BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MEETING
Rough River State Park, KY
October 4, 2017
Those present: Chairman Rev Don Horath, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Rev Joe Greene, Rev Jose Rodriguez, Rev John Wongler, Emeritus members Rev Jim Wilson and Rev Don Matthews; Rev Steve Schwambach, Rev Jerry Owens, Rev Scott Branam, Rev Tom Sullivan and Rev Jerry Rodriguez.

Chairman Rev Don Horath called the meeting to order and Rev Jerry Owens led in prayer. Rev Scott Branam read a verse of Scripture from Ecclesiastes 2:6. Chairman Horath expressed his appreciation to Revs Jim Wilson and John Wongler for preparing and hosting this conference. Everyone enjoyed the conference and gained great benefit from the theme, “Stand” from Galatians 6: 13-14.

Secretary Rev David Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the July 13 Membership Meeting at Bethel Conference Center. All members had previously reviewed these minutes so Rev Wongler moved that the minutes be accepted without reading. Seconded by Rev Wilson, all approved the minutes.

Treasurer Rev Phil Frye presented the financial report for the year to date. The balance at the start of the year was $1,474. Total income so far this year was $44,322 and expenses were $40,640 leaving a balance of $5,156. Highlights of the budget included $7,177 spent on Junior Conference, $11,184 spent on Senior Conference and $7,200 spent on remodeling the basement of the caretaker’s residence. Rev Wilson moved that the report be accepted. Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported that $497 in orders were made by our churches in the third quarter and they paid $572, resulting in a balance of $214 for the year. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature. Rev Wongler moved that the report be accepted. Rev Frye seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman of the Credentials Committee Rev Steve Owens reported that all three board members at the end of their terms had agreed to serve another term in office, if elected. Rev David Matthews, Rev Keenan Smith and Rev John Wongler were nominated for those positions to fill another term each. The floor was opened for nominations. There being none, all three board members were accepted by acclamation for additional three year terms by the membership.

Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Joe Greene presented the Missions report for the year to date. He reported that giving to missions was $39,330, up from last year’s giving of $33,000 at this point. Rev Wilson moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved. Everyone was reminded that despite the recent passing of Rev Nola Warren, the missionary work in Durango, Mexico would continue and any contributions would continue to be forwarded to Witt/Warren Missionary fund, administered by Sister Vicky Witt, Rev Nola Warren’s daughter in law. Recent correspondence with Rev A.M. Sambo was discussed and several missionaries attended the conference and reported on their ministries. Everyone was reminded that the missionary work of all our sponsored and supported ministries were listed on our website at www.bmaministries.com and all were encouraged to strongly support them.

Both directors from last year’s youth conferences have been approached to lead next year’s conferences. It was agreed that Junior Conference will be led by Rev John and Jenny Wongler, June 25-28 and Senior Conference will be led by Rev Keenan Smith and Revs Josh and Rhonda Powell, July 9-12. After considerable discussion about the costs of Senior Conference, it was announced that the board had voted to raise the registration price for Senior Conference to $170 for early registration and then $200 after that up to arrival at camp. Junior Conference fees will remain at $135 for early registration and $170 after that. It was recommended that we strongly emphasize to our participating churches and pastors that they meet the deadlines, especially for early registration. It was also announced that there will be a new fee we ask owners of Recreational Vehicles to pay for an additional $25 for their week’s use of water and electricity.
Action: Junior and Senior Youth Conference directors will submit their plans and budgets for respective conferences at the January BMA Planning Conference.

Chairman Horath announced that the January BMA Planning Session for the 2018 year would be held at Bethel Community Church, in Southport, Indiana January 12-13. Further details would be announce later and all were invited to attend. Chairman Horath also mentioned that we are still seeking a host church for the Spring BMA Conference. Anyone interested should contact him as soon as possible.

Rev Horath reminded everyone that we had raised our annual dues for ministers to $100 per year and $50 per year for ministers over 65 years of age and all missionaries. These would be coming due at the beginning of January.

Rev Jose Rodriguez briefed the members on the BMA Chaplaincy program. He commented that Rev Alex Beane is our only member currently participating as a National Guard Chaplain for the Indiana National Guard. He also mentioned that he would be attending the Department of Defense Endorsers Conference in Washington D.C. January 11 before joining us for the January Planning Conference in Indianapolis.

Revs Wilson and Frye briefed the membership about work being done at Bethel Conference Center. Chairman Horath reported that his communications with Indiana State Health Department official Michael Hayden had proven very successful. He reported that all previous discrepancies and concerns expressed by the State about our conference grounds had been resolved. Rev Wilson reported that a tree had fallen on the All Weather Dorm but the roof had now been repaired and insurance was paying for the majority of the repairs and tree removal. Rev Tim Coomer from Rockport had been contacted and was providing an estimate for replacing the roof, removing the chimney in the all weather dorm and installing a gas fireplace. Rev Wilson also reported that we had secured a new 20' x 12' dock for the lake to replace the old one that had deteriorated. He also reported that Rev Joe Greene had been successful in treating the edges of the lake to mitigate the growth of undesired vegetation.

No further business coming before the membership, Rev Greene moved that we adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Rev Rodriguez and all approved. Chairman Horath declared the meeting adjourned.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews