What is Church Discipline and how does it work?
Answer:
One function of the church is to enforce the laws of Christ. The church has been authorized by God not magisterially, but ministerially to teach Christians to obey all that Christ has commanded them (Matt 28:20). Every believer is competent to instruct one another in Godly living. (Romans 15:14; Col 3:16; 1 Thess 5:11). No one can say that he is not able to contribute to the church and therefore does not need to be in it. We read in scripture that elders and deacons are to be ordained in the church. One of the functions of elders in the church is to oversee the purity of doctrine within the church. A believer who does not place himself in fellowship with other believers cannot exercise the functions of a deacon or elder.
We read in the Bible that in the last days, many will abandon sound doctrine and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (1 Tim 4:1). False teachers will introduce destructive heresies. (1 Cor 11:9, Gal 5:20, Titus 3:10) In view of this, the Elders must enforce purity of doctrine and Christian living within the church. Those who fall into sin, or teach heresy are to be brought under church discipline with the hope that there might be Godly repentance. If there is no repentance from theological errors or if the person does not repent from his/her sins, the church is to excommunicate these people. Failure to do this results in subversion of the gospel and allows false teachers to lead the community of believers into sin and away from God.
In dealing with heretics or sinners who refuse to repent, the New Testament is clear about what the church is to do. 1 Cor 5:12-13 “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” The church with its exercise of church discipline, (which is itself a commandment by God) can only be exercised when believers are participating in regular Christian fellowship where members are accountable to one another.
To read more on how various aspects of Christian living can only be lived out when a believer is in the midst of a local body of believers, refer to these related questions:
- Why do we have to go to church? What is the purpose behind this?
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