by Tom Wacaster
In so many places, church discipline has become as obsolete as the model-T and as dangerous as a melt-down at a nuclear plant. What with the threat of a law-suit hanging over every eldership that dares to teach and administer a sound and Biblical disciplinary program, is it any wonder that we have shied away from public activity that might unnecessarily offend an unruly brother or sister in Christ? I stand amazed at the numerous “excuses” that are offered in an attempt to keep church discipline at bay while at the same time upholding the “right” of every warm blooded American from doing what he pleases without fear of reprisal. And while it is true that our sue-crazy society seeks for damages at the drop of hat, it is not the case that godly men should tremble at the laws of men and refuse to exercise their god-given responsibility to keep the church pure from evil.
Why should we practice church discipline? There are many Scriptural reasons why discipline ought to be practiced: (1) It is a New Testament doctrine, plainly taught by precept and example. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Romans 16:17, Matthew 18:15-17 are just a few selections for your study and meditation. (2) Church discipline is intended for the good of the offender as well as the good of the congregation. If a soul can be brought to repentance and recovered to the cause of our Lord, then who can argue that good was not accomplished? But in addition, it is good for the congregation. It guards the body from the leavening influence of evil in the lives of those who are out of harmony with God’s word. (3) Finally, church discipline shows the world that the church is determined to keep itself pure. The charges of hypocrisy and inconsistency would largely disappear if congregations of the Lord’s church would practice discipline.
Here are some reasons why we have not fulfilled this most important obligation to our Lord.
First, such a program is as rare as hen’s teeth for the simple reason that so many have never seen it done before. When we climb on the band wagon displaying the banner “We’ve Never Done It That Way Before,” we lock ourselves into human tradition and exacerbate the problem rather than solve it. Failure to do what is right is no excuse for further neglect. Rather than hang on to the apron strings of misdirected intentions and inappropriate action, let us cut loose from the moors of fears and frets and get on with doing the Lord’s will.
Second, some have failed to exercise church discipline because they simply do not know any better. But ignorance is no excuse, and once enlightened with regard to what the Bible says about such matters, those who love the truth will march forward with the sword of the Spirit and prune the Lord’s church of the deadwood that has held her back from being what the Lord intended she be. In short, lack of knowledge on this matter is no excuse, and in this case ignorance is anything BUT bliss!
Third, fear has blocked a number of attempts to march forward with the truth and put our own house in order. There is no doubt that a good solid disciplinary program is going to make some folks mad. But so does the preaching and teaching of the gospel. Shall we then neglect both and seek to win friends and influence people? Courage is needed in this day of fear. Why wring our hands with concern about what MIGHT happen if we exercise discipline, and ignore what WILL happen if we disobey the Lord in this matter? Remember, discipline is a command, no less than that of being baptized into Christ for remission of sins.
Fourth, we have failed to exercise discipline because we are overly concerned about what the world might think about us if we are so unloving and unkind (words selected by the opposing party) as to demand repentance or suffer the consequence. To begin with, discipline is not unloving, nor is it unkind. A parent that does not discipline his child can lay no claim to genuine love of that child. Pretense, yes; but a genuine love, absolutely not! While it is true that the world might think ill of us for what might appear to be harsh treatment toward those who are supposed to be our brethren, what shall they think of us if we do not exercise discipline and go on allowing those who are out of step with the Lord and His will to continue therein?
Finally, some aver that church disciple does not work. I once had a brother in Christ tell me that church discipline will drive the brother away. May I kindly ask, “Away from WHAT”? A sinning brother is already away from God. Discipline is an attempt to bring the erring child of God BACK to God. Upon what basis can it be claimed that discipline does not work. Admittedly, it will not work on the hardhearted. Nor will not work on the rebellious. To that we can add those who love “the pleasures of sin,” those who are more interested in pleasing men, and those whose physical family takes priority over the body of Christ. The fact is, discipline DOES work. Did it not work in the case of the church at Corinth, as we have just studied? Experience has taught me that discipline, when done properly, does work. That said, how do we go about exercising church discipline when it is needed?
First, we should pray for those who are unfaithful. No, prayer will not miraculously bring them home. But it is not just the wayward for whom we pray. Elders should be praying for courage, wisdom, and yes, even more love for those who are needing to be disciplined.
Second, prayer should be followed with action. There is the need to contact the erring. A letter? Perhaps! If a congregation selects to send a letter, it should be followed up with a personal visit as quickly as possible.
Third, it is essential that the congregation be informed. This is to invoke their prayers for the lost and their participation in the disciplinary process. Remember, Paul told the Corinthians that discipline would be “in the name of our Lord Jesus” with “ye being gathered together…to deliver such a one unto Satan” (1 Cor. 5:4-5).
Fourth, when the time comes for the personal visit, remember why you are going to see them. It is not a casual visit. It is for the purpose of seeking the sheep that has gone astray.
Fifth, time should be given to allow the erring brother to contemplate his actions. Exactly how long between the first contact and the final withdrawal of fellowship is not stated in the Bible. Much depends upon how the brother responds and his attitude toward those who are seeking to bring him home.
Sixth, if the brother responds favorably, then we have won a soul. But what should be done if he does not respond favorably? What if he bows his back and stiffens his neck (spiritually speaking of course). The Bible is crystal clear on this matter. “A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11). Will this be easy? Definitely not! Nor should it be easy! When the Prodigal Son left the father there is nothing in that parable that indicates that the father was “at ease” in the tragic departure of his son.
Seventh, and finally, when it has become abundantly clear that the erring brother has no intention of repenting and submitting to God, the withdrawal must take place. Withdrawal is not to be done out of vengeance. Withdrawal should take place with a broken heart and with tears running down the cheek. When Jesus essential withdrew from the entire Jewish nation, His words were filled with pathos and sorrow:
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord (Matt. 23:37-39).
Beloved, let us love the Lord enough to do what He has told us to do: “…Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us” (2 Thess. 3:6). What are we waiting for?