BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MEETING
Tallwood Chapel, Indianapolis, IN
January 10, 2020


Those present: Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Vice Chairman Rev John Wongler, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Rev Don Horath, Rev Joe Greene, Rev Joshua Long, Member Emeritus Rev Don Matthews, Rev Scott Branam, Rev David Shafer and Rev Walter Holder.

After a time of corporate worship, exhortation and testimonies, Chairman Rev Steve Owens recognized Rev Horath and commended him for his many years of faithful service as chairman of the board of directors. He was presented a plaque and a gift from the membership with grateful thanks. Following this, Chairman Owens called the general membership meeting to order.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the membership meeting minutes from the October 9 Annual Membership Business Meeting at Rough River State Park, KY. Because all members had previously reviewed the meeting minutes, Rev Frye moved that the minutes be accepted without reading. Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Rev Phil Frye was asked to review the financial report for 2019. Because all members had previously reviewed the financial report, Rev Branam moved that the report be accepted without reading. Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Joe Greene presented the Missions report for the year. He reported that giving to missions for the year was $26,170, down from last year’s giving of $28,166. Rev Wongler moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Matthews seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews briefed all board members on updates to the BMA website and its secure section that includes updated rosters and other administrative items. He also submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported that the balance of accounts at the end of the year was $129.38. 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 Owens stated that we need a host church for the Spring and Fall Conferences. He noted that Hillside Bethel Tabernacle invited us to have the Fall Conference for 2021 in Decatur to celebrate their 60th anniversary. After much discussion, it was agreed to hold the Spring Conference again this year at the conference center. Rev Matthews agreed to organize the lessons and sermons and coordinate the work to be done at camp during the conference. Rev Wongler again agreed to coordinate the food/menu for our time there. The tentative dates for the conference will be April 22-24 with backup dates of April 29-May 1.
ACTION: Rev Matthews will coordinate and announce plans for the Spring Conference to all members as soon as possible. Rev Wongler will coordinate eating menus for the event.

Rev Wongler asked about details of the Young Preacher Competition at this year’s Senior Youth Conference. He was particularly concerned about coordination for those ministers who were asked to judge the competition’s participants. Rev Matthews said that his father had previously done much to provide those details and could make them available again.
ACTION: Rev Matthews will coordinate with Rev Wongler to get him the details previously designed for judging Young Preachers Competition and Rev Wongler will further develop this in preparation for competition at this year’s Senior Youth Conference.

Chairman Owens reminded everyone that annual membership dues were being collected and asked that all members pay as soon as possible. Secretary Matthews noted that we were near 50% collected already.

Rev Greene moved that we adjourn this portion of the meeting and re-convene for further business on Saturday morning. Motion was seconded by Rev Frye and all approved. Chairman Owens temporarily dismissed this meeting with intentions to reconvene the board meeting Saturday morning.

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Chairman Owens reconvened the business meeting Saturday morning and Rev Branam led in prayer.

Rev Frye was asked about this year’s budgets for Junior and Senior Youth Conferences. He stated that the budgets would remain the same as was previously spent on last year’s conferences. Senior budget will be $12,000 and Junior budget will be $6,000.

Because he was not able to attend the Planning Meeting in person, Rev Josh Powell briefed the membership on plans for the 2020 Senior Youth Conference via video on YouTube. The theme will be “The Ultimate Search” with theme verse from Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Dates will be July 13-17, early registration will be $180 prior to June 8th and $200 after that. Details about lessons, sermons, activities and workers was shared in the video and discussed.

Rev Wongler questioned about the possible purchase of a new/used water trampoline to replaced the old one that had fallen apart. He will research details about one that might be available and report back to the board.

Rev Frye reminded everyone that proof of insurance would be required by all operators of four wheeled vehicles and golf carts at conferences this year. He also reminded everyone that all registrations for conference attendees must be submitted in hard copy, not online, with original signatures complete.

Chairman Owens announced that he was appointing Rev Scott Branam as a provisional board member.

No further business coming before the board, Rev Frye moved that we adjourn the general membership meeting. Motion was seconded by Rev Greene and all approved. Chairman Owens dismissed the meeting with prayers for everyone’s safe travels home.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews