SECTION 1. APPLICATION

1. All persons desiring to unite with this church shall notify the Pastor and/or Deacon(s) of their interest. The Pastor and Deacon(s) reserve the right to question any applicant regarding his faith in Jesus Christ. Once the Pastor and Deacon(s) are convinced of the applicants faith in Christ, the applicant will then be recommended to the church for vote. The applicant will receive a copy of our Covenant, Affirmation of Faith, Constitution and By-Laws, which the applicant should read, understand, and affirm. Adams Square Baptist Church reserves the right to withhold membership from any person involved in or professing to be a homosexual or lesbian, according to the following references: (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27)
2. Applicants shall be presented for vote of the church at any regular weekly prayer meeting of the church or any legally called meeting of the church, a quorum being present.
3. New members may receive the right hand of fellowship at the first communion service after becoming a member.
4. Membership in Adams Square Baptist Church shall constitute the dissolution of membership in any other church and in any secret organization, including orders associated with or part of freemasonry. Dual and associate memberships shall be allowed as follows:
   1. Non-Resident Memberships shall be granted automatically when a person stops attending due to moving to another community. Since our covenant states that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, Non-Resident Members do not have voting status and may not hold offices.
   2. Dual memberships shall be granted to students and others who live in the area only part of the year and/or who maintain membership in a church of another town, provided this arrangement is acceptable to both churches. Dual members have full voting status and may hold offices if deemed appropriate by the church. Before seeking dual status at another church a member of ASBC should request permission from the church
   3. Associate Memberships shall be granted for "shut-ins" and those who are unable to attend the church due to extended medical or physiological reasons, such as extended illness and physical disabilities. Associate members do not have voting status.
   4. Inactive Membership shall be automatic for anyone who stops attending for six months, assuming the inactive member does not return or request one of the other forms of membership spelled out in Article IV, Section 4, E. After six months on the list the person's name will automatically be removed from the roll entirely. A person who decides to leave the church may also request in writing to be placed on the Inactive list. That person’s name shall be placed on the Inactive Members list for six months, then removed from the roll. Those on the Inactive list do not have voting status.

SECTION 2: ADMISSION

1. By Baptism: Any person professing faith m the Lord Jesus Christ, showing evidence of regeneration, and adopting the Word of God as the basis of faith and practice, may upon baptism (immersion) be received into membership of this church.
2. By Letter: A member of another Baptist church may be received upon testimony of Christian standing and the transfer of letter, certifying baptism (immersion) and being a member in good standing prior to leaving.
3. By Restoration: A former member whose membership has lapsed for any reason may be restored to fellowship with this church on profession of faith, providing evidence is given tat the cause for the lapse of membership has been dealt with satisfactorily.
4. By Experience: A person who is not a member of another Baptist church, but has been immersed, upon profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ may be received into membership upon satisfactory testimony of this in experience.

SECTION 3. RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

1. Members are required to adhere to the statement of Doctrine, the Church Covenant,and the Constitution and By-Laws.
2. Members are expected to attend the services and meetings of the church.
3. Members are expected to support the work of the church, as they are financially able. (Tithing is to be encouraged according to Malachi 3:7-10.)
4. Membership includes the following privileges:
   1. For all members above the age of 18, the right to vote at all business meetings and on each committee to which the member has been elected.
   1. Minors may vote on committees to which they have been elected and on all non-business (non-financial) matters. Minors may not vote on the call or dismissal of a pastor or staff member.
   2. The signature of a minor on a petition shall not be considered valid in calling for official business, but the presence of a minor's signature shall not invalidate a petition signed by adults.
   2. The right to hold office, serve on committees, and teach classes, provided the member satisfies the requirements of, and has been duly appointed to these posts under the terms outlined elsewhere in this constitution.
   3. The privilege and responsibility of representing this congregation and our Lord in the work place and community, by formally identifying with this church.

SECTION 4. DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

1. By Death.
2. By Letter: Any active member upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacon(s) and by vote of the church shall be entitled to a letter of dismissal to any church of like faith and practice.
3. By Certificate: Any member may be granted a certificate of dismissal by church vote.
4. By Exclusion: Should a member become an offense to the church and to its good name by breach of the Church Covenant, the church may terminate his membership upon recommendation of the Pastor and Deacon(s). This action may be taken only after due notice and faithful efforts have been made to bring such a member to repentance.
5. By Inactivity: Any member who does not communicate with the church for a continuous period of six (6) months shall be contacted in writing by the Pastor, Deacon(s) or Cleric, inquiring as to the member's preference of status, according to Article IV, Section 1, D. Failure to answer this letter by the requested date (at least one month) shall result in being placed on the Inactive List. By responding to this letter, the member may choose a status in Article TV, Section 1, D. By choosing Inactive status, the terms of Article IV, Section 1, D, 4, will apply.
6. Actions
   1. Action on "B" and "C" above may be taken at any prayer meeting, a quorum being present.
   2. Action on "D" and "B" above may be taken only at a regular business meeting