Monday Morning, April 26, 2004, 10:00 AM
The 121st Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He led the conference in prayer.
Richard B. Ravis, Worship Leader for the conference, led in the singing of O, For a Thousand Tongues, O Worship the King, How Firm a Foundation, and A Mighty Fortress is our God, read from Matthew 22:15-22, and prayed. Calvin T. Reed preached on the theme: “Integrity, Becoming Like God in Truth.”
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 121st Annual Conference: William C. Aukamp, Kenneth F. Barber, Totoram Baran, William H. Bartron, T. James Bigley, Jr., William E. Blair, R. J. Brush, Leonard E. Buck, Alva C. Cassel, Wayne M. Chadwell, G. Wayne Clapier, Ronald K. Denlinger, Allen Dorst, Michael P. Emrick, Jr., Donald S. Faust, Harvey J. Frtiz, Jr., Thomas L. Galloway, Richard J. Gehman, W. Neil Harding, Jr., Richard D. Harris, Jim D. Head, George E. Herb, Ronald W. Hoyle, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, Thomas W. Krans, J. Barclay Harley, Kenneth J. Hurst, David L. Manney, Barry J. Minsky, Duane E. Moyer, Edward Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Mark L. Morrison, Philip E. Morrison, Edgar H. Munyan, Thomas A. Pollock, Louis Prontnicki, David W. Riddell, Gerald L. Schlonecker, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, John C. Studenroth, Jonathan P. Tait, David A. Thomann, David E. Thomann, Steven L. Trommler, John C. Vandegriff, III, J. Richard Vroman, Harold C. Weaber, Charles F. Webb.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the tables with red tablecloths constitute the Conference Bar.
The roll of the Annual Conference was established as follows:
Allentown, PA Clifford B. Boone, David T. Allen, Walter E.
Cedar Crest Bortree, William J. Shive, Donald I. Transue
Bethlehem, PA Brian H. Cooper, Mark W. Tress, Rick C. Davis
Blandon, PA Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Michael T. Littlejohn
Brooklyn, NY Ralph E. Ritter, Michael Giordano
Camden, DE Vacant, Albert F. Biddle, Jr.
Clinton Corners, NY Gerald D. Clark (Probationer), David R. Way, Wayne M. Chadwell
Coopersburg, PA Vacant, Thomas P. Shorb, Richard T. Paashaus, Gene E. Parris
Denville, NJ Richard D. Harris, Ronald H. Young
Emmaus, PA David N. Schoen, Ralph M. Soper, Billy J. Dunn, Gerald L. Schlonecker, Robert H. Zentz
Ephrata, PA Daniel P. Allen, Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ Byron Widger, Michael P. Emrick, Jr.
Fleetwood, PA R. Jerome Brush, James E. Mortland
Graterford, PA Vacant, Douglas D. Bowne
Harleysville, PA Allan G. Miller (Probationer), Andrew T. Crossgrove, Glendon R. LeSuer
Harrisburg, PA Carl K. Spackman, Clyde W. Snyder
Hatfield, PA Howard N. Wells, Louis S. Curcio, Lee E. Boyles
Holmes, NY Vacant, Hans R. Waldvogel
Howell, NJ Eric North (Probationer), Bob Gee
Kutztown, PA Allan R. Vivona, Byron G. Barnshaw
Lancaster, PA David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Horace A. Kauffman, Richard G. Matthews
Lebanon, PA Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton, PA Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce A. Kellerman
**Long Neck, DE Kenneth F. Barber, Ralph L. Kulp
Maple Glen, PA Louis Prontnicki, Keith Howland
Mt. Carmel, PA Vacant, Bryan L. Snyder
Mt. Pocono, PA Ronald C. Erb, Donald S. Faust
Nazareth, PA Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Rodney P. Plows
Newark, DE William G. Schlonecker, Robert C. Kaatz
**Newark, NJ Delbert R. Baker, II, Totoram Baran
Old Bridge, NJ John C. Vandegriff, Jr., John C. Vandegriff, III
Oley, PA Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., Jan Musser
Paradise, PA Vacant, David W. Eisenhower
Philadelphia, PA G. Wayne Clapier, Thomas L. Galloway
Piscataway, NJ Dennis M. Cahill, Richard B. Ravis, J. Richard Vroman
Poughquag, NY James A. Wickstead, Charles F. Webb
Quakertown, PA Vacant, Dennis J. Lawrence, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading, PA Randall A. Grossman, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Ronald W. Reed, Charles A. Lavigna
Red Hill, PA Michael J. Tannous, William E. Blair
Royersford, PA Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Orville E. Gibson
Scranton, PA Roger L. Reitz, Larry D. Kellerman
Shamokin, PA Vacant, No Delegate
Sinking Spring, PA Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Donald D. McKinney, Stephen M. Bauer
Spring City, PA Kevin W. Clineff, Howard Montgomery
Stroudsburg, PA Vacant, G. Daniel Beaver
Sunbury, PA Charles E. Cole, Timothy L. Brosious
Terre Hill, PA Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Robert L. Weaver, Sr.
Thompson, CT Vacant, Thomas W. Krans
Toms River, NJ Dean A. Stortz, Allen Dorst
Wallingford, PA Richard E. Taylor, Timothy S. Cowen, William R. Singletary
Walnutport, PA Jonathan P. Tait, Timothy D. Weaber
Whitehall, PA Gene W. Smith, Calvin A. Boyle
York, PA Kenneth D. Keeler, Philip G. Norris
Zionsville, PA C. Larry Bennett, David L. Weller
** Subject to approval by Annual Conference.
Ordained Men Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
Willis I. Dowling, David E. Gundrum, Ronald C. Mahurin, J. Mark McCreary, Elliot H. Ramos, Dana E.Weller.
William C. Aukamp, Ronald K. Denlinger, W. Neil Harding, Jr., Jim D. Head, Walter M. Johnston, David L. Manney, Philip E. Morrison, Duane E. Moyer, Jerry L. Moyer, Thomas A. Pollock, David W. Riddell, John C. Studenroth, Philip E. Yerrington, Paul G. Zimmerman
Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the BFC
David N. Heineman, Hospital; Kenneth J. Hurst, Military; Richard A. Moyer, Prison Ministry
William H. Bartron, James R. Batchler, Jr., Albert J. Dommel, Donald R. Ellwanger, John H. Herb, David H. Jones, Mark L. Morrison, Dennis W. Spinney, John R. Stover, Steven L. Trommler
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
James A. Beil, T. James Bigley, Jr., Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Raymond R. Dotts, Robert L. Draper, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Richard J. Gehman, Robert N. Gordon, J. Barclay Harley, Jansen E. Hartman, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, Roy A. Hertzog, Ronald W. Hoyle, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, Barry J. Minsky, Edward K. Moyer, Edgar H. Munyan, D. Thomas Phillips, Keith E. Plows, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins, Harold C. Weaber, Harold D. Yarrington, Daniel G. Ziegler
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegates be seated: Brian L. Michlich, Howell, NJ; Carl M. Fitzgerald, Piscataway, NJ.
Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program
Resolved, that the agenda be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page 69)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the 122nd Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 25-27, 2005, beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Resolved, that all Study Committees, Committees and Agencies have their reports sent to the designated distribution point, PO Box 299, Ephrata, PA, 17522, by March 1, 2005.
Alva C. Cassel, Acting Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference, welcomed the members of Annual Conference to Pinebrook for these meetings. He also thanked the conference for its support in his time of need at the loss of his wife, Laura. Jansen E. Hartman led in prayer for comfort and strength for brother Cassel.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference, appointed David T. Allen as Assistant Secretary and Daniel P. Allen and Robert W. Smock as Assistants to the Secretary.
The Chairman appointed the following:
Tellers: Keith E. Plows (Chairman); William H. Bartron, Andrew T. Crossgrove, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Clyde W. Snyder, Mark W. Tress, Hans R. Waldvogel
Resolutions: Gregory A. Uhrich (Chairman), Ronald C. Erb, Rodney P. Plows, Jonathan P. Tait, Charles Webb
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret (Chairman), Lee E. Boyles, Horace A. Kauffman
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: Ralph E. Ritter (Chairman); Robert A. Johnson II, Michael T. Littlejohn
Parliamentarian: James A. Beil
Timekeeper: John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
Reporter: Clyde W. Snyder
The new members of Annual Conference, Allen G. Miller, Harleysville, PA, and Keith Howland, Maple Glen, PA, introduced themselves to the Conference.
Report of the Committee on Credentials (see page 71)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended Kevin W. Clineff, Louis S. Curcio, and Kevin W. Kirkpatrick for ordination, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended prior ordination recognition for Robert A. Johnson II and Michael J. Tannous, and
Whereas, these brethren have served acceptably as ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church for the required period of time or the equivalent thereof, and
Whereas, after examination, the Credentials Committee believes these men to be called of God to the gospel ministry and to be in accord with the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that Kevin W. Clineff, Louis S. Curcio, and Kevin W. Kirkpatrick be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church and, further
Resolved, that the prior ordination of Robert A. Johnson II and Michael J. Tannous to the gospel ministry be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church and, further
Resolved, that the service of ordination be held Monday, May 17, 2004 at 7:30 PM at Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, PA.
Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held Monday, May 23, 2005, at a place to be determined.
Resolved, that Faith BFC, Spring City, PA, Bethany BFC, Hatfield, PA, Berean BFC, Terre Hill, PA, Salem BFC, Lehighton, PA, and Community BFC, Red Hill, PA, be encouraged to have services acknowledging the Ordinations of Kevin W. Clineff, Louis S. Curcio, and Kevin W. Kirkpatrick and the recognition of the prior ordinations of Robert A. Johnson II and Michael J. Tannous respectively and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the services.
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page 75)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee as of February 28, 2004, is as follows:
Albrecht, Jeffrey S. Allentown, PA
Baumgardner, Mark A. Sellersville, PA
Bertolet, Timothy J. (2004) Lebanon, PA
Clark, Gerald D. (2002) Stanfordville, NY
Clineff, Kevin W. (2001) Spring City, PA
Curcio, Louis S. (2002) Hatfield, PA
Fields, Robert K. (2004) Bethlehem, PA
Johnson, Robert A. II (2002) Lehighton, PA
Kirkpatrick, Kevin W. (2001) Terre Hill, PA
Kuntzman, Donald E. (2003) Center Valley, PA
Mann, Stephen C. (2003) Hellertown, PA
Miller, Alan G. (2003) Harleysville, PA
North, Eric R. (2003) Howell, NJ
Peters, David W. (2004) Quakertown, PA
Tannous, Michael J. (2001) East Greenville, PA
(*year of licensure in parentheses)
Barninger, Mark E. Harrisburg, PA
Bertolet, Raymond R. Millsboro, DE
Evans, Scott B. Oley, PA
Kohl, Ronald L. Allentown, PA
Miller, Keith J. Bristol, PA
Morrison, Thomas H. Las Cruces, NM
Norris, Philip G. Dover, PA
Schlonecker, David K. Emmaus, PA
Schmoyer, Timothy J. Dover, DE
Scott, Benjamin G. Langhorne, PA
Weinhofer, Colby A. Akron, PA
Brandt, David E. South Hamilton, MA
Clark, Timothy G. Jenkintown, PA
Cole, Raymond L. Newark, DE
Elias, John C. Coopersburg, PA
Easton, Michael L. Bear, DE
Felty, Glenn R. Allentown, PA
Franka, Ondrej Serbia
Good, Troy S. Boyertown, PA
Green, Robert W. Newark, DE
Gunderson, Peter J. Spring City, PA
Hoffman, Fred J. Fountain Hill, PA
Lenz, Christopher D. Denville, NJ
Lesher, Dennis L. Kutztown, PA
Madara, Ferdie R. Benton, PA
Rossignol, Jeffery A. Manheim, PA
Scott, Mark A. Piscataway, NJ
The following men, under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee, introduced themselves to the members of Annual Conference: Scott B. Evans, Michael J. Tannous, Eric North, Gerald D. Clark, Donald E. Kuntzman, Mark E. Barninger, Philip G. Norris, Allan G. Miller, Louis S. Curcio, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Timothy J. Bertolet, Timothy J. Schmoyer, Glenn R. Felty, Ronald L. Kohl, Thomas H. Morrison, Raymond L. Cole, David K. Schlonecker, Robert W. Green, Jeffery A. Rossignol.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon with prayer by Richard E. Taylor.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:30 p.m. Kenneth D. Keeler led in prayer.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church (see page 77)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, stepped down in order to speak to the issues of the Board of Directors. Vice Chairman, William G. Schlonecker took the chair.
The Board of Directors reported to the Annual Conference concerning a lawsuit that the conference is facing. Joseph D’Amico of Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, an attorney representing the BFC, spoke concerning the suit. Robert H. Zentz prayed concerning those involved in this suit and for the Lord’s glory to shine through it.
Randall A. Grossman, resumed his position as Chairman of Annual Conference.
Report of the Board of Church Extension (see page 85)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the New Life Mission Church of Long Neck, DE, 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 Life Mission Church of Long Neck, DE, be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the one-hundred-twenty-first Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Ralph L. Kulp, delegate from Long Neck, DE, was seated.
Whereas, the Board of Church Extension is of the opinion that the Newark Bible Fellowship Church of Newark, NJ, 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 Newark Bible Fellowship Church of Newark, NJ, be recognized as a Particular Church, and that its delegate be received into membership of the one-hundred-twenty-first Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Totoram Baran, delegate from Newark, NJ, was seated.
The conference held a recognition service for the New Life Mission Church of Long Neck, DE. The Director of Church Extension, David E. Gundrum and Kenneth F. Barber, pastor of the New Life Mission Church, gave testimonies of the beginning of the church and its growth. Kenneth F. Barber received a Charter from Annual Conference Secretary, David A. Thomann. He then introduced the charter members who were present. Raymond R. Dotts prayed for the church. The members of Annual Conference then greeted the members of the church.
Report of the Conference Pastor (see page 91)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Director of Church Extension (see page 95)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Carl J. Fischer, Jr. led the conference in prayer for the Lord’s blessing on the extension of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Report of the Board of Missions (see page 101)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Brian H. Cooper prayed for the advancement of the Gospel through the work of the Board of Missions of the BFC and the missionaries that serve through it.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc. (see page 113)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
David A. Thomann prayed for the ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church Homes, Inc., thanking God for the care received by the residents and for the leadership of Robert H. Zentz, CEO and President.
Report of the Board of Directors of Pinebrook Bible Conference (see page 117)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Dennis M. Cahill thanked the Lord for the ministry of Pinebrook Bible Conference.
Report of the Board of Victory Valley Camp (see page 121)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Scott G. Ott, new director of Victory Valley Camp was introduced to the members of Annual Conference. Bryan L. Snyder prayed for the ministry of Victory Valley Camp and for Scott G. Ott as he begins his ministry as the new director of the camp.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The following were elected.
Ministerial Relations Committee
Randall A. Grossman (3 years)
Carl C. Cassel (3 years)
Gregory A. Uhrich (3 years)
Robert W. Gehret (3 years)
Robert W. Davies (3 years)
Robert H. Zentz (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)
Timothy D. Weaber (3 years)
Jason J. Englehart (3 years)
Doug J. Manwiller (3 years)
Board of Missions
Jacob J. Susek, Jr. (3 years)
Richard T. Paashaus (3 years)
Richard E. Taylor (3 years)
James A. MacArthur (3 years)
Board of Youth and Young Adults
Andrew T. Crossgrove (3 years)
John C. Vandegriff, Jr. ( 3 years)
Dorothy L. Ruch (3 years)
Raymond R. Dotts (3 years)
Robert C. Newman (3 years)
Harold P. Shelly (3 years)
Thomas P. Shorb (3 years)
Keith E. Plows (3 years)
Ellis L. Hostetter (3 years)
Daniel P. Allen (3 years)
Maggie Gallo (3 years)
Dennis M. Cahill (3 years)
LeRoy S. Heller (3 years)
Ministerial Candidate Committee
Delbert R. Baker, II (3 years)
Harold P. Shelly (3 years)
Robert W. Smock (3 years)
Calvin T. Reed (3 years)
Douglas D. Bowne (3 years)
Clyde W. Snyder (3 years)
Randall A. Grossman (3 years)
David J. Watkins (3 years)
Richard G. Matthews (3 years)
Donald McKinney (3 years)
Secretary of Annual Conference
David A. Thomann (1 year)
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. as Keith E. Plows prayed for the Lord’s will in the elections that will take place.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:30 p.m. as G. Wayne Clapier led in prayer.
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 121st Annual Conference: L. James Roberts, Jr., Clifford B. Boone, Michael Giordano, Alan G. Miller, Frank L. Herb, Jr. and David N. Heineman.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that Thomas L. Ward be seated as the Alternate Delegate from Poughquag, NY.
Resolved, that the following changes to the composition of the Board of Youth and Young Adults be adopted at Second Reading:
Composition
1. The Board will be composed of five(5) ordained ministers and four(4) laypersons.
2. They will be elected for a term of three years in classes as follows:
Class I two ordained ministers, one layperson
Class II two ordained ministers, one layperson
Class III one ordained minister, two laypersons
[SECOND READING]
Report of the Intercultural Ministries Study Committee (see page 127)