Wednesday Evening
6:15 PM
The meeting was called to order by the chairman at 6:15 PM as Clyde D. Bomgardner led the Conference in prayer.
Report of the Registrar:
The following requested to be excused from the rest of Annual Conference: Gregory A. Uhrich, Gene E. Smith and Rob J. Hodge.
Resolved, that these requests be granted.
The following were elected:
Board of Church Health
Robert A. Sloan, Jr. (1 year)
Clyde W. Snyder (1 year)
The following First Reading material was presented by the Ministerial Relations Committee:
Resolved, that the following be adopted as First Reading:
409-2 Dissolving the Pastoral Relationship (omit present 409-2, 409-2.1, 409-2.2)
(omit paragraph following title of 409-3)
409-2.1 An Uncontested Resignation
(2) Ordinarily . . . The action of the Board of Elders shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee prior to the effective date of the resignation. (omit “. . . by the secretary . . . cannot be reached.”).
(omit paragraph (3) and replace (4) with the following:)
(3) The Board of Elders shall call a congregational meeting according to our rules (see 403) in order to consider the resignation of the pastor. When the congregation approves the resignation of the pastor, this information shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee within one week. The special provisions made for the pastor’s transition (see 2.1 above), may be announced by the Board of Elders or, if they so decide, approved by the Congregation, by a separate resolution at the same meeting.
409-2.2 A Contested Resignation
(1) Replace final sentence beginning “Rules for communicating the results . . .” with “This decision shall be communicated to the chairman of the Ministerial Relations Committee within twenty-four hours.
409-2.3 Churches Desiring Dissolution of the Pastorate
(1) If the issues leading to a desire by the church to dissolve the pastorate involve moral or doctrinal charges against the pastor, the church shall follow the procedure outlined in the Book of Discipline (see section 300).
(2) No changes
409-3.4, 409-3.5, 409-3.6 Omit
[FIRST READING]
512-14 Ministerial Relations Committee
The purpose of the Ministerial Relations Committee is to foster a healthy relationship between pastors and churches, to help to resolve problems in the pastoral relationship, and to assist churches in calling pastors.
512-14.1 Composition and Election
Omit (3)
512-14.2 Duties
(1) The committee shall provide counsel and advice to churches and pastors upon their invitation. The committee may be invited to assist a church in this way upon request of the Board of Elders, the Pastoral Relations Committee of the church, an individual Elder or Elders, or the Pastor.
(2) The committee may initiate involvement and call a meeting with the Pastor, Pastoral Relations Committee, or Board of Elders, if the committee concludes there are matters threatening the health of the pastoral relationship which are not being adequately addressed by the Particular Church. This request for a meeting shall be in writing, stating the reasons that the Ministerial Relations Committee has for requesting it.
(3) The committee shall seek to resolve difficulties in the pastoral relationship whether they have been invited or have initiated involvement in the Particular Church. This involvement may take the form of meetings with the Pastor, Elders or Members, with the Pastoral Relations Committee, with the Board of Elders, or with the Congregation.
(4) The committee shall oversee the resignation of a pastor according to our rules.
(5) The committee shall meet with the Elders and/or Pastoral Search Committee with respect to temporary pulpit supply, the pastoral search process, and the calling of a pastor. It shall oversee the calling of a pastor according to our rules.
(6) The committee shall refer any problems concerning pastoral relationships that it cannot resolve to Annual Conference for final resolution. This referral may or may not have recommendations concerning resolution.
(7) The committee shall submit a report to Annual Conference, including recommendations concerning the minimum salary package for pastors called under our rules.
(8) The committee shall elect and oversee the Conference Pastor.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the rate of mileage reimbursement for conference business conducted in 2006 be 27¢ per mile effective May 1, 2006.
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006 be adopted.
Administrative Budgets
2006
Budget
1. Beneficiary Fund 500
2. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 100
3. Ministerial Convention 1,000
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 60,000
5. Annual Conference
a. Conference Entertainment 7,000
b. Conference Expense 4,100
6. Fund to Assist Churches 100
7. Board of Communications 5,000
8. Expenses of Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 700
b. All other Expenses 8,000
9. Expenses, Board of Directors 3,000
10. M.C.C. Internship Fund 250
11. Historical Committee 1,000
12. Conference Pastor 40,000
13. ONE Voice 3,000
Total Budget 133,750
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 be approved for submission to the churches for their pledges.
Proposed
2007
Budget
1. Beneficiary Fund 500
2. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 100
3. Ministerial Convention 1,000
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 63,000
5. Annual Conference
a. Conference Entertainment 7,000
b. Conference Expense 4,100
6. Fund to Assist Churches 100
7. Board of Communications 5,000
8. Expenses of Committees
a. Chaplaincy Expenses 700
b. All other Expenses 8,000
9. Expenses, Board of Directors 3,000
10. M.C.C. Internship Fund 250
11. Historical Committee 1,000
12. Conference Pastor 40,000
13. ONE Voice 3,000
Total Budget 136,750
The following First Reading material was presented by the Credentials Committee (changes are found in bold type):
Resolved, that the following material be adopted as First Reading:
Whereas, the Committee on Credentials has been placing ministers in differing categories to determine their eligibility as voting members of Annual Conference, and
Whereas, one of the categories used does not appear in the F&O, and
Whereas, there has been confusion as to who is eligible to be a voting member of Annual Conference, and
Whereas, there have been men in certain Advisory member categories for an indefinite period of time, therefore be it
Resolved, that the following replace Article 512-11.3 in the F&O (changes in bold)
512-11.3 Categories of Ministry
All ordained men who hold Ordination Credentials with the BFC shall be members in good standing in a Particular BFC and shall subscribe annually to the F&O.
The categories of ministry are as follows:
(1) Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the BFC
(2) Ordained Ministers Working Under the Direction of the Board of Missions of the BFC
(3) Ordained Ministers Working in (omit: the Military) Chaplaincy Ministries Under the Sponsorship of the BFC. The BFC qualifies to have men with its ministerial credentials to serve under the U.S. Armed Forces Chaplains Board under the endorsement of the National Conference of Ministry to the Armed Forces; as well as other Chaplain ministries such as the prison and hospital. Applications for such ministries shall be made through the Credentials Committee.
(4) Ordained Ministers in Retirement. These are men who have retired under the provisions of Section 503. A minister must serve a minimum of five years (cumulative) as an ordained minister in the BFC and be under the care of the Credentials Committee at retirement to be a member of Annual Conference as a “Minister in Retirement.”
(5) Ordained Ministers Between Calls. When a minister leaves his church or ministry without a call to another Bible Fellowship Church, he may be placed in either the “Between Calls” or “Leave of Absence” category, as determined by the Credentials Committee. A Minister who is in the “Between Calls” category is one who is presently seeking a call from a Bible Fellowship Church. He may remain in this category for a maximum of two years. A written request for an extension will be reviewed and may be granted by the Credentials Committee.
(6) Ordained Minister on Leave of Absence. (Omit present statement and replace with): A minister who is in the “Leave of Absence” category is not currently open to receiving a call from a Bible Fellowship Church. He may remain in this category for a maximum of two years. A written request for an extension will be reviewed and may be granted by the Credentials Committee. The combination of “Leave of Absence” and “Between Calls” in any consecutive period shall not exceed five years total, except under unusual circumstances as determined by the Credentials Committee.
(7) Ordained Inactive Ministers. A minister who has exhausted his stay in the “Between Calls” and/or “Leave of Absence” categories will be placed in the “Ordained Inactive Ministers” category. He may remain in this category for a period not to exceed ten years of which time spent in the “Between Calls” and/or “Leave of Absence” categories is counted. At the end of ten years he loses his credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church. If he wishes to return to active ministry within the BFC, he must reapply to the Ministerial Candidate Committee.
NOTE: Present article 512-11.3 (5) – “Ordained Ministers Working in Other Christian Ministries” is eliminated.
[FIRST READING]
Whereas, the MRF annuity rate for 2006 is $213 per year of service, and
Whereas, partial cost-of-living adjustments are part of the long-term phase out strategy of the MRF, therefore be it
Resolved, that the MRF annuity rate for calendar year 2007 be $215 per year of service.
Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers of this Conference for Calendar Year 2007
Whereas, the religious denomination known as The Bible Fellowship Church has and functions through Ministers of the Gospel who are duly ordained or licensed; and
Whereas, the practice of The Bible Fellowship Church is to provide a parsonage or a rental allowance as part of the gross compensation for each of its active ordained or licensed ministers; and
Whereas, pensions paid to retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers of The Bible Fellowship Church are considered as deferred compensation and are paid to said retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers in consideration of previous, active service; and
Whereas, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized that The Bible Fellowship Church is the appropriate organization to designate a housing/rental allowance for retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers who are members of this Conference;
Resolved,
1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year of 2007 be and is hereby designated as a rental/housing allowance for each retired and disabled ordained or licensed minister of The Bible Fellowship Church who is or was a member of the Bible Fellowship Church Minister's Retirement Fund.
2. This rental/housing allowance shall apply to each retired and disabled ordained or licensed minister who has been granted the retired relationship or placed on disability leave by the Bible Fellowship Annual Conference and whose name and relationship to the conference is recorded in the Yearbook of the Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church and in other appropriate records maintained by the conference.
3. The pension payment to which this rental/housing allowance applies shall be the pension payment resulting from all service of such retired or disabled ordained or licensed minister from all employment by any local church, Annual Conference or institution of The Bible Fellowship Church or of any former denomination that is now a part of The Bible Fellowship Church, or from any other employer who employed the minister to perform services related to the ministry and who elected to make contributions to the pension funds of The Bible Fellowship Church for such retired minister's pension.
Note: The rental/housing allowance which may be excluded from a minister's gross income is limited to the lesser of (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the minister's employer or other appropriate body, (2) the amount actually expended by the minister to provide his or her housing, or (3) the legally-determined fair rental value of the parsonage or other housing provided. As specified in Rev. Rul. 71-290 C.B. 92, "the only amount that will qualify for exclusion under section 107(2) of the Code as a 'rental allowance' is an amount equal to the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities."
Report on the Committee on Statistics (see page)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report on the Committee on Auditing
The Committee on Auditing has reviewed the financial reports of Conference Agencies and Boards. All reports were found to be in compliance with Article 511-2.1 of the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has reported establishment of ten pastorates, therefore be it
Resolved, that we offer praise to God for His gracious provision of pastors for our churches.
Whereas, Pastors John C. Vandegriff, Jr. and Ronald C. Erb have resigned from their positions of ministry, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their ministry and service at their particular churches and pray for God’s guidance as they seek to serve the Lord with the calling and gifts that He has given them, and be it further,
Resolved, that we praise God for Ron C. Erb’s current ministry at Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, Gerald D. Clark and Donald E. Kuntzman were approved for ordination, and
Whereas, Robert K. Fields was approved to have his prior ordination recognized by the BFC, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank God for the calling and gifts of these men and that we be steadfast in prayer for them.
Whereas, the Boards and Committees of the BFC have labored diligently during this past year, and
Whereas, they have reported faithfully to the 123rd Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we recognize their service and ask God to give them strength for the coming year.
Whereas, BFC Homes Inc., Pinebrook Bible Conference, and Victory Valley Camp continue to provide services that meet the needs of people at their respective campuses, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the leadership and consistent progress He has provided.
Whereas, David E. Gundrum has been ratified by the 123rd Annual Conference as the Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries for a term of three years, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray to our sovereign God to grant David E. Gundrum wisdom, direction and strength as he continues to serve the Lord expanding the borders of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, Mark L. Morrison was called as Assistant Director of Church Extension Ministries, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray that God would provide the finances for the support of Brother Morrison, and further be it
Resolved, that we pray that our sovereign Lord would grant Mark L. Morrison wisdom, direction and strength as he serves at his new ministry.
Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church seeks to become an expanding fellowship of churches, and
Whereas, the Lord has sovereignly given a plan for the development of the vision of Church Extension Ministries; “Missions Here and Now!”, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the vision and ministry of Church Extension Ministries, and pray that each church may prayerfully consider partnering with Church Extension Ministries to carry out the “Mission Here and Now!” plan of Church Extension Ministries.
Whereas, the Lord is sovereignly working in establishing His witness within Fellowship Community, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for the reception into membership of the 123rd Annual Conference of Fellowship Community Church as a Particular Church, and further
Resolved, that the members of the 123rd Annual Conference, encourage each of our churches to continue to pray diligently for the success of this new church.
Whereas, Dana E. Weller has been ratified by the 123rd Annual Conference as the Director of the Board of Missions for a three year term, be it
Resolved, that we continue to pray God to grant Dana E. Weller wisdom, direction and strength as he continues to serve the Lord in the Bible Fellowship Church.
Whereas, in the providence of God, resolution has been made in the disposition of the lawsuit in Holmes, NY, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise God for His kindness, and be it further
Resolved, that we pray that all parties involved would experience God’s love and care, and be it further
Resolved, that we prayerfully encourage Faith Bible Fellowship Church, Holmes, NY in its future ministry.
Whereas, Pastor Marcos G. Ramirez Montalvo has traveled from the city of Merida, in Mexico, to bring greetings from Iglesia Biblica La Roca, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for what He is doing in the Yucatan Peninsula, and further
Resolved, that the Members of the 123rd Annual Conference pray to our Lord for direction and guidance in regards to how the Bible Fellowship Church can connect with Iglesia Biblica La Roca de Merida.
Whereas, it has pleased God to call to Himself our dear Brothers and longtime Elders and Delegates from Hatfield, Lee E. Boyles; from Harrisburg, Paul T. Rutman; from Stroudsburg, Sal Roseti; and Saucon Valley, Philip J. Mitchell, and
Whereas, Lee E. Boyles served faithfully on the Pinebrook Bible Conference Board since its inception, Paul T. Rutman served faithfully for many years on the Board of Communications, Sal Roseti served faithfully on the Elder board of Mt. Pocono Bible Fellowship Church early in the development of this church, and Philip J. Mitchell served faithfully as a key part of the administrative team for Saucon Valley Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for these men of God whose gracious lives and service to Annual Conference and its committees exemplified lives dedicated to giving God all the glory.
Whereas, since our last Annual Conference, the Lord saw fit to call home to Glory our sister Cordelia Dunn, wife of retired pastor John Dunn, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for her life, and pray for God’s comfort for her loved ones.
Whereas, our brother William H. Bartron was not able to attend Annual Conference due to his battle with cancer, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray for God’s leading and guidance for the Lord to open new opportunities for William H. Bartron to glorify his God in his situation, and further
Resolved, that we pray for the Lord to bestow wisdom on him needed to make decisions related to his future care and treatment.
Whereas, the Mount Pocono, Ephrata, Paradise, Shamokin, Holmes, and Cottrell Corners churches are in need of a pastor, therefore be it
Resolved, that we pray for wisdom and guidance for each church in their pastoral search and further,
Resolved, that we pray that God would raise up new pastors and elders from our own denomination who are qualified to serve in our churches.
Whereas, the Board of Youth and Young Adults has recommended the establishment of the position of Conference Youth Pastor, therefore be it
Resolved, that we beseech the Lord for His will as we pursue His direction.
Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference along with some wives of our pastors and delegates have readily and cheerfully served the members of the 123rd Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we note with thanksgiving the helpful service of those who have labored to care for us.
Whereas, the pages, Headpage, Raymond L. Cole, Assistant Head Page, Daniel L. Williams, Mark E. Barninger, Raymond R. Bertolet, Steven J. DelDuco, Scott B. Evans, Glen R. Felty, Joshua P. Gibson, Robert W. Green, Ferdie R. Madara, Thomas H. Morrison, Stephen J. Morton, David S. Mumma, Carlos G. Rodriguez, David K. Schlonecker, and Colby A. Weinhofer have humbly, readily and cheerfully enabled the work of the 123rd Annual Conference to function smoothly, therefore be it
Resolved, that we acknowledge our appreciation for their service and fellowship with a round of applause.
Whereas, Daniel P. Allen, Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., and Kenneth D. Keeler have served Annual Conference as our devotional speakers, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their gift of wisdom and their insight into His Word, and be it further
Resolved, that each be awarded $50 for their labors.
Whereas, the study committees spent a great deal of time and effort to research their given topics, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful work.
Whereas, Richard T. Paashaus has served the Annual Conference as Worship Leader and was ably assisted by several others, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their leading us in worship of our great God.
Whereas, the Annual Conference Secretary and his assistants have served with spectacular effectiveness, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful service and be it further
Resolved, that each man be awarded $50 for their labors.
Whereas, Randall A. Grossman has served outstandingly as Chairman of the 123rd Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of Annual Conference show their appreciation for Brother Grossman with a standing ovation.
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
L. James Roberts, Jr. addressed the Conference and noted the faithfulness of Horace A. Kauffman, 52 years, and Robert W. Gehret, 54 years, of consecutive attendance and service at Annual Conference. The Conference members responded with a standing ovation.
The Chairman made the following appointments:
Registrar:
J. Mark McCreary
Assistant Registrar:
Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Agenda and Program Committee:
David A. Thomann (Chairman), Randall A. Grossman, Calvin T. Reed, Michael J. Tannous, Philip E. Yerrington, Thomas P. Shorb
Arrangements Committee:
David A. Thomann (Chairman); Daniel P. Allen, J. Mark McCreary, Thomas P. Shorb, Randall A. Grossman
Committee on Statistics:
LeRoy S. Heller (Chairman); Hugh C. Coulburn, Jr., David N. Schoen, David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich
Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches:
Ralph M. Soper (Chairman); William H. Bartron, C. Larry Bennett, Ronald C. Erb, Jacob J. Susek, Jr., Allan R. Vivona.
The corporate and official denominational address will be: 3000 Fellowship Drive Whitehall, PA, 18052. The Secretary of the Conference Judicatory is Gregory A. Uhrich. The Secretary of the Appellate Division of the Conference Judicatory is David J. Watkins.
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 PM with William G. Schlonecker, acting Vice Chairman, closing the sessions in prayer.