As a Christian ministry, Sacandaga Bible Conference holds a unique position within the world today.  As a Ministry we are dedicated to Reach, Equip and Disciple!  Those who are associated with SBC, including the Director, Board Members, Administration, Cottage Owners and Staff form a community and are not a group of autonomic individuals.  We consequently bear certain responsibilities and obligations within the ministry for the implementation of its purpose, to reach, equip and disciple.  In order that the ministry may function smoothly and that its purpose may be realized, it is necessary that there be a commitment to certain guidelines which when embraced, involve the willing surrender of certain individual gratifications, purposes and goals.

Since Sacandaga Bible Conference is a Christian ministry, we must follow specific Biblical principles which relate to Christian behavior, SBC, therefore, prohibits practices which are clearly forbidden by the Word of God (eg:  I Corinthians 6:9-23, drunkenness, sexual immorality, dishonesty, ect).  Further, it is expected that the Christian should exemplify Christian love, consideration for the rights of others, honesty and a high sense of Christian ethics as to not cause spiritual harm to other members of the Christian community.  Because the Scriptures prescribe great caution in how Christians should exercise manifestations of the Holy Spirit (such as speaking in tongues and healing), and because believers hold many different beliefs regarding them, it is the policy of SBC that all persons using the Sacandaga Bible Conference facilities and grounds refrain from practicing and promoting them while at SBC.

Biblical considerations:

I Corinthians 6:12:  Lawful, but not expedient (not profitable for our good)

I Corinthians 10:23:  Lawful, but not edifying;  I Corinthians 8:9:  Could be a stumbling block;  Romans 1:32:  Christians are different, and by living like the world we approve of it.  There should be no pleasure in watching sin;  Ephesians 5:6-7, 11:  Do not be deceived with vanity and participate in it; Colossians 3:17:  Make sure it pleases the Lord, not the emotions, flesh or self;  Hebrews 12:1-2:  Lay aside weights as well as sin.

Sacandaga Bible Conference rejects the principle that exposure to and/or experimentation with the doubtful and objectionable elements of “life” are essential to the development of moral or intellectual discernment and/or discrimination.  SBC reserves the privilege to make the final decision for any questionable area.

Certain principles of conduct are believed to be a necessary part of the effort to establish an atmosphere within which the ministry of SBC may be most effective.  For this reason, SBC requires all guests and staff of SBC to refrain from the possession and use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, illicit/narcotic drugs, smoking, gambling, immodest attire (one-piece bathing suits are required for women and swim trunks for men), swearing and negative language, immoral publications, firearms, knives, martial arts items and items of racial, social and/or physical discrimination.

It is encouraged that during your time at SBC, that you join in with the scheduled programs for you and your family.  Please use Christian discernment in your choice of entertainment, including movies, television, audio & visual recordings, as well as other forms of entertainment and literature.

Sacandaga Bible Conference recognizes that the observance of these guidelines do not comprise the whole of one’s responsibility to God and hence do not necessarily indicate that one is or is not living a life of full commitment.  The philosophy of SBC, however, maintains that one’s willingness to obey these guidelines shows a maturity and spiritual concern for the whole Christian community.  (Galatians 5:13-24)

The conduct of any guest and staff of SBC that is an offense to good taste, sound moral or Christian ethics will not be accepted.  While some may not have personal convictions wholly in accordance with the above guidelines, the purpose underlying them necessitates ones honorable obedience to them.  If in conscience, a person can no longer in integrity conform, he/she should withdraw from SBC.  Willful disobedience of the above guidelines will bring about dismissal from SBC.

To insure that the doctrinal position of Sacandaga Bible Conference will be maintained in an uncompromising manner, it is asked that all guests and staff of SBC individually affirm the above guidelines.