BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Hillside Bethel Tabernacle, Decatur, IL
October 6, 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 Keenan Smith, Emeritus Member Rev Don Matthews, Emeritus Member Rev James Wilson, Provisional Member Rev Jerry VanRonk, Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez, Rev Jerry Rodriguez, Rev Tom Sullivan, Rev Kevin Horath, Via Zoom: Rev Joshua Long, Rev Josh Powell, Rev Scott Branam.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order. Rev Sullivan read Phil 1:6 and led in prayer. Chairman Wongler expressed his appreciation to all those who attended the conference and all the members of Hillside Bethel Tabernacle for their great planning and outstanding hospitality. He felt it had been a great time of fellowship and refreshing. He also congratulated Rev Don Horath and the church on its 60th anniversary and Rev Kevin Horath on his ordination and succession as senior pastor at Hillside.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the July 15th Membership Meeting at Bethel Youth Camp. Since everyone had previously read the minutes from that meeting, Rev Don Horath moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev VanRonk seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Frye was asked to review the financial report for 2021. The balance at the start of the year was $2,292. Income received to date came to $47,153 and expenditures were $35,728. The bank balance at the end of the quarter was $13,717. Rev Owens moved that the report be accepted, Rev Wilson 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 $5,825 and the bank balance was $14,651. He also briefed that eighteen missionaries were being supported. Rev Frye moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported that materials purchased from our churches this quarter came to $121 while amount submitted to BPH was $139. This resulted in a balance so far this year of $39. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature. Rev Frye moved that the report be accepted, Rev Horath seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman Wongler discussed issues of concern regarding Bethel Youth Camp and Conference Center. A recent leak was detected in the water line from the junction box to the bathhouse which will need to be repaired before winter. All buildings and water lines will also have to be winterized before winter. The front door on the caretaker’s house is damaged and will need to be replaced. Full Gospel pastor Rev Steve Owens will lead several of his church members in work days at camp October 21-24 to accomplish these and other work projects on the tabernacle.

Chairman Wongler tentatively confirmed that Junior Youth Conference will be led by him and his wife, Jenny, June 20-23, 2022 with costs remaining at $135 for early registration by May 23 and $170 per camper after that date. Rev Keenan Smith, Revs Josh and Rhonda Powell will again lead Senior Youth Conference July 18-22, 2022 with costs remaining at $180 for early registration by June 13 and $200 per camper after that date.
ACTION: Rev Wongler brief the board and membership on plans for Junior Youth Conference at the January Planning Meeting. Revs Smith, Josh and Rhonda Powell will brief the board and membership on plans for Senior Youth Conference at the January Planning Meeting as well.

Chairman Wongler announced that the 2022 Spring Conference will be held at Crosby Church in Crosby, TX tentatively from March 29 to Apr 1. More details about the conference will be briefed by Rev Smith at the January Planning Meeting.
ACTION: Rev Smith brief the board and membership on plans for 2022 Spring BMA Conference at the January Planning Meeting.

After discussion of best dates, Chairman Wongler stated that the January Planning Meeting will be held via ZOOM conference at 9am Central/10am Eastern time, January 15, 2022. Details of signing on and agenda will be provided before the meeting.

Rev Wongler accepted nominations for three board of director positions whose terms were completed. Rev Don Horath moved that Rev Josh Powell and Rev Steve Owens be voted to continue to serve in their positions. Additionally, he stated that he would prefer to move to an Emeritus Board Member position and moved that Rev Kevin Horath be voted to take his place on the board for the following three years. Rev VanRonk seconded the motion. No further nominations coming before the membership, all voted in favor of the motion.

Rev Wongler mentioned that Townsend Bible Church desires to rent our Conference Ground facilities in July 2022. He led a discussion of the current facilities rental fees and advised the membership that Townsend could not reasonably afford the full amount that we would be requiring for rental of the full grounds. He recommended a new listing of rental fees. However, after considering other costs paid by the BMA, Rev Frye moved that we consider offering to allow rental to them for $6,000. Rev Sullivan seconded the motion and all approved.
ACTION: Rev Wongler will discuss the proposed fees with leadership at Townsend Bible Church and coordinate their rental and brief the board and membership on their plans at the January Planning Meeting.

No further business coming before the membership, Rev Wilson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews f