DISCIPLINE, CHURCH

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 Timothy 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 Matthew 18:15–17; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1ff; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15; Titus 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 (Galatians 6:1). 
• Disfellowship must involve a serious, soul-threatening breach of conduct—e.g., immoral activity (1 Corinthians 5), divisiveness (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10), etc. It should be a last resort after all other measures of restoration have proved futile (Matthew 18:15–17). 
• The formal act should be exercised in the church assembly (1 Corinthians 5:4–5). 
• Once enacted, common social contacts should be suspended (Matthew 18:17; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9ff; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15). 
• Loving encouragement to return to the family should be sustained (cf. Galatians 6:1).
• The offender should be happily received upon restoration (2 Corinthians 2:6–8).