BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - MEMBERSHIP MEETING
ZOOM Conference, Online
January 7, 2023

Those present: Chairman Rev John Wongler, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Treasurer Rev Kevin Horath, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev Joe Greene, Rev Josh Long, Rev Josh Powell, Chairman Emeritus Rev Don Horath, Emeritus Member Rev Jim Wilson, Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez, Provisional Member Rev Jerry VanRonk, Rev David Shafer, Rev Steve Schwambach, Rev Tom Sullivan, Rev Walter Phillips.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order reading from Psalm 42. Rev Long led in prayer.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the October 6, 2022 Annual Membership Meeting at Full Gospel Evangelistic Center, Lincoln. After a summary of the major items of the minutes, and since everyone had previously reviewed the minutes from that meeting, Rev Kevin Horath moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Horath was asked to review the financial report for 2022. The balance at the start of the year was $9,578. Income received for the year was $56,670 and expenditures were $57,522. The balance at the end of the year was $17,283 which included a one-time $10,000 donation that had been made. Major expenditures included $15,490 for Senior Youth Conference, $12,677 for Junior Conference and $6,540 for Remodel/Repairs. Rev Matthews moved that the report be accepted, Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez was called upon to present the Missions report. He reported that giving to missions through this quarter was $5,495 and the bank balance was $13,291. He also briefed that twelve missions were being supported. Total giving for missions in 2022 was $21,292. Rev Matthews moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Josh Powell briefed plans for the 2023 Senior Youth Conference, July 10-14. The theme will be “Trending…Making Jesus Famous.” Rev Powell stated that more details would be presented at the Spring Conference.
ACTION ITEM: Rev Smith and Rev Josh and Rhonda Powell will make more detailed presentations for the Senior Youth Conference at the Spring Conference.

Chairman Wongler briefed plans for the 2023 Junior Youth Conference, June 26-29. The theme will be “Rock Solid,” and theme Scripture will be Psalm 95:1. He discussed concerns about security at Junior Conference and stressed the need for pastors to ensure thorough background checks of all their visiting workers and counselors. He stated that dress code for girl’s shorts length will be fingertip, as directed in all the public school dress codes where they will attend. Price for registration will be $150 per camper like last year. Further details for Junior Youth Conference will be discussed at Spring Conference.
ACTION: Rev Wongler will brief the board and membership on plans for Junior Youth Conference at the Spring Conference in March.

Chairman Wongler mentioned that the 2023 Fall Conference is scheduled to be held at Victory Christian Center in Bloomington, IL some time in October. Dates and details will be provided at the Spring Conference.

Rev Kevin Horath briefed the membership on progress toward completing the web site platform for the BMA on Sub Splash. He briefed that the shell is in place and details are being added. More will be briefed at the Spring Conference.

Rev Matthews briefed the membership on the upcoming Spring Conference, March 29-April 1 at Bethel Youth Camp and Conference Center. The theme is “Writng Words,” an emphasis on the literary efforts and writing of books, pamphlets and literature in the ministry by many of our pastors and ministers. The theme verse is Job 19:23. He went through the schedule which is available with many other details on the website at www.BMAMinistries.com and encouraged everyone to view and make plans to attend. He added that we hope that the conference will have a homecoming feel to it, noted that we expect to use all the sleeping facilities at camp and asked everyone to make plans to attend. There will also be work days on camp facilities Friday and Saturday morning.

Chairman Wongler led a discussion on numerous work needs at the Conference Center, specifically dormitory roofs, roof on shelter #3, lake shelter completion, tabernacle repairs, painting and cleanup. He asked that everyone attend the work days at Spring Conference.

Rev Rodriguez mentioned the idea of increasing membership dues for BMA members. All were reminded that current dues are now due and asked everyone to pay them promptly. No other business coming before the membership, Rev Greene moved that the meeting be adjourned. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews