FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

2001 STANDING RESOLUTIONS

The following standing resolutions were presented at the 81^st Annual Meeting
June 12-14, 2001, at First Baptist Church of Troy, Troy, Michigan:

On Sept. 15, 2001, Baptist World Mission will mark its 40th anniversary. The FBFI recalls the close fellowship our two organizations have enjoyed over the years. In 1961, calls came from around the country to convene a meeting at the old Marquette Manor Baptist Church at 60th and California on the South Side of Chicago. Among those who called for this meeting were Drs. Ed Nelson and Wayne VanGelderen, Sr. of the Conservative Baptist Fellowship from Colorado, and Drs. Monroe Parker, Ernest Pickering, and Richard V. Clearwaters from Minnesota. The FBFI convened the meeting, where a provisional organization was formed and two or three committees were set up. By early 1962, a constitution was drafted, a board was elected, and George Mensik was appointed as the first missionary. Although there has been no organic relationship between the FBFI and BWM, the roots of these two organizations are the same and the fraternal relationship has been a blessing to both. The FBFI commends BWM on its 40th anniversary for its continued stand for the Fundamentals of the Faith, for its separatist stand, and its wide influence for the cause of Christ around the world.

Having passed resolutions in the past regarding our concern for the direction of AWANA and having appealed for relief from the compromised position of having to join an association with disobedient brethren in order to use the AWANA materials, the FBFI recognizes the effort to resolve this problem by ending the requirement for membership and charter fees to purchase materials. We are concerned, however, that although under the new arrangement, local churches will be able to purchase the materials without placing their ministries under the aegis of the AWANA organization, this accommodation of independent local churches will likely increase the misuse of orthodox materials by those who misrepresent their ministries as agreeing with the doctrinal position represented in AWANA publications. While there is increased recognition from AWANA of the autonomy of the local church, there is now decreased accountability from AWANA to local churches in maintaining doctrinal purity. We call on AWANA to guard against any deviation from orthodoxy and accommodation to the charismatic movement, and National Council of Churches in particular. We further call on fundamental churches to separate themselves from any AWANA related camps, youth activities, Bible quizzing, and "Olympics" that put them into direct religious union with neo-evangelicals and other forms of compromise.

The FBFI recognizes the immense medical potential represented by the information in the human genome sequence. We recognize further that genomic information is emerging in a profound moral and ethical vacuum. We encourage mature Christians with appropriate technical training to participate in the discussion of what is biblically proper in ‘genomics-based health care.’ For the present, we declare that while gene therapy may be the most effective medical intervention for children and adults suffering from serious genetic defects, gene therapy on germ cells (egg and sperm) involves unacceptable risks for future generations. We also urge a moratorium on human gene patenting. Finally, we believe that using genetic information to discriminate against individuals, including the unborn, is morally repugnant.

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship commends U.S. President George W. Bush for his courageous Christian viewpoints, in stark contrast to his predecessor. The men and women of the FBFI are united in their support for this God-fearing man, and vow their prayerful support for his cabinet, and the Congress with whom he will work. We pray that he will promote laws that enable God’s people to lead quiet and peaceable lives. We pray that he will succeed in enacting policies that protect the traditional family, unborn children, newborns, and all those who are dependent on others for their daily needs. We also pray that the Lord would close the mouths of those who would seek to destroy him and the values he upholds. We pledge ourselves to pray for both wisdom and strength for the President as he seeks to serve our country as a steward of God’s authority.

In light of the public attacks and false accusations upon the FBFI, its leaders, and other like-minded Fundamentalist institutions regarding their respective positions on the text of Scripture and translations, we reaffirm that within the historic orthodox doctrine of Bibliology these are matters of soul-liberty and should not be a test of fellowship for Fundamentalists. Since not all professors or pastors have expertise in the field of textual studies, disagreements regarding text or translation should be resolved by honest discussion as opposed to libelous contention. Those who repeatedly attempt to unnecessarily divide Fundamentalists over this issue and refuse to repent should be regarded as schismatics who must be rejected as the Word of God instructs (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-11; I Corinthians 3:10-17).

The FBFI expresses gratitude to God for the changes in the Southern Baptist Convention nationally since 1979. We commend the reaffirmation of inerrancy, now a confessional requirement for its agencies—the seminaries, Mission Boards and its publishing arm. Furthermore, we applaud the repudiation of homosexuality and the confessional commitment to a biblical role for women. However, we exhort our brethren to continue reformation by opposing the ecumenism of Billy Graham and "Evangelicals and Catholics Together." We also urge perseverance at the state and local levels, purging the theological and moral decay. And, where purging is not possible, we urge Southern Baptists to withdraw and rebuild, showing fidelity to the Scripture. Until Southern Baptists fully recognize and repudiate the destruction of Neo-evangelicalism that has weakened their churches and seminaries, the Scriptural response of Fundamental Baptists must continue to be separation.

The FBFI recognizes that the modern "Praise and Worship" movement (which includes related music publishers and recordings) is a by-product of the Charismatic movement, with a similarly dangerous emphasis of promoting emotion over reason. We therefore urge discernment and caution in using Praise Choruses in any ministry of our churches. While we understand that simplicity and repetition have legitimate use as teaching tools, we note that they form the foundation for hypnosis as well. Since Christians are clearly instructed in Scripture to worship God in Spirit and in truth, we must avoid what Jesus called "the vain repetition of the heathen" (Matthew 6:7). The modern Praise Chorus uses bald repetition as a mantra-like phrase repeated over and over again for emotional incitement, not for instruction. We do not condemn all choruses per se, but appeal that choruses accompanied by appropriate music be used which teach truth rather than emotionally inciting the audience.

At this time in history when society is relentlessly pressuring believers to forgo worship for work on the first day of the week as well as seductively alluring them away from its spiritual refreshment to every sort of carnal amusement, the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship resolves to keep this day uniquely separate from the other days of the week. This resolve is justified in that Scripture reveals the first day of the week to have been of the Lord’s making for our heightened spiritual joy over the fact that on it He raised His Son from the dead (Psalm 118:22-24). This resolve is also justified by the New Testament church’s example of assembling for its weekly corporate worship on this day (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1-2). And further, it is justified by the fact that this day is distinguished from the other days of the week by being designated “the Lord’s day,” that is, the day uniquely "the Lord's possession" (Revelation 1:10). In light then of these considerations, we resolve to encourage the Lord's people to keep the Lord’s Day for the Lord.

Fundamentalism needs a fresh glimpse of the supremacy of the one true and living God. We have lost sight of His majesty, holiness, greatness, and incomprehensibility. Many people mistakenly envision God as soft, easy-going, and user-friendly. Unfortunately, some seek an undue familiarity with God, whereby He becomes servant instead of sovereign. In essence, the roles have been reversed: God has been temporalized and the creature eternalized.

The FBFI expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Mike Harding and the people of First Baptist Church of Troy of Troy, Michigan, for hosting the 81st National Meeting of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship. We appreciate their making their facilities available to us, and we thank the Lord for the attitude of service manifested by the people and staff. We pray for God’s continued blessing on this ministry.

FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

01.11 Resolution regarding Chaplaincy and Seminary Accreditation (Standing Resolution 99.1, as adopted at the Winter Board Meeting, February, 1999, and updated for National FBFI Board Meeting, June, 2001)

The FBFI adopts the following guidelines and procedures for the FBFI Commission on Military Chaplains:

President: Dr. Rod Bell
Chairman of Commission: CAPT Wayne A. Bley
Committee: Dr. Rod Bell
CAPT Wayne A. Bley
Dr. Walt Coles
Dr. Tom Knauf
Dr. James Singleton
Dr. John Vaughn

I. The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International (FBFI) is an official military chaplain ecclesiastical endorsing agency recognized by the Armed Forces Chaplains' Board (AFCB), Washington, DC.

A. FBFI is the endorsing agency.

B. The FBFI president is the president of the Endorsing Agency. The executive vice president may sign for the FBFI on chaplaincy matter as necessary.

C. The chairman of the commission is the Endorser.

II. Major Services and Organizations:

A. Services:

US Army, US Navy, and US Air Force

Army National Guard and Air National Guard

Civil Air Patrol

VA Hospital System

Other local agencies: Prisons, hospitals, police and fire departments, etc.

B. Armed Forces Chaplains' Board (AFCB) is composed of a chaplain from each of the branches of service (active). It determines who can be an endorser, makes policies and regulations, advises and makes recommendations to the various Chiefs of Chaplains.

C. National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) makes up more than 250 religious bodies/denominations that are the endorsers for chaplains. NCMAF, with its endorsers, meets annually in Arlington, VA, usually during the first week of December. Chairman (and vice chairman, if any) to attend.

III. Basic Procedures in applying for the Chaplaincy:

A. An interested individual contacts the FBFI Home Office.

B. The FBFI provides basic information regarding qualifying requirements for chaplaincy.

C. If he appears to meet the FBFI, military, or other agency qualifications, the individual contacts the branch or agency desired.

D. Prior to being granted ecclesiastical endorsement from FBFI, the applicant will be properly interviewed by the FBFI Chairman of the Chaplains' Commission or by another representative. Upon submission of the DD Form 2088, or other form, the agency will send an application package to the applicant.

1. Applicant must be a member of the FBFI.

2. Applicant must be a member in good standing of an independent, Fundamental, Baptist church, and have a letter of recommendation from his pastor (or a deacon, if applicant is the pastor).

3. Applicant must agree and support the FBFI's doctrinal position.

4. Neither husband nor wife having been divorced. (I Timothy 3 qualifications.)

5. If unmarried, plans for marriage will be considered.

E. If accepted by one of the agencies, the appointed chaplain is required to:

1. Send semi-annual reports of his ministry to his endorser, March and September.

2. Attend FBFI's annual meeting, and, when possible, regional and satellite meetings in his area.

3. Be interviewed annually by the Commission's Chairman or by an appointed representative.

IV. Operational Procedures for the FBFI Chaplain's Commission:

A. Meetings: The Chaplain's Commission will meet at least once a year, preferably during the FBFI annual meeting and will appoint from the Commission a secretary to record the minutes. The FBFI President or Executive Vice President will preside.

B. Financial Matters: The Chairman may be supported as a missionary and develop his personal support and work funds. Officers of the Commission do not receive a salary from the Commission or the FBFI.

1. Operational expenses shall be paid from the FBFI Chaplaincy Commission Work Fund as approved by the FBFI President, Executive Vice President, or FBFI annual budget.

2. Secretarial support will be provided by the FBFI as approved by the FBFI Executive Vice President.

3. Timely accounting of expenditures and reimbursable receipts will be made available to the Commission.

4. Any honoraria or love offerings should be made payable to the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International (FBFI). Funds will be deposited to the to the Chairman’s Working Fund with the FBFI, and the FBFI will provide receipts to the donors. All receipts will be submitted for review.

5. Receipts will be required to substantiate all requests for expense reimbursement. The receipts will be submitted to the FBFI for review and disbursement.

6. All financial policies and procedures will be reviewed or audited by an outside accountant who will submit an annual report to the FBFI Board as a part of the FBFI Annual Financial report..

V. Regarding Seminary Accreditation:

A. Recognizing that accreditation is neither prohibited nor proscribed in Scripture, we encourage each institution to independently consider this decision. At the same time, we exhort each institution to maintain the highest of standards academically and theologically.

B. It is imperative that our fundamental, separatist institutions of higher learning remain true to the Bible and maintain a strong position on the fundamentals of the faith and ecclesiastical and personal separation.

C. Thus, as an organization, we neither approve or disapprove of regional or programmatic accreditation and do not intend for accreditation to be a test of fellowship.

D. The FBFI will work with all graduates of Fundamental Christian Colleges, Universities and Seminaries regardless of accreditation to secure appointment to the chaplaincy if they are otherwise qualified, with due consideration for DOD requirements for accreditation and/or equivalency.

2001 Resolutions Committee
Rod Bell
Mike Harding
Mark Minnick
Kevin Schaal
Randy Shaylor
Bradley Smith
John C. Vaughn, Chairman
Bob Whitmore