BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - BOARD MEETING
Crosby Church, Crosby, TX
March 29, 2022


Those present: Chairman Rev John Wongler, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev Keenan Smith, Rev Kevin Horath, Rev Josh Powell, Chairman Emeritus Rev Don Horath, Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order thanking Rev Smith, Rev Josh and Rhonda Powell and the congregation of Crosby Church for their outstanding hospitality and great planning for the Spring Conference. Rev Kevin Horath read from Proverbs 16:3 and led in prayer.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the January 15, 2022 Board Meeting via Zoom. After a summary of the major items of the minutes, and since everyone had previously read the minutes from that meeting, Rev Powell moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Frye was not able to attend the meetings in Crosby. He advised Chairman Wongler that the balance in our accounts was $8,976 and that more information would be provided concerning finances at the meeting in July. Short of being provided numbers for each youth camp’s budgets, discussion was held about budget requests for individual items for each of our camps. It was agreed to ask for $2,500 budget for recreation expenses for Junior Camp and $5,000 for Senior Camp. $1,000 would be budgeted for Speakers expenses at Junior Camp and $3,000 for Senior Camp. Each camp director requested $300 budget for sound systems and $500 for miscellaneous expenses. It was understood that considerable expenses for each camp also included costs of meals, insurance and utilities, each of which was beyond directors’ discretion to determine. It was agreed that these budget requests would be submitted to the treasurer for his consideration, approval or correction before start of camp programs, preferably not later than May 1 to facilitate better planning for the camp programs.
ACTION: Treasurer Rev Frye will review the above budget requests and give reasonable budget estimates to be used for Directors’ planning for each of their programs by May 1.

Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez was called upon to present the Missions report. He reported that giving to missions through this quarter was $4,600 and the bank balance was $14,426. He also briefed that fourteen missionaries were being supported. Rev Matthews moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported the balance for the year of $8. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature, purchase books written by our BMA authors and to review and use the website regularly. Rev Kevin Horath moved that the report be accepted. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman Wongler briefed plans for the 2022 Junior Youth Conference June 20-23. The theme will be “Be Salty” and theme Scripture will be Matthew 5:13. He mentioned that planning is moving forward and that the use of horses for recreation is now planned. Junior Youth Conference will be June 20-23 and registration is $150 for campers and $75 for adults and workers and registration date to receive the camp T-shirt will be May 23. He requested that all registrations be mailed to him to be forwarded to the Treasurer at camp. Rev Josh Long and Christina will lead praise and worship and the speakers have not yet been confirmed.

Rev Josh Powell briefed plans for the 2022 Senior Youth Conference July 18-22. The theme will be “It’s Time” and theme Scripture will be Esther 4:14. He mentioned that youth from the Boonville, Bloomington and Evansville churches will also be attending our Senior Conference this year and that would require us to probably utilize every sleeping location available. He recommended that we inventory all available bunks as soon as possible to make sure we were prepared for the increased number of campers. He mentioned that we did not have a lead cook available yet and asked everyone to help with that need. He discussed concerns about camp security, especially regarding access to the grounds by those not registered, church members attending the evening services and campers leaving the services in the evening without supervision. Plans to accomplish this will be coordinated before start of camp.

Rev Matthews briefed everyone on the previously used signup and rating sheets used in the Young Preacher Competition held at Senior Conference. He agreed to post those on the BMA and Youth Camp websites and Facebook pages to coordinate participation this year and promote the program.
ACTION: Rev Matthews will post signup and rating information for this year’s Young Preachers Competition on the website and Facebook pages and coordinate planning through our local churches and youth pastors.

Chairman Wongler mentioned that we would have a licensing service one evening of Senior Conference to license Caleb Holbrook. The Credentials Committee will coordinate planning with Senior Conference directors to make this happen.
ACTION: Rev Owens and the Credentials Committee will coordinate planning for the Licensing Ceremony with Senior Conference directors at camp this year.

No further business coming before the board, Rev Smith moved that the meeting be adjourned. Rev Powell seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews