ONE HUNDRED FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1987
FIRST MEETING
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 12, 1987, 10:00 AM
The first meeting of the 104th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order by the Chairman, Jansen E. Hartman, at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, Pa. at 10:00 AM on October 12, 1987.
Vice-Chairman James A. Beil opened in prayer.
Report of the Registrar:
The report was accepted.
The roll of conference members was established as follows:
Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Bible Fellowship Church and Delegates
Allentown, Cedar Crest - Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert F. Johnson, John W. Trauch, Jay H. Fasnacht
Allentown, Salem - Charles J. McConnell, Jeffrey C. Stickler
Bangor - Thomas S. MacMillan
Bethlehem - Harvey J. Fritz Jr., Robert F. Gerding, Warren L. Zimmerman
Blandon - George R. Bryson, Raymond R. Bertolet
Camden, DE - James G. Koch, Horace F. Short
Catasauqua - (Probationer), Calvin A. Boyle
Coopersburg - Thomas P. Shorb, Clyde W. Snyder
Denville, NJ - Stephan R. Van Eck, Ralph C. Hansen
Emmaus - Dana E. Weller, Richard Lefever, Jonathan D. Reynolds
Englishtown, NJ - Raymond G. Burnett, Clinton Crankshaw
Ephrata - Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ - David H. Jones, Donald P. Straub
Fleetwood - Frank L. Herb, Jr., Douglas Manwiller
Graterford - Richard D. Harris, W. Robert Buckwalter
Harleysville - Paul G. Zimmerman, Kenneth D. Keeler, Harold Crider
Harrisburg - Albert J. Dommel, Stephen C. Coleman
Hatfield - John H. Herb, Lee E. Boyles
Howell, NJ - John C. Vandegriff Jr., David M. Markuson
Kutztown - Randall A .Grossman, George K. Monroe
Lancaster - David A. Thomann, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon - Calvin T. Reed, Leroy O. Herb
Lehighton - William H. Bartron, Warren F. Shelly
Maple Glen - Carl K. Spackman, George Priestly
Mt. Carmel - Alva C. Cassel, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
Mt. Pocono - Ronald C. Erb, Salvatore Roseti
Nazareth - Keith E. Plows, Leonard Kessler
Newark, DE - (Probationer), Arthur J. Frisbie
Newark, NJ (Mission) - Delbert Baker, II
New Fairfield, CT - Dean A. Stortz, Carl Anderson
Oley - Kenneth F. Barber, Clayton E. Weber
Paradise - (Probationer), L. Donald Miller
Philadelphia, Emmanuel - (Probationer), Russell L. Davis
Philadelphia, Wissinoming - G. Wayne Clapier, Wally Burroughs
Poughquag, NY - James A. Wickstead, Thomas Ward
Quakertown - Bert N. Brosius, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading - Jansen E. Hartman, Robert Breitegam, Charles Lavigna
Royersford - Robert W. Smock, Dennis Souder
Scranton - James R. Batchler Jr., Scott Mitchell
Shamokin - Hugh C. Coulbourn Jr., Craig Boyer
Sinking Spring - Terris L. Byrd, James Klusewitz
Somers Point, NJ(Mission) - Roger L. Reitz
Spring City - Carl T. Martin, Richard R. Blystone
Staten Island, NY - Bryan G. Upton, Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg - Philip E. Morrison, Harold D. Geisinger
Sunbury - Leroy S. Heller, Bert E. Brosius, Robert Cox
Terre Hill - Steven L. Trommler, Keith Anderson
Wallingford - Richard E. Taylor, William R. Singletary
Wappingers Falls, NY - (Probationer), Charles Webb
Whaley Lake, NY - (Mission) Robert S. Commerford
York- Kenneth L. Good, Philip G. Norris
Zionsville - (Probationer), David L. Weller
Ordained Men Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
James A. Beil, Carl C. Cassel, Bruce A. Ellingson, George E. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, Barry J. Minsky, Daniel G. Ziegler
Ordained Men Between Calls
David A. Carver, A. L. Seifert, Harold C. Weaber
Ordained Missionaries
Leonard E. Buck, Brian H. Butler, Robert L. Draper, Walter H. Frank, Richard J. Gehman, J. Barclay Harley, Ronald W. Hoyle, Herbert K. Lea, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Louis Prontnicki, Laird F. Stengele, Philip E. Yerrington
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Paul E. Baer, John Dunn, W. W. Hartman, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, C. Leslie Miller, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, David E. Thomann
Probationers Serving as First Pastors of Churches
W. David Armstrong, Jr., Thomas G. Barshinger, W. Neil Harding, Jr., William G. Schlonecker, Ralph M. Soper, Byron Widger
Resolved: that the Conference Bar be limited to those seated at the tables.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGENDA AND PROGRAM
The report was adopted.
Jansen E. Hartman gave the keynote devotional address entitled: "That Ye Might Walk Worthily of the Lord" (Col 1:10).
The Secretary appointed Robert W. Smock as Assistant Secretary and David T. Allen & Daniel P. Allen as Assistants to the Secretaries.
The Chairman appointed Carl C. Cassel as Second Vice Chairman.
The Registrar read requests from the following who asked to be excused from parts or all of the meetings of Annual Conference:
David H. Jones, George E. Herb, Paul E. Baer, D. Thomas Phillips, Donald P. Straub , Bert N. Brosuis, David W. Riddell, Carl T. Martin, Kenneth F. Barber, Clayton E. Weber, C.E. Kirkwood, Barry J. Minsky
RESOLVED, that the above requests be granted.
The Chairman appointed the following committees:
Communications: James G. Koch, Kenneth L. Good, Raymond G. Burnett
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: Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., John H. Herb, Terris L. Byrd, Bert N. Brosius, Richard D. Harris, David A. Thomann
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Jay H. Fasnacht, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert F. Gerding
Committee to Monitor the Minutes: Bruce A. Ellingson, Robert S. Commerford, Kenneth D. Keeler
Reporter: Stephan R. Van Eck
Parliamentarian: John H. Herb
Timekeeper: Carl T. Martin
Administrative Assistant: Thomas P. Shorb
RESOLVED: that we approve the Conference Committees appointed by the Chairman.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS (see pg.57)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (see page 61)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS (see pg. 62)
The report was accepted, with the exception that the paragraph on Robert F. Johnson be referred back to committee.
WHEREAS, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended W. David Armstrong, David W. Chappell, David W. Riddell, David N. Schoen and Ralph M. Soper for ordination and Dennis M. Cahill for recognition of prior ordination, and,
WHEREAS, these brethren have served acceptably as ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time, and
WHEREAS, after examination the Credentials Committee 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 W. David Armstrong, David W. Chappell, David W. Riddell, David N. Schoen and Ralph M. Soper be ordained to the Gospel Ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and that the prior ordination of Dennis M. Cahill be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
RESOLVED, that the service of Ordination shall be held on Thursday, October 29, 1987 at Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, PA at 7:30 PM.
The Committee on Credentials shall be in charge of this service.
The men recommended above for ordination were introduced to the Conference.
RESOLVED, that the men recommended above for ordination be invited to be seated in the Conference Bar.
RESOLVED, that the Chairman appoint a Committee to prepare a tribute to E. W. Bean to appear in the 1987 Year Book.
The Chairman appointed George R. Bryson and David E. Thomann to prepare this tribute.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE (see page 65)
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED: that the following men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee be accepted.
PROBATIONERS (year of licensing in parenthesis)
W. David Armstrong Zionsville, PA (1985)
William C. Aukamp Rapid City, SD (1985)
Thomas A. Barshinger Catasauqua, PA (1986)
James L. Beaver St. Petersburg, FL
Douglas D. Bowne Spring City, PA
Dennis M. Cahill Edison, NJ (1986)
David W. Chappell Walnutport, PA (1985)
Arthur J. Frisbie Newark, DE (1976)
David E. Gundrum Reading, PA (1986)
Ronald C. Hagy Reading, PA (1986)
W. Neil Harding Philadelphia, PA (1983)
Walter Johnston Wyomissing, PA
James E. Neher Graterford, PA (1987)
John Reed Brookhaven, PA
David W. Riddell Ambler, PA (1985)
David Schoen Emmaus, PA (1982)
William G. Schlonecker Newark, DE (1985)
David H. C. Sng Hatfield, PA (1987)
Ralph M. Soper Paradise, PA (1985)
Dennis W. Spinney Hillside, NJ (1984)
Byron Widger Wappingers Falls, NY (1985)
CANDIDATES
James Allay Lansdale, PA
Gary F. Bentley Hatfield, PA
Clifford B. Boone Allentown, PA
Harold B. Fravel, III Ephrata, PA
Ronald A. Honeywell Manheim, PA
Randy M. Keeley Hancock, NY
Gary McElroy Shoemakersville, PA
Barnabas Marshall Winston Salem, NC
Richard W. Meyer Fleetwood, PA
Philip J. Mitchell Allentown, PA
Christopher J. Morrison New Britain, CT
Duane Moyer Guadeloupe, F.W.I.
Scott A. Neiswender Bloomsburg, PA
Richard T. Paashaus Coopersburg, PA
Brent Robinson Sinking Spring, PA
Charles M. Snyder Chambersburg, PA
Jeffrey C. Stickler Allentown, PA
Warren N. Stuber Brockton, MA
J. Richard Vroman Lansdale, PA
James Wenger South Woodstock, CT
APPLICANTS
David T. Allen Akron, PA
Joseph L. Dugan Howell, NJ
Thomas J. Gardner Greenville, SC
Daniel A. Mabus Emmaus, PA
Darryl K. MacPherson Quakertown, PA
Mark E. Mull Wharton, NJ
Warren F. Shelly Lehighton, PA
Tom Templeton Somers Point, NJ
Thomas P. Voorhees W. Trenton, NJ
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (see pg. 66)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION (see pg.76)
The report was accepted.
PETITION
The following petition from Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA was accepted:
WHEREAS, in the marvelous goodness of the Lord, Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, Pennsylvania was able to plant a daughter church, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, Pennsylvania, during this past Conference Year under the direction of Assistant Pastor Thomas MacMillan, and
WHEREAS, the Lord has been pleased to add to the initial core of families which Grace Church gave, so that an Assessment Committee of the Board of Church Extension, meeting with the new congregation on March 26, 1987, was able to recommend that the Membership Roll be formed at Cornerstone Church, and
WHEREAS, an Assessment Committee from the Board of Church Extension, meeting with the new congregation on June 25, 1987, approved Grace Church's recommendation that elders be elected from the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church membership, and
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Church elders have opened their own checking account by authorization of the Board of Elders at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA, and
WHEREAS, Grace Church has requested direction from the Ministerial Relations Committee as to the proper procedure for the official resignation of Pastor MacMillan from Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, and
WHEREAS, the Ministerial Relations Committee views the daughter-church procedure of Grace Church, Nazareth, PA to be a unique situation and perhaps a model of encouragement for other churches and therefore requested some time for consultation before answering Grace Church's request for direction, and
WHEREAS, Pastor R. C. Mahurin, secretary of the Ministerial Relations Committee, out of three options presented via telephone on 8/8/87, recommended that Grace Church, Nazareth, PA petition the 104th Annual Conference to be convened on October 12, 1987 to receive Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, PA as a Conference Appointment, providing the Board of Elders of Grace Church is confident that all necessary criteria have been met to form the new church, and
WHEREAS, the Grace Church Board of Elders is persuaded that the above criteria have been met, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we petition the 104th Annual Conference to receive Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, Pennsylvania as a Conference Appointment.
Upon the request of the Board of Church Extension the Chairman ordered that the minutes include the following material from the Report of the Board of Church Extension.
WHEREAS, the Board of Church Extension has examined the Bangor, PA mission and certifies that it meets the qualifications of a church as set forth in Article of Faith XVIII; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 104th Annual Conference recognize Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church of Bangor, PA as a particular church and receive it into membership of the Annual Conference.
WHEREAS, Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Nazareth, PA has petitioned the 104th Annual Conference to receive Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, Bangor, PA as a conference appointment and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Church Extension certifies that it meets the qualifications of a church, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church, Bangor, PA be, and hereby is recognized as a Particular Church and is hereby received into membership of the Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that the Pastor and Delegate from Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church in Bangor, PA be admitted to the Conference Bar.
Pastor Thomas F. MacMillan, introduced his delegate, Henry U. Sandt, Jr.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION (see pg. 84)
The Report was accepted.
The Director of Church Extension gave a brief oral report.
David H. C. Sng spoke briefly of his work with Southeast Asian Refugees in Philadelphia under the Board of Church Extension.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MISSIONS (see pg. 92)
The Report was accepted.
The Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions gave a brief oral report.
RESOLVED that we extend the time.
The Chairman introduced those who were new to Annual Conference.
The Conference stood to adjourn for lunch at 12:10 PM, with Albert J. Dommel leading in prayer.
The Registrar reported the following absent from the first meeting:
UNEXCUSED
John E. Andersen, Leonard E. Buck, Brian H. Butler, Richard J. Gehman, Walter H. Frank, J. Barclay Harley, Edward Moyer, William W. Mull, Louis Prontnicki, Philip E. Yerrington, C. Leslie Miller, David A. Carver
SECOND MEETING
MONDAY AFTERNOON, October 12, 1987, 1:30 PM
Harold C. Weaber led in prayer.
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON DIVORCE, MAJORITY REPORT (see pg. 132)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE ON DIVORCE, MINORITY REPORT (see pg. 158)
The Report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the Majority Report of the Committee to Study Divorce be considered as the answer to the Poughquag Bible Fellowship Church petition (see pg. 27 of 1984 Yearbook).
(Yes, 62; No, 61)
The Executive Secretary of the Board of Missions introduced the following missionaries and appointees: Connie Hartman, Ronald W. Hoyle, Herbert K. Lea, David W. Riddell, Laird F. Stengele and Paul G. Zimmerman.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PINEBROOK JUNIOR COLLEGE (see pg. 166)
The report was accepted.
The President of Pinebrook Junior College gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME (see pg. 105)
The report was accepted.
The President of the Bible Fellowship Church Home gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE (see pg. 113)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP (See pg. 116)
The report was accepted.
The Director of Victory Valley gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: (See pg. 119)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING: (See pg. 120)
The report was accepted
The Editor of Fellowship News gave a brief oral report.
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See pg. 123)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: (See pg. 100)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE JUDICATORY: (See pg. 103)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE: (See pg. 103)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE MINUTES OF PARTICULAR CHURCHES: (See pg. 104)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CHURCH GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: (see pg. 124)
The report was accepted.
RESOLVED, that the following material replace the last two sentences of the last paragraph in Article VIII General Rules of Elections and Resignations, page 98 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order:
A vacancy on an elected Board or Committee occurs in the following cases: (a) death (b) resignation ©) discontinuation of Bible Fellowship Church membership (d) divestiture of office according to the Book of Discipline (e) declaration by Annual Conference upon appeal of the Board or Committee that the person is unwilling or unable to fulfill his committee responsibility.
If a vacancy on an elected Board or Committee occurs during the year, the Board or Committee may elect a replacement who will serve until the subsequent Annual Conference. The Board or Committee shall report to the Annual Conference any vacancies, shall recommend appropriate action and shall inform the Nominating Committee. (SECOND READING)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: (see pg. 124)
The report was adopted.
WHEREAS, we strongly believe it is the Scriptural responsibility of the church to adequately meet the needs of its pastors (Matt. 10:10; I Cor. 9:7-15; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:10-19; I Tim. 5:17-18); therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we encourage each church to increase its pastor's salary at least 6.5% above the previous year's salary, and further
RESOLVED, that the minimum salary adequate for a pastor serving a Bible Fellowship Church including benefits is $17,000 for the 1987-88 year.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn to meet at 7:00 PM.
Robert Cox led in prayer.
The Registrar reported that the following were excused from various meetings: James A. Beil, Ralph C. Hansen, Gary R. Domke, Charles Webb, George A. Priestly
THIRD MEETING
Monday Evening, October 12,7:00 PM
David A. Thomann led the Conference in singing “To God Be the Glory” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
The President of Pinebrook Junior College and various members of the faculty from the College presented the work of the College. Academic Dean Elaine A. Phillips introduced three faculty members who shared their work at the college in a 'faculty round-table' format: Joanne D. Gerken, Gilbert P. Kitchen, and Perry G. Phillips.
The President of the Bible Fellowship Church Home presented the progress of the work concerning the new Fellowship Manor, and the financing relating to it.
The Director of Victory Valley Camp presented the work of the camp, using a format of quiz, questions and slides.
The financial Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church presented the status of the Ministers' Retirement Fund.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn.
Adjourned in prayer at 9:05 PM by Calvin Boyle.
FOURTH MEETING
TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 13, 1987, 9:00 AM
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. led the Conference in singing "Trust and Obey'.
Robert W. Smock read Matthew 6:1-18 and led in prayer.
Paul G. Zimmerman delivered the devotional message, "Well Pleasing in Our Personal Lives."
The Alternate Delegate from Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church, Harold E. Snyder, was seated.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO MONITOR MINUTES
The first six pages of minutes were corrected and approved.
The following were elected:
Editor of Fellowship News: Stephan R. Van Eck (1 year)
Fellowship News Business Manager: David W. Chappell (1 year)
Additional material concerning the false charges against Robert F. Johnson was presented by the Committee on Credentials and approved by the Conference with a unanimous standing vote of confidence. Bruce A. Ellingson led in prayer on behalf of Robert F. Johnson. Following prayer Pastor Johnson addressed the Conference communicating his burden for witnessing to needy people in the world of immorality.
RESOLVED, that the 104th Annual Conference instruct its reporter to send a news release concerning these proceedings to all the newspapers that reported the arrest of Robert F. Johnson.
Ronald C. Mahurin requested that the material would not be published until authorized by the Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.
RESOLVED, that the By-Laws of the Board of Publication and Printing, paragraph 1, entitled, Election:, page 123 of the 1981 edition of the Faith and Order be amended to read:
Election: The Board of Publication and Printing shall be composed of the Editor of Fellowship News, the Business Manager of Fellowship News, and three ministers and two laymen.
The Editor of Fellowship News and the Business Manager of Fellowship News shall each be elected annually.
The ministers and laymen shall be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I - one minister and one layman
Class II - one minister and one layman
Class III - one minister
(SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that the Book of Discipline, Chapter II, Jurisdiction, paragraph 3, Churches and Agencies, page 68 of the 1986 Edition of the Faith and Order be amended by adding the following sentence after the second sentence of the present paragraph:
The members of the Judicatory shall be elected for five year terms in five classes. (Second Reading)
The Judicatory further recommends that upon approval of the above legislation at Second Reading that we implement this change by electing:
Two men for 5 years
Two men for 4 years
Two men for 3 years
Two men for 2 years
Two men for 1 year
The following were elected to the Conference Judicatory:
James A. Beil, Lee E. Boyles, Carl C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Jansen E. Hartman, John H. Herb, Ronald C. Mahurin, L. James Roberts, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
RESOLVED, that those elected be assigned to classes by alphabetical order.
As a result, the following classes were formed:
Five year term: James A. Beil, Lee E. Boyles
Four year term: Carl C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Three year term: Jansen E. Hartman, John H. Herb
Two year term: Ronald C. Mahurin, L. James Roberts, Jr.
One year term: Clyde W. Snyder, Harold L. Snyder, Jr.
RESOLVED, that the material in the FAITH AND ORDER starting on the bottom of page 169 be changed to read as follows:
"Categories of Ministry, All ordained men who hold Ordination Credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church shall be members in good standing in a particular Bible Fellowship Church and shall subscribe annually to the FAITH AND ORDER.
Howard White, alternate delegate for Wissinoming Bible Fellowship Church was seated.
C. Leslie Miller, from Ventura, California, greeted the Conference and expressed what the Bible Fellowship Church has meant to him since he began serving with us in 1924.
RESOLVED, that the annuities paid from the Ministers' Retirement Fund beginning October 1, 1987, shall be $138.00 per year of service up to forty years of service for which an annuitant is eligible, and further
RESOLVED, that any new pledges to the '87-88 Administrative Budget which may be received at this Conference be designated to the Ministers' Retirement Fund.
RESOLVED, that we adopt the following budget for the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATIVE BUDGETS Oct. 1, 1987 to Sept. 30, 1988
A. BENEFITS FOR EACH PASTOR
1. Beneficiary Fund 1,000.00
2. Ministerial Convention 1,000.00
3. Ministers' Retirement Fund 34,150.00
4. Ministers' Assistance Fund 750.00
Total 36,900.00
B.BENEFITS FOR EACH CHURCH
la. Conference Entertainment 3,500.00
lb. Conference Expense 600.00
2. Moving Fund 3,000.00
3. Fund to Assist Churches 400.00
Total 7,500.00
C.ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMS
1. Publication & Printing 4,000.00
2. Expenses of Boards and Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 800.00
b. Stewardship Council 300.00
c. All Other Expenses 5,000.00
3.Expenses, Board of Directors
a. Computer Use 1,000.00
b. Other Expenses 500.00
4. Ministerial Candidate Comm. 1,200.00
5. Historical Committee 1,000.00
6. Contributions 590.00
Total 14,390.00
TOTAL BUDGET 58,790.00
RESOLVED, that the following Administrative Budget for the 1988-89 year be approved for circulation to the churches in solicitation of their pledges by April 15, 1988.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Proposed Administrative Budget for Oct. 1, 1988 to Sept. 30, 1989
A.BENEFITS FOR EACH PASTOR
1. Beneficiary Fund 1,000.00
2. Ministerial Convention 1,600.00
3. Ministers' Retirement Fund 36,600.00
4. Ministers' Assistance Fund 750.00
Total 39,950.00
B.BENEFITS FOR EACH CHURCH
la. Conference Entertainment 3,500.00
lb. Conference Expense 600.00
2. Moving Fund 5,000.00
3. Fund to Assist Churches 1,000.00
Total 10,100.00
C. ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAMS
1. Publication & Printing 4,000.00
2. Expenses of Boards and Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 800.00
b. Stewardship Council 2,500.00
c. All Other Expenses 5,000.00
3.Expenses, Board of Directors
a. Computer Use 1,000.00
b. Other Expenses 500.00
4. Ministerial Candidate Comm. 1,200.00
5. Historical Committee 1,000.00
6. Contributions 250.00
Total 16,250.00
TOTAL BUDGET 66,300.00
RESOLVED, that the rate of mileage reimbursement be $.18 per mile effective 10/15/87.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
RESOLVED, that we adjourn. Adjourned at 12:15 PM for lunch, with Warren G. Zimmerman leading in prayer.
FIFTH MEETING
TUESDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 13, 1987, 1:30 PM
Willard E. Cassel led in prayer.
Tom Ward, the alternate delegate from Poughquag Bible Fellowship Church was seated.
RESOLVED, that paragraph B-1, Section V., p 21, 1986 Yearbook, be deleted from the Second Reading material on p. 20 - 22 of the 1986 Yearbook.
RESOLVED, that paragraphs C. & E., Section IV, p.20, 1986 Yearbook be referred back to the Board of Directors for further consideration.
RESOLVED, that we adopt the following revisions to the Rules of the Ministers' Retirement Fund at Second Reading:
ARTICLE VI
Funds Administered by the Board of Directors
Section 1. Ministers' Retirement Fund
I. NAME
The name of this fund shall be the Ministers' Retirement Fund of the Bible Fellowship Church.
II. PURPOSE
The Ministers' Retirement Fund shall be a permanent fund to provide and pay annuities to ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church who by reason of age have retired from active service and also to widows of such ministers according to the rules hereinafter stated.
III. ADMINISTRATION
This fund shall be controlled by the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church and operated by the Committee on Pensions under the direction of the Annual Conference.
IV.ELIGIBILITY
A.Every minister who is licensed or who has been ordained by the Bible Fellowship Church is a member of the Fund so long as he is working under the direction of the Annual Conference and his name continues to appear on the list of men eligible to serve as a pastor of a Bible Fellowship Church.
B.When a man receives license with the Bible Fellowship Church, the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall notify him of the requirements for payments into the Fund and its benefits.
C.A man having less than 25 years of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church and no longer meeting both requirements set forth in Paragraph A of this section of these rules, ceases to be a member of the Fund, except as provided in Paragraphs D, E and F of this Section. When a minister ceases to be a member of the Retirement Fund, the money he paid into the Fund shall be refunded to him; and he by receiving this refund shall forfeit all further claims on the Fund.
D.Should a minister with less than 25 years of service no longer meet both eligibility requirements of Paragraph A of this section because he is awaiting a call to the pulpit of a Bible Fellowship Church, his membership in the Fund will continue so long as he desires, and this period between calls will be included as years of active service as this term is used in Section VIII, Paragraph A,3. However, to maintain the continuity of his service, a minister covered by this paragraph shall on April 1 and at Annual Conference of each year make his contribution to the Fund in accordance with the provision of Section V, Paragraph B based on the minimum salary currently prescribed for a pastor by Annual Conference.
E.Should a minister, after having accepted a refund as provided in Paragraph C of this section, return to work under the direction of Annual Conference, he may return the refund to the Fund and the years of service represented by the refund, will be included in the base for calculating his annuity.
F.A man who has been a member of the Fund may continue his eligibility for an annuity when serving under the Board of Missions. His rights to payments from the Fund of a refund or an annuity shall be based only on the payments made to the Fund on his behalf.
V.CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FUND
The Fund shall be maintained by the following:
A. Contributions through the Annual Conference Administrative Budget.
B.Contributions for each member.
1.Two percent (2%) of each member's annual salary and supplemental benefits, excluding medical insurance and excluding parsonage allowances for pastors providing their own housing, shall be paid into the Fund. To maintain his continuity of service, the contribution shall not be less than two percent (2%) of the minimum salary currently prescribed for a pastor by the Annual Conference.
2.The annual salary shall be calculated on the year beginning September 1 and ending August 31.
3.One half of this payment shall be forwarded to the Financial Secretary of the Board of Directors on or before April 1, and the balance shall be paid at the next Annual Conference.
C. Gifts, bequests and devises from any source.
VI.RETIREMENT AGE
A.A minister of the Bible Fellowship Church who has attained the age of sixty-five (65) years may retire from active service.
B.It is mandatory that a minister retire at the end of the month in which he attains the age of seventy-two (72) years.
C.A minister who has given 25 years or more of service to the Bible Fellowship Church may retire from the active ministry prior to age sixty-five (65) and be eligible for an annuity at age sixty-five (65).
VII. DISABILITY
A minister who has given twenty-five (25) years or more of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church may become eligible for an annuity at the end of the month in which he becomes totally or permanently disabled.
VIII. ANNUITIES
A. For ministers
1.No annuity will be paid unless a minister has met the requirements of Section VI and has paid in full according to Section V, B at least five years.
2.The annuity for a retired minister shall be calculated at the rate established annually by Annual Conference by a two-thirds majority vote at one reading.
3.A minister's annuity will be based on his years of active service to the Bible Fellowship Church subject to a maximum of forty (40) years.
4.Services rendered after the age of seventy two (72) years shall not increase the annuity.
5.If at any time the money in the Fund is insufficient to pay the annuities in full, the Board of Directors shall determine the amount of monthly installments pro rata.
6.No minister shall be entitled to the full amount of his annuity unless he has paid in full as according to Section V, B. The years of service shall be reduced for each year in which he was a member of the Fund, but failed to make the required payments.
B. Annuities for Minister-Missionaries
1.Annuities will be paid to men who have met the eligibility requirements of the Fund by combined service as a minister working under the direction of Annual Conference and as a missionary working under the direction of the Board of Missions.
2.Payment of the portion of an annuity earned by a man who has also served under the Board of Missions shall be made annually in advance to the fund by the Board of Missions.
C.Annuities for Widows
1.The widow of a deceased minister who has complied with the provisions of the Fund shall receive annuities beginning at the time of the death of the husband provided that the widow shall have attained the age of sixty-five (65) years or beginning at the time that she shall attain the age of sixty-five (65).
2.A widows annuity shall be calculated at 7/12 the rate of Section VIIIA for each year that she was the wife of a minister during which he was in active service in the Bible Fellowship Church subject to a maximum of forty (40) years.
3. The annuity shall cease if the widow remarries.
D. All annuities cease at the time of the death of the annuitant.
(SECOND READING)
RESOLVED, that Annual Conference approve the change in the Charter of Pinebrook Junior College and approve Pinebrook Junior College taking title to the property located at 428 South, Main Street, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Article VI of the Rules of the Ministers' Retirement Fund states that under certain conditions a minister will be penalized if he does not meet requirements for contributions in Section V, and
WHEREAS, Article VI does not refer to a penalty if his employer does not meet these requirements; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church render its opinion on the effect of an employer not meeting requirements for contributions on a minister's annuity; and compose appropriate legislation reflecting this opinion; and report this to the 105th Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that the article “Homosexuality” be referred back to the Committee, which shall report back to this Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, that we extend the time.
RESOLVED, that action on the Second Reading of Article X-A be postponed to be the first order of business in the 9 AM Meeting on Wednesday, October 14,1987
Missionaries Edward Moyer and David and Nancy Wehr greeted the Conference.
Richard Hampton, Director of Pennsylvania Council on Alcohol Problems greeted the Conference.
Church Extension Director Daniel Ziegler introduced James Wenger and Christopher Morrison.
The following were elected:
MINISTERIAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Ronald C. Mahurin (3 years)
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Bert N. Brosius (3 years)
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (3 years)
Jay H. Fasnacht (3 years)
BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION
Leroy S. Heller (3 years)
Alfred G. Roberts (3 years)
William R. Singletary (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Pinebrook JUNIOR COLLEGE
Dana E. Weller (3 years)
Robert C. Neuman (3 years)
L. James Roberts, Jr. (3 years)
Robert H. Zentz (3 years)
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Delbert Baker II (3 years)
Albert J. Dommel (3 years)
Richard T. Paashaus (3 years)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME
Bert N. Brosius (3 years)
Keith E. Plows (3 years)
Charles G. Hersh (3 years)
BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY CAMP
John Stengele (3 years)
David L. Weller (3 years)
BOARD OF MISSIONS
R. C. Reichenbach (3 years)
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
BOARD OF PINEBROOK BIBLE CONFERENCE
Lee E. Boyles (3 years)
John F. Moran (3 years)
William G. Rapp, Jr. (3 years)
BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND PRINTING
Daniel P. Allen (3 years)
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
James A. Beil (I year)
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (1 year)
Frank L. Herb, Jr. (1 year)
Keith E. Plows (1 year)
John H. Riggall (1 year)
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
Carl C. Cassel (3 years)
Daniel G. Ziegler (3 years)
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Ralph D. Cole (3 years)
Daniel G. Ziegler (3 years)
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. (3 years)
SECRETARY OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bryan G. Upton (1 year)
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
Harold E. Snyder (3 years)