ONE HUNDREDTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

1983

FIRST MEETING

Tuesday Morning, October 11, 1983 - 10:00 A.M.

The first meeting of the 100th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by the Chairman, James A. Beil, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, at 10:00 A.M. on October 11, 1983.

Daniel G. Ziegler led in the singing of "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," David L. Weller, the delegate from Zionsville, read the Scripture, Acts 2:38-47, and Jansen E. Hartman led in prayer.

The roll of Conference members was established as follows:

Allentown, Cedar Crest — Ronald C. Mahurin, Roy A. Hertzog, Paul K. Clymer, Jr.,

Richard Lee

Allentown, Salem — Charles J. McConnell, Jeffrey C. Stickler

Bethlehem — Robert F. Johnson, Warren L. Zimmerman, Robert Gerding

Blandon — George R. Bryson, Kinzy Reed

Camden, DE — James G. Koch, Evan Knowles

Catasauqua — Philip E. Morrison, Joseph Wire

Coopersburg — Frank L. Herb, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder

Denville, N.J. — Stephan R. Van Eck, John F. Moran

Emmaus — Dana E. Weller, Clifford L. Kauffman

Ephrata — Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret

Finesville, N.J. — D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub

Fleetwood — Robert H. Stringfellow, Ronald P. Turner

Freehold-Englishtown — Clinton Crankshaw

Graterford — Richard D. Harris, William Crowell

Harleysville — Paul G. Zimmerman, Harold R. Crider

Harrisburg — Albert J. Dommel, Richard S. Achey

Hatfield — John H. Herb, Lee E. Boyles

Howell, N.J. — John Vandegriff, David M. Markuson

Lancaster — David A. Thomann, Horace A. Kauffman

Lebanon — Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy O. Herb

Lehighton — Larry A. Carpenter, Clair Greenzweig

Maple Glen — Carl K. Spackman, Harold E. Snyder

Mt. Carmel — William L. Graybill, II, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.

Nazareth — Keith E. Plows, Ralph H. Hendershot

Newark, N.J.(Mission) — Delbert R. Baker, II

New Fairfield, CT — Dean A. Stortz, Denver Creekmore

Oley — Clayton E. Weber

Paradise — Kenneth L. Good, L. Eugene Brenneman

Phila., Wissinoming — G. Wayne Clapier, Kenneth Cressman

Phila., Emmanuel — Roger Reitz, Russell L. Davis

Poughquag, N.Y. — James Wickstead, John Anderson

Quakertown — Bert N. Brosius, L. James Roberts, Jr.

Reading — Jansen E. Hartman, Robert Breitegam, Walter Raybuck

Royersford — Robert W. Smock, William R. Hunsberger, Jr.

Scranton — David H. Jones, Clinton Honeywell

Shamokin — Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., T. Lamarn Manney

Sinking Spring — Terris L. Byrd, David A. Lamm

Spring City — Carl T. Martin, John Derck

Staten Island, N.Y. — Bryan G. Upton, Ralph D. Cole

Stroudsburg — Thomas P. Shorb, Robert L. Tomlinson

Sunbury — LeRoy S. Heller, Clayton B. Brosius, Bert E. Brosius

Terre Hill — Paul A. Weber

Wallingford — Richard E. Taylor, William R. Singletary

Walnutport — Stanley Stahler

Wappingers Falls, N.Y.(Mission) — Herbert K. Lea

York — Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Alan Lindstrom

Zionsville — James R. Batchler, Jr., David L. Weller

ORDAINED MEN SERVING BIBLE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

James A. Beil, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Bernard N. Coble, Bruce A. Ellingson, George E. Herb, Barry J. Minsky, David J. Watkins, Daniel G. Ziegler

ORDAINED MINISTERS BETWEEN CALLS

William A. Heffner, Austin G. Shelly

ORDAINED MISSIONARIES

Leonard E. Buck, Brian H. Butler, Robert L. Draper, Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald W. Hoyle, David L. Manney, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Laird F. Stengele, Philip E. Yerrington.

ORDAINED MINISTERS IN RETIREMENT

Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, John Dunn, W. W. Hartman, F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, C. Leslie Miller, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, David E. Thomann

PROBATIONERS SERVING AS PASTORS OF CHURCHES

Daniel P. Allen, Larry A. Carpenter, Albert J. Dommel, David H. Jones, Carl T. Martin, Calvin T. Reed, Robert. H. Stringfellow, Dean A. Stortz

The above roll was called by Thomas P. Shorb, Registrar.

The Chair appointed Carl C. Cassel as acting Secretary until the election of the secretary could be held.

Resolved: that the center sections (20 seats wide by 10 rows deep) be considered the conference bar.

Resolved: that the Alternate Delegates, Joseph Wire from Catasauqua and Kenneth Cressman from Philadelphia Wissinoming, be seated as the delegates from these churches

The Chairman appointed the following Committees:

Tellers: Keith E. Plows, LeRoy S. Heller, Carl K. Spackman, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Harold L. Snyder, Jr., LeRoy O. Herb, Clyde W. Snyder

Resolutions: L. James Roberts, William L. Graybill, II, G. Wayne Clapier, Randall A. Grossman, Richard E. Taylor, John F. Moran

Communications: Roy A. Hertzog, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Richard S. Achey.

Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Horace A. Kauffman, Warren L. Zimmerman, Ralph D. Cole.

Timekeeper: David A. Thomann

Reporter: Daniel G. Ziegler

Parliamentarian: Jansen E. Hartman

Resolved: that we approve the Conference Committees appointed by the Chairman

The Registrar read requests from members of the Annual Conference to be excused from parts or all of the sessions.

Resolved: that these requests be granted

The following was elected:

Secretary of the 100^th Annual Conference: Bryan G. Upton. Carl C. Cassel was asked to continue as Assistant Secretary for the rest of this meeting.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA:

Resolved: that the agenda be accepted as the basic guideline for the order of business.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM: (See pg. 197)

The report was accepted.

REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Report was accepted

REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE: (See pg. 63)

Report was accepted.

Whereas: we strongly believe such Scriptures as (1) Matthew 10:10, (2) Luke 10:7, (3) I Corinthians 9:1-14, (4) I Thessalonians 5:12-13, and (5) I Timothy 5:17-18 teach it is the church's responsibility to adequately meet the need of its pastor; therefore be it,

Resolved: that we encourage each church to increase its pastor's salary at least 4% above the previous year's salary; and further,

Resolved: that it is the consensus of this 100th Annual Conference that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church, including benefits, is $13,500.00 for the 1983-1984 year.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS: (See pg. 65)

Report was accepted

Whereas: the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Ronald C. Erb, Randall A. Grossman and David H. Jones for examination for ordination and Daniel P. Allen and Larry A. Carpenter for examination for recognition of prior ordination, and,

Whereas; these brethren have served acceptably as ministers in the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time, and

Whereas; after examination, the Committee on Credentials believes them to be called of God to the Gospel Ministry and to be in accord with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore,

Resolved: that Ronald C. Erb, Randall A. Grossman and David H. Jones be ordained at a service of Ordination to be held on Tuesday evening, October 11, 1983, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, and that the previous ordination of Daniel P. Allen and Larry A. Carpenter be recognized at this same service.

Resolved: that the section called "Categories of Ministry" on page 126 of the Faith and Order (1981Edition) be revised as follows: FIRST READING

1. That we create a new category called:"Ordained Ministers working in the Military Chaplaincy under the Sponsorship of the Bible Fellowship Church."

2. That the present category III be changed to read: "Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries."

3. That the numbering of the categories be changed as follows:

I. Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Bible Fellowship Church.

II. Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Board of Missions of the Bible Fellowship Church.

III. Ordained Ministers Working in the Military Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the Bible Fellowship Church.

IV. Ordained Ministers in Retirement.

V. Ordained Ministers Working in other Christian Ministries.

VI. Ordained Ministers on Leave of Absence.

4. That categories one through four (in the recommended order) shall be eligible to be members of Annual Conference and that categories five and six (in the recommended order) shall be eligible to be advisory members of Annual Conference.

Resolved: that the men approved to be ordained but not voting members of the Conference be seated in the Conference bar. Those men are Ronald C. Erb and Randall A. Grossman.

Resolved: that the first two questions on the Faith and Order Questionnaire be changed to read as follows: FIRST READING

a. Do you subscribe, without reservation, to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church? Yes or No

b. If you have any reservations about any Article of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, state them specifically.

REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE: (See pg. 69)

Report was accepted.

Resolved: that the following men be accepted under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee:

PROBATIONERS (Year of licensing in parenthesis)

Daniel P. Allen — Ephrata, Pa. (1982)

Keith B. Anderson — Terre Hill, Pa. (1980)

Alvin L. Baker — North Wildwood, N. J.

James L. Beaver — Clearwater, FL

Douglas D. Bowne — Royersford, Pa.

Larry A. Carpenter — Lehighton, Pa. (1982)

Albert J. Dommel — Harrisburg, Pa. (1982)

Harry L. Downs — Ronks, Pa.

Ronald C. Erb — Irvington, N. J. (1981)

Arthur J. Frisbie — Newark, DE (1976)

Randall A. Grossman — Kutztown, Pa. (1981)

W. Neil Harding — Newark, DE

Dennis D. Huratiak — Lewisberry, Pa.

David H. Jones — Scranton, Pa (1978)

Kenneth D. Keeler — Harleysville, Pa (1982)

Thomas S. MacMillan — Nazareth, Pa.

Carl T. Martin — Spring City, Pa. (1983)

William T. Neff (On leave of absence) — Brigantine, N. J. (1978)

Louis Prontnicki — Philadelphia, Pa.

Calvin T. Reed — Lebanon, Pa. (1982)

David N. Schoen — Sinking Spring, Pa. (1982)

Dean A. Stortz — New Fairfield, CT

Robert H. Stringfellow — Fleetwood, Pa. (1983)

CANDIDATES

William C. Aukamp — Pequea, Pa.

Gary F. Bentley — Hatfield, Pa.

Raymond G. Burnett — Englishtown, N. J.

David A. Carver — E. Greenville, Pa.

David W. Chappell — Spring City, Pa.

Robert S. Commerford — Holmes, N. Y.

Ronald A. Honeywell — Montrose, Pa.

James E. Neher — Hatfield, Pa.

William G. Schlonecker — Dallas, TX

Mark C. Solt — Dallas, TX

Dennis W. Spinney — Lansdale, Pa.

Jeffrey C. Stickler — Bethlehem, Pa.

J. Richard Vroman — Souderton, Pa.

APPLICANTS

Thomas J. Beil — St. Louis, MO

William N Crowell — Limerick, Pa.

Harold B. Fravel III — Emmaus, Pa.

Walter Johnson — Wyomissing, Pa.

Richard P. Jones, Sr. — Wescosville, Pa.

Daniel A. Mabus — Emmaus, Pa.

Daniel R. Martin — Snydertown, Pa.

Richard T. Paashaus — Coopersburg, Pa.

Steven S. Trommler — Portland, OR

REPORT OF THE 92nd ANNUAL MINISTERIAL CONVENTION: (See pg. 71)

Report was accepted.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION:(See pg.75)

Report was accepted.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: (See pg. 73)

Report was accepted.

Resolved: that a contribution of $200 be given to the Board of Publication and Printing from each of the following Boards and Committees: Victory Valley, Missions, Christian Education, Church Extension, Pinebrook Bible Conference, Pinebrook Junior College and Bible Fellowship Church Home.

Resolved: that a contribution of $1.00 per member be given to the Board of Publication ane Printing from each church. Payments are to be made to the Business Manager by December 31, 1983

Resolved: that the cost of the 1983 Yearbook be $3.50 per copy.

Resolved: that the Annual Conference authorize the Board of Publication and Printing to use paid advertising in Fellowship News at the discretion of the Board.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE: (See pg. 168)

Report was accepted

Resolved: that the annuities paid from Ministers' Retirement Fund beginning October 1, 1983, shall be $114.00 per year of service up to forty years of service for which an annuitant is eligible.

Resolved: that the rate for mileage reimbursement for official travel shall be 18 cents per mile effective October 15, 1983

REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See pg. 112)

Report was accepted.

Barry J. Minsky, serving in the Military Chaplaincy, gave an oral report.

The Registrar listed the following absences from the first meeting:

With Excuse: Without Excuse:

Robert F. Johnson Richard J. Gehman

Paul G. Zimmerman J. Barclay Harley

Carl T. Martin Ronald W. Hoyle

Donald P. Straub David L. Manney

LeRoy S. Heller Edward Moyer

Paul E. Baer William W. Mull

C. Leslie Miller Laird F. Stengele

Brian H. Butler Philip E. Yerrington

C. E. Kirkwood

Resolved: that we adjourn. Adjourned in prayer by Keith E. Plows.

SECOND MEETING

Tuesday Afternoon, October 11, 1983 - 1:30 p.m.

The hymn "We're Marching to Zion" was sung and David A. Lamm, delegate from Sinking Spring, led in prayer.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FORMS:

Report was accepted.

Resolved: that the following forms be included in the Faith and Order under the title "Suggested Forms"

FUNERAL

The Service

Beloved: we are gathered together in the name of Christ to honor the memory of .

The comfort of this hour is found in the Holy Scriptures. Let us hear what they say.

(The Scripture reading may be followed by prayer, hymns, poems, and an appropriate message, words of comfort, and a closing prayer.)

As we depart, let us be reminded that every man will stand before God in a day of judgment. Blessed is the one whose heart is prepared to meet God.

We invite you to join us for the service of committal at cemetery.

The Committal Service

"I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die,"

"Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hearth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live." "Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

"Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not. (John 11:25,26; 5:24, 25, 28, 29; Job 14:1,2)

Inasmuch as it has pleased the Lord, in whose power are life and death, to remove our departed from our midst, we therefore commit the body to the earth; Earth to earth! Ashes to ashes! Dust to dust! awaiting the resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom each must come forth in his own order when this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality, and all shall appear in His presence, according to the mighty working whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me... Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." (Revelation 14:13)

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH BUILDING

(See Articles of Faith, Article XVIII The Church, Faith and Order, page 19-20)

(Officiating Pastor) Beloved, in this solemn hour, in the presence of the Lord, the God of Heaven and Earth, the Source and Giver of all good, Who has given us the desire and ability to build this house, we now give thanks for its completion and dedicate it to His service and glory,

Our blessed Redeemer gives us the precious assurance that He will meet with His people where they assemble themselves together.

Thus encouraged and strengthened in faith, we have confidence that the Most High, Who inhabits eternity and dwells also in those who are born of His Spirit, will accept this house which we have built to His glory, and regard it with good pleasure, to the salvation and benefit of those who here assemble to magnify His holy Name.

Having this confidence, we now designate this house as Bible Fellowship Church of unto the Triune God. We dedicate this house to the singing of His praise, the offering of thanksgiving, prayer, reading, expounding, and preaching His Word, the administration of the ordinances, and the observance of such other devotional services as are according to the rules adopted and practiced in public worship by the Bible Fellowship Church agreeable with His Word. Here may His name be magnified and His Church increase through the maturing of the saints and the salvation of men.

Pastor: God, our Heavenly Father, has prospered us and enabled us by His grace to complete this house of worship. We are gathered here this day to dedicate this building to the honor and service of our Lord. Within His house of worship the Word of God will be truly preached, His ordinances faithfully administered, prayer and praise freely offered unto Him Who, above all, is worthy. We desire that this shall be His house, and the place of His presence. We are thankful unto Him and bless His name.

People: The Lord is Good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.

Pastor: To God, the Everlasting Father, in Whom we live and move and have our being, and from Whom cometh every good and perfect gift, by Whose mercy and grace we are saved.....

People: We now with gratitude solemnly dedicate this house of worship

Pastor: To the service of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Who loved us and gave Himself for us, Who rose again and lives forevermore, to Him Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.....

People: We dedicate this house of worship.

Pastor: To the ministry of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide, by Whom alone is wrought the renewal of heart, Who leads us to repentance, and enriches us through His work....

People: We dedicate this house of worship.

Pastor: For the comfort of those who mourn, for strength to those who are weak, for instruction in the truths of the Word of God, for the sanctification of the family and the promotion of Christian character, for the giving of hope to one and all....

People: We dedicate this house of worship.

Pastor: For the carrying out of the Great Commission to the end that the Gospel may be preached to the ends of the earth through its constituency....

People: We dedicate this house of worship.

Pastor and People: We, the members and friends of Bible Fellowship Church of grateful to God for our Christian heritage, consecrate ourselves anew, and all that we are and possess, to Him as His people, for His service, and dedicate this house of worship in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

DEDICATION OF CHILDREN

(See Article VII, Standards of Worship and Life, "Dedication of Children")

To the Congregation

Inasmuch as these parents are presenting this child (these children) to the Lord, let us join with them in their act of dedication. Only those parents who are born again and are living in fellowship with Christ may present their children in dedication to the Lord. This act has no saving power, but is a public declaration by the parents that they will rear their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Dedication becomes meaningful to the extent that these parents train their children in the Lord through spiritual admonitions and exemplary living.

To the Parents

1. Inasmuch as God has given you this child (these children), do you consecrate him (her, them) to God and His service, and do you publicly acknowledge that in so doing, you are submitting yourselves to God's will for this child whatever it may involve? If so, answer "We do.”

2. Will you be responsible to bring this child (these children) regularly to the house of God and teach him (her, them) reverence to the Lord and respect for His house and worship? If so, answer, "We will."

3. Will you instruct this child (these children) in the Word of God, and encourage him (her, them) to memorize portions of it? If so, answer "We will."

4. Will you endeavor to lead your child (children) to a saving knowledge of Christ? If so, answer, “We will.”

5. Will you teach this child (these children) as soon as he (she, they) is (are) able to understand, the nature and purpose of this dedication? If so, answer, "We will. "

6. Do you dedicate yourselves as parents to live a godly life so that this child (these children) will see Christ in you? If so, answer "We do."

(The Minister shall continue) Inasmuch as (name parents) have dedicated (name of child) to God and His service, let us join in prayer that God's blessing may be upon them.

(The Minister shall then pray, and may give the following Benediction:)

"The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

MARRIAGE

(See Standards of Worship and Life, Article V Marriage, Article VI Family, and Article VII Divorce, Faith and Order, page 34-36)

Prior to the ceremony, the Minister should arrange for counseling with the couple concerning marriage.

At the time appointed for the marriage ceremony, the persons to be married shall stand together, the man on the minister's left and the woman on the right.

The Service

Dear Friends, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the presence of this company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying to us the mystical union which is between Christ and His Church, which He purchased with His own blood at Calvary.

As Christ's love for the Church is sacred, in like manner marriage is sacred, is not to be entered into inadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Be well assured that if any persons are joined together otherwise than God's Word allows, their marriage is not blessed of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Appropriate reply, such as "I do," or "Her mother and I do". etc.)

Take her right hand and place it in his right hand, signifying that you surrender her to his care and keeping for life.

(TO THE GROOM)

Do you, take this woman whose hand you now hold to be your true and wedded wife, and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, cherish, honor, and protect her, and her only, forsaking all others for her sake as long as you both shall live? If so, answer "I do."

(TO THE BRIDE)

Do you, , take this man who now holds your hand, to be your true and wedded husband, and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, honor, cherish, obey, and protect him; to forsake all others for his sake; and to cleave to him and him only, so long as you both shall live? If so, answer "I do."

(The Minister shall then ask the Groom to repeat after him the following:)

I, , take thee, , to be my wedded wife... to have and to hold, from this day forward....for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer... in sickness and in health.... to love and to cherish... till death do us part.

(The Minister shall then ask the Bride to repeat after him the following:)

I, , take thee , to be my wedded husband; to have and to hold, from this day forward.... for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer....in sickness and in health, .....to love, cherish, and obey,.... till death do us part.

(EXCHANGE OF RINGS)

(To the Groom) What pledge do you give of the sincerity of your vows? "This ring.”

(To the Bride) Do you accept this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of his vows? "I do."

(As the Groom places the ring on his Bride's finger, he shall repeat after the Minister the following:)

As a pledge...and in token of the vows between us made, ... with this ring I thee wed ... and with all my worldly goods I thee endow; ... in the name of the Father...and of the Son,,,..and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(The Minister shall say:) And may this circlet of gold which has no end, be henceforth the chaste and changeless symbol of your evermore pure and changeless affection.

(To the Bride) What pledge do you give of the sincerity of your vows? "This ring."

(To the Groom) Do you accept this ring as pledge of the sincerity of her vows? "I Do."

(As the Bride places the ring on her Groom’s finger, she shall repeat after the Minister the following:)

As a pledge and in token of the vows between us made, ... with this ring I thee wed .... pledging my constant faith and abiding love, in the name of the Father,.... and of the Son, .... and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(The Minister shall say:) And may this circlet of gold which has no end, be henceforth the chaste and changeless symbol of your evermore pure and changeless affection.

Inasmuch as and have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same by these sacred vows in the presence of God and this company, and have confirmed the same by the giving and receiving of rings, now therefore by the authority conferred upon me as a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ, and by the laws of the state of , I pronounce that you are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

In this new relationship let me remind you that you are one in interests, one in reputation, and above all, one in affection. These, therefore, whom God has joined together, let not man put asunder.

(Prayer may be offered, if desired.)

(To the Groom) You may kiss your Bride.

(To the Congregation) May I now present Mr. and Mrs. .

The following were elected:

EDITOR OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Randall A. Grossman (1 year)

BUSINESS MANAGER OF FELLOWSHIP NEWS: Bernard N. Coble (1 year)

Dr. William Campbell, Missionary to Tunisia, addressed the Conference, challenging greater concern for spiritual consistency on the part of the Church.

Robert F. Johnson gave testimony of God’s sustaining power during his recent illness.

John Dunn led in prayer seeking the will of God concerning the physical need of Brother Johnson.

The Registrar listed the following absences from the second meeting:

With Excuse: Without Excuse

Paul G. Zimmerman Richard J. Gehman

William L. Graybill, II J. Barclay Harley

George E. Herb Ronald W. Hoyle

Carl T. Martin David L. Manney

Donald P. Straub Edward Moyer

Harold L. Snyder, Jr. Laird F. Stengele

Paul E. Baer Phillip E. Yerrington

C. Leslie Miller C. E. Kirkwood

Brian H. Butler

Resolved: that we adjourn.

Adjourned at 4:00 P.M. with prayer by Robert W. Smock.

THIRD MEETING

Wednesday Morning, October 12, 1983 - 9 A.M.

LeRoy S. Heller led in the singing of "Christ Returneth." The Scripture reading, I Thess. 4:13-18, was read by James A. Wickstead. The delegate from Spring City, John Derck, led in prayer.

The minutes of the first meeting were read and approved as corrected.

The Registrar communicated the presence of the following Alternate Delegates: Thomas J. Ward, Poughquag, N.Y.; Donald McKinney, Sinking Spring.

Resolved: that these men be seated as Delegates for the week.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See pg. 161)

Report was accepted.

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS:(See p. 105 (See pg. 181)

Report was accepted.

The following were elected:

MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:

Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Jansen E. Hartman, L. James Roberts, (3 years)

COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS:

James A. Beil, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Frank L. Herb, Jr., John H. Riggall. (1 year)

MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE:

Alva C. Cassel,, David J. Watkins. (3 years)

BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING:

Daniel P. Allen, John H. Herb, D. Thomas Phillips, Gary Sterner. (1 year)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH:

Jansen E. Hartman, Horace A. Kauffman. (3 years)

Resolved: that the program entitled "Wider Horizons 1985-2000" is adopted as a plan of action for the Bible Fellowship Church. Yes: 84; No: 16

The program adopted is as follows:

I. DENOMINATIONAL GOALS:

1. To double membership by 2000 to 13,248 members.

2. To add 60 new congregations between the end of 1985 and the end of 2000.

3. In order to enable the Church Extension Department to step up its formation of new churches, to double the churches' offerings for church extension as soon as possible.

II. CHURCH EXTENSION DEPARTMENT GOAL:

To start 45 new churches between the end of 1985 and the end of 2000.

III. PARTICULAR CHURCH GOALS: (to be commended to the churches by Annual Conference):

1. To double membership by 2000 (or other specific membership goal, higher or lower).

2. To form a stated plan to start one or more daughter churches either singly or jointly with one or more other churches in a regional effort. (The preliminary denominational goal anticipates 15 new daughter churches during the 15 year goal period).

3. To double church extension offerings by 1985 or as soon thereafter as possible (or other specific goal, higher or lower).

PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTATION

1. Board of Church Extension presents Preliminary Plan to the One Hundredth Annual Conference in October, 1983

(1) Proposes Preliminary Denominational Goals for adoption.

(2) Proposes Preliminary Church Extension Department Goal for adoption.

(3) Presents Preliminary Particular Church Goals for adoption for presentation and commendation to the particular churches.

2. Annual Conference adopts the Program and approves the preliminary goals.

(1) Denominational Goals for Presentation to the Churches, to be specified at the 101st Annual Conference, October, 1984

(2) Board of Church Extension Goal receives preliminary approval, to be "owned" at the 101st Annual Conference.

(3) Particular Church Suggested Goals for presentation with recommendation to the particular churches.

3. During the Conference Year (1983-84), Particular Churches consider the Program with a view to final approval in October, 1984.

(1) Denominational Goals will be formed by an aggregate of local church approval and/or figures officially reported to the 101st Annual Conference.

— 1 — Membership Goal by 2000:

Each church will report its membership goal and the Board of Church Extension will add a figure for the total membership in 2000 of the congregations not yet started. The grand total will be the denomination's goal.

— 2 — New Daughter Churches — The total number of new daughter churches for which particular churches report stated plans to the 101st Annual Conference.

— 3 — Goal of Church Extension Offerings in the 1984-85, the 1985-86 Conference Year will be the total of the figures reported by each of the churches.

(2) The Church Extension Department Goal will be “owned" by the churches at the 101st Annual Conference, October, 1984.

— 1 — Approval of 2/3 of the Churches is required to "own" the goal of 45 new church starts between 1985 and 2000' by the Church Extension Department. "Owning" means that the church will commit itself to doing all it can toward achieving the goal.

— 2 — If the vote of the churches is less than 2/3 to "own" this goal, new goals will be set by averaging the number of new Church Extension Department starts approved by each of the churches.

— 3 — To the approved or "owned" goal for new church starts by the Church Extension Department will be added a total of the daughter church goals of the particular churches to arrive at a total goal for new church starts.

(3) Particular Churches may, if they choose, report their local church goals for the fifteen year period, which may then be tabulated and reported to the Annual Conference.

4. At the 101st Annual Conference, October, 1984, the Program and its goals are finally and fully adopted and set by the Conference, according to the procedures outlined above.

5. Denominational agencies may formulate their goals for the same period and report them to Annual Conference in 1984 or 1985.

DURING THE 1983-84 YEAR

The Board of Church Extension will prepare a workbook/guide to assist the particular churches to work through their own process of local goal setting and “owning” and participating in forming the final denominational goals for WIDER HORIZONS — 1985-2000.

This material will be advisory and optional, for the churches to use at their discretion.

AT THE 101st ANNUAL CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 1984

Final denominational and Church Extension Department goals for WIDER HORIZONS - 1985-2000 will be formulated by the 101st Annual Conference through the input of the particular churches.

Particular Church goals of those churches who wish to share them with the Annual Conference will be announced, tabulated, and reported.

WIDER HORIZONS — 1985-2000 goals of the various agencies may be announced to the Annual Conference.

DURING THE 1984-85 CONFERENCE YEAR

The Board of Church Extension will formulate some specific strategies and intermediate goals by which it expects to attempt to fulfill the WIDER HORIZONS1985-2000 goal set for it by Annual Conference. These will be announced to the 102nd Annual Conference.

The Registrar listed the following absences from the third meeting:

With Excuse: Robert F. Johnson, Stephan R. Van Eck, Paul G. Zimmerman, William Graybill II, Carl T. Martin, David J. Watkins, Bernard N. Coble, Paul E. Baer, C. Leslie Miller, Harold L. Snyder, Jr., Brian H. Butler

Without Excuse: E.W. Bean, C.E. Kirkwood, Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald W. Hoyle, David L. Manney, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Laird F. Stengele, Philip E. Yerrington

The following Missionaries were presented to the Conference:

Terri Faust, Appointee with Overseas Missionary Fellowship

Robert Draper, Appointee with Africa Inland Mission

Walter Frank, with Greater Europe Mission

Keith Anderson, with Fellowship of Independent Missions

Leonard Buck, with Christian Literature Crusade

William Campbell, with North Africa Mission

Resolved: that we adjourned.

Adjourned at 12:15 P.M. with prayer by Richard D. Harris.

FOURTH MEETING

Wednesday Afternoon, October 12, 1983 - 1:30 P.M.

The Delegate from Bethlehem, Robert Gerding, led in prayer.

The minutes of the Tuesday meetings were read and approved as corrected.

The appointment of Robert W. Smock as Assistant Secretary and Bernard N. Coble as Assistant to the Secretaries was announced by the Chairman.

Resolved: that the election of Paul G. Zimmerman by the Board of Missions as Executive Secretary from October 1983 to October 1985 is ratified by this Annual Conference.

Resolved: that the election of David E. Thomann by the Board of Missions as Financial Secretary from October 1983 to October 1986 is ratified by this Annual Conference.

Resolved: that the 100th Session of Annual Conference adopt as FIRST READING the following changes in legislation relating to the Board of Missions:

Composition: The Board of Missions shall be composed of ten men, namely the Executive Secretary, the Financial secretary, four ordained ministers, and four laymen.

Election: The Executive Secretary and the Financial Secretary shall each be elected for a term of three years by the Board of Missions, subject to ratification by the Annual Conference. The election of these officers shall be in such a manner that their respective terms shall not expire at the same time.

Four ordained ministers and four laymen shall be elected by Annual Conference for terms of three years in the following classes:

I. One minister and one layman

II. Two ministers and one layman

III. One minister and two laymen

The Chairman of the Board of Missions shall be elected annually by and from the Board of Missions at its organizational meeting. The Chairman, the Executive Secretary, and the Financial Secretary shall comprise the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions.

Whereas: the legislation changes have given greater responsibilities to the Board of Missions, and

Whereas: we desire and feel that it is of the utmost importance to keep the present balance between ministers and laymen, and

Whereas: the laymen are a vital part of the Board of Missions representing our particular churches, and

Whereas: we believe that there should be an additional layman added to the Board of Missions at this Annual Conference, therefore be it

Resolved: that the Annual Conference authorize immediate implementation of the above legislative change by the rule of exception, and further,

Resolved: that it be implemented as follows:

in 1983 elect one minister for three years - class of 1986

in 1983 elect one layman for three years - class of 1986

in 1984 elect two ministers for three years - class of 1987

in 1984 elect one layman for three years - class of 1987

in 1984 elect one layman for one year - class of 1985

in 1985 elect one minister for three years - class of 1988

in 1985 elect two laymen for three years - class of 1988

The above resolution was adopted by a vote of 95 Yes, 1 No.

The Director of Church Extension introduced Dennis Spinney (Ministerial Candidate) as a tent-making church-planter with the Church Extension Department, serving in northern New Jersey.

The following were elected:

BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION:

Bruce A. Ellingson, Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)

HISTORICAL COMMITTEE:

Leonard Buck, Bright N. Heist. (3 years)

Resolved: that the following be adopted as SECOND READING:

STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

The Scriptures teach that believers are to be faithful stewards. Faithful stewardship requires careful management and use of all resources for the glory of God — body, strength, mind, time abilities, spiritual gifts, the earth and its components, relationships, opportunities, possessions, money — literally all of life.

Acting on its belief that it is the duty of particular churches to teach and aid their members to be faithful stewards and that it is the duty of those churches in fellowship to encourage and assist the particular churches and agencies of the churches in fellowship to be faithful and efficient in their stewardship, the Bible Fellowship Church has formed a Stewardship Council.

The Stewardship Council exists to serve the constituents, particular churches, and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church. It is not an end in itself, but shall be a means toward the greater glory of God through faithful stewardship. It shall, therefore seek to help the constituents, particular churches, and agencies to maximize their service for Christ and their impact for the kingdom and glory of God.

By-Laws of the Stewardship Council

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be Stewardship Council of the Bible Fellowship Church.

Article II - Membership

The Council shall be comprised of:

a. One representative from and chosen by each agency of the Bible Fellowship Church which chooses to be part of the Stewardship Council.

b. Three members at large representing the particular churches of the Bible Fellowship Church and elected by Annual Conference. These men shall be elected to three-year terms, their terms of office expiring in consecutive years. (to implement, one representative shall be elected for a one-year term, one representative shall be elected for a two-year term, one representative shall be elected for a three-year term).

Article III - Duties

The duties of the Council shall be:

a. To challenge the constituency of the Bible Fellowship Church to faithfulness in total stewardship of life.

b. To educate the constituency of the Bible Fellowship Church concerning the carrying out of financial stewardship.

c. To assist particular churches and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church, upon their invitation, to develop their own stewardship programs.

d. To assist churches and agencies within the Bible Fellowship Church to solicit for various financial programs.

e. To provide services to the constituents of the Bible Fellowship Church whereby they can contribute financially to Bible Fellowship Church ministries.

f. To delineate the duties of stewardship counselors; to engage, as it deems necessary, personnel to implement these duties; and to oversee their activities.

g. To assist churches and agencies to establish and maintain proper and responsible methods of financial accounting and auditing.

h. To maintain a current understanding concerning tax laws and legal and governmental regulations regarding charitable gifts and charitable organizations.

i. To co-ordinate and review with sensitivity the stewardship programs of various Bible Fellowship Church agencies so as to guard against duplication, competition, over-exposure, and undue aggressiveness.

j. To approve all major capital campaigns and deferred giving programs of all agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church.

k. To submit articles and materials for publication in Fellowship News.

l. To report annually to Annual Conference, said report to include an audited financial report.

Article IV - Funding

The operations of the Council shall be funded by the following means:

a. An appropriation from the Annual Conference Administrative Budget.

b. Appropriations from the participating agencies.

c. Fees charged to particular churches for services rendered by the Council.

d. Fees charged agencies for services rendered by the Council.

e. Gifts designated for the Council.

Article V - Operating Principles

In performing its duties, the Council shall operate under the following principles:

a. In doing its work, the Council shall focus on channeling funds to churches and agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church rather than being a recipient of gifts for its own support.

b. Services to particular churches shall be rendered by the council only upon invitation of the particular church.

c. Suggestions for giving to all participating agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church shall be offered as stewardship programs are presented to and/or in particular churches.

d. In the event an individual requests stewardship information about a particular church or agency, he need be informed only about contributing to that church or agency.

e. All financial dealings of the Council shall be in compliance with federal, state and local laws.

f. Methods of promotion and solicitation shall avoid undue aggressiveness and reflect the highest ethical standards. The Council and its representatives shall not make exaggerated claims of achievement, guarantee results, or offer unreasonable promises.

g. Representatives of the Council shall be above reproach in deportment and shall manifest Christian concern for people.

h. Information gained by representatives of the Council shall be held in confidence and used only for matters relating to the ministry of the Council.

i. Representatives of the Council shall not use their positions for personal financial gain.

Article VI - Stewardship Counselors

The Stewardship Council of the Bible Fellowship Church shall engage a stewardship counselor or counselors to implement its ministry. A full-time counselor shall subscribe annually to the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church and evidence commitment to and support of the various ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church. One engaged part-time for this position shall maintain a credible profession of Christian faith, be committed to evangelical doctrines, and be in sympathy with the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. Financial remuneration for his services shall be negotiated by the Council and the counselor.

Although various remuneration procedures may be agreed upon, the counselor may not be paid on a commission basis. The performance of all stewardship counselors shall be reviewed annually.

Resolved: that the following be adopted as SECOND READING:

SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

1. Prayer: The meeting shall be opened with prayer.

2. Roll Call: This shall occur at all congregational meetings, regular and special. The roll call shall include all church officers and all individuals responsible for reporting at the regular meeting(s).