Minutes of the
Global Independent Baptist Fellowship

September 17, 2002
Indianapolis , Indiana

Meeting was called to order by Moderator Bruce Turner and opened with prayer.

Minutes were read by Secretary Dennis Fountain.

Motion to accept minutes as read was made by Robert Stevens.

Second was made by Steve Triplett.

Vote to accept motion was UNANIMOUS.

GIBF e-mail and website has recently been moved to now be under the direction of Bob Lewis.

Purpose of the e-mail and GIBF list is:

  • To encourage
  • To introduce missionaries
  • Inform of prayer requests
  • For conducting Fellowship business
  • Not for diatribe nor debate

The e-mail address is GIBFmailing@Yahoogroups.com

The website address is www.GIBF.org

You are welcome to link with it on your own websites, etc.

Anyone who agrees with and will sign in agreement with the Articles of Faith is welcome.

Our Articles of Faith is our link, not what school we went to, etc.

The question is, "Do they believe what we believe?" - Sound doctrine is the link.

These Articles of Faith can be seen or printed from the GIBF.org website.

Regarding Missions, special thanks was given to Dr. Carl Boonstra and others how have helped to formulate the draft copy of ideas, suggestions and scenarios in regard to the formation of a new Missions Agency.

It was announced that the new GIBF Directories are now available for $10.00 and since they are in a loose-leaf binder they can be updated at the February meeting in Newport Beach , California . The only way someone can have their name and information placed in the GIBF Directory is if they sign the form stating they are in agreement with our Articles of Faith.

Brother Dwight Tomlinson was introduced and allowed to invite the GIBF to Liberty Baptist Church in Newport Beach , California , for the February 2003 meeting. Brochures were made available which contained the schedule of speakers, and all the information needed to plan to attend the meeting. Brother Tomlinson mentioned many of the sights to see and things to do in the Southern California area and reminded us that the weather can be questionable during that time of the year.

J.D. Barley, missionary going to Hungary , was introduced as "our kind of man who stands where we stand on the issues." He is a 1993 graduate of BBC East and he is in need of more monthly support.

Bruce Turner commended Rich Farinella for the great job he has done on THE BAPTIST TIMES. This paper does not contain jabs and cuts toward other groups for Fellowships, but it is positive in its content and very well done as it simply states our position an direction.

Bro. Farinella was introduced and reported that the paper is right now in debt for past issues and mailings in the amount of $1,000.00.

Immediate response from the floor by pastors, missionaries, evangelists, churches and other indiviuals included the following:

  • $100.00 Brother Shumate Texas
  • $100.00 Salina Baptist Temple Salina , Ohio
  • $100.00 Evangelist Larry Clayton Cleveland , Ohio
  • $200.00 Kevin Folger Cleveland , Ohio
  • $100.00 Robert Stevens Quebec , Canada
  • $100.00 Randy Lewis Cumberland , Rhode Island
  • $100.00 Clarence Patterson Meeker, Colorado
  • $100.00 Harry Stracken Jr.
  • $100.00 Tom McGath Springfield , Missouri
  • $100.00 Dan Tidwell Indianapolis , Indiana
  • $300.00 Steve Triplett Charlotte , North Carolina

For a total of $1400.00 promised to meet the deficit.

Brother Farinella then informed us of the need for a nice, quality display; something eye-catching to present the availability of our papers. The need presented was $12000.

It was suggested than any extra money from the previous project could go to help with this need. In addition the following money was promised:

  • $100.00 Dan Tidwell Indianapolis , Indiana
  • $100.00 Rick Stone Indianapolis , Indiana
  • $100.00 Russ Tyree Auburn , Washington
  • $100.00 Dan Lydick Kalispell, Montana
  • $200.00 Dave Lydick Omaha , Nebraska
  • $200.00 Dave Hardy Tulsa , Oklahoma
  • $100.00 Dan Thornton Sioux City , Iowa
  • $100.00 Donald Kennedy Effingham, Illinois

For a total of $1,000.00 raised in addition to the other monies.

All monies are to be sent to the address in the paper.

The e-mail address is: editor@baptisttimes.org

Rich encouraged the submission of articles, news items and features to the editor.

It was mentioned tha the paper is about $300.00 short per month in support.

  • The following additional monthly support was raised:
  • $25.00 Rick Stone Indianapolis , Indiana
  • $25.00 Dan Tidwell Indianapolis , Indiana
  • $25.00 Steve Triplett Charlotte , North Carolina
  • $50.00 Wayne Hardy Stillwater , Oklahoma
  • $25.00 Allen Pierce Greenwood , Indiana
  • $25.00 Steve Smith Holden, Missouri
  • $25.00 Alliance Baptist Ch. Batesville , Indiana
  • $25.00 Robert Stevens Quebec , Canada
  • $25.00 Bruce Craft Cincinnati , Ohio
  • $25.00 Richard Voltberger Columbus , Ohio

At total of $300.00 per month extra support which made up the difference.

Question was asked if it was possible for the missionaries to read THE BAPTIST TIMES online?

Answer was given that the paper can be scanned onto the website in the future, allowing for easy access for all who would desire to read it. This would save a lot of overseas postage, which is very expensive.

Brother Turner began to address the issue of a Missions Agency. The basic issues:

1. We know there are some large churches that can handle the whole load of caring for their missionaries. However, the majority of churches are unable to do that. There is a genuine need to help in these situations.

An example was given of a recent BIMI missionary who moved away from BIMI. His wife was critically injured in an head-on collision requiring her to be flown out of Germany by Life-flight. The cost was $125,000.00. Fortunately Brother Sisk had not yet cancelled their insurance, so they were covered. Any church would struggle to meet this type of need. Unfortunately the missionary wife died.

2. We cannot improve on the local Church.

It is the local Church that approves the missionary and the field.

It is the local Church that disciplines the missionary family.

It is the local Church that directs the missionary work.

The Missions Agency is simply a servicing agent, existing to assist those missionaries and churches who desire to use it.

We need to be careful as we "flesh this out.".

We need to take our time and do what we have to do and no more.

Brother Turner made the recommendation that we give Dick Webster the authority to put together a group from among the GIBF to help develop this agency and to keep our doctrinal position and practice clear and pure.

Brother Turner went on to state that he had not dropped or advocated dropping any missionary because of affiliation. "I once said that nay of us who cut a missionary just because of his agency is a 'sumbucket.' and although that may be a little strong, I still stand by what I meant by that."

Our missionaries have some tough decisions to make with their property, buildings, and even their homes owned by some agency; their insurance package, retirement and other major choices that would be connected with any change they may make.

We will structure so there is no agency authority over the local church or over the missionary.

Brother Turner revealed the reality of two opinions on the issue of developing a Missions Agency. He received two phone calls in one day; one expressing their thoughts that we are moving too fast, the other stating we are moving too slow.

I have been trying to walk only as led by the Lord, not by what others want or not because of what others are doing. I feel we have accomplished what as been needed without running ahead of the Lord.

Q - Is the Mission organization going to be more than just a clearinghouse?

A - Discussion has led us toward the conclusion that the GIBF Missions Agency will be a clearinghouse, but also a means of identifying those missionaries who are in doctrinal agreement with us.

Q - The Missions Agency will not be involved in approval, but what about disapproval?

A - We will not disapprove the missionary. It is only that our servicing of the missionary will cease. The missionary is still under the authority of his local church. Both the sending church and the missionary must sign an agreement to our doctrinal statement. The Agency will deal through the pastor and sending church.

Q - Does the sending church have to be part of the GIBF?

A - No, they simply have to be in agreement with our doctrinal statements.

Frank Wood suggested that it might be best if we have some sort of accountability policy. Brother Turner agreed stating we will possibly need some sort of guidelines in place.

J.D. Barley mentioned that if the sending church dissolved or changed its doctrinal stance, the missionary would have to find another sending church.

Brother Turner added, "This Agency will also provide information; for example, if a missionary has changed his sending church or his doctrine, etc. that information will be on your receipt or in a letter. This will allow you to make the decision as to whether you continue or drop the support.

Q - What connection would a missionary under BIMI have with the GIBF?

A - You would have to ask him that question. We are only a Fellowship and anyone who agrees with our Articles of Faith is welcome to be involved.

Bruce Turner stated that he has recently met with three different board members of BIMI who each told him that "Every time we meet our group is becoming more and more progressive. Our last meeting was ridiculous."

Carl Boonstra confirmed that missionaries from all of these different groups and agencies will come to your church for support, yet you don't know what they believe or what kind of sending church they come out of. This GIBF Missions Agency will help identify missionaries in doctrinal agreement with your church.

Bruce Turner reported that in talking to the BBFI Missions Office, they stated that it is the progressive pastors who are dropping missionaries. Some have asked the missionaries such questions as, "If you returned from the field to the U.S. , could you in good conscience join our church?" If the missionary says "No", they have dropped them.

Motion made by Brother Keith Shumate that Dick Webster be given authority to begin any paperwork necessary for forming the Missions Service Agency and to put together a group for the purpose of defining the Mission Agency policies.

Second to the motion was made by Brother Kenneth Walters of South Carolina.

Vote was Unanimous in favor of the motion.

Bruce Turner asked for a vote of acclamation regarding those nominated at the May meeting for the following offices:

Moderator - Dick Webster

Vice Moderator - Dennis Fountain

Secretary - Marshall Stevens

The vote was unanimous.

Brother Turner turned the meeting over to the new Moderator, Dick Webster.

Brother Webster gave special thanks to Brother Turner for his leadership during these early years and thanked the brethren for their confidence in him. He confirmed the leadership of the Lord in his heart for the responsibilities of leading the GIBF. He has always had an interest in missions and a concern for the missionaries and their special needs, while at the same time he is very committed to the autonomy of the local church.

He then asked Dr. Carl Boonstra if he would help on the development of such an agency as we have being discussing. Dr. Boonstra answred, "Yes, I am in full agreement with these goals."

Brother Webster stated the reason we have so much bureaucracy in America is because individuals do not take their responsibilities seriously.

We are not in opposition to any other group or Fellowship.

We are not in competition with any other group or Fellowship.

But we desire to help the missionaries, especially those who are in agreement with our doctrine and philosophy of ministry.

The bank has already consented to set up as many accounts as we want. I have already talked to Brother Bill Leach regarding insurance policies for missionaries He is here today with a packed regarding insurance opportunities for any interested pastor, evangelist or missionary.

I take this opportunity and responsibility seriously. I believe our Fellowship should simply say what we believe, state our purpose, put up our flag and then whoever wants to stand and salute it can stand and salute it.

I feel that God has definitely called me to do this.

Q - Clarence Patterson asked if we had any idea of trhe cost to set up and maintain the sort of Mission Agency we are looking at?

A - Dick Webster said, "Yes. It is very expensive."

Q - Russell Tyree asked, "If we raised funds now could they help offset expenses?"

A - Dick Webster answered. "I hate to raise money without having a target as to what it is to be used for. I don't believe in any type of undesignated "slush fund."

Bruce Turner said incorporation will be at least $1,000 to $1,500.00 and another $500.00 to $1,000 will be needed to set up the accounts for checks, books work, etc.

Money was then spontaneously promised by the following men:

  • Bruce Turner $250 Russell Tyree $200
  • Frank Wood $250 Mitchell $250
  • Merv Goodrick $200 Terry Williams $200
  • Ray Smith $200 Dan Lydick $200
  • Keith Shumate $200 Dave Lydick $200
  • Bill Rench $100 Dennis Fountain $200
  • Scott Naill $ 50 Dan Thornton $250
  • (A couple others also promised, but their names were missed.)

A total of $3050.00 was promised.

The name of "GIBF Missions" was unanimously selected by those in attendance.

An announcement was made that the GIBF Directories are now available for $10.00.

Anyone who desires to be included in the next printing must sign an agreement to our Articles of Faith. Some have asked to be included, but were not willing to sign in agreement to our doctrinal positions, therefore, they were not listed in our directory.

Brother Shumate mentioned, "There are many inherent problems and dangers in being independent and there is no way to address all of the issues or possible scenarios that can come up. They must be addressed as they arise."

Bruce Turner requested that we use the website to let the moderator know of any concerns or issues before we come to the meetings. This will help with setting the agenda and with dealing with the issues in a godly manner.

Dick Webster agreed, adding, "Please remember the autonomy of the local church. We do not want to step over the line in any area."

Frank Wood advised us to come to the February meeting with money available to help in this endeavor. We will need both one-time and monthly support.

Bob Nolan asked if the website could be used to keep us informed of progress made on these issues.

Dick Webster answered, "Yes. We will definitely do our best to keep you informed as we move ahead."

Q - Will any fees be charged to the missionaries using this service?

A - Dick Webster - "We want to say 'No'. Time will tell. Our goal is to keep it free to the missionary."

Bruce Turner mentioned that many have asked about any sources for good music. He reminded the men of Pastor Wayne Hardy's publication 'REVIVAL SONG".

Dick Webster introduced insurance man Bill Leach. He has packed available for anyone interested in health insurance and he is helping formulate the insurance needs for missionaries.

Motion to adjourn was made by Bruce Turner.

Second was made by Mario Monett.

Unanimous vote in favor of adjournment.

Dismissed in prayer by Pastor Terry Williams.

Respectfully submitted by: Dennis Fountain, Secretary of G.I.B.F.