Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, 1:30 PM
Randall A. Grossman, Acting Chairman, called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Bryan L. Snyder led the conference in prayer.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§12-1, 12-2 Salvation
12-1. Salvation is the work of God1 in which He reconciles fallen men to Himself,2ultimately removes the consequences of the curse, 3 and bestows upon His redeemed Creation4 the riches of His grace, all to His glory. 5
12-2. Salvation is offered in the gospel to all men6 and is accomplished in all the elect.7 It is received by grace through faith and the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit,8 apart from works or human merit.9 Salvation centers in a person, Jesus Christ, and receiving Him10 includes the remission of sins on the grounds of His shed blood on the cross, 11 the imputation of His perfect righteousness,12 the reception of the Holy Spirit, 13 and the impartation of eternal life. 14
1 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Heb. 7:25) Also Eph. 2:4-5, 8-9.
2 “Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself…” (Col. 1:20) For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! (Rom. 5:10)
3No longer will there be any curse. (Rev. 22:3)
4 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Rom. 8:18-25)
5 I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
6 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
7 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:37) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44) For you granted him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those you have given him. (John 17:2) When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all those who were appointed for eternal life believed. (Acts 13:48)
8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph.2:8,9).
10 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
11 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace (Eph.1:7).
12 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption (1 Cor.1:30).
13 And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ (Rom.8:9b).
14 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:11, 12).
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 123; No - 26
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§13-1 Repentance
13-1. Repentance unto life is a gift of God1 and a voluntary act of man,2 accomplished by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Repentance consists in a knowledge of sin, 3 a sense of guilt and corruption that results in the confession and forsaking of sin and a turning to God4 that results in loving, obedient service. 5
1 Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? (Rom. 2:4) When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”(Acts 11:18) “correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of truth . . .” (2 Tim. 2:25)
2 And repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).
3 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
4 For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thess.1:9).
5 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10) We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 1:3)
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 131; No - 19
Whereas, the Study Committee on the Process and Purpose of God’s Calling People to Salvation has completed its work, therefore be it
Resolved, that the committee be disbanded.
William G. Schlonecker resumed his role as Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference.
David A. Thomann, Secretary of Annual Conference reported that there were sufficient affirmative votes on the First Reading of Article 18-4 for it to stand for Second Reading.
Yes - 53; No - 0
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
Article 18 – The Church
Article 18-4.
A properly constituted local Church must include the ministry of God’s Word, the observance of the ordinances, the oversight by elders and the exercise of discipline. The overseers of the Church are to be prayed for, obeyed and honored.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 147, No - 3
Report of the Study Committee on Women Serving As Deacons
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§201-5, 201-6 Preliminary Principles
Whereas, the 122nd Annual Conference (2005) approved the possibility of women serving as deacons at first reading (2005 Yearbook, p. 34); and
Whereas, the Conference asked that study be made of the Principles of Order "to provide legislation covering the entire Article 204 making clear distinction between the qualifications for the offices of elders and deacons and a clarification of the word "minister" (2005 Yearbook, p. 34); and
Whereas, in doing that work the Committee identified other needed changes in Sections 201, 202, 204, 401-1, 401-2; therefore be it
Resolved, that “officers” and “church officers” be changed to “elders” in sections 201-5 and 201-6 of the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 148, No - 5, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§202-3.2(5) Qualifications & Duties of Church Membership
Resolved, that “pastor” be changed to “elders” in section 202-3.2 (5) of the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 148, No - 4
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204 Elders, Deacons, Staff
Resolved, that the new title and introduction “Article 204 - Elders, Deacons, Staff” be adopted as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
Article 204 - Elders, Deacons, Staff
Having called and assembled His church, our Lord provides for the leadership and care of each Particular Church by providing elders and deacons and enabling them to do their work. Elders are responsible to rule the church and must be qualified men, and deacons are responsible to serve the church and may be qualified men or women. Elders and deacons are the only terms describing continuing positions in the New Testament church. Those who serve in these ways do not create their positions, nor do their positions clothe the individuals with power, but the Lord endows individuals with gifts and qualifications (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5) that enable them to do their work as God Himself has designed.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 130, No - 21
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-1 Elders
204-1 Elders
204-1.1 In the New Testament church Christ has provided men to hold the position of elder to oversee the life of His Church; those whom He commissions He enables to shepherd His Church.
204-1.2 The position of elder is given broad responsibility and authority in the New Testament. Because they are to be examples to the flock in godliness and to govern well, they are called elders. Because they are responsible for oversight and administration of the life of the church, they are called overseers or bishops. Because they are to care for and feed God’s people, they are called pastors (shepherds). Because they serve the people of the church, they are called ministers.
204-1.3 All elders together share the authority in and responsibility for the life of the church. Some elders are gifted and recognized as teaching elders; their primary authority and responsibility is in the Word and doctrine and secondarily in oversight. Other elders are gifted and recognized as ruling elders; their primary authority and responsibility is in oversight and secondarily in the Word and doctrine.
204-1.4 The work of the elders is to shepherd the flock. This work includes: Guarding (Acts 20:28), Overseeing (1 Tim 5:17; 1 Pet 5:2), Discipling (1 Thes 5:12; 2 Tim 2:2), Preaching and Teaching (1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:9; John 8:31-32), Evangelizing (2 Tim 4:5), Praying (Acts 6:4, John 17, John 14:12-14, Jas 5:13-16), Serving (1 Tim 4:14; 1 Pet 4:10-11) and Disciplining (Titus 1:9).
204-1.5 Elders, as leaders of the people, are chosen by the membership of the church on the basis of Scriptural qualifications.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 148, No - 6
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-1.6 Elders
Resolved, that the word “office” be changed to “position” in Article 204-1.6 as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 147, No - 8
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-2 Ministers
Resolved, that the new Article 204-2.1 and Article-204-2.2 be approved as Second Reading to the Faith & Order to replace the former Article 204-1.1 through 204-1.3.
204-2 Ministers
204-2.1 The Lord of the Church has given gifts to men called ministers in His church. This position is the first in the church in both dignity and usefulness. Although all elders are to be able to teach, some elders are specially gifted for teaching and preaching. The Lord of the Church has given those gifts to men we call ministers.
204-2.2 Terminology. The term “minister” is not used in Scripture to identify the specific position of elder, but to indicate the service to Christ and His people given by those who hold this position. “Pastor” is used as a gift to the church. Although neither “minister” nor “pastor” is used in Scripture as a specific position, these titles are used and are interchangeable in practice for those men we call ministers.
Moreover, though the English word “deacon” has its roots in the Greek word “diakonos,” which is translated “minister” or “servant”; this gives no basis for women being elders, ministers or pastors.
A minister or pastor in the BFC must hold or be seeking credentials in the BFC.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 154, No - 6, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-4.1, 204-4.4
Resolved, that Article 204-4.1 and 204-4.4 be adopted as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order at second reading with additional word changes for “office” to become “position.”
204-4.1 The position of deacon is presented in the Scriptures as a position not of ruling, but of service. A deacon should be a person of deep spiritual life, exemplary conduct, and sound judgment (1Tim 3; Acts 6:1-8). This position is one of sympathetic service to the church and to the distressed, friendless, or sick, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
204-4.4 Because of the qualifications and dignity of the position of Deacon, each Particular Church shall give careful consideration to ensure that a person who has been divorced or who has married a divorced person is presently characterized as above reproach, and if married, faithful to and exclusively committed to their spouse.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 142, No - 14, Abstain - 2
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§204-4.2, 204-4.3 Deacons
Resolved, that the new Article 204-4.2 and Article 204-4.3 be adopted at Second Reading.
204-4.2 Those who serve in this position should be known for their trustworthiness, their temperance, their faith, and their blameless life.
204-4.3 Deacons, as servants of the church, are chosen by the membership of the church on the basis of Scriptural qualifications.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 146, No - 7
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§401-1.1, 401-1.8, 401.1-9 The Board of Elders
Resolved, that “lay elder” be changed simply to “elder,” that “office” be changed to “position,” and “exercise” be changed to “hold” in Articles 401-1.1, 401-1.8 and 401-1.9 to be adopted as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 153, No - 6
Resolved, that the following be adopted at Second Reading:
§401-2, The Board of Deacons; § 404 Choosing Leaders Other Than Elders and Deacons
Resolved, that “office” be changed to “position” and “exercise” be changed to “hold” in 401-2 as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order, and be it further
Resolved, that “office” be changed to “position” in 404 as a Second Reading revision to the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 147, No - 8, Abstain - 2
Report of the Steering Committee (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading: 512-1: “Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church” be replaced with :
512-1: Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board
The Bible Fellowship Church Executive Board (BFC Executive Board) performs the executive functions of our denomination. It shall provide leadership for the BFC by proposing strategic direction to the BFC Conference, implementing direction through the oversight of the BFC agencies, and monitoring progress in the direction approved by the BFC Conference. It shall have the authority between the meetings of the BFC Conference to execute the decisions made by that body.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 130, No - 17, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following be adopted at First Reading:
512-1.1: Composition, Election, and Terms of Office:
(1) The BFC Executive Board shall have thirteen voting members: A President (who is elected directly by the BFC Conference), The Executive Director (by virtue of his office), and eleven members (five ordained ministers and six elders.)
(2) The elected Classes shall be as follows:
Class I President, one ordained minister and two elders.
Class II Two ordained ministers and two elders
Class III Two ordained ministers and two elders
(3) Each member shall be elected for a term of three years.
(4) Each agency shall be represented by one non-voting member selected by the agency board.
512-1.2: Meetings and Quorum:
(a) Meetings:The BFC Executive Board shall establish a schedule of stated meetings, at which any business of the board may be conducted. Special meetings may be convened by the President on his own initiative , or at the call of the Secretary when requested by five members. Any special meetings must be held with at least a seven day notice, and business must be limited to the announced purpose unless all thirteen members of the board are present and consent to transact other business.
(b) Quorum: Nine voting members must be present to transact business of the BFC Executive Board. If unanimous consent is required by our rules, no action may be taken until every absent member records his vote on the matter in writing.
512-1.3: Organization:
(1) President: The President shall be elected by the BFC Conference for a term of three years. He may be an ordained pastor or an elder. The Executive Director is ineligible to serve as President.
(2) Other Officers: The BFC Executive Board shall elect annually from their number a Vice President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and any other officers as the business of the board may require. The Executive Director is ineligible to serve in these offices.
(3) Vacancies: Vacancies in these offices shall be filled as soon as possible. In the event that the office of President is vacant, the Vice President shall serve until the next meeting of the BFC Conference.
(4) Removal from Office: The President may be removed from office at any time by a majority vote of the BFC Conference. The other officers elected by the BFC Executive Board may be removed from office at any time by the majority of the whole BFC Executive Board.
512-1.4 Duties of Officers:
President:
(1) He shall chair the meetings of the BFC Executive Board.
(2) He shall serve as legal representation for the corporation, empowered to execute all contracts, deeds, mortgages, and other documents, as the business of the corporation may require. He may designate another officer of the BFC Executive Board to exercise this power in his place. He shall report all such executions to the board.
(3) He shall carry out all other responsibilities as are usually conducted by the president of the corporation.
Vice President:
(1) He shall chair the meetings of the BFC Executive Board in the absence of the President.
(2) If the President is unable to serve, he shall serve as President until the next meeting of the BFC Conference.
Secretary:
(1) He shall record and maintain minutes of the BFC Executive Board.
(2) He shall provide for the safe preservation of the records and legal documents of the corporation.
Financial Secretary:
(1) He shall maintain accurate records of all assets held by the corporation and all financial transactions of the corporation.
(2) He shall issue payment of all duly authorized financial obligations.
Treasurer:
(1) He shall deposit all funds for which the BFC Executive Board is responsible in depositories approved by the Board.
(2) He shall provide for an annual audit of all funds held by the BFC Executive Board.
512-1.5: Duties of the BFC Executive Board
(1) It shall provide leadership for the BFC by presenting strategic direction to the BFC Conference. It shall seek approval of the BFC Conference to pursue this direction through the implementation of strategic plans.
(2) It shall appoint the Executive Director, subject to ratification of the BFC Conference, and oversee his performance in carrying out the work of the BFC Executive Board.
(3) It shall appoint the directors of the agencies and establish the terms of their employment, with the advice and consent of the agency boards.
(4) It shall offer counsel, advice and direction, oversee the work of the agencies in furthering the overall ministry of the BFC and shall ratify the elections of each agency board.
(5) It shall administrate the BFC Annual Budget, and make annual recommendations to the BFC Conference concerning the Budget and Church Assessment Rate.
(6) It shall provide for and oversee the administrative aspects of the BFC including (but not limited to education, accounting, auditing, pensions, publications, publicity, stewardship, and development.
(7) It shall hold title to and have charge of all property, both real and personal, belonging to the corporation. It shall buy or sell property for the corporation only by the approval of all members of the board or by direction of the BFC Conference. It shall have the authority to borrow money, contract mortgages, or make loans against any property of the corporation by approval of all members of the board or by direction of the BFC Conference.
(8) It shall have oversight over all funds entrusted to it by the BFC Conference.
(9) It shall have oversight of all insurance programs offered by the BFC.
(10) It shall act as the legal representative in the name of and on behalf of the corporation known as the Bible Fellowship Church (a non profit corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ). It shall have all the rights and privileges, as well as responsibilities and liabilities, conferred by the charter creating the corporation.
(11) It shall report annually to the BFC Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 136, No - 15
Resolved, that we recess for dinner.
The meeting was recessed at 5:08 p.m. with Delbert R. Baker, II closing in prayer.
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by the Chairman as Carl J. Fischer, Jr. led in prayer.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
512-1.6: Executive Director of the Bible Fellowship Church:
The Executive Director shall be an ordained pastor or elder appointed by the BFC Executive Board to carry out the direction approved by the BFC Conference. He shall be appointed, with the terms of employment, for a term of three years, subject to ratification by the BFC Conference. He shall serve as a voting member of the BFC Executive Board.
Duties:
(1) He shall implement the direction and strategic plans of the BFC Conference.
(2) He shall represent the BFC in public ministry.
(3) He shall encourage churches and pastors toward achieving the plans of the BFC Conference.
(4) He shall encourage and coordinate BFC committees in achieving the plans of the BFC Conference.
(5) He shall encourage and coordinate BFC agency directors in achieving the plans of the BFC Conference.
(6) He shall oversee the daily operations of the BFC administration.
(7) He shall report to the BFC Executive Board and the BFC Conference.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 140, No - 15, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Replace current 501-2, 501-3, 501-4, and 501-5 with:
501-2The BFC Conference performs the legislative function of our denomination. As such it alone has the power to amend and authoritatively interpret the F&O. By this means it governs the affairs of the Particular Churches on a denominational level, serves the health of the Particular Churches, and receives requests and petitions from the Particular Churches. Although it has these powers, it shall not subvert the autonomy of the Particular Churches.
501-3 The BFC Conference also exercises final oversight of the judicial function of our denomination. In this capacity, it examines, licenses and ordains candidates for pastoral ministry, provides counsel in the calling of pastors to Particular Churches, supervises the resignation and removal of pastors, examines and approves or censures the records of Particular Churches, elects judicatories and serves as a final court of appeal in matters of discipline.
501-4 The BFC Conference also provides for the executive function of our denomination. As such it elects a President and BFC Executive Board, ratifies the Executive Director, and approves the direction and planning proposed by the BFC Executive Board. To provide for this executive and administrative leadership, the BFC Conference has the authority to assess the Particular Churches a percentage of their offerings.
501-5 The BFC Conference shall meet annually in performance of its responsibilities outlined above. Officers and committees shall be elected and appointed each year in order to conduct its business in an efficient manner. The purpose of the annual gathering is to govern the BFC though the F&O, promote unity and fellowship between the churches, and to focus our vision on unified goals for our churches and their joint endeavors.
501-6 The proceedings of the BFC Conference shall be conducted according to the Business Rules of BFC Conference (see 508). It shall keep and publish a record of its proceedings and make it available to the membership of the churches
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 142, No - 12
Resolved, that the following be adopted as First Reading
Replace 407-5 “Board of Directors of BFC” with “BFC Executive Board”
Replace 203-6 “Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church” with “Bible Fellowship Church Conference.”
Replace “Annual Conference” with BFC Conference”.
302-3.2, 302-4.1, 302-4.2, 401-1.7, 403-1.4, 403-1.5, 405, 405-1, 405-2, 407-4, 500, 501, 501-1, 501-2, 501-3, 501-4, 501-5, 502-3.5, 502-4.1, 504, 504-1, 504-2.2, 504-2.3, 504-3.1, 504-3.3, 504-3.4, 505, 505-1, 505-2, 506, 506-1, 506-2, 506-3, 506-4, 506-5, 506-6, 506-8, 507, 507-1, 507-2, 507-3, 508, 508-4, 508-6, 508-7, 508-8, 510-2, 510-4, 510-5, 510-6, 510-7, 511-1, 511-1.1, 511-1.2, 511-1.3, 511-1.4, 511-2, 511-2.1, 511-2.2, 511-2.3, 511-2.4, 511-2.5, 511-2.6, 513, 513-1, 513-3, 801-1, 801-4, 802-1, 802-3, 802-4.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 139, No - 6, Abstain - 3
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
The officers of the BFC Conference are to be viewed as servants of the business meeting, not leaders of the denomination. The Chairman and Vice Chairman will be changed to the Moderator and Vice Moderator.
Replace 506-1 “Chairman of Annual Conference” with “Conference Moderator.” 405-2, 505-2, 506-1, 506-2, 506-5, 507-1, 508-4, 508-6, 511, 511-2.4, 511-2.6.
507-1 Duties – omit Duties (4) (5) (6) & add to election (3) The BFC Executive Director is ineligible to serve as the Conference Moderator.
507-2 replace “ Vice Chairman” with “Vice Moderator”
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 143, No - 6, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
The new structure also involves a major change in the way we fund our denominational administration. The following legislation provides for this:
a. Omit 407-2 offering (6) Administrative Budget
b. New 502 “ BFC Annual Budget”
Administration
502-1The BFC Annual Budget is administered by the BFC Executive Board. The Board prepares the budget and presents it to the BFC Conference for adoption. The budget provides for the executive administration of the BFC and includes (but is not limited to) salaries of the Executive Director and other employees, expenses of committees, pension obligations, administrative departments, and any other obligations or projects approved by the BFC Conference.
502-2Funding: The BFC Annual Budget is funded by the Church Assessment Rate. At the time that the BFC Executive Board presents the budget, a rate shall be recommended which provides for the funding of the budget. The rate shall be a percentage of the regular offerings received by the particular churches in the previous calendar year. The BFC Executive Board must present a balanced budget which is adequately funded by the assessment.
502-3Adoption: The BFC Annual Budget shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the BFC Conference. The budget shall include the Church Assessment Rate necessary to fund it, so that a vote for the budget is also a vote for the assessment. The BFC Conference shall not adopt an Annual Budget without approving the Church Assessment Rate which balances it.
Move the current Article 502 – Procedure for the Resignation of a Minister and Article 503 – Retirement from the Ministry to a new Article 509 – “Ministry in the Bible Fellowship Church”
407-2: Church Assessment The Particular Churches through their representatives to the BFC Conference adopt the BFC Annual Budget with a Church Assessment Rate each year. This rate is a percentage of the regular offering from the previous calendar year. (For instance, The BFC Annual Budget for 2006 is adopted at the BFC Conference in 2005. It includes the adoption of a Church Assessment Rate of % of the regular offerings reported for 2004. The amount is provided in the Particular Church budget for 2006 to fund the BFC Annual Budget for that year.)
407-3: Offerings, renumber subsequent articles.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 127, No - 20, Abstain - 3
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading
BFC Conference business rules will be updated.
Replace 508-1, 508-2, 508-3, 508-5 with
508-1 Regular Order of Business Each meeting of the BFC Conference shall be opened and closed with prayer. Times for worship shall be provided in each day’s agenda. The parliamentary procedure shall follow the rules of the BFC and Robert’s Rules of Order. Business shall generally proceed according to an approved agenda. Minutes shall be recorded and approved for each meeting. (subsequent articles in 508 shall be numbered accordingly)
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 139, No - 5, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Substitute the following for 203-5 as it now stands:
The church consists of many particular churches needing counsel and assistance. Because this counsel and assistance is needed on occasion by each particular church, each particular church is responsible for and accountable to the others and to the denominatoin body as a whole. However this counsel and assistance must neither violate the autonomy of particular churches in the body nor negate the accountability of each to all other churches. The goals of this mutual counsel and assistance are to encourage and maintain spiritual health, to preserve soundness of doctrine and discipline, to enter into joint effort for the advancement of the work of Christ, and to guard against doctrinal error and immorality. From these arises the importance and usefulness of assemblies of particular churches.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 145, No - 4, Abstain - 1
Byron Widger prayed for the offering received for the Darlene Mahurin Memorial Fund.
The meeting concluded with an ordination service. Thomas H. Morrison was ordained into the Gospel Ministry and Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara had previous ordinations recognized by the Bible Fellowship Church. Ralph M. Soper issued a challenge to the ordinands.
After a time of greeting by the rest of the ordained men, a time of refreshment and fellowship followed.