ARTICLE I - NAME:

The name of this organization shall be the Broadalbin and Mayfield Baptist Church, Inc. (Commonly known as the Broadalbin Baptist Church) Broadalbin, Fulton County, New York. [The name of the Church was accepted as "The Broadalbin and Mayfield Baptist Church" - dropping "society" from name as previously adopted. The action was taken when new corporation papers had to be drawn up to satisfy the State of New York and local tax assessors.] (Adopted May 12, 1982)

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE:

The purpose of this organization shall be for the maintenance of public worship, the proclamation of the Gospel in Spirit and in Truth for the evangelization of the world, the administration of the ordinances of the New Testament, the edification of believers in Christ and the practice of true religion as revealed in James 1:27.

ARTICLE III - ARTICLES OF FAITH:

We adhere to the Articles of Faith as follows:

1. Of The Scriptures.

We believe that the Holy Bible as originally written was verbally inspired and the product of Spirit-controlled men, and therefore, has truth without any admixture of error for its matter. We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21)

2. Of The True God.

We believe there is one and only one living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious Offices in the great work of redemption (Exod. 20:2-3; I Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11; 1 John 5:7).

3. Of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal with God the Father and God the Son and of the same nature; that He was active in the creation; that in His relation to the unbelieving world He restrains the evil one until God's purpose is fulfilled; that He convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment; that He bears witness to the truth of the Gospel in preaching and testimony; that He is the Agent in the new birth; that He seals, endues, guides, teaches, witnesses, sanctifies and helps the believer (John 14:16-17; Matt. 28:19; Heb. 9:14; John 14:26; Luke 1:35; Gen. 1:1-3; John 16:8-11; Acts 5:30-32; John 3:5-6; Eph. 1:13-14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Rom. 8:14,16,26,27).

4. Of The Devil, Or Satan.

We believe in the personality of Satan, that he is the unholy god of this age, and the author of all the powers of darkness, and is destined to the judgment of an eternal justice in the lake of fire (Matt. 4:1-; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 20:10).

5. Of Creation.

We accept the Genesis account of creation and believe that man came by direct creation of God and not by evolution (Gen. 1 and 2; Col. 1:16-17; John 1:3).

6. Of the Fall of Man.

We believe that man was created in innocence under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from his sinless and happy state in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not only by constraint, but of choice; and therefore under just condemnation without defense or excuse (Gen. 3:1-6, 24; Rom. 5:10-19; Rom. 1:18, 32).

7. Of the Virgin Birth.

We believe that Jesus was begotten of the Holy Ghost in a miraculous manner, born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can be born of woman, and that He is both the Son of God and God, the Son (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; John 1:4).

8. Of The Atonement For Sin

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God, Who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature, yet without sin, honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full and vicarious atonement for our sins; that His atonement consisted not in setting us an example by His death as a martyr, but was a voluntary substitution of Himself in the sinner's place, the just dying for the unjust; Christ, the Lord, bearing our sin in His own body on the tree; that having risen from the dead. He is now enthroned in Heaven, and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfection, He is in every way qualified to be the only suitable, compassionate and all-sufficient Savior (Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:24; John 3:16; Matt. 18:11; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; Isa. 53:4-7; Rom. 3:25; I John 4:10; 1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21).

9. Of Grace In The New Creation

We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be born again; that the new birth is a new creation in Christ Jesus; that it is instantaneous and not a process; that in the new birth the one dead in trespasses and in sins is made a partaker of the divine nature and receives eternal life, the free gift of God; that the new creation is brought about in a manner above our comprehension, solely by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life (John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17; I John 5:1; John 3:6-7; Acts 16:30-33; 2 Pet. 1:4; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1; 2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 2:13; John 3:8).

10. Of Justification

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is Justification;

11. Of Faith And Salvation

We believe that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation (Acts 16:31).

12. Of The Local Church

We believe that a local church is a congregation of immersed believers, associated by covenant of faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its officers are pastors and deacons, whose qualifications, claims and duties are clearly defined in the Scriptures. We believe the true mission of the church is the faithful witnessing of Christ to all men as we have opportunity. We hold that the local church has the absolute right of self-government free from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations; and that the one and only Superintendent is Christ through the Holy Spirit; that it is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other in contending for the faith and for the furtherance of the Gospel; that each local church is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation; on all matters of membership, of polity, of government, of discipline, of benevolence, the will of the local church is final (Acts 2:41-42; I Cor. 11:2; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 4:11; Acts 20:17-28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24; Acts 15:13-18).

13. Of Baptism And The Lord's Supper

We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life, that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation. We believe that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration of His death until He come, and should be proceeded always by solemn self-examination (Acts 8:26-9; John 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; Matt. 3:16; Col. 2:12; 1 Cor. 11:23-28).

14. Of The Security Of The Saints

We believe that all who are truly born again are kept by God the Father for Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6; John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:35-39; Jude 1, (R.V.)).

15. Of The Righteous And The Wicked

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death, in the everlasting felicity of the saved and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost (Mal. 3:18; Gen. 18:23; Rom. 6:17-18; 1 John 5:19; Rom. 7:6; Rom. 6:23; Prov. 14:32; Luke 6:25; Matt. 25:34-41; John 8:21).

16. Of Civil Government

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment for the interests and good order of human society; that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the coming Prince of the kings of the earth (Rom. 13:1-7; 2 Sam. 23:3; Exod. 18:21-22; Acts 23:5; Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:20; Acts 4:19-20; Dan. 3:17-18).

17. Of The Resurrection, Personal, Visible, Premillennial Return Of Christ, And Related Events.

ARTICLE IV - CHURCH COVENANT:

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word.

ARTICLE V. - MEMBERSHIP:

Sections 1-3 - Admission:

Section 1

All applications for admission to membership shall be made through the board of Deacons, Pastor or Church Clerk and no action shall be taken by the church body except upon the recommendation of the board of Deacons. Should a letter of transfer be requested by a prospective member, such letter shall not serve in lieu of meeting with the board of Deacons.

Section 2

Any person professing faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord and adopting the views of faith and practices as held by the church, as set forth in the foregoing Articles of Faith, may, after baptism and by majority vote of the Church, be received into its membership by receiving the right hand of fellowship.

Section 3

It shall be the duty of the board of Deacons to give each person desiring to unite with the Church a copy of the Constitution before he is recommended to the Church for membership.

Section 4

At any business meeting of the Church, only active members 18 years of age or older shall be entitled to vote.

Section 5

Dismissal: At the request of any member church of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, a letter of transfer for a member in good standing will be granted at any regular meeting of this Church. Letters of dismissal will be granted to those desiring to unite with churches other than General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. Such letters may include a statement of recommendation to those entitled to such. No open letters will be granted.

Section 6

Suspension: The name of any member who shall be absent from the services of this Church for a period of 12 months without giving satisfactory reason for such absence may, upon the recommendation of the board of Deacons and vote of this Church, be placed on the inactive roll. Any person whose -name is on the inactive roll may be reinstated to active membership by compliance with the church covenant, and upon application to the board of Deacons.

Section 7

Discipline: The rule of discipline in private offenses shall be the law of Christ as recorded in Matthew 15, 16 and 17 and Galatians 6:1 and 2. It shall be within the province of the board of Deacons to review the church membership whenever they deem it necessary. At this time, members who manifest inconsistency or flagrant sin in their lives, a wrong attitude toward the doctrinal standards of the Church, or show indifference toward the life and work of the Church, shall be investigated for the purpose of remedying any weakness in their Christian lives. Members in question may be removed from the membership roll by a vote of the church upon recommendation by the board of Deacons. Said members, upon admission of their sin to the Pastor and board of Deacons, and by giving satisfactory evidence of their repentance, may be restored to active membership upon recommendation of the board of Deacons and by vote of the Church.

Section 8

Members shall subscribe to the covenant as set forth in Article IV.

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS:

The officers of this church shall be Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, Clerk, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary, Head Usher, Assistant Head Usher, Youth Director and Music Committee, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Secretary, Sunday School Treasurer. ALL elected officers must be active church members. Duly elected officers shall begin their term of office the first Sunday of February.

Section 1 - Pastor

Section 2 - Deacons

Section 3 - Trustees

Section 4 - Clerk

The Clerk shall be elected annually and shall keep an accurate record of all regular and special business meetings of the Church, and such other duties as normally come under the province of this office.

Section 5 - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be elected annually, and shall be responsible to the Church for all monies received and disbursed in that office. He shall keep an accurate record of the financial phase of the church life. The Treasurer shall be authorized by the chairman of the board of Trustees to pay outstanding bills, after said bills are audited by the board of Trustees.

Section 6 - Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall be elected annually. He shall keep an accurate account of all the monies received and deposit the same in the bank designated by the board of Trustees.

Section 7 - Assistant Financial Secretary

The Assistant Financial Secretary shall be elected annually and shall keep an accurate record of the giving of each person using the envelope system.

Section 8 - Head Usher

The Head Usher shall be elected annually and shall appoint other ushers to work with him.

Section 9 - Assistant Head Usher

The Assistant Head Usher shall be elected annually and, in the absence of the Head Usher, assume his responsibilities.

Section 10 - Youth Director

Section 11 - Vacancies:

Vacancies occurring between business meetings shall be filled upon recommendation of the nominating committee at a special business meeting. Rules governing nominations apply as found in Articles VII, Section 1 B.

Section 12 - Sunday School Superintendent

Section 13 - Sunday School Secretary

Section 14 - Sunday School Treasurer

Section 15

Anyone who holds a leadership position (elected or appointed) will be an active member of the church. By leadership position we mean anyone who leads in the areas of worship and teaching.

All choir members, pianists, and organists will be active members of the church. Outside pianists and organists who regularly minister in the church must be members of a church of like faith. Our desire is to use the people of the Broadalbin Baptist Church when possible.

Section 16

Any leader or officer (elected or appointed) will sign an agreement to our doctrinal statement on an annual basis.

Section 17

Any supported missionary will be asked to sign our doctrinal statement when receiving support and will be asked to sign this statement on a periodic basis.

ARTICLE VII. - COMMITTEES:

Section 1 - Nominating Committee:

Section 2 -Music Committee:

Section 3 - Pulpit Committee: See Article VI, Section 2 C.

Section 4 - Missions Committee:

The Missions policy of this Church shall be formulated by the board of Deacons who shall present a proposed mission's budget at the Annual Business Meeting of the Church.

The board of Deacons shall be responsible to make decisions for emergency measures relating to our missionary family. ALL other missionary items shall be brought before the Church upon recommendation of the Missions Committee.

Section 5 - Women's Auxiliary:

ARTICLE VIII - FINANCES:

The work of the Church shall be supported only by tithes, free will offerings and gifts.

ARTICLE IX - LICENSING AND ORDAINING:

Section 1

Any male member who professes to be called of God to the work of the ministry, and, in the judgment of the church, gives evidence of his piety, zeal and "aptness to teach," after having preached in the hearing of the Church, may be licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provided 3/4 of the members present and voting at any regular meeting shall agree thereto.

Section 2

Any licensed preacher or male members meeting the qualifications stated in Section I may be recommended for full ordination provided 3/4 of the members present and voting at any regular meeting shall agree thereto. The church shall call a council of ministers and brethren of like doctrinal beliefs and practices to examine the qualifications of the candidate, to which council the propriety of ordaining shall be wholly referred.

ARTICLE X - MEETINGS:

Section 1 - Meetings of Worship:

Section 2 - Meetings of Business

ARTICLE XI - ORGANIZATIONS:

There shall be such organizations as deemed necessary to promote the Lord's work, but none shall be started without the consent of the board of Deacons. These organizations shall be self-governing, subject to the Church constitution and voted church policy.

ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS:

This constitution may be amended at any regular or called business meeting of the church, after a two week public notice has been given and by a two-thirds majority of ballots cast.

Article XIII - CHURCH PROPERTIES: