29 March, 2024

The Discipline to Discipline

by | 16 July, 2014 | 2 comments

By Jim Tune

The words church discipline can conjure up vivid imagery that seemingly affirms the world”s worst perceptions of church. Nathaniel Hawthorne”s The Scarlet Letter serves up a twisted picture of the ostracizing of an adulteress by both church and community. Is this what we mean by church discipline””visions of Hester Prynne skulking around her nightmarish New England town?

July16_JT_JNA solidly biblical approach to church discipline is the only way to heal fractures, restore right relationships, and ensure the health of the church. Discipline is not simply the unhappy task of ordering troublemakers out of the church. Indeed, discipline has a positive function. God”s name is lifted up, the welfare of the church is secured, and, whenever possible, the reclamation of the offender is achieved. Rather than the puncturing sting of a scarlet letter, church discipline done biblically is ultimately an act of grace and kindness.

Greg Wills, in his book Democratic Religion, looks at history and says, “A church without discipline would hardly have counted as a church.” John Dagg considers our situation today and writes, “When discipline leaves a church, Christ goes with it.”

Church discipline is about concern for the offender. Whenever I read the story of the lost son in Luke 15, I am reminded of the beauty of repentance, reclamation, and ultimately, restoration. This should be the motivation behind our efforts to do church relationships God”s way.

The apostle Paul reminded the Galatian church: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently” (Galatians 6:1).

I”m trying to get a better handle on the application of church discipline in the congregation where I serve. As a church that reaches out to the unchurched, we”ve tried to model an attitude of acceptance toward newcomers. That creates tension as the church is challenged to live with the rough edges accompanying many of those at the beginning of their spiritual search.

But frankly, the unchurched are not the problem. The worst blowback happens when we confront so-called mature Christians and longtime churchgoers.

I recall a couple who had attended our church for years. It became necessary to confront them about a gnawing sin and attitude problem that was eating them up and spreading strife. They were approached with gentleness and respect. No one threatened to disfellowship them””it was a very tender reprimand.

Almost immediately and without notice, they stopped attending our church. Phone calls and e-mails were not returned. I learned they were attending another church a few blocks away. I fear this couple will never be challenged to grow like they should. Those unwilling to be disciplined can always find another church eager to take them in. I also fear for the churches that receive them. Is it more important for two more seats to be filled than to maintain a God-honoring body life?

Believers who are sincere in their desire to grow in Christlikeness need to be open to receiving hard-to-hear admonitions from time to time. Leaders need the courage and resolve to give such admonitions when necessary.

How does your church discipline? Or does your church discipline at all?

2 Comments

  1. Michelle

    Great article, Jim! Church discipline is something that has been overlooked or distorted in a lot of churches. While some shy away from any confrontation at all, others take the approach of a social club – Our way or you’re out!
    It is time to shake off the main stream ideas of tolerance and conformity and continue to build God’s church in a loving way.
    If we were open to being held accountable to a firm but gentle authority, so many issues in our churches would all but disappear.
    I hope more pastors will take this biblical perspective and intentionally teach it from the pulpit. Thank you for bringing forward the need for a humble and gracious approach to church discipline.

  2. Halson

    Studies indicate that church discipline is all but non-existent in most American churches and for a variety of reasons, one of which has already been mentioned by Michelle. Some others are that church leaders are afraid that by practicing biblical discipline they will loose members and potentially others as residual fall-out; with the predicted loss of income to the church. All of these reasons spiritually unfounded of course; scripture indicates that God will bless those churches that obey his word.

    The pastor of a church may be quite comfortable with and quite ready and willing to act on the issue of biblical church discipline, but if the elders of the church are shallowly grounded in their faith and lack doctrinal understanding on this sensitive issue, the pastor may then have a very difficult time obtaining the blessing of the leadership concerning its practice in that congregation.

    I know of churches that when the issue of biblical church discipline was resurrected and presented to its leadership, some of the leadership members went absolutely ballistic at the thought of such practices taking place within their church body. Unfortunately, sadly neglecting a vital responsibility of the church which is restoring the lost and wandering church members back to a restored condition to God and the church body.

    Of course, in order to teach or instruct the church body on this very biblical concept of church discipline, the topics of sin and repentance would need to be part of the curriculum which are two other topics that are seldom discussed or taught in many churches today.

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: Impact Christian Church (Moon Township, Pa.) is seeking an executive pastor. The Christian Campus Foundation (CCF) at the University of Illinois is seeking a full-time director of campus ministry. New Brighton (Minn.) Christian Church needs a new senior minister. Summit Christian College (Gering, Neb.) is accepting applications for the position of academic dean. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Easter Church Attendance’ (1949)

“This Lord’s Day will find nearly all the churches having the largest crowds of the year,” editor Burris Butler wrote in 1949. “It has become almost proverbial that many people attend church on Easter Sunday who never come at any other time” . . .

News Briefs for March 27

Ozark Christian College has updated their logo. Also, briefs from Harlan (Ky.) Christian Church, Summit Christian College, and the Common Grounds Unity Podcast.

The Best Sermon I Never Heard

“Can I tell you about the best sermon I never heard?” Matt Proctor asked the crowd at ICOM last November. “If I could time travel just once . . . I would go back to Luke 24. On that very first Easter Sunday . . . the resurrected Jesus is walking on the road to Emmaus, talking with two travelers. . . .”

KCU Announces Agreements with LBC, NEOBC

Kentucky Christian University has announced separate agreements to enable those who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisville Bible College or Northeast Ohio Bible College to seamlessly transition into the graduate programs offered by KCU’s Keeran School of Bible and Ministry. . . .

Follow Us