The Case of Touchy Tom

Christianity Today has recently posted an article on a modern-day excommunication within a baptist church. The article can be found here.

As you read through the article, it appears Tom’s membership was put to a vote by the general assembly. This in my mind seems inappropriate, although seemed to have produced the correct results in this instance.

What I don’t like about this method of excommunicating someone is that the vote may become a popular vote. Meaning that the person’s discipline could hinge on his/her popularity rather than with the nature of their transgression.

It also appears as if the local body, dropped the ball in delaying the disciplinary action. The actions should have been taken long before they were, for the sake of the safety and purity of the women in the congregation.

Church discipline is not a pleasant process by any stretch of the imagination to either side involved. It’s purpose however is always to seek the repentance of the transgressor, and offer the hope of redemption.