Annual Conference Proceedings - 2007
First Meeting
Monday Morning, April 23, 2007, 10:00 AM
The 124th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church was called to order at 10:00 AM by the Chairman, Randall A. Grossman, at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He led the conference in prayer.
Richard B. Ravis, Worship Leader of the 124th Conference, led the conference in a time of worship beginning with the conference singing Rejoice, the Lord is King and leading in prayer. The conference then sang I Sing the Mighty Power of God and Come Thou, Almighty King. John R. LoRusso read Matthew 3:13-17. The conference then repeated the Apostles’ Creed, sang Gloria Patri and Holy, Holy, Holy. Chairman Randall A. Grossman spoke on the theme, and “Fellowship Enjoyed in Great Wonder,” using Genesis 1 as his main text.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 124th Annual Conference: Walter E. Bortree, Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Wayne M. Chadwell, Brain H. Cooper, Albert J. Dommel, Allen Dorst, Willis I. Dowling, William J. Dunn, Donald Dyer, Michael P. Emrick, Jr., Ronald C. Erb, Carl Fitzgerald, David E. Gundrum, George E. Herb, Keith Howland, Robert A. Johnson, II, Kenneth D. Keeler, Donald T. Kirkwood, Jerry L. Moyer, Thomas A. Pollock, R. C. Reichenbach, L. James Roberts, A. L. Seifert, Austin G. Shelly, Gene W. Smith, Brian L. Snyder, Keith Splawn, Michael J. Tannous, Mark Twombly, John C. Vandegriff, Jr.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the tables with red tablecloths constitute the Conference Bar.
The role of the Annual Conference was established as follows:
Allentown, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Clifford B. Boone, David T. Allen, Ronald C. Erb, Glenn R.
(Cedar Crest) Felty*, Walter E. Bortree, Charles A. Bloomfield, William J. Walters
Bethlehem, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Brian H. Cooper, Robert K. Fields, Carl Ackerman, Mark W. Tress
Blandon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl J. Fischer, Jr., Gary W. Saggio
Brooklyn, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph E. Ritter, Carl Fitzgerald
Camden, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy J. Schmoyer*, Keith Splawn
Clinton Corners, NY. . . . . . . Gerald D. Clark, Wayne M. Chadwell
Coopersburg, PA. . . . . . . . . Thomas P. Shorb, Richard T. Paashaus, David R. Vinson, Gary Sterner
Denville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard D. Harris, Guy Warner
Emmaus, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . David N. Schoen, Ralph M. Soper, Robert W. Davies
Ephrata, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert B. Kramer (Probationer), Robert W. Gehret
Finesville, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . Byron Widger, Michael P. Emrick, Jr.
Fleetwood, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Roger J. Brush, James E. Mortland
Graterford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Philip E. Yerrington, Douglas D. Bowne
Harleysville, PA. . . . . . . . . . Andrew T. Crossgrove, Alan G. Miller, Alfred G. Roberts
Harrisburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Carl K. Spackman, Mark E. Barninger*, Harold E. Snyder
Hatfield, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Howard N. Wells, Louis S. Curcio, S. Lester Moyer
Holmes, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Hans R. Waldvogel
Howell, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric R. North, Alan R. Heinlein
Kutztown, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Allan R. Vivona, Byron G. Barnshaw
Lancaster, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert L. Yinger
Lebanon, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Calvin T. Reed, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb
Lehighton, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce A. Kellerman
Long Neck, DE. . . . . . . . . . . Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., James Hart
Maple Glen, PA. . . . . . . . . . Louis Prontnicki, Keith Howland
Mt. Carmel, PA. . . . . . . . . . Philip G. Norris*, Bryan L. Snyder
Mt. Pocono, PA. . . . . . . . . . Timothy J. Bertolet*, Ronald E. Miller
Nazareth, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Rodney P. Plows
Newark, DE. . . . . . . . . . . . . William G. Schlonecker, Robert C. Kaatz
Newark, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delbert R. Baker, II, Thomas J. Boose, Jr.
Old Bridge, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, John C. Vandegriff, III
Oley, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur J. Simpson, Jr., Bob Kohler
Paradise, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Shan D. Cleck (Probationer), Jeff L. Hostetter
Philadelphia, PA. . . . . . . . . . G. Wayne Clapier, Bud Burroughs
Piscataway, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis M. Cahill, Richard B. Ravis, Mark D. Twombly
Poughquag, NY. . . . . . . . . . James A. Wickstead, Thomas Ward
Quakertown, PA. . . . . . . . . . Ronald L. Kohl*, L. James Roberts, Jr.
Reading, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall A. Grossman, Ronald W. Reed, Jim Stapleton
Red Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael J. Tannous, William E. Blair
Royersford, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Orville E. Gibson
Shamokin, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Ferdie R. Madara (Probationer), Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr.
Sinking Spring, PA. . . . . . . . Robert A. Sloan, Jr., Harold P. Shelly, Bruce Pepperdine
Spring City, PA. . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Clineff, Peter Gunderson
Stroudsburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . Davis E. Duggins*, Ed Coover
Sunbury, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles E. Cole, Robert H. Cox
Terre Hill, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Robert L. Weaver, Sr.
Thompson, CT. . . . . . . . . . . Dennis W. Spinney, Mark R. Brodeur
Toms River, NJ. . . . . . . . . . . Dean A. Stortz, Allen Dorst
Wallingford, PA. . . . . . . . . . Richard E. Taylor, Timothy S. Cowen, Steven L. Piasecki
Walnutport, PA. . . . . . . . . . . Clyde D. Bomgardner, Timothy D. Weaber
Whitehall, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant, Rob J. Hodge
Whitehall**. . . . . . . . . . . . . Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Robert H. Zentz
Fellowship Community
York, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth D. Keeler, Roger L. Shambough
Zionsville, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . C. Larry Bennett, Donald Dyer
* contingent upon approval of recommendation of ordination
** contingent upon recognition as a Particular Church
Ordained Ministers Serving Bible Fellowship Ministries
Daniel P. Allen, Pinebrook Bible Conference; Albert J. Dommel, Church Extension; Willis I. Dowling, Church Extension; Donald E. Kuntzman, Missions; David E. Gundrum, Church Extension; Ronald C. Mahurin, Conference Pastor; Mark L. Morrison, Church Extension; Elliot H. Ramos, Church Extension; John C. Vandegriff, Jr., Pinebrook Bible Conference; David R. Way, Church Extension; Dana E.Weller, Missions.
Ordained Missionaries
William C. Aukamp, Ronald K. Denlinger, William J. Dunn, 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
Ordained Ministers Working in the Chaplaincy Under the Sponsorship of the BFC
David N. Heineman, Hospital; Kenneth J. Hurst, Military; David H. Jones, Military; Richard A. Moyer, Prison Ministry
Ordained Ministers Between Calls
Robert S. Commerford, J. Mark McCreary, Roger L. Reitz, Jeffery L. Ruhl
Ordained Ministers in Retirement
Kenneth F. Barber, James R. Batchler, Jr., James A. Beil, T. James Bigley, Jr., Bert N. Brosius, Leonard E. Buck, Terris L. Byrd, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Hugh C. Coulbourn, Jr., Raymond R. Dotts, Robert L. Draper, John Dunn, Bruce A. Ellingson, 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, John H. 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, Gene W. Smith, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins, Harold C. Weaber, Daniel G. Ziegler, Paul G. Zimmerman
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegate be seated: Douglas Files, Bethlehem.
Report of the Committee on Agenda and Program
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Arrangements (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the 125th Annual Conference be held at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA, April 28-30, 2008, beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday.
Resolved, that all Study Committees, Committees and Agencies have their reports sent to the designated distribution point, 12 Pinebrook Road, E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301 or ebfc@ptd.net, by March 1, 2008.
Daniel P. Allen, Director of Pinebrook Bible Conference, welcomed the members of Annual Conference to Pinebrook for these meetings.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference, appointed David T. Allen as Assistant Secretary and Daniel P. Allen, Donald E. Kuntzman and Robert W. Smock as Assistants to the Secretary.
The Chairman appointed the following:
Tellers: Keith E. Plows, Chairman; Andrew T. Crossgrove, LeRoy S. Heller, LeRoy O. Herb, Robert A. Johnson, II, Bruce Kellerman, Kevin W. Kirkpatrick, Mark W. Tress, Hans R. Woldvogel
Resolutions: Elliot Ramos, Chairman; Jeff Hostetler, Timothy Weaber, Philip E. Yerrington
Auditing: Robert W. Gehret, Chairman; Horace A. Kauffman, Robert H. Zentz
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: Philip G. Norris, Chairman; Gary Saggio, Byron Widger
Timekeeper: Byron Barnshaw
Parliamentarian: Clifford B. Boone
Reporter: Carol Z. Snyder
The following new members were introduced to Annual Conference: Ferdie R. Madara, Shamokin: William Walters, Cedar Crest: Gary Sterner, Coopersburg: James A. Stapleton, Reading: Robert Yinger, Lancaster: Timothy Bertolet, Pocono Mountain: Robert Kramer, Ephrata: Edward Coover, Stroudsburg: Jim Hart, Long Neck, DE: Harold P. Shelly, Sinking Spring: Douglas Files, Bethlehem: Robert Kohler, Oley: Shan Cleck, Paradise.
Report of the Nominating Committee
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Howard N. Wells prayed asking for the Lord’s blessing on those who will be serving on the various boards and committees.
Report of the Credentials Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended ordination for Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer, and
Whereas, the Ministerial Candidate Committee has recommended prior ordination recognition for Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty, 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 Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer be ordained to the gospel ministry of the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved that the prior ordination of Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty to the gospel ministry be recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church, and further
Resolved, that the service of ordination be held Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 7:30 PM at Annual Conference.
Whereas, we believe there are men that are called of God to serve as His servants as Pastors, and
Whereas, it is important for the gifts and calling that God has given these men to serve are to be recognized by fellow pastors, and
Whereas, we believe it is a tremendous encouragement for fellow pastors to show approval, support and unity for those being ordained, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Credentials Committee resolution at the 123rd Annual Conference, “that an ordination service be held Monday, May 21, 2007, at a place to be determined,” be rescinded, and further be it
Resolved, that the following two-tiered procedure for ordination be approved and instituted at this year’s 124th Annual Conference:
Ordination at Annual Conference:
• Introduction and testimony of the men
• A charge to the men
• The administration of the vows
• The laying on of hands and prayer
• Extending the right hand of fellowship by the members of the Credentials Committee and the ordained ministers of the BFC Annual Conference
Ordination Service at a Bible Fellowship Church:
The second part would be a service in the church where each man is serving. In that service, the man would:
• Affirm his vows of ordination by repeating them; the affirmation to be led by a member of the Credentials Committee.
• The elders of that church would pray for him.
• The pastors of that region would be expected to be present to extend the right hand of fellowship and greet the man.
• Someone, the ordinand’s recommendation, would preach an appropriate ordination sermon.
• All of this can be introduced by a time of worship and praise that would have meaning both to the man and the church.
This service would serve to point out the significance of ordinations in the local church and make them part of the process.
Resolved, that an Ordination Service be held Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the 125th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that Grace BFC, Harrisburg, PA; New Life BFC, Long Neck, DE; Pocono Mt. BFC, Mount Pocono, PA; New Life BFC, Oley, PA; Grace BFC, Quakertown, PA, Bethany BFC, Mt. Carmel, PA; Camden BFC, Camden, DE; Berean BFC, Stroudsburg, PA and Cedar Crest BFC, Allentown, PA be encouraged to have a service in recognition of the ordination of Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Timothy J. Bertolet, Scott B. Evans, Ronald L. Kohl, Philip G. Norris, and Timothy J. Schmoyer and prior ordination of Davis E. Duggins and Glenn R. Felty respectively and that they be encouraged to invite the Credentials Committee to send representation to be present at the service.
Keith E. Plows, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, prayed and thanked the Lord for calling these men into the Pastoral Ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church.
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the list of men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee as of February 28, 2007, is as follows:
Probationers
Mark E. Barninger (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Harrisburg PA
Raymond R. Bertolet (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millsboro DE
Timothy J. Bertolet (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pocono Summit PA
David E. Brandt (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lebanon PA
Shan D. Cleck (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strasburg PA
Steven J. DelDuco (2007). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reading PA
Davis E. Duggins (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stroudsburg PA
Scott B. Evans (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oley PA
Glenn R. Felty (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Allentown PA
Jonathan D. Forsythe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brigantine NJ
Ronald L. Kohl (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quakertown PA
Robert B. Kramer (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ephrata PA
Frank E. Lenahan (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . Cape May Court House NJ
Ferdie R. Madara (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benton PA
Thomas H. Morrison (2005). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Las Cruces NM
Philip G. Norris (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mt. Carmel PA
David W. Peters (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Killeen TX
Timothy J. Schmoyer (2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dover DE
Colby A. Weinhofer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Akron PA
Daniel L. Williams (2006). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parkside PA
Candidates
Mark R. Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coopersburg PA
Shad A. Gilbert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stockertown PA
James D. MacArthur. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oley PA
Joshua P. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quakertown PA
David K. Schlonecker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emmaus PA
Alphaus D. Stoltzfus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Downingtown PA
Aaron J. Susek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Royersford PA
Applicants
Joshua M. Allen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Stroudsburg PA
Timothy G. Clark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sinking Spring PA
Samuel Claudio, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethlehem PA
Raymond L. Cole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newark DE
John C. Elias. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bethlehem PA
Kurt P. Francis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northumberland PA
David J. Gettel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graterford, PA
Joshua P. Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northumberland PA
Troy S. Good. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boyertown PA
Robert W. Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Newark DE
Peter J. Gunderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Spring City PA
Ronald C. Hagy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corning NY
Fred J. Hoffman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lewisburg PA
Jonathan H. King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schnecksville PA
John LoRusso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alburtis PA
Marcos G. Ramirez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Merida Yucatan Mexico
Carlos G. Rodriguez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reading PA
Mark A. Schaeffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kinnelon NJ
Andrew J. Stapleton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading PA
The following men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee were introduced to the Conference: Timothy J. Schmoyer, Fredie R. Mardara, Timothy J. Bertolet, Shan D. Cleck, Kurt P. Francis, Jonathan D. Forsythe, Steven J. DelDuco, Robert B. Kramer, David E. Brandt, Ronald L. Kohl, David E. Duggins, Colby A. Weinhofer, Raymond R. Bertolet, Joshua P. Gibson, Thomas H. Morrison, Daniel L. Williams, Carlos G. Rodriguez, Marcos G. Ramirez, John LoRusso, Joshua M. Allen, Timothy G. Clark, David K. Schlonecker, Joshua P. Miller, Mark E. Barninger, Glenn R. Felty, Shad A. Gilbert, Mark R. Evans.
Calvin T. Reed prayed for the men under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon as Raymond R. Bertolet closed the first meeting of the 124th Annual Conference in prayer especially remembering John and Judy Pello with their serious physical needs.