Church Discipline

The church, at times, must exercise discipline toward members who have sinned. but church discipline must be handled carefully, straightforwardly, and lovingly.

Situations

Unintentional error and/or private sin

Public sin and/or those done flagrantly and arrogantly

Steps (Matthew 18:15-17)

1. Go to the brother or sister; show the fault to him or her in private.

2. If he/she does not listen, go with one or two witnesses.

3. If he/she refuses to listen, take the matter before the church.

After these steps have been carried out, the next steps are

1. Remove the one in error from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:2-13).

2. The church gives united disapproval, but forgiveness and comfort are in order if he/she chooses to repent (2 Corinthians 2:5-8).

3. Do not associate with the disobedient person; and if you must, speak to him/her as one who needs a warning (2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15).

4. After two warnings, reject the person from the fellowship (Titus 3:10).