Church Government

Pastor

History

We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of each local church. He exercises His rule through a body of godly men which the New Testament calls elders, whom he has qualified, gifted, called and empowered to lead each local group of believers into His will.

Each local congregation holds their elders accountable to the biblical qualifications for service and the carrying out of their responsibilities as representatives of Jesus Christ.

We are a part of the Conservative, Congregational Christian Conference,  a fellowship of biblically conservative churches that support and encourage each other.

“The Capital District has been my home for many years. I grew up in the hills of Glenville, just north of Scotia, NY, and graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 1970. I left the area to attend college and seminary for seven years. In 1977, I returned to serve the Bethlehem Community Church in Delmar, NY, and the East Glenville Community Church, in Glenville, NY, before helping to launch the Saratoga Chapel in 1989. I’ve been married for over 40 years and have a great wife, Carol, and four fun kids–three girls and one boy.

Besides being a pastor, I’ve also had the opportunity to drive trucks, work in the home health care field, help out in an advertising agency, and work with developmentally disabled people. I love sports, particularly basketball and running. Tennis is coming along, but my backhand is still suspect. I’m a member of the Malta Rotary.

One of the greatest desires I have is that the people around me would come to know and experience God in a real and personal way. If I could give you anything, it would be the gift of knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the certainty of eternal life.”

— Jim Hale, Pastor Saratoga Chapel