Minutes of the
Global Independent Baptist Fellowship
February 24, 2004
Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster, California
The meeting was called to order by Moderator Dick Webster at 3:10 in the afternoon.
The minutes from the previous meeting were presented.
Bro. Bruce Turner made the motion to accept the minutes. A second was provided by Bro. Rich Farinella and the vote was unanimous.
A question was asked as to where a copy of the GIBF by-laws could be obtained. The answer given was at the website - gibf.org.
Bro. Webster had Bro. Rich Farinella give a report about the Global Baptist Times. Bro. Farinella handed out a financial report for the year of 2003. He explained the report. He stated that the mailing list was the hardest part of the job. Keeping it updated is difficult. Bro. Mike Gass reported that Harvest Baptist Church of Oregon would begin to monthly support the Times. Bro. Paul Chappell asked if the Times accepted advertisements. The answer was that they do not, but will put things in the paper on a "news release" basis.
Bro. Farinella had handouts from Bro. T.J. Smith about the meeting next September at Harvest Baptist Church in Albany, Oregon. A church planting source book information sheet was handed out. Copies of the latest edition of the Global Baptist Times were distributed.
Bro. Webster presented brochures concerning the Missions Agency of the GIBF. He stated that the goal is not to proselyte missionaries from other agencies, but to give new missionaries a chance to have this service as an option.
He further discussed the fact that he would appreciate support for the Missions Office. At the present time his church is taking care of the cost. He wants to maintain that every dollar that comes in for a missionary goes to that missionary. The costs involved average about $350 per month. That would include phones, internet, and mailings to donors. His wife does the work without pay.
He wanted to be sure that all pastors remembered to designate clearly their support.
A missionary in Mexico asked if it would be possible to host a GIBF meeting in Mexico. He was told that it would be considered.
A question was raised about the updating of the directory. Bro. Turner said that he would take that task on and have it ready for the September meeting.
Bro. Turner officially invited the fellowship to his church in Tampa, Florida for the February 2005 meeting. It would be held the 3rd week of February.
A motion was made by Bro. Frank Woods to accept the invitation. A second was made by Bro. Keith Shumate. The vote was unanimous. The dates would be February 21 - 23 of 2005.
Bro. Webster thanked Bro. Chappell for hosting the meeting. He stated that in the May meeting at Heartland there would be a need to take nominations for the offices of the fellowship. The vote would then take place at the September meeting in Oregon.
Bro. Webster announced that there was no more business. Bro. Mario Monette made a motion to dismiss the meeting. A second was made by Bro. Kevin Folger. The meeting dismissed in prayer by Bro. Keith Shumate at 3:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Pastor Marshall P. Stevens
Secretary of G.I.B.F.