Constitution, By-Laws and Articles of Faith

 The name of this church is Bethlehem Baptist Church. Our church history research indicates Bethlehem Baptist Church probably became an official congregation in 1828 with 134 members as one of the first churches in Harris County Georgia shortly after the Creek Indians ceded Indian land in 1827. It was registered as a charter member of the Columbus Baptist Association created in 1829. One of the few records existing from early history is the 1833 deed for land on which the church sits. In 1889, the Pine Mountain Baptist Association was organized, with Bethlehem as a charter member. Bethlehem Baptist Church continues to be affiliated with the Pine Mountain Baptist Association, the Georgia Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention.  

A. General: Bethlehem Baptist Church is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains unto itself the right of exclusive self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this Church. 

B. Qualifications: Membership of Bethlehem Baptist Church shall consist of people who have made a profession of their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who, having been scripturally baptized by immersion, are in agreement with the Articles of Faith and Covenant of this church, have been approved by the congregation, and are listed on the membership roll. 

1) We believe the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God, without any error, the all sufficient authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and Christian living. 

2) We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government; that it is holy, just, and good. We believe that the inability which the scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin. And, to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the Holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

3) We believe there is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.