Sixth Meeting
Wednesday Morning, 9:00 AM
The Chairman, William G. Schlonecker, called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
Richard T. Paashaus read Psalm 145:1-3 and led the conference in singing All Hail the Power. After leading in prayer, the men sang We Are God’s People and I’m Forever Grateful. Richard T. Paashaus read Luke 10:1, 17-24 and closed this part of the worship time in prayer.
Richard B. Ravis delivered a message on A Mandate to Godly Leadership: The Motivation. We are motivated by our joy which is found in what the Lord has done for us and our relationship with Him. We sang My Heart is Filled in closing.
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be excused from part or all of the 125th Annual Conference: W. Neil Harding, Jr., James Hart, Robert A. Johnson II, Robert W. Kohler, Alan G. Miller, Richard A. Moyer and Carlos G. Rodriguez.
Resolved, that the requests for excuses be granted.
Resolved, that the following Alternate Delegate be seated: Kenneth P. Reif, Cedar Crest.
Whereas, the creation of the Executive Board of the Bible Fellowship Church has been approved as First Reading, and
Whereas, the work of the Executive Board will include accepting the full legal responsibility for Bible Fellowship Church when it is fully approved by Annual Conference, and
Whereas, the Executive Board will have responsibility, should be ready to enter into its work as soon as it is fully approved by Annual Conference and, therefore, needs to prepare for that responsibility, and
Whereas, these reasons make it important for the Executive Board to begin its work now, therefore be it
Resolved, that by our rule of exceptions (F & O 508-8) we elect the President and Executive Board for a term of one year now and that the rotating classes be elected (512-1.1) when the establishment of the Executive Board has been approved at Second Reading by the Annual Conference.
The following was elected:
Board of Higher Education
David T. Allen (3 years)
Report of the Study Committee on the Millennium (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
The Study Committee presented a revision to the Articles of Faith called “The Kingdom of God.”
Resolved, that we table the motion to adopt the article on the Kingdom of God as First Reading.
Resolved, that we recess.
We recessed at 12:11 p.m. as John H. Riggall, who retired as an officer of the Beneficiary Society after 49-years of service, closed in prayer.
The meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m. Albert J. Dommel opened this segment of the meeting in prayer.
The following were elected
Vice Chairman for the 126th Annual Conference
Randall A. Grossman (1 Year)
President of the Executive Board
Randall A. Grossman (1 Year)
Report of the Registrar
The following requested to be absent from the remainder of the 125th Annual Conference: Dana E. Weller and Gregory A. Uhrich.
Resolved, that the excuses be granted.
Resolved, that we lift the article on the Kingdom of God off the table.
The following resolution was defeated as First Reading:
Resolved, that we delete Article 27 - The Millennium from the Articles of Faith.
Yes - 16, No - 128
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Article - The Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is His sovereign rule over all things (1Chr. 29:10-11; Psa.103:19; 145:11-13). It is powerfully active in human history through Jesus Christ and is a present reality experienced by believers through their being united with Him and His resurrection in the New Birth (John 3:3,5; Eph.2:6; Col.1:13; 3:1). The kingdom of God is also a longed for and confident hope that awaits its fullness with the return of Jesus Christ, (Mat.6:10; 25:31-46; Rev.20-22). While believers live in this present evil age (Gal.1:4), through their union with Christ they also experience a foretaste of the powers of the age to come (Heb.6:5). The moment a believer is regenerated he possesses eternal life (John 6:47) and having been made alive spiritually he is a new creation (2Cor. 5:17). However, he is still in a mortal body, living in a fallen world, awaiting the resurrection of the body (John 6:39,40) and Christ’s final victory. Thus, a believer in Jesus Christ experiences the tension between already sharing in the glories of the Kingdom of God while yet awaiting Christ’s millennial reign and the Kingdom’s final and complete realization. (Rom.8:17-25 ; 2Thes.1:3-10; Heb.2:5-9).
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 130, No - 13
Resolved, that the remainder of the report (see page:) by the Study Committee on the Millennium be referred back to the committee to be brought back to the 126th Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§504-1.1, 504-1.2 Membership of Congregations in Annual Conference
504-1.1 All new Particular Churches are to be evaluated by the Board of Church Health for two years.
504-1.2 Any congregation that reports any one of the following criteria will allow the Board of Church Health to initiate discussion with that Particular Church:
(1) Three consecutive years where attendance declined more than 5% per year.
(2) Three consecutive years of declining offerings.
(3) An Elder Board that has declined to fewer than two lay elders.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 133, No - 5
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§512-17, Strategic Planning Committee
Whereas, the work of the Strategic Planning Committee as established by the Annual Conference and outlined in the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church will no longer be necessary when the Executive Board and Executive Director are in place, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Strategic Planning Committee as described in Article 512-17 of the Faith & Order of the Bible Fellowship Church be dissolved, and further
Resolved, that the responsibilities for strategic planning now be cared for by the Executive Board and Executive Director of the BFC, and further
Resolved, that Article 512-17 as well as other references to the Strategic Planning Committee be deleted from the Faith & Order.
[SECOND READING]
Whereas, the Annual Conference has elected a President and BFC Executive Board for a one-year transitional term of office, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Steering Committee continue in existence as a resource for the President and the BFC Executive Board until they are approved at second reading by Annual Conference.
Resolved, that the following amendment to Article 204-2.3 of the Faith & Order be adopted as First Reading:
Physical Qualifications. The pastor must be a mature man who is physically and mentally fit, being free from impairments that would undermine his ability to minister. His physical and mental fitness should give promise that he will be able to bear the demands of the ministry.
[FIRST READING]
Resolved, that the following be adopted at one reading:
701-1 Beneficiary Society
701-1.1 Preamble The Beneficiary Society of the Bible Fellowship Church is a mutual aid society of all the ordained and/or licensed ministers engaged in the ministries of the BFC.
We seek to aid one another in the time of death or when disability may cause one of our brethren to be laid aside. This aid is not only for the minister but extends to his family as well. We suggest that every minister and his wife read the rules and regulations and become aware of their responsibilities and benefits.
701-1.2 Organization
(1) The Beneficiary Society shall meet at least once a year to transact business relative to the Society. This meeting shall be held at the time of Ministerial Convention.
(2) The secretary's annual report and the financial report shall be submitted at this meeting.
(3) At this annual meeting officers shall be elected by and from the members of the Society. They shall be elected for terms of three years. These terms shall be staggered so normally one officer is elected each year. The elected officers shall be privileged to organize as chairman, secretary and treasurer.
(4) The accounts of the secretary and treasurer shall be audited prior to Annual Conference and reported to the Committee on Auditing of the Annual Conference.
(5) The officers of the Beneficiary Society shall be authorized to invest the funds of the Beneficiary Society and shall report all investments at the Annual Meeting.
(6) The officers shall be authorized to conduct all necessary business of the Society throughout the year.
(7) All three officers’ names shall be on record at the financial institutions chosen by the officers. The secretary is authorized to carry out investments and arrange with financial institutions for financial transactions when benefits for members of the society are necessary. If the secretary is unable to carry out his duties, the two remaining officers together are authorized to engage in financial transactions with the financial institutions. Benefits for members are paid by check, signed by two officers.
701-1.3 Rules and Regulations
Membership. On becoming licensed as a probationer in the ministry of the BFC, one shall become a member of the Beneficiary Society beginning at the succeeding Annual Conference and shall be responsible to pay into the fund. Every probationer/ordained man licensed or ordained by the BFC must be a member of the Beneficiary Society of the BFC, except those designated in the next paragraph.
Only active and retired ministers of the BFC can continue to be part of the Society. Ministers of the BFC who are working with other Christian ministries are not members of the Beneficiary Society and are not eligible for benefits from the fund; the same applies to ministers on leave of absence.
Ministers receiving Ministers' Retirement Fund benefits, ministers on disability, and ministers under the Ministers' Annuity Fund who have retired at age 65 or later are members of the Society but are exempt from dues. Those who continue or choose to continue serving as Pastors under agencies of the BFC must pay dues. Ministers who continue on active service are exempt from dues after reaching forty years of licensed ministry in the BFC.
Dues. The dues of all members of the Beneficiary Society shall be set at the annual meeting and shall be paid at Annual Conference. After a Pastor reaches the age of 72 he no longer is expected to pay into the fund of the society. Non-payment by the end of Annual Conference automatically cancels any claims to benefits until payment is received by the secretary.
Benefits. Each member of the Society is entitled to death benefits for himself, his wife and his children. Each child is insured until her or she reaches the age of nineteen. These benefits, as recommended by the officers of the Society, are determined by the members of the Society at their annual meeting. Information concerning benefits may be secured from the secretary at any time during the year. Benefits are subject to annual review.
Current benefits are as follows:
Ministers holding credentials with BFC - $6,000*
When the assets of the Society fall below $110,000, death benefits for the minister revert to $5,500.
Wives and widows of BFC ministers - $5,000*
Children of BFC ministers:
Birth through 3 years of age - $1,000*
Age 4-9 - $1,500*
Age 10 through 19th birth date - $2,500*
*A member must pay into the Beneficiary Society Fund for at least 10 years to receive full benefits. If a member pays into the fund less than 10 years the benefits are as follows:
1-4 years - 1/4 of the prescribed benefits
5-9 years - ½ of the prescribed benefits
Aid Grants
(1) Widows. Widows of deceased ministers who have complied with the provisions of the Beneficiary Society (membership, dues) shall receive aid grants beginning at the time of the death of the husband and continuing until she is 65 years of age or until the time of her death or remarriage.
Widows of ministers who were retired and receiving annuities under the MRF benefits or under the MAF at the time of marriage shall not receive aid grants under this legislation.
Widow's aid grants shall be compiled at the rate of $12.50 for each year that she was the wife of a minister who was in active service, giving his whole time to the ministry in the BFC, but such payments shall not exceed $500.00 per year. A widow of a minister not receiving aid from MRF or MAF shall not receive less than $100 per year. These benefits are subject to annual review.
(2) Ministers. A minister who, because of physical illness or disability, finds it necessary to leave the active ministry under the terms of a leave of absence and who has complied with the provisions of the Beneficiary Society (membership, dues) shall receive aid grants beginning at the time of the severance from the active ministry and continuing until he reaches the age of 65 years, or until the time of his death or severance from membership in a Bible Fellowship Church.
Minister's aid grants shall be compiled at the rate of $25.00 for each year of active service and shall not exceed $1,000.00 per year. Benefits are subject to annual review.
No minister shall be eligible for disability benefits from the Beneficiary Society unless he has fulfilled a full-time ministry in the BFC for ten years or if he has a gainful occupation. Appeals of exception can be made to the officers of the Beneficiary Society.
Miscellaneous Rules. The term of office for officers elected or appointed to this Society shall be for the term designated by our rules for that office or until successors are elected.
Once a member leaves the active ministry of the BFC (except for retirement or disability under the Annual Conference rules and regulations), he forfeits all claims upon the fund. This is a mutual aid society and there are no refunds.
If a man has paid into the Beneficiary Society Fund for 30 or more years and leaves the ministry of the BFC to labor in a full-time ministry with some other Christian organization, he may, if he desires, continue as a member of the Society by making the regular yearly payments to the fund.
Each probationer/ordained man upon re-entering the membership of the Society must pay an equal amount of money equivalent to the number of years he was licensed up to the present year. This amount will be the total amount that was to be paid for the years that he was not a paying members of the Society.
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted as First Reading:
Whereas, legislation is deficient regarding the timing of the convening of Annual Conference and the procedure for calling an Adjourned Session of Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that the following be approved at First Reading and that the present §501-5 become §501-7.
§501-5 Annual Conference convenes by precedent on the Monday following the fourth Sunday in April. The starting time and place of the Conference shall be recommended by the Committee on Arrangements and ratified by Annual Conference. The length of the Conference shall be determined by the Committee on Agenda and Program.
§501-6 An Adjourned Session of Annual Conference may be scheduled by action of Annual Conference or called by the Chairman by giving the members of Annual Conference a four-week written notification. The call for the meeting shall communicate the time, place, and purpose of the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference.
and be it further
Resolved, that §507-1 Chairman, Duties (3) be changed to read:
(3) After the close of Annual Conference, the Chairman shall have the power to convene Annual Conference by circulating a written call for such a session, giving the members a four-week written notification.
[FIRST READING]
Yes - 124, No - 1, Abstain - 1
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§406-2 Mission Organizations
406-2 Mission Organizations: (proposed changes are underlined and bold)
406-2.1 Each Particular Church is encouraged to establish organizations that will promote and assist in carrying out its task of world evangelization. Organizations so established are encouraged to inform the Board of Missions and Church Extension Ministries of their officers in order that information can be circulated to and coordinated with similar organizations from other Particular Churches. Suggested bylaws for such organizations are available in the Appendix.
406-2.2 Regional Mission Organization Programs. The Board of Missions and Church Extension Ministries may coordinate regional programs as deemed advisable.
[SECOND READING]
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§504 Membership of Congregations in Annual Conference
Article 504 -Membership of Congregations in Annual Conference
504-1. Particular Church.
Any congregation meeting the standards of Article 18 of the Articles of Faith and committed to the F&O, may be admitted to membership in Annual Conference and shall be known as a Particular Church. This admission must follow upon a positive assessment and recommendation by the Board of Church Extension. Assessment includes an evaluation of elders, committed participants and financial stability.
504-2. Mission Churches
504-2.1 Any congregation that is under the supervision of the Board of Church Extension of the BFC but has not yet met the standard for recognition as a Particular Church shall be called a mission church. The term mission church is used in a technical sense, but this does not preclude the use of the term church in any of the congregation’s public relations activities.
504-2.2 The Board of Church Extension has the responsibility of assessing the preparedness of the mission church for admission to Annual Conference.
504-2.3 Upon recommendation by the Board of Church Extension, the mission church may be recognized as a church and admitted to Annual Conference by a majority vote of Annual Conference.
504-3. Other Congregations
504-3.1 Daughter churches of Bible Fellowship Churches
(1) A Bible Fellowship Church desiring to plant a daughter church shall contact the Board of Church Extension and seek its counsel and assistance in the development and preparation of the daughter church for recognition at the Annual Conference.
(2) When the parent church determines that the daughter church is ready to pursue membership in the Annual Conference, the parent church shall request an assessment from the Board of Church Extension. The daughter church shall be assessed by the Board of Church Extension.
(3) The daughter church shall be recommended for membership in the Annual Conference by the parenting church and the Board of Church Extension and admitted to Annual Conference upon majority vote of Annual Conference.
504-3.2 Pre-existing Congregations
(1) An independent congregation or an established congregation of another denomination desiring membership in Annual Conference shall contact the Board of Church Extension.
(2) This church shall be evaluated by the Board of Church Extension on the basis of its agreement with the F&O, particularly as to its compliance with Article 18 of the Articles of Faith. This church shall meet the standards of Article 18 of the Articles of Faith and be committed to the F & O.
(3) This church may be recommended for membership in Annual Conference by the Board of Church Extension upon satisfactory completion of an assessment.
(4) A majority vote of Annual Conference shall be required for membership in Annual Conference.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 125, No - 3
Resolved, that the following legislation be adopted at Second Reading:
§512-4 Board of Church Extension
Board of Church Extension
The Board of Church Extension governs Church Extension Ministries which consists of the Board of Church Extension, the Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries, church planters serving under the direction of the Board, all other employees of the Board, and mission churches under jurisdiction of the Board.
512-4.1 Purpose
Church Extension Ministries exists to plant churches in order to build the Body of Christ through extending the Bible Fellowship Church.
It does this by evangelizing in areas, communities, and neighborhoods as well as among people, where Bible Fellowship Churches do not exist, by forming and nurturing to maturity new congregations.
512-4.2 Composition and Election
(1) The Board of Church Extension will be composed of the Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries, five ministers and five elders. Classes shall be formed as follows:
Class I Two ministers and two elders
Class IITwo ministers and two elders
Class IIIOne minister and one elder
(2) The Executive Director shall be called by the Board of Church Extension.
(3) Each class of the Board of Church Extension shall be elected in turn annually by ballot by the Board of Church Extension, subject to ratification by the Annual Conference.
(4) The term for each class shall be for three years.
512-4.3 Duties
(1) It shall have authority to establish and oversee the development of mission churches.
(2) It shall issue calls to church planters credentialed by the BFC.
(3) It shall have authority to hire church planters not credentialed by the BFC, but they must be under the care of the Ministerial Candidate Committee and be seeking credentials in the BFC. In such cases, a contract for ministry shall be established.
(4) It shall function as a board of Elders in behalf of mission churches.
(5) It shall receive applications for admission to Annual Conference from daughter churches or congregations outside the Bible Fellowship Church.
(6) It shall require all mission churches to adhere to the Faith and Order.
(7) It shall receive and disburse monies designated for Church Extension Ministries.
(8) It shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church on the approval and consummation of legal transactions for the purchase of real estate and/or the erection of buildings for purposes of Church Extension Ministries.
(9) It shall make recommendations to Annual Conference on the admission of mission churches and daughter churches to membership in Annual Conference.
(10) It shall make a written report of its activities to Annual Conference.
(11) It shall promote the program of Church Extension Ministries and develop a broadening financial base for its ministry.
512-4.4 Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries
The Executive Director of Church Extension Ministries shall be an ordained minister of the Bible Fellowship Church. He shall, by virtue of his office, be a member of the Board of Church Extension and shall be accountable to the Board of Church Extension for his ministry.
512-4.5 Rules Relative to the Recognition of Churches.
(1) Any congregation that has a relationship with the Bible Fellowship Church but has not yet met the standards for recognition as a particular church shall be called a mission church. (See 504-2)
(2) When, in the opinion of the Board of Church Extension, a mission church is prepared for recognition, the Board shall recommend to Annual Conference that this mission church be recognized as a Particular Church and that it be admitted to the membership of Annual Conference. This recognition will be by a majority vote of Annual Conference.
(3) Churches which have been recognized by the Annual Conference are no longer under the jurisdiction of the Board of Church Extension and are no longer eligible for financial aid from the Board. Churches recognized by the Annual Conference shall not again come under the jurisdiction of the Board of Church Extension but may seek counsel from the Ministerial Relations Committee and assistance from the Board of Church Health.
[SECOND READING]
Yes - 119, No - 13
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 be adopted.
Administrative Budgets
2008
Budget
1. Beneficiary Fund 500
2. Ministers’ Assistance Fund 100
3. Ministerial Convention 1,000
4. Ministers’ Retirement Fund 66,000
5. Annual Conference
a. Conference Entertainment 7,500
b. Conference Expense 4,150
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 42,500
13. ONE Voice 2,750
Total Budget 142,550
% of previous budget 103.1
Resolved, that the Administrative Budget for January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 (see page )be approved for submission to the churches for their pledges. Pledges for the 2009 Administrative Budget shall be received by the Financial Secretary by September 1, 2008.
Whereas, starting in calendar year 2006, the per church and per member contribution rates to the MRF have been $900 / $9.00 respectively, and
Whereas, periodic inflation and mortality adjustments to the contribution rates have been part of the long-term MRF strategy, therefore be it
Resolved, that beginning in calendar year 2009, the per church and per member contribution rates to the MRF be $1,000 / $10.00 respectively.
Whereas, the Department of Church Extension Ministries is investigating church plant affiliations outside of the United States, and
Whereas, some of these affiliations may be with established churches that could become recognized churches of the BFC as early as 2008, and
Whereas, for the first 5 years after their admission to the BFC, newly recognized churches are required to support the MRF at 50% of the normal contribution rate, and
Whereas, the assessment could be an undue and disproportionate burden on these non-American churches,
Resolved, that these churches be exempt from supporting the MRF until the Board of Pensions, in conjunction with Church Extension Ministries, investigate an appropriate contribution rate for presentation to the 126th Annual Conference in 2009.
Resolved, that the recommended minimum salary for a pastor serving in the BFC be $32,000.00. In addition to his salary, the church must provide half of the pastor’s Social Security Tax, parsonage and/or housing allowance (which would include utilities, repair costs, etc.), health insurance, and provision should be made for reimbursement for allowable car and professional expenses. The church must also contribute a minimum of 3% of the pastor’s salary for retirement to the Ministers’ Annuity Fund, plus an additional 1% match if the pastor is voluntarily contributing 1%.
Note:
The above recommendation is considered the minimum. In establishing a fair and equitable salary and benefits package for the minister, consideration should be given to experience, education and the cost of living as per one’s location. In some areas, a higher figure would be more equitable.
Additional information for the Pastoral Relations Committee can be found in the Yearbook. You can also contact the Reading BFC for added information.
Resolved, that the salary for the Conference Pastor be $26,000.00, and in addition we provide $7,200.00 for health insurance and $7,200.00 for car and professional expenses.
Resolved, that the minutes of the second meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the third meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the fourth meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the fifth meeting be approved.
Resolved, that the minutes of the Adjourned Session of the 124th Annual Conference be approved.
Resolved, that we recess.
The meeting was recessed at 5:06 p.m. as Clifford B. Boone closed in prayer.
The following were elected:
Executive Board
David T. Allen (1 year)
Dennis M. Cahill (1 year)
Carl C. Cassel (1 year)
Robert A. Sloan (1 year)
David A. Thomann (1 year)
Robert Evans (1 year)
Jay H. Fasnacht (1 year)
Steve Kauffman (1 year)
Charles Lavigna (1 year)
L. James Roberts (1 year)
Robert H. Zentz (1 year)
Report of the Committee on Statistics (see page:)
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Auditing
The committee on auditing has reviewed the financial reports of conference agencies and boards. All were found to be in compliance with article 511-2.1 of the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Resolved, that the report be accepted.
Whereas, the Annual Conference was requested to pray for visas needed to enable Craig Miller and his family to leave together for their new field of service in the Canary Islands, and
Whereas, it was later reported that the visas had been received, be it
Resolved, that we praise God for His sovereign intervention on behalf of the Miller family.
Whereas, in the past year, our ministering brothers, Robert W. Green and Ronald C. Erb, experienced serious medical challenges, and
Whereas, testimony was given to Annual Conference of their divine preservation and restoration, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise God for His mercies to our brothers, praying for continued divine blessing on their health and ministries.
Whereas, a recent serious accident involving the Brothers Thomann’s daughter and sister and its aftermath were reported to Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we continue to pray for the recuperation of Beverly Thomann who sustained multiple fractures in a fall.
Whereas, it has pleased God to call to Himself our dear brothers and long term pastors, Robert N. Gordon, Jansen E. Hartman, Donald T. Kirkwood, and James G. Koch, and
Whereas, the Lord has seen fit to call our sister, Judy Pello, to join her husband, our dear brother John Pello, in glory, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give deepest thanks to the Lord of the Church for these precious saints whose godly lives and service to the kingdom of God through the Bible Fellowship Church have provided and will continue to provide an example by which we each should live.
Whereas, we desire to share in the grief of our ministering families, and
Whereas, our brother Howard Wells and his wife Meta have suffered the loss of their daughter, Nina Johnson, therefore be it
Resolved, that we be faithful in prayer on behalf of those whose loved one has been called to the Lord’s presence and that we continue to assist them practically wherever possible.
Whereas, Thomas H. Morrison was approved for ordination, and
Whereas, Shan D. Cleck, Robert B. Kramer and Ferdie R. Madara were approved to have their 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 125th Annual Conference enthusiastically and unanimously received two mission churches in the Conference as particular churches, and
Whereas, God has providentially supplied the human and practical resources necessary to bring these churches into fellowship, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for brother Jack Becker and his vision to plant the church in Las Cruces, NM and to connect it with the BFC, and further
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for Pastor Tom Morrison with the organizing elders and the Las Cruces A-Team who worked and served with great diligence in developing and presenting Grace Bible Church for reception into Annual Conference, and further
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for Pastor Marcos Ramirez, the elders of Iglesia Biblia La Roca whom He has led to this connection, and further
Resolved, that we thank and praise God for the vision given to Iglesia Biblia La Roca to plant churches in the Yucàtan and train men to be church planters, and further
Resolved, that we commit to regular prayer on behalf of Grace Bible Church and Iglesia Biblia La Roca de Mérida for God’s blessing and wisdom as they continue to develop to His glory.
Whereas, the Joint Committee on Ethnic Church Planting and others have worked concertedly to accomplish the extension of the BFC beyond our national borders, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks for their efforts and give praise to God for His leading in this historic forward move.
Whereas, the Boards, Committees and Study Committees of the BFC have served with diligence during this past year, and
Whereas, they have reported faithfully to the 125th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we recognize their service and ask God to give them strength for the coming year.
Whereas, the leaders of the Tanzania Project have reported God-sized progress in the development of their vision for this mission to unreached peoples, therefore be it
Resolved, that we praise the Great Commissioner of the Church and promise to persevere in prayer for the personnel and the resources to complete this task.
Whereas, our Agencies faithfully pursue the collective will of the BFC to serve our church and reach our world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, therefore be it
Resolved, that we offer prayer and practical assistance that their endeavors may be blessed with spiritual progress and glorify the cause of Christ.
Whereas, the Ministerial Relations Committee has reported the establishment of eleven pastorates, therefore be it
Resolved, that we offer praise to God for His gracious provision of pastors for our churches.
Whereas, the Graterford and Whitehall churches are in need of pastor, and
Whereas, several of our churches are seeking pastoral staff members to serve in the local church, and
Whereas, several of our mission churches are in need of church planters to lead in their development, therefore be it
Resolved, that we faithfully pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for these pastoral searches and further
Resolved, that we pray that God would raise up new pastors and elders from our denomination who will be qualified to serve our churches.
Whereas, the staff and volunteers of Pinebrook Bible Conference, along with wives and family members of our pastors and delegates, have readily and cheerfully served the members of the 125th Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, that we express our appreciation for their special contribution in care of Conference Members.
Whereas, Head Page, Daniel L. Williams, Assistant Head Page, Raymond L. Cole, and Pages, Joshua M. Allen, Benjamin J. Armstrong, Mark A. Bickel, David E. Brandt, Joshua D. Edwards, Mark R. Evans, Sidney C. Fields, Kurt P. Francis, Timothy S. Hogan, Scott W. Kappes, Keith M. Long, Joshua P. Miller, Steven J. Morton, David K. Schlonecker, Aaron J. Susek, Carlos G. Rodriguez, Colby A. Weinhofer, have humbly, readily and cheerfully enabled the work of the Annual Conference to function efficiently, therefore, be it
Resolved, that we acknowledge our appreciation for their service on behalf of the Conference with a round of applause.
Whereas, William G. Schlonecker, David T. Allen, Richard B. Ravis, have served Annual Conference as our devotional speakers, therefore be it
Resolved, that we give thanks to the Lord for their ministry in proclamation of God’s Word, and be it further
Resolved, that each be presented $50.00 for his ministry.
Whereas, Richard T. Paashaus has served Annual Conference as Worship Leader ably assisted by several musicians, 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, David A. Thomann, and his Assistants, Daniel P. Allen, David T. Allen, Donald E. Kuntzman and Robert W. Smock, have served with individual distinction, therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank the Lord for their faithful service and be it further
Resolved, that each man be awarded $50.00 for his labors.
Whereas, William G. Schlonecker has served exceptionally as Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that the members of the Annual Conference show their appreciation for Brother Schlonecker’s service with a standing ovation.
Whereas, we have come this far by faith, therefore be it firmly
Resolved, that we won’t turn back, and further
Resolved, that we will always glory in the manifold grace of our great and gracious God.
The Chairman made the following appointments:
Registrar: Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr.
Assistant Registrar: Davis E. Duggins
Agenda & Program: David A. Thomann, Chairman; William G. Schlonecker, Randall A. Grossman, Thomas P. Shorb, Timothy S. Cowen, Ronald L. Kohl
Committee on Arrangements: David A. Thomann, Chairman; Daniel P. Allen, Thomas P. Shorb, William G. Schlonecker, Jonathon W. Arnold, Sr., Daniel L. Williams
Committee on Statistics: LeRoy S. Heller, Chairman; David A. Thomann, Gregory A. Uhrich, Hugh C. Coulborn, Jr., C. Larry Bennett
Committee on Examination of Minutes of Particular Churches: Allan R. Vivona, Chairman; Ronald C. Erb, C. Larry Bennett, Clyde D. Bomgardner, Jr., Ralph M. Soper, Louis S. Cursio, Jacob J. Susek, Jr.
The secretary of the Conference Judicatory is Gregory A. Uhrich. The secretary of the Special Appellate Judicatory is David J. Watkins. The address of the primary place of business of the corporation known as the Bible Fellowship Church is: 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052.
Resolved, that the meeting be adjourned.
The 125th Annual Conference was adjourned at 6:15 p.m. as Calvin T. Reed, Vice Chairman of the 125th Annual Conference, closed in prayer.