BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Zoom Meeting, Online
January 9, 2021


Those present: Chairman Rev John Wongler, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev Don Horath, Rev Joe Greene, Rev Josh Long, Rev Jose Rodriguez.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order and Rev Rodriguez led in prayer.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the Oct 7 Annual Board Meeting at Spring Mill State Park. Since everyone had previously read the minutes from those meetings, Rev Long moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Frye was asked to review the financial report for 2020. The balance at the start of the year was $27,690. Deposits totaled $17,266, expenditures amounted to $36,182 leaving a year-end balance of $5,935. Rev Greene moved that the report be accepted, Rev Horath seconded the motion and all approved.

Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Joe Greene was called upon to present the Missions report. He reported that giving to missions for the year was $25,400, which was down from $26,170 given last year. Rev Rodriguez reported that he would soon have a bank account established in Texas to transfer the funds from Rockport to begin responsibilities managing the Missions Program, as assigned by previous Chairman Owens. Rev Long moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Matthews seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported that materials purchased from our churches through the year came to $595 while amount submitted to BPH was $691. This resulted in a balance for the year of $96, which was forwarded to Bethel Youth Camp programs. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature. Rev Frye moved that the report be accepted, Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman Wongler briefed the board on plans for the Spring Conference. He stated that the conference would be held at Hatfield Bethel Church, April 12-14, 2021 in combination with commemoration of the church’s 75th anniversary. He stated that the theme would be “Fight or Flight” and that further details for the conference would be published in the coming weeks.
ACTION: Rev Wongler will coordinate details for the April Spring BMA Conference and further brief them to all the members in the coming weeks.

Chairman Wongler asked Rev Horath to brief the board on plans for this year’s Fall/Annual Conference. He stated that the conference would be held at Decatur Hillside Bethel Tabernacle, October 4-6, 2021 in combination with commemoration of the church’s and pastor’s 60th anniversary. He noted that the theme is “Stay the Course.” Rev Horath will brief the board on further details at the April Conference. Plans for the October Annual Board and Membership Meetings will be made for Tuesday morning of the conference. Also, he plans to approach prior BMA Member Rev David Worley as a possible speaker.
ACTION: Rev Horath will coordinate details for the October Fall BMA Conference and further brief them at the April Conference Board Meeting.

Chairman Wongler briefed the board on registration costs and dates for our Junior Youth Conference. He and his wife, Jenny, will lead the Junior Conference, June 21-24. Cost will remain as last year, $135 for early registration by May 24 and $170 per camper after that date. The theme will be “Armor Up” with theme verse being Ephesians 6. Rev Smith and Rev Powell will lead Senior Conference, July 12-16. Cost will also be planned to remain as last year, $180 for early registration by June 14 and $200 per camper after that date. All dates and plans will be contingent on no government restrictions still being in place that would prohibit conduct of our conferences.
ACTION: Rev Wongler and Rev Smith will brief the board and membership on further details for each of their respective conferences at the April Conference.

Chairman Wongler led a discussion on recent concerns and issues with the caretaker at the Bethel Conference Center, Brother Jeremy Howell. It was noted that he had just moved from the caretaker’s house and had completed cleanup and painting of the facilities. Rev Wongler, Rev Matthews and Rev Greene plan to meet at the conference center this Tuesday, January 12 to inspect the house, conference grounds and note any further repairs that need to be made prior to a new caretaker assuming responsibilities. Jeremy Howell had requested $300 be paid for materials he had purchased to make repairs. At the suggestion of Treasurer Rev Frye, Rev Greene moved that after Tuesday’s inspection and evaluation of the work done and the condition of the grounds, they would decide whether or not to approve the check to Jeremy for the $300. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved. Chairman Wongler briefed the board that Ryan and Chasity Holbrook had expressed an interest in taking over caretaker responsibilities. He had spoken with Rev Walter Phillips, their pastor, and advised him of their interests and he had concurred that they would be an excellent choice. It was agreed that, after all issues have been resolved with clearing out Jeremy Howell and his family, further actions will be taken to obtain a new caretaker.
ACTION: Chairman Wongler, Secretary Matthews and Rev Greene will inspect the caretaker house and conference facilities, make sure they are all secure and report back to the board at the April conference.

Chairman Wongler led a discussion on suggestions for modifying and updating the Caretaker’s Contract. Other than updating the supervision of the caretaker to Rev Wongler and Rev Wilson, the major concern was establishing clearer wording in the responsibilities for the caretaker paying for his utilities. A revised contract will be presented to the board at the April Conference for their approval. ACTION: Chairman Wongler and Secretary Matthews will modify and update the caretaker’s contract for submission to the board at the April Conference for their approval.

As several BMA members had joined the Zoom Conference, Rev Greene moved that we adjourn the meeting and begin the membership meeting. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews