BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Hillside Bethel Tabernacle, Decatur, IL
October 4, 2023


Those present: Chairman Rev John Wongler, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Treasurer Rev Kevin Horath, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev Keenan Smith, Rev Josh Long (via Facetime), Emeritus Members Rev Don Horath and Rev Jim Wilson, Rev Tom Sullivan, Rev Caleb Holbrook, Rev Jarrod Herald, Rev Jose Rodriguez and Rev Jerry Rodriguez.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order. He expressed his appreciation to all those who attended and led in the conference and all the members of Hillside Bethel Ministries for their great planning and outstanding hospitality. He felt it had been a great time of fellowship and refreshing. Rev Sullivan led the membership in prayer and Rev Owens read from Matthew 7.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the July 13 Membership Meeting at Bethel Youth Camp. Since everyone had previously read the minutes from that meeting, Rev Owens moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev Holbrook seconded the motion and all approved.

Secretary Matthews then read the Missions report for the third quarter of the year. He reported that giving to missions in this quarter was $3,100 and the bank balance was $2,200. He also briefed that fourteen missionaries were being supported and mentioned each of their names and ministry. He then led in a prayer for their ministries, their safety and God’s blessings on all that they were doing on the mission field. Rev Sullivan moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Holbrook seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Horath was asked to review the financial report for 2023. Income received to date was $139,503 and expenditures were $102,501. The balance at the end of the quarter was $37,001. It was noted that income received for Junior Camp was $16,501 and expenditures were $7,934. Income for Senior Camp was $40,404 and expenditures $13, 478. These figures did not include utilities and maintenance. Camp repairs for the year are $61,827 and cash on hand currently is $73,274. Rev Owens moved that the report be accepted, Rev Herald seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Wongler scheduled the January planning meeting for January 13, 2024, again via Zoom/Internet conference at 9am Central/10am Eastern time. Rev Smith invited the membership to Crosby Church for the BMA Spring Conference, noting that Easter is March 31, 2024, the conference to come shortly after that. Dates, times and specifics for the Spring Conference will be forthcoming.
ACTION: Rev Smith will provide detailed information for the Spring Conference at the January 13 Planning Conference.

Chairman Wongler confirmed dates for Junior Youth Conference June 24-27, led by the Wonglers. Rev Smith confirmed that his church would again lead Senior Conference July 8-12. Specific details for both conferences will be briefed at the January Planning meeting.

Chairman Wongler noted that the terms of Rev Matthews, Smith and Wongler as board members were completed this year. All three had agreed to continue to serve again. Nominations from the floor were opened. No nominations forthcoming, Rev Wilson moved that all three be accepted by acclimation to serve three more years. Rev Owens seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Herald briefed the membership on the progress rebuilding Victory Church in Bloomington, IL after their fire. He confirmed that they hoped to be meeting in the new church again by February. He also briefed the membership on options to contribute to rebuilding for all those who would be interested.

No other business coming before the board, Rev Wilson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Rev Holbrook seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews