Central

Central Conference

2018-2019 Executive Committee Members

Moderator: The Reverend Barry Williamson,

108 Remount Rd., Goldsboro, NC 27534; 919-751-3189

Assistant Moderator: The Reverend Frankie Baggett,

110 D Sunshine Lane, Winterville, NC 28590; phone, 252-341-1517

Clerk: The Reverend Josh Hobgood,

101 Harvest Moon Dr., Goldsboro, NC 27534; phone, 252-902-6221

Assistant Clerk: The Reverend Todd Sutton,

788 Burrellfield Rd., Snow Hill, NC 28580; phone, 252-341-1093

Treasurer: The Reverend Tom Malin,

2072 Gum Swamp Church Rd., Greenville, NC 27834; phone, 252-758-4356 or 252-299-3605

Ordaining Council Members

Chairman: The Reverend Mark Hobbs,

2547 Creech’s Mill Road, Smithfield, NC 27577; phone, 919-607-3002; email, mydogwags@gmail.com

The Reverend Dustin Bannister, Vice-Chairman

The Reverend Johnny Sullivan, Secretary

The Reverend Gary Bailey, Assistant Secretary

The Reverend Philip Wood, Appointment Secretary

Central Conference Annual Meeting Minutes Roll of Ministers Budget CC Church Contributions Executive Committee Minutes Report of the Ordination Board

Annual Conference Meeting Minutes *2018

The 270^th Annual Session of the Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists

November 8, 2018

The 270^th Annual Session of the Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists convened at La Grange First Original Free Will Baptist Church on Thursday, November 8, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Greetings were given by the Acting Moderator, The Reverend Barry Williamson.

Scripture and prayer were given by Licensed Minister Stephen Grubbs.

The Conference continued in worship by singing “We Believe” which was led by our Conference Worship Team consisting of The Reverend Jonathan Whitford, The Reverend Josh Hobgood, The Reverend Stephen Prescott, Mr., Adam Denton and Licensed Minister Mr. Jacob Cottle.

The 270^th Annual Session of Original Free Will Baptists was officially called to order by The Reverend Dr. Todd Sutton.

The Reverend Ronnie Hobgood, Pastor of La Grange First OFWB Church, greeted all in attendance on behalf of the host church.

The Reverend Josh Hobgood, Assistant Clerk, offered greetings to visitors and recognized all visitors in attendance.

The Reverend Williamson, Moderator, appointed temporary committees as follows: Parliamentarian: The Rev. Dr. John Hill; Resolutions: The Reverend Ronnie Mohn, The Reverend Ron Braxton and The Reverend Philip Wood; Nominating: The Reverend Mark Hobbs, The Reverend Tony Glass and The Reverend Bill Groce.

The Reverend Williamson brought an encouraging message and address on the joy of surrendering. He challenged the attendees to surrender all/everything to God and go all the way in living and serving God, whatever the extreme may be. In surrendering to God, you give up all your rights, and bow to the one to whom you surrender and give God everything.

Reports were given from Denominational and Ancillary Ministries beginning with instructions from The Reverend Ronnie Hobgood, President of the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.

The Reverend Gary Bailey reported from Convention Services.

Mrs. Gayle Heath gave a report from the Christian Education Ministry.

The Reverend Doug Skinner gave a report on behalf of Gary Lee from the Children’s Home. He shared information on Friends of Children’s Day and on upcoming plans for the Children’s Home with upcoming goals.

Angela Mattox gave a report from Psalm 121 on behalf of Cragmont Assembly.

The Reverend Harold Jones brought greetings and a report on behalf of Foreign Missions.

The Reverend Dr. John Hill gave a report from the FWB Press.

The Reverend Dr. Frankie Baggett gave a report from the Board of Home Missions. He emphasized the desire to plant new churches and the need for church planters as well as funding to back this endeavor. He stressed reinvigorating local churches to restore their passion to do ministry.

The Reverend Ronnie Taylor gave a report from Retirement Home Ministry, which is currently serving twenty clients.

Dr. David Poole from the University of Mount Olive brought greetings on behalf of the University to the body with encouraging words on the Christian influence of the university.

The Conference offering was received by ushers from La Grange First OFWB following an offertory prayer by treasurer, The Reverend Tom Malin.

Ancillary Ministry reports were given as follows:

The Reverend Al Warrick reported on behalf of the Pastoral Leadership Institute.

Report was given on behalf of the Woman’s Auxiliary.

Report was given on behalf of the NC Foundation of Christian Ministries.

A Memorial Service was led by The Reverend Keith Gardner.

The following reports were adopted by the Conference: Clerk’s Report, Treasurer’s Report (including the adoption of a new budget) and the Board of Ordination Report.

The following reports were received as information: Church Growth and Minister’s Care Committee.

The Reverend Mark Hobbs shared the Nominating Committee Report. There were no additional nominations from the floor. The slates of officers presented in the Nominating Committee Report were elected by the Conference.

The Reverend Tony Glass provided a report on behalf of the Credentials Committee which was received as information. The report showed those registered as follows: forty-six ministers, four licensed ministers, four visiting ministers, thirty-one delegates and fifteen visitors.

The Reverend Ron Braxton provided a report on behalf of the Resolution’s Committee to give La Grange First OFWB Church a rising vote of thanks for being such a great host for the 270^th Annual Session.

The Reverend Greg Barnes, Assistant Treasurer, recognized ministers for their years of service and gave out certificates of recognition for those with 30 years or more in increments of five years. Those receiving certificates were as follows: The Reverend Leon Grubbs (50), The Reverend Bobby Taylor (45), The Reverend Ronnie Hobgood (40), The Reverend Grady Tucker (40), The Reverend Ron Braxton (35), The Reverend Don Ribeiro (35) and The Reverend Jacky Raper (30). Normally recognition by certificates begins at 20 years, but there were no ministers currently at the 20 or 25 year mark. Ministers with less than 20 years were asked to stand and be recognized.

The Conference, by request, gladly gave a warm handclap of praise in honor of retired minister The Reverend Dr. Michael Pelt who was in attendance. He was ordained in 1950 (68 years of service)!

Newly licensed and ordained ministers were introduced and given the right hand of fellowship.

The Morning Worship Service began as The Reverend Barry Williamson gave an introduction of the keynote speaker, The Reverend Dr. John Hill.

The Reverend Tom Malin read Scripture from Ephesians 4:11-16 and offered prayer.

Special Music was provided in worship by The Reverend Jonathan Whitford, The Reverend Josh Hobgood, The Reverend Stephen Prescott, Mr. Adam Denton and Licensed Minister Mr. Jacob Cottle.

The Reverend Dr. John Hill gave the keynote address, “A Letter to the Exiles,” from Jeremiah 29:4-7 and Romans 8:35-39. He asked the question, “How do we live as a set apart people in a secular world?” He explained that we live as exiles in a strange land.

It was requested that a copy of the message be published in the Community Magazine.

The 270^th Annual Session of Original Free Will Baptists was officially adjourned.

The Benediction and Blessing for the meal was given by The Reverend Greg Barnes.

A wonderful meal and time of fellowship was then enjoyed in the Fellowship Hall.

Central Conference Roll of Ministers

ORDAINED MINISTERS	Ordained	2015	2016	2017	2018
Michael Pelt	9/30/1950	Retired P	A	Retired P	Retired P
Charles Branch	1/5/1969	Retired L	Retired	Retired	Retired L
Bruce Jones	9/5/1971	P	P	P	P
Gary Bailey	7/12/1972	A	P	P	P
Bobby Taylor	11/2/1973	L	L	P	P
Leon Grubbs	9/5/1968		P	P	P
Ronnie Hobgood	8/13/1978	P	E	P	P
Melvin Moore	12/31/1959	Retired	Retired	Retired	Retired
Harry Grubbs	2/24/1967	A	P	P	L
Clifford Ball	8/20/1981	P	L	Retired	Retired
Ray Williamson	5/11/1977	P	A	P	P
Mark Hobbs	11/30/1980	P	P	P	P
Ronald Braxton	2/3/1983	P	P	P	P
Donald Ribeiro	10/27/1983		P		L
Stanley Buck	9/17/1976	P	P	P	P
Philip Wood	5/12/1979	P	P	P	P
Thomas Bowen	11/25/1990	P	P	P	P
Larry Letchworth	8/23/1992	P	P	P	P
Carroll Bradbury	8/23/1992	P	P	P	P
Jack Weathersby	2/27/1994	P	P	P	P
Joey Williams	1/15/1995	P	P	P	P
Frankie Baggett	10/22/1987	P	P	P	P
Grady Tucker	12/6/1978	Retired	Retired	Retired P	Retired P
Edward Thornton	3/10/1981	P	A	A	A
Tony Glass	3/28/1999	P	P	P	P
Frank Cockrell	11/7/1999	P	P	P	L
Johnny Sullivan	5/21/2000	P	P	P	L
Kevin Jackson	12/26/1982	P	P	P	A
Barry Williamson	9/17/2000	P	P	P	P
Todd Sutton	2/11/1996	A	P	P	P
John Simpson	4/29/2001	Retired	Retired	Retired	Retired
Doug Owens	5/6/2001	P	P	P	L
Roger Haithcock	8/26/2001	L	P	P	P
Philip Boykin	12/7/1980	P	P	P	L
Jacky Raper	6/8/1988	P	P	p	P
James Owens	11/10/1981	P	P	P	A
Charles Russell	11/21/2004	P	P	P	P
Kelley Smart	2/27/2005	P	P	P	P
Michael Rowell	5/15/2005	P	P	p	P
Charles Sutton	8/14/2005	P	P	P	P
Doug Tyson	10/16/2005	P	P	A	A
Ronnie Mohn	Mar-80	P	A	P	P
Doug Skinner	7/2/1972	P	L	P	P
Glenn Batten	10/25/2008	P	P	P	A
Dustin Bannister	9/26/2010	P	A	P	P
Keith Phillips	9/17/2010	P	P	Excused	L
Tom Malin	5/15/2011	P	P	P	P
Carlton Oakley	12/5/2010	P	P	P	L
John Hill	6/4/2004	P	P	P	P
Bill Groce	9/16/2012	P	P	P	P
Spencer Owens	9/23/2012	P	P	P	P
Joshua Hobgood	1/13/2013	P	P	P	P
Greg Barnes	8/11/2013	P	P	P	P
Keith Gardner	7/13/2014	P	A	P	P
Matthew Forrest	2/22/2015	P	A	A	A
Michael Woolard	11/8/2015		E	A	A
David Hines	6/7/1979		P	P	P
Josh Whitfield	12/13/2008		P	P	L
Jonathan Whitford	10/11/2015			P	P
Byrl Simmons	10/4/2015			P	P
Chuck Branch	3/4/2018				P
Dale Belvin	6/30/2000				P
LICENSED and PROVISIONAL MINISTERS	Licensed	2015	2016	2017
Robbie Rouse	11/28/2018				P
Scott Wright	8/16/2017			P	P
Brian Perry	4/8/2018				P
Chris Haddock	4/8/2018				P
Stephen Grubbs	7/8/2018				P
Gavin Daniels	7/15/2018				A

2018 Budget

Central Conference Budget 2018-19
	2017-18	2017-18	2018-19
	Proposed	Actual	Proposed

Church Contributions	6200.00	6783.00	6200.00
Conference Offering	500.00	475.00	500.00
Endowment Income	1050.00	1189.02	1050.00
Interest
Ministers Membership Dues	1700.00	1650.00	1700.00
Miscellaneous	250.00		250.00
Transfer from Savings	5800.00		5800.00

TOTAL INCOME	15500.00	10097.02	15500.00


Bank Charges (PNC)	50.00	49.10	50.00
Board of Ordination	100.00	247.80	300.00
Church Growth Committee	2000.00	1000.00	2000.00
Conference	500.00		500.00
Continuing Educ. Committee	1000.00		1000.00
Convention of OFWB Support	750.00	750.00	750.00
Ministry Care Committee	4000.00	2103.49	4000.00
Convention– OFWB Yearbook	1000.00	1117.67	1000.00
Executive Committee	600.00	325.55	600.00
Office Supplies	300.00	100.00	300.00
Clerk	100.00	100.00	100.00
Treasurer	100.00	100.00	100.00
Foundation Endowment	500.00	500.00	500.00
Foundation Scholarship Fund	1000.00	1000.00	1000.00
Foreign Missions	2000.00	2000.00	2000.00
Miscellaneous	500.00	250.00	500.00
Non-Budgeted Items	1000.00	500.00	800.00

TOTAL EXPENSES	15500.00	10143.61	15500.00

Central Conference Church Contribution

Church Contributions as of 3/15/19

CHURCH	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19
Aspen Grove	$400.00	$400.00	$400.00	$400.00	$400.00
Ayden	$50.00	$60.00	$50.00	$50.00	$40.00	$45.00
Bethany	$150.00	$165.00	$150.00	$150.00	$150.00	$150.00
Black Jack	$520.00	$520.00	$520.00	$520.00	$520.00	$550.00
Community	$65.00	$80.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00
Daniels Chapel	$490.00	$430.00	$430.00	$430.00	$449.00	$420.00
Dilda’s Grove	$20.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00
Edgewood	$70.00	$70.00	$70.00	$40.00	$40.00	$75.00
Elm Grove	$150.00	$160.00	$175.00	$175.00	$200.00	$200.00
Free Union	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$270.00
Friendship	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00
Greenville, First	$200.00	$170.00	$170.00	$170.00	$170.00	$170.00
Grimsley	$25.00	$25.00	$25.00		$25.00
Gum Swamp		$100.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00
Harrell’s Chapel	$190.00	$30.00	$50.00	$50.00	$85.00	$100.00
Hickory Grove	$35.00	$35.00	$35.00	$35.00	$35.00	$35.00
Hillside
Howell Swamp	$200.00	$400.00	$200.00	$200.00	$200.00	$200.00
Hugo	$69.00	$69.00	$93.00	$93.00	$87.00	$87.00
Hull Road	$500.00	$100.00	$100.00	$175.00	$620.00	$620.00
Kings Cross Roads		$100.00	$200.00	$300.00	$300.00	$270.00
LaGrange, First	$200.00	$200.00	$200.00	$140.00	$200.00	$200.00
Little Creek	$121.00	$162.00	$100.00	$84.00	$82.00	$79.00
Marlboro	$293.00	$288.00	$280.00	$220.00	$275.00	$275.00
Ormondsville	$290.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00	$300.00
Otter’s Creek	$50.00	$50.00	$100.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00
Owens Chapel	$30.00	$60.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00
Peace	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00	$50.00	$50.00
Piney Grove (Beaufort Co.)	$28.00	$53.00	$23.00	$53.00	$30.00	$35.00
Piney Grove (Pitt Co.)	$30.00	$30.00	$25.00		$50.00
Pleasant Hill	$105.00	$100.00	$105.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00
Reedy Branch	$370.00	$230.00	$200.00	$170.00	$150.00	$150.00
Rocky Mount, First	$70.00	$80.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00
Rose Hill	$300.00	$500.00	$100.00	$300.00	$370.00	$300.00
Rose of Sharon	$220.00	$250.00	$245.00	$220.00	$250.00	$275.00
Saints Delight	$45.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00	$30.00
Saratoga	$70.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00
Spring Branch	$150.00	$150.00	$150.00	$150.00	$150.00	$150.00
Tarboro, First	$50.00	$110.00	$80.00	$80.00	$80.00	$38.00
Walnut Creek	$200.00	$200.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00	$100.00
Watery Branch	$65.00	$65.00	$65.00	$65.00
Williamston, First	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00	$50.00
Winterville	$170.00	$170.00	$185.00	$185.00	$185.00	$185.00
TOTAL	$6,741.00	$6,822.00	$6,066.00	$6,145.00	$6,783.00	$6,119.00

Executive Committee Minutes

January 30, 2018

Central Conference Executive Committee met at Reedy Branch on January

Devotion by Kelley Smart from Isaiah 41:1-6

Members present: Kelley Smart, Josh Hobgood, Tom Malin, Greg Barnes, Barry Williamson and Todd Sutton,

Sharing of prayer concerns from members of the board. Prayer led by Barry.

Gary Bailey requests all minutes of executive committee

Full financial report (budget)
Roll call of ministers
Credentials
Church Growth Committee Report

No minutes from previous session. Time met previously was prior to Central Conference at Free Union FWB for a walk-through of property.

Financial/Treasurers Report by Tom Malin, motion and seconded, and approved.

New Business

Discussion about 2017 Conference – November 8, 2018

Give a checklist
Submit all information and fees to one person
Revise letter make it more condense, and briefer to get the information across and communicated.
Potentially create a sign-in list, of all attendees: Ministers, Delegates, Visitors
Streamline report document
Overall format went very well, except for complications with registration.
Discussion about web page for registration and such.

Looking ahead to 2018 conference at La Grange

Josh to lead worship
Signage as to which entrances to use
Greeters

Next meeting – get Church Growth and Continuing Education to attend the next meeting. Discuss with them possibility of working together, and what ideas fir refurbish this committee to pursue a purpose.

Also discuss with Janie, mental health and first-aid.

Next Meeting April 17

Motion made and seconded for adjournment by Tom, seconded by Barry.

April 17, 2018

Opening devotion and prayer by Barry from Philippians 4:6.

Members present: Barry Williamson, Tom Malin, Josh Hobgood, Greg Barnes, and Todd Sutton

Opening Remarks

Minutes from previous meeting read by Todd Sutton. Motion made and seconded, approved as information.

Treasurer’s report presented by Tom Malin. Motion made and seconded, approved as information.

Brief conversation regarding status of three ministers whose dues have not been paid. Discussed regarding their retirement or mistakenly overlooked payment. Also discussed 2 churches whose dues had not been paid.

New Business

Conference Meeting Nov. 8, 2018

Continue with morning format, finished by lunch.

Possible theme ideas:

We are still riding the same path, no changes, what are we going do to reach new people and ignite our churches. GROW – Go Reach Our World

Need a possible connection to a person who can speak on reaching Millennials. The church needs to learn the language to speak to the natives. Without a translator, you cannot communicate without knowing the language. Josh Hobgood possibly speak to that topic. Be in thought about other knowledgeable speakers on this topic for next meeting.

Barry will purpose to get an abstract of an invite and get to us for approval. Todd to include inviting Jamie and CareNet to next meeting in July – include info.

Discussed the idea of CareNet ministry, possibly send out a group email to Central Conference churches and contacts to gather interest, to respond to the email and move from there regarding having another event by CareNet, and location.

Barry to try to get information from CareNet with a video link to send out to churches to gather interest.

*Next meeting, flesh out conference, and all aspects of it. Letters for Central Conference November 2018 needs to be mailed out by end of August 20018.

Recognition of service – 20 years and over at 5-year increments

July 31, 2018

Members present: Barry Williamson, Tom Malin, Josh Hobgood, Greg Barnes, and Todd Sutton

Barry led with Scripture from Haggai 1. Prayer by Todd.

Minutes from previous meeting read by Todd Sutton. Motion made and seconded, approved as information.

Treasurer’s report presented by Tom Malin. Motion made and seconded, approved as information.

Discussed possibility of encouraging younger ministers to attend a conference with conference contributing a portion of the needed funds to foster growth and vision in the younger ministers with a delegation from the Central Conference.

Discussed the need of clarity for the executive board so as how to proceed to carry out the function of the board as it continues in the absence of the moderator upon his personal request for leave.

Continued discussion planning of Conference

Discussion ensued to finalize Keynote speaker and topic.

John Hill as the speaker discussing church health to encourage ministers and churches to foster growth. Todd to follow up with John regarding his interest and availability.
Possibly address the issues and concerns, but end with the opportunities before us as we get on focus.
Band: Stephen Prescott, Josh Hobgood, Jonathan Whitford, Ashton Bulluck, Adam Denton

Confirmed times for Conference:

Registration (Ministers, Delegates and Visitors) 8:30 – 9:00 am

Morning Session — 9:00 AM

Lunch — 12:15 PM

Discussed order of service for the day to follow same morning format as last year.

Get small plastic paper holder signs to put on tables
Josh to handle getting on screen for direction upon entrance, as well as parking attendants for direction.

Planned setup of the bulletin for the day. Have Exec Com members all review bulletin.

Note dates for future conferences (271^st November 7, 2019 First OFWB, Greenville)

Barry to print and prepare the bulletins

Moderator’s Address

Barry Williamson

Prepare letters for ordained and licensed ministers, church clerks, ministers serving in CC, etc. Exec Committee to look over a draft of letters before printing and mailing. Letters to be mailed by August 31^st. –
Form resolutions committee, nominating committee. Credentials committee. Information to pass along to committees? Memorial Committee?
Prepare certificates for ministers with 20 years of service and up in 5 year increments.
Someone to serve as our parliamentarian.
Song leader – Josh Hobgood
Ask LaGrange about providing special music, musicians for hymns, etc..
Also ask LaGrange about providing ushers and any other special needs.
Discuss Registration Process. Create check-off/sign-off sheet for delegates, ministers, churches to sign once they register or check-in…in order to get quick and easy attendance numbers. Consider sign needs for rooms, tables, entrances, ministers, delegates, visitors, churches, etc. Location and sign for paying dues or where to go if question about dues.
Continue with photos of all ordained and licensed ministers? Progress from last year? Signs and location for photos (sign-up sheet for each one who has photo made. –

only one’s we are missing, Josh to handle
Todd to include info about photos – make sign at registration table where ministers will check off upon their arrival – “If you did not get your photo taking last year for records, please do so today as this pertains to licensed and ordained ministers.”

Any groups, program reps, etc to make special announcements?
The OFWB Minister’s Program update on Covenant Group?
John Hill on CareNet Counseling East?
Others:
Sign-up sheet and announcement at Conference for those interested in the possibility of a one day (Saturday) CareNet event for ministers and laity. Would also need to think about host church with Livestreaming equipment—if we offer a livestreaming event as an option.
Discussed budget Budget approved for 2018.
Preview facilities at LaGrange in October meeting. October meeting date and time: Oct 2, 9, 16 (Tuesdays) – Time (Set for October 2 @ 1)
Other items

Next meeting will be at La Grange OFWB

October 9, 2018

Members present: Barry Williamson, Tom Malin, Josh Hobgood, Greg Barnes, and Todd Sutton

Tony Glass from credentials committee joined the meeting.

1 Cor. 10:13 – Barry shared inciteful devotion on temptation.

Toured La Grange OFWB for planning purposes and confirmations of conference.

Future Conference Sessions of the Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists

271^st Session – November 7, 2019 at Greenville First OFWB

272^nd Session – November 12, 2020 at Ormondsville OFWB

Report of the Ordination Board

North Carolina Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists

Report of the Board of Ordination

November 8, 2018

Central Conference Board of Ordination

The Reverend Mark Hobbs, Chairman

The Reverend Dustin Bannister, Vice-Chairman

The Reverend Johnny Sullivan, Secretary

The Reverend Gary Bailey, Assistant Secretary

The Reverend Philip Wood, Appointment Secretary

The Board of Ordination met seven (7) times since the last Conference.

Dropped from the list of Licensed Ministers:

Adam Tyndall, January 15, 2018

Added to the list of Licensed Ministers:

Stephen Grubbs, July 8, 2018

Brian Perry, April 8, 2018

Chris Haddock, April 8, 2018

Gavin Daniels, July 15, 2018

Ordained and added to the list or ordained ministers

Chuck Branch, March 4, 2018 (at Rose Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church)

Transferred from another Conference and added to the list of ordained ministers

The Reverend Dale Belvin, pastor of Rose of Sharon Church, July 10, 2018, pending letter from the Eastern Conference.

Granted permission to serve in the bounds of the Central Conference

The Reverend Jason Sexton, pastor of the First Church of Rocky Mount, October 9, 2018

Requested Transfer to another Conference

The Reverend Alvin Keener, October 9, 2018

Anyone who wishes to meet with the Board of Ordination should contact The Chairman, The Reverend Mark Hobbs (Cell 919-607-3002), or The Appointment Secretary, The Reverend Philip Wood (Cell 252-717-5455) to schedule an appointment to meet with the Board. The 2019 scheduled meetings of the Board of Ordination will be held at the La Grange Original Free Will Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. on the following dates:

Tuesday – January 8, 2019 Tuesday – April 9, 2019

Tuesday – July 9, 2019 Tuesday – October 8, 2019

The Board of Ordination will conduct a workshop for all Licensed Ministers and ministers holding a Provisional Certificate of Ordination at the First Free Will Baptist Church of La Grange, Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 9 am. All Licensed Ministers and those holding a Provisional Certificate of Ordination must attend at least one workshop before being considered for ordination.

Inclusions to this report:

The Articles of Faith and Principles of Church Government for Original Free Will Baptists in Section 1: The Local Congregation states the following concerning the church’s calling of a pastor: “The church shall call its own pastor, from among the duly Ordained Original Free Will Baptist ministers who are approved by the Conference of which the church is a member.” We wish to remind any church in our Conference, when extending a call to a minister to serve as your pastor, to be sure that the minister gets proper clearance from the Conference Board of Ordination before assuming duties as pastor of the church.
All candidates for ordination in the Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists must meet the educational requirements set forth by the Conference of November 8, 2007 and take and pass the Ordination Examination.
We wish to remind all Central Conference ordained ministers they are required to attend the annual session of the Conference each year. Requests for excusal shall be submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Conference before the Conference, or within thirty days after the Conference for those with unanticipated causes for absence. Ministers who fail to attend the annual Conference physically for three consecutive years shall be subject to lose their credentials.
In accordance with “The Articles of Faith and Church Government for Original Free Will Baptists (of The English General Baptist Heritage) under ‘The Rules Of Church Government,’ ‘Section 1: The Local Congregation,’ ‘Meetings Of the Local Congregation:’ ‘The ordinances of the Gospel are administered only by ordained ministers.’” These ordained ministers must be ministers approved by the Central Conference Board of Ordination.
Upon requests, the Central Conference gives a Christian flag to the family of a deceased ordained minister who is a member of the Conference.
All Ordained Ministers of the Central Conference must maintain membership in an Original Free Will Baptist Church.
The Central Conference of Original Free Will Baptists prohibits Central Conference ordained ministers, and any ordained minister from any other Conference serving within the Central Conference, from officiating same gender marriages. Ordained ministers who violate this rule will be subject to the disciplinary actions issued by the Board of Ordination and the minister may lose ordination credentials.
Licensed Ministers from any conference are not allowed to be interim pastors in the Central Conference. Licensed Ministers cannot supply speak more than four Sundays in a calendar year in the same congregation, and two of those Sundays must have ninety days separating them.

The Board of Ordination stands ready to help people

called to the Gospel Ministry.