Church Discipline (Part 1)

I am a big proponent of church discipline. I think we as the church would serve the Body well if we would exercise Biblical discipline within our ranks. However, we do not understand the nature or purpose of church discipline. We employ it when we shouldn't and neglect it when it is needed. Most times I would admit that it is neglected, and this ought not to be so. It does no one any good to turn away our eyes from the unrepentant sin of a fellow brother. It is for his good and the sanctification of his soul that we should hold him accountable for his actions. It is to the world's benefit to see a standard of righteousness being upheld within the ranks of God's children.

But all too often we are quick to condemn a fallen brother who is aware of his faults, and isolate him from the help he needs. He needs the body to help him stand when he has fallen. He needs the body to portray the love and forgiveness of the Father. Instead, we stand in judgment and offer only condemnation. We desire justice for the one who has betrayed the Body simply by indulging in his sinful nature. He is dis-fellowshipped, albeit many times unofficially from his friends who do not want the arduous task of restoring their fallen comrade. They would rather speak their opinion and pass judgment then get their hands dirty. The truth is that we stand afar off from these dear ones because of our own piousness and fear. We think ourselves self-righteous and above temptation to suffer his same fate. Or we fear that our own darkness will be exposed and brought to the light, and the thought of that pain is more than we care to bear.

There are several passages in the New Testament that concern church discipline directly. I believe a careful look at these passages will reveal a number of things concerning the proper conduct of the church when it comes to discipline.

A Biblical Model for Church Discipline should adhere to the following guidelines:

Discipline Should Only:

1. Be administered within the Body among those who are called believers.
2. Be administered in all gentleness and humility.
3. Be exercised where there is conclusive evidence of sin.
4. Be based upon truth.
5. Be conducted based upon the actions of an individual on issues concerning morality.
6. Be conducted openly.
7. Seek the repentance of the fallen brother.
8. Seek the restoration of the fallen brother.

Discipline Should Not:

1. Be administered to unbelievers and visitors.
2. Be administered with condemnation.
3. Be exercised where there is no clear evidence of sin.
4. Be based upon differences of opinion or Biblical interpretations.*
5. Be conducted based upon the perceived condition of a man's heart.
6. Be conducted in secret or behind closed doors.
7. Seek justice for the fallen brother.
8. Seek the ex-communication of the fallen brother.

A closer examination of the scriptures will help us develop a Biblical model for dealing with brothers and sisters who have fallen in sin. Sound, Biblical church discipline should not be something to be feared, as it is not punitive in nature. The heart behind discipline is for our good. To restore estranged prodigals' relationships with the Father.

*NOTE: Differences of Biblical interpretations does not include interpretations that deny the deity of Christ, nor that deny the authority of the Word of God.