The 2014 Annual Conference of the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches was held on August 11-14, 2014 at Tri-State Bible Camp and Conference Center, Montague, NJ. This year's Annual was special because it marked the 75th Anniversary of the "walk out" in Atlantic City, NJ, which led to the formation of what is now the FFBC. This year's Conference was great. Here are some of the highlights:
1. The messages preached by Dr. Marty Marriot, president of Maranatha Baptist University were true to the Word of God, timely, and were a great blessing and challenge to us. He and his wife Miriam also conducted workshops on various topics.
2. Several of our FFBC men preached messages and/or conducted workshops and all handled the Word of God very well.
3. Pastor Frank Sansone, in addition to leading the Prayer Time each morning, put together and gave a presentation on the history of our Fellowship. It was a great reminder of the FFBC's "roots" and several churches, families, and individuals were pictured. We had to admit, "the camera doesn't lie" as several pictures of "days gone by" were shown. The challenge remains for us to remain faithful to the Word of God and to increase our efforts to "win this generation" and "prepare the next generation."
4. There were great times of fellowship and good food - thanks to the Tri-State Staff who served so well and with a great attitude. Many thanks to Christ Jenkins and all of the Tri-State Staff for their work.
5. The Business Sessions were well-conducted by our President, Pastor Ron Whitehead. Much business was discussed; decisions were made; and a spirit of unity prevailed. Discussion was also held regarding our biblical positions, particularly regarding separation and the permanence of marriage. One of the key points of discussion was whether or not our position on divorce and remarriage should be a "test of fellowship;" namely, should a pastor or church that holds a slightly different position on divorce and remarriage be allowed join the FFBC. That particular discussion was tabled until the 2015 Annual Conference.
6. We adopted three resolutions this year:
-2014 Resolution #1 "Reflecting on 75 Years as a Fellowship of Churches"
-2014 Resolution #2 "Biblical Creationism, Not Up for Debate"
-2014 Resolution #3 "A Call to Moral Purity and Protection in the Church"
7. Discussion was held regarding a possible expansion of the dining hall and naming in memory of Dale Oxley. Also discussed was the possibility of constructing a gymnasium/all-purpose building and naming it in memory of Dr. Mark Franklin. More information, discussion, etc., will follow as the Lord directs and provides.
8. The decision was made to merge the Fundamental Bible Institute with Keystone School of Biblical Theology. Those men who have taught in the FBI are invited to teach at KSBT and we anticipate a good relationship as KSBT seeks to continue to train men and women in the Word of God and to help prepare men for ministry.
Overall, it was a great Annual Conference. It is our sincere desire to have more pastors and delegates attend and participate in the future. we appreciate and need your input! May our great God continue to help us to be faithful to Him and to His Word; and, may He greatly bless the ministry of the FFBC.
-Pastor Gary Myers, Vice President
1. The messages preached by Dr. Marty Marriot, president of Maranatha Baptist University were true to the Word of God, timely, and were a great blessing and challenge to us. He and his wife Miriam also conducted workshops on various topics.
2. Several of our FFBC men preached messages and/or conducted workshops and all handled the Word of God very well.
3. Pastor Frank Sansone, in addition to leading the Prayer Time each morning, put together and gave a presentation on the history of our Fellowship. It was a great reminder of the FFBC's "roots" and several churches, families, and individuals were pictured. We had to admit, "the camera doesn't lie" as several pictures of "days gone by" were shown. The challenge remains for us to remain faithful to the Word of God and to increase our efforts to "win this generation" and "prepare the next generation."
4. There were great times of fellowship and good food - thanks to the Tri-State Staff who served so well and with a great attitude. Many thanks to Christ Jenkins and all of the Tri-State Staff for their work.
5. The Business Sessions were well-conducted by our President, Pastor Ron Whitehead. Much business was discussed; decisions were made; and a spirit of unity prevailed. Discussion was also held regarding our biblical positions, particularly regarding separation and the permanence of marriage. One of the key points of discussion was whether or not our position on divorce and remarriage should be a "test of fellowship;" namely, should a pastor or church that holds a slightly different position on divorce and remarriage be allowed join the FFBC. That particular discussion was tabled until the 2015 Annual Conference.
6. We adopted three resolutions this year:
-2014 Resolution #1 "Reflecting on 75 Years as a Fellowship of Churches"
-2014 Resolution #2 "Biblical Creationism, Not Up for Debate"
-2014 Resolution #3 "A Call to Moral Purity and Protection in the Church"
7. Discussion was held regarding a possible expansion of the dining hall and naming in memory of Dale Oxley. Also discussed was the possibility of constructing a gymnasium/all-purpose building and naming it in memory of Dr. Mark Franklin. More information, discussion, etc., will follow as the Lord directs and provides.
8. The decision was made to merge the Fundamental Bible Institute with Keystone School of Biblical Theology. Those men who have taught in the FBI are invited to teach at KSBT and we anticipate a good relationship as KSBT seeks to continue to train men and women in the Word of God and to help prepare men for ministry.
Overall, it was a great Annual Conference. It is our sincere desire to have more pastors and delegates attend and participate in the future. we appreciate and need your input! May our great God continue to help us to be faithful to Him and to His Word; and, may He greatly bless the ministry of the FFBC.
-Pastor Gary Myers, Vice President