DISCIPLINE, CHURCH

What Is Church Discipline?
Discipline is actually a process of training that begins at the point of one's conversion and continues throughout one's life. It includes teaching, example, exhortation, admonition, etc. (2 Tim. 3:16-17). 

The most extreme and ultimate form of church discipline, however, is the withdrawal of fellowship. This procedure is discussed in several texts (see Mt. 18:15-17; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1ff; 2 Thes. 3:6, 14-15; Tit. 3:10). Here are some facts gleaned from passages related to this theme: 
  • Much love and patient concern must be exhibited in the preliminary stages of the process (Gal. 6:1). 
  • Disfellowship must involve a serious, soul-threatening breach of conduct, e.g., immoral activity (1 Cor. 5), divisiveness (Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3:10), etc. It should be a last resort after all other measures of restoration have proved futile (Mt. 18:15-17). 
  • The formal act should be exercised in the church assembly (1 Cor. 5:4). 
  • Once enacted, common social contacts should be suspended (Mt. 18:17; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:9ff; 2 Thes. 3:14-15). 
  • Loving encouragement to return to the family should be sustained (cf. Gal. 6:1).
  • The offender should be happily received upon restoration (2 Cor. 2:6-8).

Related Articles

When Christ Withdraws His Fellowship

This article discusses the meaning of Matthew 18:20 in its immediate context.

Does Matthew 18:20 Sanction Personal Assemblies?

Does Matthew 18:20 sanction the practice of forsaking the Lord’s day assemblies, in deference to private assemblies for social or recreational purposes? Some so claim, but what is the contextual significance of this instruction from Christ?

What About Potlucks and Church Discipline?

Is the New Testament command to not eat with unfaithful Christians apply to a potluck gathering?

Should “Weak” Christians Be Disfellowshipped?

Should Christians who are merely “weak” be subject to the disfellowship process?

Church Discipline – A Tragic Neglect

A study of church discipline, especially the ultimate act of withdrawal of fellowship

Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson