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The word discipline bears a sense of fault or correction. The biblical definition for church discipline is simple: it is a process of correcting sin in the life of a congregation and its members.
Inarguably, the process of church discipline does not get discussed as much as it should. Most denominations require prospective members to take membership classes, in which church discipline is frequently explained, including the process of discipline, why it occurs and what steps are taken to protect the congregation.
Why does the church need discipline? The simple answer is sin. The duties of elders and deacons (found in the Pastoral Epistles) are to nourish, protect, and teach their congregation.
If sin is openly accepted or enters a congregation, for the sake of everyone involved, the behavior must be addressed and rectified.
Often, congregants are hesitant to address an issue, fearing retaliation or division. Rightfully so, as many churches have had splits due to sinful behavior, even from leadership.
Yet a democratic system of justice and fairness is needed in the church, as it protects the body of Christ from tyranny and sin.
All pastors and church leaders know Christians sin daily, including themselves and fellow congregants. However, when unrepentant or serious offenses come to light, they should never be hidden under the rug. The church is not free of scandals. From big-name churches, pastors, and Christian institutions of learning, scandals hit the church.
How should the Church respond? The body of Christ must respond in honesty, fairness, and biblical principles. Showing the unbelieving world that injustice and sin will be confronted sets an example of sharing the Light and Salt of Christ.
Too many churches and denominations have been plagued by an improper way of handling sin, often seeking to protect reputations or individual members.
The Christian church is the most powerful body of humans on the face of the earth, and when bad things occur throughout the world, it constantly responds. The same principles need to exist when problems internally hit the Church, too.
Jesus Christ warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing, as He also gave specific instructions on how to handle sin in the church in Matthew chapter 18.
Jesus gave a clear process in Matthew 18:15-17. The process entails, first, if a brother or sister sins, they are to be confronted privately, one-on-one, with the goal of restoration. If they refuse to listen, we are to bring one or two others along to confirm the matter and provide accountability. If they remain unrepentant, the issue is to be brought before the church so the whole body can urge repentance. Finally, if the person refuses to listen even to the church, they are to be treated as being outside the fellowship, still prayed for, but no longer regarded as a member in good standing.
Christianity is not a religion for the weak, as believers will constantly be attacked and faced with persecution. However, it also takes courage from believers to stand up against sin and injustice, often among their own congregants.
Church discipline is a product of living in a fallen world. If done correctly, it protects the body of Christ and brings justice to light in the name of Christ.
Society often grows complacent, and the Church can fall into the same trap. We must remember that the purpose of the pastor and the Sunday sermon is to proclaim the ways of Christ with the assumption that some in the congregation have never heard the Good News or are not yet saved. As a professor once taught, the preacher should speak to every listener as though he does not know their spiritual state, calling all to Christ with clarity and urgency.
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.