Second Meeting

                       Monday Afternoon, 1:30 PM

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., gave an update on his physical condition. Thomas P. Shorb reported to the conference that a long-time faithful member and elder of the Stroudsburg Church, Bill Altemose, had passed away last weekend and that his funeral would take place on Monday afternoon. Bert N. Brosius asked the Lord for His blessing on Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr. and on the Altemose family and Stroudsburg church.

Report of the Board of Victory Valley (see page: 69)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Phil Atkins gave an update on the ministry of Victory Valley. He also praised the Lord for His care when he had an accident cutting down a tree. Ralph M. Soper prayed for the ministry of Victory Valley and thanked the Lord for His watchful eye on the life of Phil Atkins.

Report of the Director of Church Extension (see page: 74)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.                                       

Stephen C. Mann gave an update on the Saucon Community BFC work in Hellertown, PA. Daniel G. Ziegler led in prayer for the Lord’s blessing in the work of extending the Bible Fellowship Church.

Report of the Board of Church Extension (see page: 83)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The men who are serving in the Church Extension Department stood as William G. Schlonecker prayed for them.

Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the New Community Mission, Brooklyn, NY, meets the qualifications of a Particular Church as specified in Article 18 of the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the New Community Mission, Brooklyn, NY, be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the 118th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.

O. Lewis Willard, delegate of New Community Church, was seated in the Conference Bar.

Report of the Board of Missions (see page: 89)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Dana E. Weller gave an update on the work of the Joint Task Force of the Board of Missions and Church Extension.

Resolved, that the report of the Task Force of the Board of Missions and Church Extension be accepted.

Report of the Board of Higher Education (see page: 105)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page: 111)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Stewardship Council (see page: 115)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Strategic Planning Committee (see page: 117)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Christian Education (see page: 120)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Youth and Young Adults (see page: 124)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Historical Committee (see page: 127)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Pensions (see page: 129)

Resolved, that the report be accepted. 

Rick Volpe presented an evaluation of where the Ministerial Retirement Fund would stand in relationship to increased life-expectancy and lower inflation rates. James A. Wickstead prayed for the Lord’s wisdom and His leading in this regard.

Report of the Board of Directors of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. (see page: 135)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Dean A. Stortz prayed for the continual strength and healing for Robert H. Zentz, President of Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc.

Report of the Conference Judicatory (see page: 139)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:

Article 302 - Original and Appellate Jurisdiction

302-1 Individual Members. Original jurisdiction over an individual belongs to the congregation of which the individual is a member. All of the elders or a portion of the elders designated by the Board of Elders shall be the judicatory for a trial in a Particular Church. Those serving as a judicatory shall choose one of their number to serve as moderator of the trial. Any elder who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.

302-2 Ministers. Original jurisdiction over ministers belongs to the Credentials Committee. All of the members or a portion designated by the Committee shall be the judicatory for a trial involving a minister. Those serving as a judicatory shall choose one of their number to serve as moderator of the trial. Any member of the Committee who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.

302-3.1 Particular Churches. Original jurisdiction over Particular Churches belongs to the Ministerial Relations Committee. All of the members or a portion designated by the Committee shall be the judicatory for a trial involving a Particular Church. Those serving as a judicatory shall choose one of their number to serve as moderator of the trial. Any member of the Committee who has personal involvement in the issue being tried shall be disqualified from participation in the judicatory.

302-3.2 Agencies of the BFC. Original jurisdiction over agencies of the BFC belongs to a judicatory elected by Annual Conference, called the Conference Judicatory. Agencies of the BFC shall consist of any boards, committees, or offices temporary or permanent, incorporated or unincorporated, established by Annual Conference.

302-4.1 Appeals to the Conference Judicatory. If a judicatory in a Particular Church, the Credentials Committee, or the Ministerial Relations Committee is unable to resolve an issue, or if the defendant or plaintiff in a case desires to appeal the decision of the original judicatory, the appeal shall be made to the Conference Judicatory. (Charges brought against an agency of the BFC shall be made directly to the Conference Judicatory.) The Conference Judicatory shall be composed of five ordained ministers who are voting members of Annual Conference and five laymen who are voting members of Annual Conference at the time of their election. Laymen on the Conference Judicatory who are no longer voting members of Annual Conference may continue to serve their term of office as long as they remain members in good standing of a Particular Church. Annual Conference shall elect the members of the Conference Judicatory for three-year terms in three classes as follows:

Class I        Two pastors and two elders

Class II       Two pastors and two elders

Class III      One pastor and one elder

When a case is presented to the Conference Judicatory, all ten members shall designate which five shall hear the case and shall designate which one of the five shall serve as moderator. The chairman and the secretary shall be chosen by the ten members from among their number. All charges or ppeals shall be presented to the secretary. The name of the secretary shall be announced at Annual Conference and included in its minutes.

302-4.2 Appeals to the Special Appellate Judicatory. If the Conference Judicatory is unable to resolve an issue, or if the defendant or plaintiff in a case desires to appeal the decision of the Conference Judicatory, subsequent appeal shall be made to the Special Appellate Judicatory. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall be composed of four ordained pastors who are voting members of Annual Conference and four laymen who are voting members of Annual Conference at the time of their election. Laymen on the Special Appellate Judicatory who are no longer voting members of Annual Conference may continue to serve their term of office as long as they remain members in good standing of a Particular Church. Annual Conference shall elect the members of the Special Appellate Judicatory for three-year terms in three classes as follows:

Class I        Two pastors and two elders

Class II       One pastor and one elder

Class III      One pastor and one elder

When a case is presented to the Special Appellate Judicatory, all eight members shall designate which five shall hear the case and shall designate which of the five shall serve as moderator. The chairman and the secretary shall be chosen by the eight members from among their number. All appeals shall be presented to the Secretary. The name of the secretary shall be announced at Annual Conference and included in its minutes. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall conduct a hearing and their decision shall be final and shall be reported to Annual Conference. The Special Appellate Judicatory shall be the only place of appeal for issues which have had the Conference Judicatory as the place of original jurisdiction.

Article 303 - Steps in Institution of Judicial Process

303-1 A charge of an offense must be instituted at the place of original jurisdiction; it may be brought by an individual, Particular Church or Agency of the BFC. The one who brings a charge shall be designated as the plaintiff. The one who is charged shall be designated as the defendant.

303-2 A charge of offense must describe the alleged offense and state the facts which support the charge. The charge shall include, as far as possible, the time, place, circumstances of the alleged offense, the names of witnesses and titles of relevant documents. A charge shall be deemed to have been filed when it is presented in writing to the chairman or secretary of the Board of Elders of the Particular Church or the chairman or secretary of any other place of original jurisdiction.

303-3 No charge shall be received if it is filed more than two years after the time the alleged offense was committed unless good cause prevented an earlier filing.

303-4 When an individual, Particular Church or Agency of the BFC is ready to present a charge, the judicial body receiving the charge shall warn the plaintiff that he may be censured if the accused is found to be innocent of the alleged offense. If the judicial body receiving the charge determines that the charge is frivolous, it may dismiss the charge and censure the plaintiff.

303-5 When a charge is filed, the Board of Elders of the Particular Church, the Credentials Committee, the Ministerial Relations Committee, or the Conference Judicatory shall establish the time and place for the trial, and shall cite the accused to appear at the trial and shall constitute the judicial body to conduct the trial.

Article 307 - Appeals

307-1 An appeal is a petition asking that the final judgment of one judicatory be reversed or modified by another judicatory.

307-2 Notice of intention to appeal must be filed in writing within ten days after the judgment of the original judicatory has been announced. This notice must be filed with the moderator of the original judicatory.

307-3 To perfect an appeal, the appellant must in writing file within thirty days of the notice of appeal his appeal and specifications of error by the original judicatory. This shall be filed with the secretary of the judicatory to which the appeal is made; a copy of the appeal and specifications of error shall also be filed with the moderator of the original judicatory.

307-4 If the judicatory to which appeal is made does not sustain any of the specifications of error, the judgment of the original judicatory is affirmed. If the appellate judicatory sustains any specifications of error, it shall determine whether the error is of such importance as to require a reversal, or modification of the original judgment. A judicatory to which appeal is made may remand the case to the original judicatory, may modify the original judgment or may reverse the original judgment.

                                                                   [SECOND READING]

Report of the Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches (see page: 140)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes (see page: 143)

Resolved, that the report be adopted.

Report of the Ministerial Convention Committee (see page: 145)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Beneficiary Society (see page: 147)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Report of the Board of Publication and Printing (see page: 149)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following were elected:

Ministerial Relations Committee

Randall A. Grossman (3 years)

Ronald W. Reed (3 years)

Board of Higher Education

Claude L. Gates (3 years)

Robert C. Newman (3 years)

Board of Pensions

Keith E. Plows (3 years)

Ellis L. Hostetter (3 years)

Board of Publication and Printing

Daniel P. Allen (3 years)

Stephen C. Mann (3 years)

Ministerial Candidate Committee

Delbert R. Baker, II (3 years)

Conference Judicatory

Calvin T. Reed (3 years)

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:

401-1.9 The Board of Elders in each Particular Church shall determine which men are in agreement with the Articles of Faith and who will endeavor to follow the Principles of Order of the BFC. Each Elder shall annually declare in writing his agreement with the Articles of Faith, and his willingness to follow the Principles of Order of the BFC, and this declaration be included in the Board of Elders Report to the Congregation. No man can be divested of this office except by deposition for failure to maintain standards of doctrine and life in keeping with the dignity of the office.

                                                                   [SECOND READING]

Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. as Calvin A. Boyle, Delegate of Whitehall, PA, BFC, closed in prayer.                                     Third Meeting

                           Monday Evening, 6:30 PM

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

The following missionaries were introduced by Dana E. Weller: Sam & Melissa Adams, Toto & Felicia Baran, Byron Barnshaw, Mark Bickel, Barbara Chappell, Michael L. Easton, Tim & Barbara Hash, Scott & Susan Hoffman, Walter M. Johnston, Craig & Karena Miller, Philip E. Morrison, Duane & Joetta Moyer, Jerry L. & Carolyn Moyer, Tim & Michele Obarow, David K. Schlonecker, Jr., Frances Sears, John C. Studenroth, Philip E. Yerrington, and Paul G. Zimmerman.

David E. Gundrum introduced Jack Becker. Jack is the pastor of the mission work in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He addressed the Annual Conference, giving an update of his work and thanking the members of Annual Conference for their many prayers on his behalf. Robert S. Commerford asked the Lord for His continual blessing on the work in Las Cruces.

Resolved, that Robert K. Fields, the alternate delegate from Bethlehem BFC, be seated.

The following requested to be excused from part or all of the remaining meetings of the 118th Annual Conference: Delbert R. Baker, II, Albert F. Biddle, Jr., R. Jerome Brush, Alva C. Cassel, Philip E. Morrison, and Harold C. Weaber.

Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.

The Board of Higher Education presented an addition to its report. (see page: 109)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:

403-3 Suggested Format for Congregational Meetings

(4) Reports (Annual Congregational Meeting)

Report of the Board of Elders, to include at least the following:

Membership Report

Financial Report (s), including evidence of annual auditing

Submission of the proposed budget

Record of Designation of the Pastoral Relations Committee

Record of Elders’ Declaration of Agreement with the Articles of Faith and willingness to follow the Principles of Order

Status of the Work

Benevolence Report (may be included in the Board of Deacons Report or in the Financial Report)

Recommendations.

                                                                   [SECOND READING]

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:

511-1.3 Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches

Appointment:

(3) It shall meet at least annually prior to Annual Conference

Duties

(3) It shall verify that the Delegate(s) and Alternate Delegate(s) are Elders, have signed their annual declaration of agreement with the Articles of Faith and willingness to follow the Principles of Order, and are the persons reported to the Registrar of Annual Conference. It shall report such verification and any discrepancies to the Registrar during the week prior to Annual Conference.

                                                                   [SECOND READING]

Resolved: That the following amendment to the Faith and Order, §512-13.4, be adopted at Second Reading:

(3) A probationer eligible for a call is a man who has been approved by this Committee, has passed the examinations required by the Committee, and is eligible to be called through the Rules of Pulpit Supply.

(4) A probationer eligible for a call becomes a licensed probationer when one of the following occurs:

(4.1) he has been called through the Rules of Pulpit Supply to serve in a Bible Fellowship Church;

(4.2) he has been called through the Rules of Pulpit Supply to serve in one of the denominational agencies of the Bible Fellowship Church;

(4.3) he is serving in a ministry approved by the Ministerial Candidate Committee in consultation with the Committee on Credentials.

                                                                   [SECOND READING]

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at First Reading:

Whereas, the Strategic Planning Committee believes that the continuity of the Committee’s work could be hampered by the mandatory term limits that are currently in place, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Bylaws for Annual Conference, Article 512-17.2 entitled: Composition and Election, number 2 be rescinded.

                                                                        [FIRST READING]

Whereas, the Strategic Planning Committee is at a critical point in our planning process, and

Whereas, plans for the coming year will include input from a consultant that will help us to establish a corporate vision, evaluate our purpose and structure, develop a strategic plan to implement that vision, and assist us in taking steps to act on the plan, and

Whereas, the current term limits will hinder us from doing this effectively, therefore, be it

Resolved, that, by Rule of Exception, the above changes to Article 512-17.2 be effective this year.

In celebration, the Annual Conference welcomed the New Community Mission of Brooklyn, New York, as a Particular Church according to our rules. Richard T. Paashaus led the conference in singing and prayer. Ralph E. Ritter and Delegate O. Lewis Willard were presented with a charter for the church. After which they presented a media presentation of Brooklyn and its work there.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. when Chairman Randall A. Grossman led in a prayer of thanksgiving for the work in Brooklyn, asking for the Lord’s continual blessings on them. Those in attendance extended greetings to those present from the Church.

                                Fourth Meeting

                       Tuesday Morning, 9:00 A.M.

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Richard T. Paashaus led the conference in a time of worship with singing of praise songs, Scripture reading (Isaiah 40:25-31), a short time of testimonies and prayer. Robert A. Sloan, Jr. spoke on the topic “Grace that Sustains.” Gene W. Smith and William H. Bartron gave testimonies of God’s sustaining grace in their lives in recent days. LeRoy S. Heller prayed for the needs of Gene’s daughter who is suffering with cancer. At the close of the message, Robert A. Sloan, Jr. led in prayer.

The following have requested to be excused from various meetings: James F. Wetzler, Dennis W. Spinney, Walter M. Johnston, Stephen M. Bauer, and O. Lewis Willard.

Resolved, that these requests for excuses be granted.

Resolved, that James Robert Vaughn of Red Hill BFC be seated as Alternate Delegate.

The following were elected:

Board of Church Extension

Dennis M. Cahill (3 years)

Richard E. Taylor (3 years)

Robert H. Zentz (3 years)

Robert W. Davies (3 years)

Board of Christian Education

David N. Schoen (3 years)

David W. Eisenhower (3 years)

Nancy A. Mertus (3 years)

Board of Directors of BFC Homes, Inc.

Roger L. Reitz (3 years)

Dean A. Stortz (3 years)

David W. Cole (3 years)

John W. Trauch (3 years)

Board of Victory Valley

Bernice Mann (3 years)

Christopher Roth (3 years)

Timothy D. Weaber (3 years)

Board of Missions

Jacob J. Susek, Jr. (3 years)

Donald S. Faust (3 years)

James W. Harris (3 years)

Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference

Daniel P. Allen (3 years)

Brian H. Cooper (3 years)

Carl Ackerman (3 years)

Kermit K. Gehman (3 years)

John M. Stengele (3 years)

Board of Youth and Young Adults

Charles A. Mann (3 years)

Dorothy L. Ruch (3 years)

Board of Higher Education

Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)

Board of Pensions

Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)

Credentials Committee

Dennis M. Cahill (3 years)

LeRoy S. Heller (3 years)

Historical Committee

Harold P. Shelly (3 years)

Robert W. Smock (3 years)

Conference Judicatory

Steven C. Boepple (3 years)

Special Appellate Judicatory

Randall A. Grossman (3 years)

Resolved, that the election of Ronald C. Mahurin as Conference Pastor for a term of three years be ratified.

Yes - 114 No - 22

Resolved, that we recess.

Philip E. Morrison recessed the meeting in prayer at 12:25 p.m.

                             Fifth Meeting

                      Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 P.M.

The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. Timothy D. Weaber, Delegate from Walnutport, opened the meeting in prayer.

In the light of the seriousness of the issue before us, Lee E. Boyles prayed that the wisdom of God be given to the members of Annual Conference as we vote.

The following legislation failed at Second Reading:

Resolved, that Article 108-5 be added to the Faith and Order as follows:

Because of the qualifications and dignity of the office of Pastor, when considering a man for ordination or recognition of a previous ordination, the Ministerial Candidate Committee and Credentials Committee shall give careful consideration to ensure that a man who has been divorced or who has married a divorced woman is presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to his wife.

                                                            Yes - 82; No-56; Abstain-1

Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading, Article 108-4 to read:

Because of the qualifications and dignity of the offices of Elder and Deacon, each particular church shall give careful consideration to ensure that a man who has been divorced or who has married a divorced woman is presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to his wife.

                                                                   [SECOND READING]

                                Yes - 95; No - 43The following were elected:

Board of Christian Education

Timothy S. Cowen (3 years)

Board of Youth and Young Adults

John C. Vandegriff, Jr. (3 years)

Special Appellate Judicatory

Donald S. Faust (3 years)

Stewardship Council

John L. English (3 years)

Report of the Committee to Study Multiple Staff (see page: 153)

Resolved, that the report be accepted.

The following legislation failed at First Reading:

1.Resolved, that the following terms be adopted for inclusion in a glossary to be included in the Faith and Order:

Credentialed - an official recognition of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of ministry as defined within the F&O. This includes men who are probationers licensed by the Ministerial Candidate Committee and/or men ordained through the BFC as well as those who have their previous ordinations recognized by the BFC.

Ordained - a man who has completed the credentialing process of the BFC or has had his prior ordination by a non-BFC church recognized by the BFC.

We recognize that the term ordained is often used to designate those who have been ordained through other denominations but are not yet credentialed with the BFC. We respect the authority of other Christian churches to ordain men to serve in the Gospel ministry of their fellowships, and we rejoice that God often moves these men to desire to serve in the BFC. While not wishing to disparage the work of other Christian churches nor diminish the recognition of our brothers, for the sake of clarity, when the term ordained is used in the F&O, it is referring to a man who has completed the ordination process of the BFC or had his prior ordination by a non-BFC church recognized by the BFC (Article 502-4).

Pastor - those called to the Gospel ministry (see Article 204.1). A pastor is a credentialed man who is a voting member of Annual Conference. This only includes those staff positions called according to the rules of pulpit supply. This is for denominational reference and Particular Churches may use the term pastor in a broader sense.

Senior Pastor - the Lead Pastor of a church, called under the rules of the pulpit supply of the BFC. The Senior Pastor or his designee shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Elders and shall assume other pastoral responsibilities as assigned to him by that Board.

Pastoral Staff - men recognized by a Particular Church who have attained credentialed, probationer, or candidate status and who serve in various pastoral functions.

                                                                           Yes - 77; No - 56

The following legislation failed at First Reading:

Resolved, that the following changes be made to the Faith and Order. Replace the word “minister” (and its cognates) with “pastor” (and its cognates) in the following Articles and Sections:

Article 103-2.1.

Article 105-2.

Article 204.

Article 204-1.

Article 204-1.1.

Article 204-1.2.

Article 204-2.1

Article 204-2.2

Article 302-2

Article 302-3

Article 306.2 (4)

Article 401-1.1.

Article 401-1.2.

Article 401-1.8.

Article 401-2.5.

Article 409-1.1 (3)

Article 409-1.2

Article 409-1.2 (1)

Article 409-1.5

Article 409-1.6

Article 409-1.7

Article 409-2.1

Article 409-2.2

Article 409-3.1

Article 409-3.2

Article 409-3.3

Article 409-3.4

Article 501-3

Article 502

Article 502-3