Church discipline is a biblically mandated practice aimed at restoring a believer who has fallen into sin, maintaining the purity of the church, and upholding the honor of Christ. It is an expression of love and concern for the spiritual well-being of the individual and the community. The process is rooted in Scripture and reflects the heart of God, who desires repentance and reconciliation.

Biblical Foundation

The primary biblical passage outlining the process of church discipline is found in Matthew 18:15-17. Jesus instructs, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector" . This passage emphasizes a step-by-step approach, beginning with private confrontation and escalating only if necessary.

The Apostle Paul also addresses church discipline in 1 Corinthians 5, where he deals with a case of immorality within the Corinthian church. Paul instructs the church to "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 5:5). Here, the ultimate goal is the salvation and restoration of the sinner.

Purpose and Goals

The primary purpose of church discipline is restoration. Galatians 6:1 states, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" . The aim is to bring the erring believer back into a right relationship with God and the church community.

Additionally, church discipline serves to protect the church from the corrupting influence of sin. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, Paul warns, "Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are" . By addressing sin, the church maintains its purity and witness to the world.

Process and Implementation

The process of church discipline should be carried out with humility, love, and a desire for reconciliation. It begins with private confrontation, as outlined in Matthew 18, and involves the church community only when necessary. The involvement of witnesses and the church serves to confirm the facts and provide accountability.

Church leaders play a crucial role in guiding the process, ensuring it is conducted biblically and with the right motives. They are to shepherd the flock, as Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 5:2-3, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" .

Outcomes and Reconciliation

When church discipline is successful, it results in the repentance and restoration of the individual. This is a cause for rejoicing, as seen in the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus says, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7).

In cases where the individual remains unrepentant, the church is called to treat them as an outsider, not as a punitive measure, but as a means to awaken them to the seriousness of their sin and their need for repentance. The hope remains that they will eventually return to the fold, as the church continues to pray for and reach out to them in love.