C. Cassel
Nazareth James A. Beil Norman W. Granda
Paradise William A. Heffner E. Gerald Hershey
Quakertown Bert N. Brosius John M. Stengele
Reading Jansen E. Hartman Robert Breitegam
Royersford Robert F. Johnson William R. Hunsberger
Scranton Franklin Mead
Shamokin W. W. Hartman T. Lamarn Manney
Spring City George E. Herb Nicholas Sheetz
Staten Island Daniel G. Ziegler Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg A. L. Seifert Harold E. Snyder
Sunbury William W. Mull Clayton Brosius
Terre Hill Leon K. Overpeck John M. Slater
Wallingford C. E. Kirkwood Robert W. Truett
Walnutport David L. Branning Burton Deppe
York John H. Riggall Sterling Baer
Zionsville E. W. Bean Bright N. Heist
Probationers
Easton LeRoy C. Wilcox Leonard F. Kessler
Lehighton Arthur H. Frable Ernest E Bauer
Mount Carmel Carl K. Spackman Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Phila. (Calvary) Keith Yoder Leon H. Naudasher
Phila. (Emmanuel) Paul G. Zimmerman Edward J. Dietzman
Sinking Spring Terris Byrd Richard Fisher
ORDAINED MINISTERS - Carl C. Cassel, Donald R. Knauer, David J. Watkins
RETIRED MINISTERS - Paul E. Baer, T. D. Gehret, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, N. H. Wolf.
ORDAINED MINISTERS ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE - Reynold D. Gardner, W. B. Hottel
ORDAINED MISSIONARIES - James Bigley, Leonard E. Buck, Robert Gordon, J. Barclay Harley, Roy Hertzog, Edward Moyer, Laird F. Stengele
The following were absent: Arden Gackenbach, Ronald Ensminger, John M. Stengele, Nicholas Sheetz, William W. Mull, Paul E. Baer, W. F. Heffner, Reynold D. Gardner, E. J. Rutman, P. T Stengele, N. H. Wolf, W. B. Hottel, James Bigley, Leonard E. Buck, Robert Gordon, J. Barclay Harley*, Roy Hertzog*, Edward Moyer*, Laird F. Stengele*
(*Absent due to service on respective fields)
Secretary James A. Beil appointed Willard E. Cassel as Assistant Secretary and Robert W. Smock as Recording Secretary.
The following asked to be excused from various sessions: John M. Stengele, Jansen E. Hartman, Ronald Ensminger, Dale L. Kemmerer, A. L. Seifert, Leon K. Overpeck, Arthur W. Deppe, Clayton Dietz, Clayton Brosius, James A. Beil, Harold E. Snyder, William W. Mull.
Resolved, that these excuses be accepted.
Resolved, that Alternate Delegate Paul H. Cressman be seated as delegate for the Bethlehem Church, and Alternate James E. Weidner for Spring City.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM (See report page 37)
The report was accepted.
Devotional Period - Song leader: Bert N. Brosius; Prayer: Robert Breitegam; Message: Frank L. Herb, Jr.
Resolved, that the first 10 rows of seats constitute the Conference Bar.
The Chairman made the following appointments:
Committee on Finance; Byron C. Cassel, Robert W. Truett, Sterling Baer, Robert Breitegam, Robert W. Gehret, Paul H. Cressman.
Committee On Communications: William A. Heffner, Donald R. Knauer, David L. Branning, William W. Mull, Harold C. Weaber
Committee on Resolutions: Carl C. Cassel, Ronald C. Mahurin, Bruce A. Ellingson, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Leon H. Naudasher, Norman L. Reed, Austin G. Shelly
Committee on Auditing: William R. Hunsberger, Clifford L. Kauffman, Ronald Ensminger, Howard Schaeffer, Dale L. Kemmerer, Stanley Kalbach, Richard Achey, LeRoy G. Wilcox, Harold L. Snyder, Jr., T. Lamarn Manney, John M. Slater, Clayton Brosius, Edward A. Stortz, Clayton Dietz, Bright N. Heist
Committee on Examination of Local Conference Minutes: E. W. Bean, W. W. Hartman, Arthur W. Deppe, Arthur Mack, George W. Harper, Leonard F. Kessler, Carl K. Spackman, Clyde W. Snyder, Ernest E. Bauer, Ralph D. Cole, Edward J. Dietzman, Franklin Mead, Terris Byrd, Harold E. Snyder, Burton Deppe, H. Walter Stout, Jr., Philip T. Link, Richard Fisher, E, Gerald Hershey, James E. Weidner.
Timekeeper: Arthur H. Frable
Reporter: John H. Herb
Tellers: Jansen E. Hartman, Robert F. Johnson, R. C. Reichenbach, George E. Herb, Norman W. Granda, John L. Deily
Resolved, that we approve the above appointments.
The Agenda for this year's session was presented.
Resolved, that we accept the Report of the Committee on Agenda as a guidelines
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS (See report page 38)
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that Carl K. Spackman, Paul G. Zimmerman, Arthur H. Frable and Richard J. Gehman be ordained at a service to be held on Thursday, November 18, 1971, at 8:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, Pa.
The Credentials Committee shall be in charge of this service.
Whereas, Donald T. Kirkwood has requested that his name be placed on the roll of Ordained Ministers On Leave of Absence, therefore
Resolved, that his request be granted.
Whereas, Brian H. Butler has requested that his name be placed on the roll of Ordained Missionaries, therefore
Resolved, that his request be granted.
Whereas, Reynold D. Gardner, by failure to respond to an ultimatum from the Credentials Committee, has indicated that he no longer desires to hold credentials with us, and
Whereas, he has taken membership in a church outside the Bible Fellowship denomination, and,
Whereas, he has been well established in secular employment for the past 6 years, therefore,
Resolved, that his ordination credentials be withdrawn.
Resolved, that the following two resolutions appearing on the Faith and Order Questionnaire be placed in the Standing Rules. (1st Reading)
Resolved, that the mimeographed copies of the Articles of Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church which have been adopted by Annual Conference be our Official FAITH AND ORDER, and, further
Resolved, that this be the Official FAITH AND ORDER to which the pastors shall subscribe.
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 3:00 P. M.
Adjourned at 11:35 a.m. with prayer by Sterling Baer.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 11, 1971
A Commissioning Service for Brian H. Butler, Missionary to Moorland Bible College, England, was conducted by the members of the Board of Foreign Missions.
The following were elected:
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE: Willard E. Cassel, Frank L. Herb, Jr., James G. Koch, Keith E. Plows, John H. Riggall
REPORT OF THE YOUTH FELLOWSHIP GENERAL COMMITTEE: (See report, page 40)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: (See report, page 44)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE TREASURER: (See report, page 44)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROMOTION COMMITTEE: (See report, page 48 )
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that the Sunday School Promotion Committee and the Youth Fellowship General Committee be dissolved as of this Annual Conference and, further
Resolved, that Annual Conference elect a Board of Christian Education composed of six ministers and six laymen to oversee the work of Christian Education throughout the Bible Fellowship Churches. The twelve members of this Board of Christian Education shall be comprised of three classes of two ministers and laymen, respectively, each class to be elected annually in turn for a term of three years. (To initiate the proposed, two ministers and two laymen shall be elected for a three -year term, two ministers and two laymen shall be elected for a two-year term, and two ministers and two laymen shall be elected for a one-year term.)
Duties of the Board of Education:
1.It shall provide guidance to the local church in carrying out the Christian Education Program.
2.It shall provide helpful regional and denominational programs for any or all aspects of the work of Christian Education.
3.It shall receive funds designated by the Annual Conference and disburse them for the needs of its work.
4. It shall submit a written report to Annual Conference.
The above legislation was adopted for second reading.
Resolved, that the treasury balance of the Youth Fellowship General Committee and the Sunday School Promotion Committee be turned over to the Board of Christian Education.
Resolved, that every church make an annual contribution to the Board of Christian Education at the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference. (We suggest the contribution for each church be at least equal to the combined offerings for Youth Fellowship General Committee and Sunday School Promotion Committee).
REPORT OF MINISTERIAL CONVENTION: (See report, page 47)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES: (See report, page 50 ).
The report was accepted.
Resolved, thatthe following men be recognized in their respective stages of development:
Probationers:
Terris L. Byrd, Sinking Spring, Pa.
Robert Minnig, Freehold, N. J.
D. Thomas Phillips, Neptune City, N. J.
Theodore Shelling, Baltimore, Maryland
Mark T. Smith, Hamburg, Pa. (On leave of absence)
LeRoy C. Wilcox, Easton , Pa.
Keith Yoder, Philadelphia, Pa.
Candidates:
Bernard N. Coble, Scranton, Pa.
Robert L. Draper, Ramtown, N. J.
David Manney, Ecuador
Applicants:
William H. Bartron, Monroe, N.Y.
Douglas D. Bowne, Rahns, Pa.
Glenn H. Davis, Columbus, Ohio
John Grady, Boonton, N. J.
Thomas Heimer, Nazareth, Pa.
Charles E. Kramer, Spring City, Pa.
Rodney H. Long, Elysburg, Pa.
Roger Reitz, Shamokin, Pa.
Jonathan Reynolds, Zionsville, Pa.
Keith Stickler, Bethlehem, Pa.
Terry Tareila, Dallas, Texas
Richard Taylor, Graterford, Pa.
David A. Thomann, Harleysville, Pa.
Dana Weller, Bethlehem, Pa.
Frank DeJuana, Staten Island, N. Y.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO PUBLISH FELLOWSHIP NEWS: (See report, page 51)
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that the month of January be designated as subscription month for FELLOWSHIP NEWS and each pastor be urged to encourage subscriptions among the families of his congregation.
The following oral reports were given:
Editor of FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Business Manager of FELLOWSHIP NEWS
The following was elected:
CONFERENCE TREASURER: Byron C. Cassel
Resolved., that we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p. m.
Adjourned at 4:26 with prayer by Paul G. Zimmerman
Third Meeting
Monday Night, October 11, 1971
The minutes of the morning meeting were read and approved.
The minutes of the afternoon meeting were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE: James A. Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Robert F. Johnson, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins
Resolved, that a donation be made to FELLOWSHIP NEWS from the following boards and committees:
Board of Victory Valley $ 50.00
Board of Foreign Missions 50.00
Board of Church Extension 50.00
Board of Directors of Pinebrook Jr. College 50.00
Pinebrook Conference Board 50.00
Board of Christian Education 50.00
Committee on Publication & Printing 400.00
Checks should be made payable to FELLOWSHIP NEWS and sent to the treasurer by February 1, 1972.
Resolved, that the following budget f or FELLOWSHIP NEWS be adopted.
FELLOWSHIP NEWS BUDGET
1971-1972
INCOME
Subscriptions at $2.25 each $3,100.00
Donations: $50.00 each from Board of Christian Education,
Pinebrook Jr. College, Board of Foreign Missions,
Board of Church Extension, Board of Victory Valley,
Pinebrook Conference Board. 300.00
Board of Publication and Printing 400.00
Total proposed income $3,800.00
EXPENDITURES
Printing 12 issues FELLOWSHIP NEWS 3,300.00
Honorariums 175.00
Secretarial Expenses 100.00
Editor's Expenses 150.00
Postage 100.00
Business Manager's Expenses 275.00
Equipment 100.00
Total proposed expenses $4,200.00
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See report, page 53)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (see report, page 60 ).
The report was accepted.
The following budget for Church Extension was adopted: (Yes 42; No 31)
REVISED BUDGET FOR CHURCH EXTENSION
October 1, 1971 - September 30, 1972
Receipts
Balance brought forward 9/20/71 $ 6,326.61
Offerings 43,935.00
Rents 1,500.00
Interest 600.00
Special gifts and/or loans 3,728.39 49,763.39
$56,090.00
Expenditures
Appropriations:
Churches 9,100.00
Missions 23,090.00
New Missions 10,800.00
TIE Team 1,000.00
PISCES 3,600.00 47,590.00
Administrative:
Director 2,800.00
Director's Mileage 1,900.00
Director's Parsonage 500.00
Director's Operating 1,500.00
Taxes 400.00
Board Expenses 600.00 7,700.00
General:
Contingency 800.00 800.00
Total Expenditures $56,090.00
Balance in Treasury 9/30/72 00.00
Whereas, present procedures for receiving, holding and disbursing Church Extension Funds through the Conference Treasurer are cumbersome and inefficient, therefore
Resolved, that the Board of Church Extension elect a Treasurer from among its membership and that said Treasurer shall receive, deposit and disburse monies assigned to the Board as directed by the Board. (Second Reading)
Resolved, that all Church Extension funds be forwarded quarterly to the Treasurer of the Board of Church Extension.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE: (See report, page 63)
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that we extend the time.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:10 p.m. with prayer by E. J. Dietzman.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, October 12, 1971
The minutes were read and approved as read.
Devotional Period — Song leader: Carl C. Cassel; Prayer: Ronald Ensminger; Message: Frank L. Herb, Jr.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME: (See Report, page 65)
The report was accepted.
Administrator of the Home, F. B. Hertzog, addressed the Conference.
Resolved, that each church make a contribution to the Bible Fellowship Church Home. The anticipated budget of the Home indicates a need for contributions of at least $8,600 by the churches. Checks shall be made payable to the Bible Fellowship Church Home and submitted by April 1, 1972.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY: (See report, page 81 ).
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that each church make a contribution to Victory Valley Camp. The camp budget for 1971-72 indicates a need for church contributions of $5,000. If each church would give at least 1% of its total offerings, this could be accomplished. Checks should be made payable to Victory Valley Camp and sent to the Financial Secretary of the Board before March 1, 1972.
Resolved, that we recess. Recessed at 10:33 a.m.
Reconvened at 10:50 a.m.
Resolved, that the Victory Valley Board be composed of nine men, four ordained ministers and five laymen elected in three classes of three-year terms each. (Initially one class of three laymen would be elected for one-year terms; a second class of three ordained ministers would be elected for two-year terms; and a third class of two laymen and one ordained minister would be elected for three-year terms. Thereafter, each class would be elected for, three-year terms. ) (First Reading)
The material on Pulpit Supply was considered.
The following missionaries, supported by the Bible Fellowship Church, were introduced to the Conference: Miss Olive Rawn, James Bigley, Ron Hoyle and Richard J. Gehman. Each one spoke briefly.
Resolved, that we extend the time.
Resolved, that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12:05 p.m. with prayer by Bright N. Heist.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 12, 1971
Ernest Bauer led in prayer.
The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: James G. Koch, Clyde W. Snyder.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS: (See report, page 67 ).
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that all foreign mission funds be forwarded quarterly to the General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, that this resolution be placed in our Standing Rules
Recessed at 2:54 p.m. Reconvened at 3:15 p.m.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME: James A. Beil, David E. Thomann, Walter A. Schlagel.
Resolved, that the Committee on Credentials and the delegates of all self-supporting churches shall constitute the Stationing Committee.
The following was elected:
GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS: David E. Thomann
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m.
Adjourned at 4:14 p.m. with prayer by Keith Yoder.
Sixth Meeting
Tuesday Evening, October 13, 1971
The minutes of the Tuesday afternoon session were read and approved as read.
A time of sharing was enjoyed by the Conference.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS: John Dunn, T. D. Gehret, R. C. Reichenbach, Austin G. Shelly, Robert Breitegam, James R. Cressman, Kermit Gehman, Paul Truett.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE LOCAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: (See report, page 84)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE: (See report, page 85)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE: (See report, page 86)
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that we extend the time.
Resolved, that we adjourn. Adjourned at 9:10 p.m. with prayer by Leon H. Naudasher.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday Morning, October 13,1971
The minutes of the Tuesday evening session were read and approved as read.
Devotions: Song leader, LeRoy S. Heller; Prayer, Norman W. Granda; Message, Frank L. Herb, Jr.
The following were elected:
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY: Carl C. Cassel, John H. Herb, Donald R. Knauer, Ronald C. Mahurin, Harry Bailey, Bright N. Heist, Clayton E. Weber.
Leonard E. Buck, missionary supported by the Bible Fellowship Church working in South Africa, addressed the Conference.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See report, page 89)
The report was accepted.
Resolved, that the Historical Committee continue the study of the establishing of a historical center at Pinebrook including projected needs and costs.
Resolved, that we recess. Recessed at 10:15 a.m.
Reconvened at 10:39 a.m.
The following were elected:
EDITOR OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Robert W. Smock
BUSINESS MANAGER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: R. C. Reichenbach.
The consideration of Pulpit Supply was continued.
Resolved, that we extend the time to no later than 12:30 p.m.
Before casting a ballot, four men led the Conference in prayer.
The following Pulpit Supply System was adopted as a substitute for the existing pulpit supply rules in FAITH & ORDER (mimeo) pp.8-R-10. (SECOND READING) Yes: 68, No: 10)
The ideal condition in a conference is that of a satisfactory and stable pastoral relation in each church within its jurisdiction. To work to that ideal it is important that a conference have a proper concern for and relationship with the churches which are without pastors.
A. INSTITUTING THE PASTORAL RELATION IN CHURCHES WITHOUT PASTORS
1.Ministerial Relations Committee. The care of churches without Pastors shall be assigned to the Ministerial Relations Committee.
2.Oversight. The Ministerial Relations Committee shall exercise oversight of churches without pastors in the following ways:
a.The First Annual Conference Delegate shall serve as Moderator of the Official Board.
b.By consulting with the Official Board regarding Temporary Supplies. The Official Board shall meet with the Committee and with its aid and advice secure temporary supplies for its pulpit when it becomes vacant.
c.By advising with the Official Board regarding Stated Supplies. On recommendations of the Ministerial Relations Committee Annual Conference may establish stated supplies. The Committee may arrange for the transfer of stated supplies within the Conference when it seems to be for the best interests of the minister, the church, or the Conference as a whole. In the area of stated supplies, the Ministerial Relations Committee shall at all times work in consultation with the Ministerial Candidate Committee and with the Credentials Committee.
d.By advising churches regarding the calling of a pastor. The Ministerial Relations Committee shall meet and consult with the Official Board of every church that is without a pastor. It shall advise the Official Board regarding the suitability of any person whose name is to be put before the congregation, and shall have the privilege of nominating suitable persons for the Board's consideration. The Annual Conference shall permit a call to be placed in the hands of a minister only when the Official Board of the church has thus consulted the Ministerial Relations Committee and obtained its approval before the name is presented to the congregation.
e.By conferring with the Board of Church Extension and the Official Board of any church receiving aid in the support of its pastor through the Church Extension Fund before recommending or approving the settlement of a pastor or stated supply in such a church.
3. Duty of a Particular Church without a Pastor.
a.Every church should be under the pastoral oversight of a minister, when its pulpit is vacant, shall promptly proceed to elect a pastor in the following manner: The Official Board shall call a congregational meeting to convene at the regular place of worship to elect a nominating committee representative of the whole congregation, whose duty it shall be to nominate a minister to the congregation for election as pastor. Public notice of the time, place, and purpose of the meeting must be given at not less than three prior regularly scheduled meetings.
The church may elect a nominating committee only after its pulpit has become vacant or after the Ministerial Relations Committee has set a definite future date when the pulpit of the church is to be declared vacant. But the nominating committee shall be free, without the influence of the retiring pastor to carry out the desires of the congregation with reference to the call of a successor pastor.
b.Conference with Ministerial Relations Committee. The nominating committee shall confer with the Ministerial Relations Committee as provided in Section A, paragraph 2.
c.If it appears desirable, the nominating committee may confer with eligible men prior to issuing a formal call so that the parties may become acquainted with the particular needs of the church, and proposed methods, opportunities, or obligations.
d.Who is eligible for a call? The Credentials Committee shall issue an annual list of men who are eligible to work as pastors of a Bible Fellowship Church, and this list is to be published in the Year Book and made a part of the proceedings of Annual Conference. Should changes occur in this list while Conference is adjourned, the Secretary of the Credentials Committee shall mail a revised list of such men to all delegates who were members of the last Annual Conference or who may be delegate select to the next Annual Conference.
e.The Congregational Meeting. When the nominating committee is ready to report, it shall notify the Official Board, which shall call a congregational meeting at the regular place of worship for the purpose of acting on the report of the nominating committee. Public notice of the time, place and purpose of the meeting shall be given at not less than three prior regularly scheduled meetings.
f.The Congregation's Responsibility in the Election of a Pastor. The order of business for the congregational meeting is as follows:
1.The First Delegate to Annual Conference shall preside, or he may appoint a member of the Ministerial Relations Committee to do so.
2.The Secretary of the Official Board shall act as secretary of the meeting.
3. Prayer for divine guidance shall be made.
4. Statement shall be made concerning those entitled to
vote. All members, having attained the age of sixteen (16) years, attending the meeting, but no others, are entitled to vote.
5. The report of the nominating committee shall be made.
6. The question shall be put: "Are you ready to proceed to
the election of a pastor?" The question shall be answered by a motion, duly seconded, and approved by a majority of those voting.
7.If they declare themselves ready, the moderator shall declare the name submitted by the nominating committee to be in nomination.
8.The vote shall be taken by written ballot. In every case a majority of the voters present and voting shall be required to elect.
9.On the election of a pastor, if it appear that a large minority is averse to the candidate who has received a majority of votes, and the minority cannot be induced to concur in the call, the moderator shall endeavor to dissuade the majority from prosecuting it further. If the electors be nearly or quite unanimous or if the majority shall insist upon its right to call a pastor, the moderator shall proceed to draw a call in due form. It shall be subscribed by them, certifying at the same time in writing the number of those who do not concur in the call, and any facts of importance all of which proceedings shall be laid before the Ministerial Relations Committee, together with the call.
10. The call shall be in the following form, namely:
FORM OF CALL
"The Bible Fellowship Church of being on sufficient grounds, well satisfied of the ministerial qualifications of you, and having good hopes from our knowledge of you, that your ministrations in the gospel will be profitable to our spiritual interests, do earnestly call and desire you to undertake the office of pastor in said congregation, promising you in the discharge of your duties, all proper support, encouragement, and obedience in the Lord.
"And that you may be free from worldly care and avocations, we, on our part, promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of $ yearly in regular payments during the time of your being and continuing as the pastor of this church, together with free use of the parsonage and vacation each year.
"And we agree to pay or continue to pay semi-annually into the Ministers' Retirement Fund that requisite percent of said salary which Annual Conference may require you to pay into said fund.
"And we agree to pay or continue to pay annually a sum equivalent to that self-employment tax as may be levied upon you by the Congress of the United States under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act.
"And we agree to pay, or continue to pay, for the Health and Welfare benefits offered by Annual Conference.
"And we promise and oblige ourselves to review with you the adequacy of this compensation annually.
"In testimony whereof we have respectively subscribed our names this day of A. D.
(Signatures)
"I, having moderated the congregational meeting which extended a call to for his ministerial services, do certify that the call has been made in all respects according to the rules laid down by the Faith and Order, and that the persons who sign the foregoing call were authorized to do so by vote of the congregation.
(Signed)
Moderator of Meeting.
11.The signatures on the call shall be either all those present subscribing to the call: or (upon resolution of the congregation) those members of the Official Board who subscribe to the call. Such a resolution must be publicly voted and must be certified to the Ministerial Relations Committee by the moderator of the meeting.
12.The Annual Conference Delegate(s) shall present and prosecute the call before the Ministerial Relations Committee.
4. Duty of Minister
a. Ministers receiving calls shall reply in writing within three weeks.
b.If it appears desirable, after he has received a call, the minister may confer with the nominating committee so the parties may become acquainted with the particular needs of the church and with proposed methods, opportunities, or obligations.
5. Action of Annual Conference on the Call of the Pastor.
a. Preliminary actions by the Ministerial Relations Committee.
1.The Nominating Committee shall confer with the Ministerial Relations Committee as provided in Section A, paragraph 3 b.
2.The Ministerial Relations Committee must approve the name of the candidate before it is presented to the congregation.
3.Every call must be placed in the hands of the Ministerial Relations Committee by the moderator of the congregational meeting and the Annual Conference Delegate(s). The Ministerial Relations Committee must find that the Nominating Committee had followed the required steps as provided in the Faith and Order.
b.When the call of the congregation is unanimous, or nearly so, the Ministerial Relations Committee may approve the call. If it is unable to approve the call, the Committee must submit the entire matter to Annual Conference at its next session, together with its recommendations. The delegates to Annual Conference shall prosecute the call before the Annual Conference.
c.When a call is approved, the Annual Conference Delegate(s) shall place it in the hands of the minister called.
d.The minister called shall respond in writing within three weeks after having received the call.
B.MAINTAINING THE PASTORAL RELATION
1.Ministerial Relations Committee. On the denominational level the Ministerial Relations Committee is charged with the chief responsibility in maintaining good pastoral relations. It shall be established and elected in order that the spiritual and temporal welfare of the ministers and congregations of the Bible Fellowship Church may be properly sustained. The election of this committee shall take precedence over all other Annual Conference Boards, Committees, and Appointments. Unless Annual Conference otherwise provides, the Committee shall elect its own chairman and vice-chairman who shall serve until their successors have been elected.
To the Ministerial Relations Committee Annual Conference shall assign the supervision of its churches without pastors, Direct access to this Committee shall be available at all times to all ministers in the Conference, and to all members of official Boards, in matters relative to the spiritual and temporal welfare of the churches in which they severally hold office.
2. Consultation and Advice.
a.Because the relationship between pastor and congregation began under mutual agreement and at the direction of Christ, the Head of the church, the parties of this relationship bear the chief responsibility for its proper maintenance through Christ's enabling. Help of the Ministerial Relations Committee shall be sought only when internal discussion of problems results in no mutually acceptable solution.
b.When external help is needed, the Ministerial Relations. Committee shall represent Annual Conference in providing such help.
3. Composition and Election of the Ministerial Relations Committee.
a. The Committee shall be elected by Annual Conference.
b.The Committee shall be comprised of three classes and shall be composed of four ordained ministers who are serving as pastors and three laymen who are elders.
c.The term of office shall be for three years; no one is eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. (At the beginning members shall be in three classes, serving terms of one, two and three years)
d.Four members shall constitute a quorum. This Committee may, from its membership, establish such sub-committees as may meet its working requirements.
e.When a member of the Ministerial Relations Committee becomes personally involved in a ministerial problem, he shall disqualify himself from acting in such cases.
f.Direct access to this Committee shall be available to all ministers and to all members of the Official Board at all times in corresponding with the Committee, letters shall be addressed to the Committee's secretary.
4. Duties of the Ministerial Relations Committee.
a.The Committee's role is that of consultation and advice; and, except in unusual circumstances, it is permitted to act only when matters are brought to its attention. To compel attention referrals must be by:
1.Pastors of the conference, regarding matters pertaining to their own churches.
2.Members of Official Boards regarding matters pertaining to their own churches.
b.When difficulties within a particular church are not too widely known, the Committee with the Pastoral Relations Committee of the congregation shall seek a solution to the problem.
c.If the matter has reached the stage of widespread rumor or general knowledge within the congregation and even in the community, a formal and public visit is in order. Except in cases of emergency, arrangements for such visits to a particular church shall be made by contacting the Secretary of the Official Board.
d.It is mandatory that a church or pastor having problems consult with the Ministerial Relations Committee before initiating any action leading to a dissolution of the pastoral relationship.
e.The first consideration of the Ministerial Relations Committee is the maintenance of a happy relationship between pastor and people. If problems arise, the Committee's duty is to work toward resolving the difficulties. Only after every effort to resolve a problem is exhausted, will thought be given to terminating the pastoral relationship.
f.When this Committee cannot resolve a problem submitted to it, the problem shall be brought to Annual Conference for final solution, with the recommendations of the Committee.
g.It shall submit a report to each Annual Conference and make recommendations as to the minimum minister's salary.
5.Minister's Salary. The call of the minister is a covenant between him and the church he serves and involves the following responsibilities: