Meeting Highlights

• Devotional from Pastor Jason Meyer
• Membership Report
• Church Discipline Matters
• Motion to call, reaffirm, and elect several leadership positions
• Motions to Amend Constitution and By-Laws
• “Fill These Cities: 25 x ’25” Update
• 2017 Financial Update and Presentation of 2018 One Fund Budget

Devotional

Pastor Jason gave a devotional on biblical eldership.

• One of our holy ambitions at Bethlehem is that we would understand what God says about eldership. Namely, that the two offices that Scripture describes in the local church are elders and deacons, and that elders have two primary responsibilities—teaching and ruling. Scripture also emphasizes a plurality of elders in all local churches.
• Bethlehem is also seeking to be biblical by saying that the terms elder, overseer, and pastor refer to the same role in Scripture. (Consider Pastor John Piper’s reasons why overseer and elder are interchangeable.) Pastor, overseer, and elder are treated as one role, and the chief function is feeding the flock through teaching (Ephesians 4:11, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2). Therefore, “pastor” is a functional description of the word “elder” in feeding the flock.
• Conclusion: The richness of these terms shows their importance in God’s plan in shepherding the flock. Elders are to shepherd the flock that Christ purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and every overseer who is keeping watch over blood-bought soul should feel the privilege of this role.

Membership Report

At the end of the meeting, Bethlehem membership stood at 2,679.

Church Discipline Matters

The elders proposed a motion to dismiss a member who had renounced their faith in Jesus. The motion carried without opposition. The elders also proposed a motion to dismiss a member for unrepentant sin. The motion carried without opposition.

Motions to Call, Reaffirm, and Elect

Reaffirmed the following vocational elders for another three-year term:
Sam Crabtree
Ken Currie
Jon Grano
Jason Meyer
Tom Steller 

Reaffirmed the following vocational minister for another three-year term:
Brad Nelson

Reaffirmed the following non-vocational elders for a second three-year term:
Tom Dodds
Tim Held
James Lecheler
Bruce Power
Steve Walmsley

Called the following deacons for a first three-year term:
Scott Brueske – Properties Director
Adam Sexton – Treasurer

Elected the following members to the following one-year terms:
Steve Walmsley – Financial Secretary
Adam Sexton – Treasurer
Ben Holvey and Jacob Smith – Church Clerks

Motions to Amend Constitution and By-Laws

The motion to amend Article IV, Section 1, Subsection g was approved. The motion to amend By-Laws Articles I, II, and III was also approved.

‘Fill These Cities: 25 x ’25’ Update

Strengthening the Core
Pastor Jason Meyer observed that while we strengthen the core by serving the spiritual needs of one another, we should also seek to serve the physical needs of one another. Pastor Jason encouraged the members not to hesitate to report to the elders if they believe a member is not being sufficiently cared for.

Unengaged People Groups
Pastor Todd Rasmuson shared an encouragement from his time in Tanzania and asked the congregation to pray for the following:

• For Micah B and his family as they prepare for ministry among an unengaged people group.
• For teams of people from Bethlehem to go together to reach unengaged people groups with the gospel.

Church Planting
Pastor Kenny Stokes shared these highlights:

• 16 students completed the first course on Church Planting
• 8 more students are set to take the next course
• Redemption City Church in Rochester, MN: Adam Pohlman
• Table Rock Church in Boise, ID: Ryan Eagy
• Ekklesia in Eau Claire, WI: Dan Shambro
• New Creation in Granville, NY: Joel Aubrey
• Grace Upon Grace in Weston, FL: Michael Galeano
• Little Earth in Minneapolis: Greg Mott and Aaron Kalenze
• Cameroon: Dieudonne Tamfu

Kenny also gave a report on his exploratory church planting trip to Europe.

South Campus
Pastor Chuck Steddom shared an update on construction at the South Campus, including a recent video of the construction site with footings in place. September 2018 occupancy is projected.

2017 Financial Update and Presentation of 2018 One Fund Budget

Pastor Jon Grano gave a 2017 Financial Update, highlighting both strong giving through November and a strong desire to finish well financially this December - month 13 of our 25-month “Fill These Cities: 25 x ’25” initiative. Further 2017 financial updates are available each week in Bethlehem’s Weekly e-newsletter.

Jon also presented an overview of the elder-proposed $11.25M 2018 One Fund Budget to the assembly, and included distribution of a handout with additional details by ministry area. The congregation will vote on the proposed 2018 One Fund operating budget at the Winter Quarterly Strategy Meeting on January 28, 2018.