Shall We Dare to Discipline? (Part Two)

by Russell M. Kline

 

In part one of this two-part study of church discipline, several commonly held misconceptions about church discipline were discussed. It is because of these and other misconceptions that so many congregations of the Lord's people do not discipline their erring brethren, and that church discipline, in general, is thought of in a negative way. In this monograph, I intend to address another reason why church discipline is often perceived as a failure. Many times, when congregations attempt to discipline their unruly members, they do so incorrectly. The process of church discipline will work, when it is done according to the instruction of the Bible, but it should not be expected to work, when the Biblical plan is not followed. Here, we shall discuss some of the more common mistakes that are made in the application of church discipline.

In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus clearly outlined four discernable steps in the process of church discipline. It all begins with one Christian going to another Christian to discuss a "fault" that has come between them (Mat. 18:15; Gal. 6:1). The "fault" in question may be any kind of sin for which the individual being disciplined has not repented. If the one being disciplined repents, then this is where the process ends, and no futher action is needed. Most of the time, the issue is resolved without any need to go beyond the first step, but if an erring brother will not repent, then it becomes necessary to confront him again, in the presence of one or two others, so there may be witnesses, who can verify the facts of the case (Mat. 18:16). Such a gesture as this might make a profound impression upon the one being disciplined, and motivate him to repent, but if the issue is not resolved at this point, then it becomes necessary to proceed with the third step in the process. The church must be informed of the situation, and then the entire membership must make an effort to contact the one being disciplined, and plead with him to repent (Mat. 18:17a). One would have to be suffering from an extreme hardness of heart to ignore such a grand display of love and concern (Heb. 3:13)! But, if all of this fails, then the entire body of Christ must withdraw fellowship him (Mat. 18:17b; II The. 3:6; I Cor. 5:11). When this is done Scripturally, Heaven will be in agreement with whatever decision the church makes, concerning fellowship (Mat. 18:18-20).

 

However, if brethren do not follow this process, as it is written, then they should not expect it to be successful. Some brethren skip the first three steps, and simply write a letter informing the one being disciplined of a withdrawl of fellowship, if he is absent from services enough times in succession. Others threaten unfaithful members with discipline, but never follow through with any action. Is it any wonder that church discipline is unproductive, when it is implemented in such haphazard ways? If we want the process of church discipline to work, then we must do it "by the book!"

Remember that the ultimate purpose of church discipline is to cause erring brethren to repent of their sins (I Cor. 5:5). It was designed by a Father who loves His children (Heb. 12:6). It is meant to be carried out by Christians who love their brethren (John 13:34,35). Immediately before Jesus listed the steps in the process of church discipline, He gave an example of the kind of love, which ought to motivate u


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