DISCIPLINE, CHURCH

Discipline is actually a process of training that begins at the point of one's conversion and continues throughout his 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: (a) Much love and patient concern must be exhibited in the preliminary stages of the process (Gal. 6:1). (b) Disfellowship must involve a serious, soul-threatening breech 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). (c) The formal act should be exercised in the church assembly (1 Cor. 5:4). (d) Once enacted, common social contacts should be suspended (Mt. 18:17; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:9ff; 2 Thes. 3:14-15). (e) Loving encouragement to return to the family should be sustained (cf. Gal. 6:1), and the offender should be happily received upon restoration (2 Cor. 2:6-8).