Pastor Ralph Posted February 5, 2014 Report Share Posted February 5, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickledilly Posted March 22, 2014 Report Share Posted March 22, 2014 In Q4 of Lesson 3, I went in this direction: No one wants it to come down to this, but sometimes it may be required to exercise “church discipline”. This is only for errant believers, and must be done scripturally with the goal of restoration (Matthew 18). This should begin with the prayerful, humble, loving effort to discuss the sin at hand in a PRIVATE discussion. It is NEVER appropriate to call someone out in front of the congregation, especially as a first step. This would be a time to share concerns, to listen, to explain God’s Word, and to pray together. There is a process of steps to take if the person is unrepentant, steps that might need to ultimately lead to the undesirable point of having to “tell it to the church” (vs.17; which shouldn’t require every detail of the situation). All of this would only be relevant to a situation where a believer was defensive of a persistent sinful position that is damaging to the health/purposes of the church and exerts an evil influence in the Body. Jesus is at work to purify His Body so that we will shine as lights in the darkness of the world. He was a friend of sinners, but He always condemned sin in God’s people with the desire for restoration. Prior to reaching the stage of excommunication, every effort should be made to guide the offender to repentance and restoration. This would begin with private discussion between the transgressor and a spiritually mature believer – hopefully the pastor or another wise church leader. If there is no recognition of sin and no change of heart, Paul said to continue conversation with 2 or 3 additional mature Christians. If rebellion continues against the truth of God’s Word, it is time to address it before the congregation, in the manner already described. This may be a point at which the defensive sinner must be removed from fellowship with the body because of the destructive influence of their presence. When a sinning member repents, the Body should rejoice and receive that person back into fellowship with some proper cautions. I think it would be prudent to establish one-on-one discipleship and accountability with a mature wise believer, especially important if the transgression was based in sexual immorality. There should probably be a period of time for the person to demonstrate the genuineness of repentance and evidence of turning from the sin before allowing them to step into any public areas of service in the church. In truth, there are always consequences to sin, and some positions might never be allowed. The overall goal is restoration to God and to the Body. I can imagine what a possibly difficult "growing experience" that would be for everyone involved, because the congregation would have to be humble and loving rather than proud and judgmental. It would require reliance on God's Word and spiritual wisdom all around! Christians today are generally unwilling to address any need for church discipline, or the instances I’ve heard of have been harsh, self-righteous, and legalistic. This can only rightly be accomplished through people who are humbly submitted to God’s leading, people who are relying on God’s wisdom and not their own, people who are compassionate as they recognize their own failure and sinfulness, people who desire restoration and not retribution. It takes boldness and strong conviction of right, and we often pull back from such a confrontation because we’re fearful of a backlash of criticism or ridicule, we feel inadequate because we know how we’ve also failed, or we’re timid about what right actually is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IvoryEagle Posted March 22, 2014 Report Share Posted March 22, 2014 What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Often, the appropriate discipline is a private conversation between the offender and the pastor, church leader, or another respected layperson. Most of the time, this is quite effective. Only when the person is unrepentant -- and the matter is of serious import -- does it need to come to the church. Who should exercise that kind of correction? pastor, church leader, or another respected layperson. What do we do when a sinning member repents? Return them back to the family. Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Blatant disregard for God's Wordl Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Money lost; membership reduced and could be negatively impacted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
van Posted March 23, 2014 Report Share Posted March 23, 2014 The levels of correction and discipline are to be done in a formal assembly by those individuals with the Lord presence, will and power within them. They are to take spiritual action because this type of behavior can affect the church and affect the relationship with the unrepentant person(s). When sinning member repent, When a sinning member repent for their sin they are restored to the church. The main reason why so many churches today don't excommunicate a person or persons mostly because of money and also they don't want to loose a member(s). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinstonY Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? If someone sins and ‘it’ is recognized than the one who recognizes it should go to the sinner and, gently and kindly - but firmly, point out the sin and the error of that ones way. If the one listens, well and good, if not than several should confront the sinner together as a matter of witness. If the sinner still does not relent than the matter must come before the church. This might be to come before an official meeting of the church which is convened especially for the purpose and it must meet with a spiritual purpose of carrying out the work of the Lord. When this fails Matthew 18:17 suggests that the sinner be treated as a pagan or tax collector. This probably means as Paul writes “you are to hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so the spirit may be saved”. (1 Corinthians 5:5) The whole purpose of this whole process is just this, to save the soul of the unrepentant sinner. When a sinner repents, he is to be welcomed back to the fold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 First, person to person. Then 2 or 3 witnesses to that person. Person to person could be anyone. 2-3 witnesses should include a pastor or elder. If they repent, praise God and accept them back!! If they choose not to repent, they need excommunication--let God deal with them!! If it is not practiced often, it becomes a basis for a law suit or worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highohfaith Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? The person committing the sin should be brought before the church leader, and laypersons. Hopefully this is done discretely and is kept between the leaders. They should at first be rebuked gently, and counseled. Prayed for, that they will repent of their sins. Repentance means confess, turn away from ones sin. Repentance requires action on the part of the sinner. The sinner must turn away from, and also mourn his sin. When the sinner repents and recognizes his sin, mourns his sin, refrains from his sin, and ask God for forgiveness, he is to be welcomed back into the church with open hands and hearts! Excommunication is necessary when one refuses to confront,repent and ask for forgiveness of his sin. The sinner is proud and boastful of his/her sin. The sinner risk 'contaminating' the rest of the congregation by his sin. Churches today are more interested in quantity than quality. Despite knowing that excommunicating a blatant sinner is best for the congregation, they don't want to send a message which would deter people from coming to their church, thus losing money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerbrand van Schalkwyk Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? 1st to talk with the person alone, then to go with witnesses. Who should exercise that kind of correction? The person who was sinned against or the church leaders What do we do when a sinning member repents? If God forgives how are we to see ourselves as judges Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Discipline is part of God's plan, it helps us to bring sinners back in line Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? We want to be popular Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkerslope Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? If you see someone commit a sin and wants to hid it, I need to go and talk to that person and try to get them to repent. If he or she does not repent, I need to get two or three other people and go talk to him or her and get the full story of what has happened. It he or she still does not repent, I need to bring the case (situation) before the full congregation, telling them the full situation. If he or she still does not repent and change, the congregation is to excommunicate (disfellowship - avoid) that person and treat them as an unbeliever. Who should exercise that kind of correction? This correction should be the work of the elders of the congregation that is affected. What do we do when a sinning member repents? We are to restore that person to full fellowship. Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? "One rotten apple in a basket of good apples will cause all the apples to spoil." A Christian who does not repent of a known sin will let the community around the church that we tolerate that sin. And it will let the members of the congregation know that it is alright to do that sin. Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Excommunication has been much miss used in the past church history. And even today, some are very quick to do it to show their own power. With the situation of having multiple congregations and denominations in one city or area, the sinner can just go to another congregation and do his or her evil work without any discipline. I had a situation in which a man who had been on drugs but coming out of it, continued to say to people in our congregation that the front wall of our sanctuary looked like the face of the devil and being asked to stop, he did not. Then one day in front of our total congregation he interrupted our services loudly proclaiming that our building was the house of the devil. He was asked to leave and not come back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sank T Monius Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 1 Corinthians 5:2b-5 Q). What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? A). Levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication are: 1. Go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. 2. 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.' 3. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. # Q). Who should exercise that kind of correction? A). An official of the church or a respected layperson. # Q). What do we do when a sinning member repents? A). "...restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1) # Q). Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? A). Excommunication may be required for several reasons: (1) to protect the body from this pernicious influence, (2) to maintain standards of Christian behavior within the congregation, and (3) to get the attention of the sinner so that he will hopefully repent. # Q). Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? A). We're afraid that if we exercise discipline, that person will leave the church (with his or her money) and not return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lion of Grace Posted March 25, 2014 Report Share Posted March 25, 2014 The levels of correction short of excommunication would be: 1. A one on one communication as to the nature of the sin. 2. If that is not productive, bring in one or two other people in leadership as witnesses and confront the sin again. 3. If the person in sin blatantly refuses to change and correct the situation, it is to be brought before the entire church. The person carrying out these kinds of discipline would be: 1. The person sinned against. (One on one) 2. Leadership of the church (one or two witnesses) 3. The entire church (in accordance with blatant, unrepentant sin) When a sinning member repents he should be fully restored to the church community remembering ALL have sinned and have fallen short when it comes to sin. Excommunication is sometimes necessary because the offender has become rebellious and has decided he is above the confines of the truths that the congregation adheres to. If the sin is "tolerated" that will start a cancer in the church towards more rebellion. There has to be accountability for what we as a church professes to believe and how that is lived out. Excommunication though, is not condemnation of an individual hoping they never return! It should be grievous to leadership and the entire church that a member of a family has strayed. Though the sin can not be overlooked, we should always discipline with the hope of reconciliation in a Godly way. After all, that IS how God deals with us! Why are we as a church so afraid of discipline today? *The number one reason I hear today in these situations is that money would be withdrawn from the church. (UGGGHHHH!!!) *That numbers will go down when friends and relatives leave with the offender. *That the church would be viewed in a "bad" light in the community for lack of tolerance. *That discipline will start a division among church fractions. * I think though that we really ARE afraid to offend anyone in this day and age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jwalane Mofokeng Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? First we should invite the elder to look at the matter and then we can include the person who is responsible Who should exercise that kind of correction? The elders of the church but I think that is the responsibility of every church member who is burdened What do we do when a sinning member repents? I rejoice Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? For the members to repent and mourn about their sin Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Because we are scared of loosing our members not realizing that we are destroying the churc of Christ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? The levels of correction and discipline must be guided by our concern for the salvation of the person as Paul states (v 5), ‘. . . his spirit saved on the day of the Lord’. Jesus gives us clear directions that need to be taken to discipline a person who refuses to repent and stop sinning against a fellow Christian (Matthew 18:16-18). Any discipline taken must be done in love, ‘. . . because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son". When it comes to immorality in the church one has to first realise the need for discipline. As we know if this is not stopped it can spread like a cancer throughout the church. So, we are not to tolerate sin within the church any more than we are to tolerate it within our own lives. It is therefore, the responsibility of all church members, not simply the pastor or leaders, to expose any sinful practices. It must not be allowed to continue and threaten the purity of the church. The only trouble is that today there is the lack of integration in most churches, as few people truly know one another. Of course, if the person repents he should be forgiven, comforted, and restored in love. Excommunication should only be taken as a last resort. However, this is rarely taken today as we are normally afraid of the financial and membership implications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthouse2014 Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? The levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication would be to bring the individual before one or two of the church leaders or pastor, If the sinner repents, he would still be welcome in the church. If he refuses to repent and continues in his sinfulness, he then is excommunicated from the church. Exercising this this kind of correction should be done by the congregation of the church. If the sinner repents he is welcomed back into the church with love. Excommunication is necessary when the individual absolutely refuses to repent. We are so unwilling to exercise anyone today because, as I have seen in a past congregation, they worried about loosing the tithes and other members who maybe sinning in he same situation or having members sins brought to light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitar Jim Posted April 1, 2014 Report Share Posted April 1, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Talk to the offender privately first. If that doesn't lead to repentance, take two or three others and try again. If the person sees reason then that's what you need. If the person still won't repent, take the matter to the church body. If the person STILL won't repent, excommunicate them. Who should exercise that kind of correction? Pastors and elders. Those mature in the faith. What do we do when a sinning member repents? Welcome them back into fellowship and love them. Don't hold what they've done over them. Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Better that an unrepentant sinning person leaves the church than to allow them to stay and ruin the church's reputation. Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Any number of reasons. The person may be a generous giver and donate a lot to the church. To kick them out would hurt the financial planning of the ministry. They may be a personal friend to many and it would destroy that friendship to excommunicate them. Also, if the matter was publicly known the world at large may condemn the church for doing that and the church's reputation would suffer. There have been a few instances where really high profile pastors have been guilty of adultery. They are all still ministering, some still on TV. We had a homosexual paedophile at our church and he wouldn't repent. He didn't see anything wrong with being a practicing homosexual and being a Christian about it. He preyed on young teenage boys and two of them had committed suicide years later from the never ending trauma in their minds and hearts. This man was confronted about it and he refused to repent. The pastor was in favor of excommunication while the members . . . at least quite a few of them . . . favored continuing intense counselling unto repentance. The pastor resigned his commission over that issue. The paedophile went to prison, but was out on parole before you knew it . . . most likely for good behavior. After all there weren't any young boys in jail. I'd see him around and wondered why he wasn't still in jail. This is a prime example of not being tough enough to make the hard decision the situation required. No doubt his membership in the church contributed to his early release. If he'd been excommunicated in the first place he couldn't have used that as a ticket back out into the community. Those type of people never truly change of their own volition. They believe they're OK and that homosexuality is a normal thing and just another way of having sex. It takes the Holy Spirit, and He alone, to fully convict and cleanse someone from that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted April 4, 2014 Report Share Posted April 4, 2014 Levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication could include counseling and limiting that person to church attendance only. The pastor along with church leadership (i. e. elders and deacons), should exercise that authority and correction. When a sinning member repents that person should be restored to full participation within the church as the leadership deems appropriate. Excommunication is needed when a person is unrepentant and that person's behavior is harming the church. In many churches unrepentant people are permitted to remain without counseling or asked to leave because it is concerned unloving and many just don't want to lose church members. Numbers are often more important than the quality of the congregation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Jerry Posted April 15, 2014 Report Share Posted April 15, 2014 The levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication is to go to that person and address the situation with them. If they don’t listen then we are to have two or three others go with us to see if we can correct the problem. The person who should exercise that kind of correction is a member of the church. When that sinning member repents we accept him back into the body of Christ. If the person doesn’t want to repent of their sins and the procedure that is in the Bible has been followed then we are to excommunicate that person. The reason that we are so unwilling to exercise it in our day is that would make us intolerant. It is not politically correct to be seen as intolerant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haar Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Levels of discipline: i. Meet the offender, when he listens and changes, well and good. ii. If he does not, take two witnesses to meet him for another chance for him to repent. iii. If he still does not change, then the matter should be taken to the Church to handle. If he does not still repent, he is excommunicated. The one to exercise the correction depends on the type of problem, the first two steps are to be handled by the individual who has been offended. But a case of sexual sin by a member should be initiated by the Pastor of the church who meets the sinning member alone and later with on elder. When a sinning member repents, he should be welcomed back and restored into the fellowship. Excommunication is sometimes necessary so as to make the unrepentant sinner come to his senses and the second reason is that it will teach the congregation that blatant sin is not condoned. Excommunication is not commonly exercised because the church does not want to loose the member Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blezed Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? 1. Handle gently and lovingly. First, go to your brother/sister and show him/her their fault. Second, take one or two along as witnesses. Third, take him/her to the church. Last, treat him/her as a tax collector. Who should exercise that kind of correction? 2. The individual sinned against then the elders or leadership of the church. What do we do when a sinning member repents? 3. Restore them back into the fellowship gently. Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? 4. To protect the body from this pernicious influence, to maintain standards of Christian behavior within the congregation, and to get the attention of the sinner so that he will hopefully repent. We are afraid that the person will leave the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixonle Posted June 19, 2014 Report Share Posted June 19, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? There are levels of correction inherently based upon the seriousness of the unrepentant sins. The book of Discipline in most organized churches will have its due process handling in addition to the matchless word of God. Actions might and should include counseling to 2 or more church people meeting with the unrepentant sinner. If and when the person repents of the sin(s), he/she is be accepted through forgiveness as if nothing had happened…sins that are harmful to the person and/or the church, actions such as excommunication might be appropriate in order to protect the body of believers, to maintain the standards of God’s Holy Word and until such time as the person repents and can be brought back into good standing in the body of believers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissioned Posted December 6, 2014 Report Share Posted December 6, 2014 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Who should exercise that kind of correction? What do we do when a sinning member repents? Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication are found in confronting the individual, showing him his erroneous ways. If that does not cause a change in him you are to bring one or two others to speak to him. When these two attempts fail then you can take the matter to the church and if he persist and refuse correction then excommunication may be considered. That kind of correction should be exercised by a person who is more matured in the faith with the authority to discipline. When a sinning member repents we are to restore them to the fellowship, continuing with them and discipling them to study areas in the Bible that speaks to the particular sin. Excommunication is sometimes necessary when the person refuses to repent and continue in the sin. We are so unwilling to exercise it in our day because we think that we are showing some form of grace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanG Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 There should be a one on one conversation between the elder of the church and the sinner. If this does not do any good. Then, two or three other elders should be called into an intervention type of activity to try and help the sinner overcome the grips of the sin. If the sinner repents, there should be instructions and studying of the bible with this person. They should be given time with a counselor to learn how to say "no" to sin and how to strengthen their faith. There should be prayers said as a way of intervention for the person to God. When a person is proud of his sins, there needs to be action taken so that he does not poison others in the congregation. We need to isolate sinfulness from faith believing people. There needs to be a safe zone- in our churches were people can learn in a non- threatening way. I believe that people do not want to use excommunication in our days. We are afraid that they will leave the church and take their money with them. We can also feel that their supporters will also leave the church. There is also the fear of law suits against the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmela Posted May 10, 2022 Report Share Posted May 10, 2022 Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Confronting the person or persons about the particular lifestyle lived or sin being committed. Explaining clearly the contrast to the Word of God. Doing it gently, lovingly and firmly. If they are in any leadership position, remove them from that but continue encouraging them and watch if true repentance is reflected and the Holy Spirit leads that way, restore them to wherever He shows. Who should exercise that kind of correction? The leadership/pastor of the church community the person or persons are part of or a layperson. If it was a sin committed against someone, then that one included also (as a witness). Only when the person/s is/are unrepentant does it go in front of the church. What do we do when a sinning member repents? Restore them, encourage them. Rejoice together Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? If unrepentant then it could easily spread. Others could bring in other sin and eventually anything is tolerated and the world has been brought into the pews. Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Lawsuits. People's rights. Fear of man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissi Posted June 21, 2023 Report Share Posted June 21, 2023 The fact that so few have been excommunicated is quite telling, really -- our church could be too morally weak to do this. But I'm not sure, in the West, if excommunication would be effective even if the church was morally stronger. The sinful Christian would just go to another church, leaving his/her old church before the excommunication occurred. People church hop for many reasons including feeling "uncomfortable" in churches with a more stringent vision of morality. So, if the sinful Christian left one church for another, the elders in the first church would be freed from the unsettling task of excommunication and that person himself would have found another church. Frankly, I think the reason why churches don't excommunicate is that often -- though not always -- egregious sins in a church have been committed by the pastor or church leaders and covered up by those around him. It's not the congregation that "sins boldly" but those who are in charge, who should be, presumably, the ones excommunicating. It's difficult for ordinary congregants to expose corruption at the top of their church; far too easy to point fingers at a powerless and nameless peer. Also, I think the reason why we no longer excommunicate, or do so rarely, is that we're smitten with this Christian version of tolerance -- "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Those were Jesus' words to the Pharisees who were condemning an adulterous woman. We are to be like Christ. We all sin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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