Thoughts on Church Discipline

Church discipline is an uncomfortable and grossly misunderstood topic, and consequently it is tragically neglected in most churches today. Its neglect is seen clearly in the decision of the ELCA not to discipline homosexual clergy, even though homosexuality is forbidden by their official church policy (not to mention the Scriptures!). It is also seen in Rev. Ann Gordon’s transformation into Rev. Drew Phoenix and her his acceptance by her his congregation.

Most misunderstand it because it seems on the surface to be unloving. Sam Storms corrects this mistaken notion by demonstrating that “a commitment to discipline in the local church is indicative not only of one’s love for holiness, as well as those lingering in sin, but most of all for the Lord Jesus.” Similarly, R. Scott Clark asserts, “The Apostle Paul also commanded that we love the congregation and love the impenitent by disciplining him.” So what may seem unloving is actually an expression of love to God, the church, and the sinning individual.

Storms points out that our negative response to church discipline “reflects how far removed we are today from the spirit of the New Testament.”

In his article, he answers helpfully and biblically these five questions:

1. First, why is church discipline so neglected, if not ignored altogether, in our day?
2. Second, why is discipline necessary?
3. Third, in what instances or for what sins should it be exercised?
4. Fourth, how is discipline to be done?
5. Fifth, by whom is discipline to be administered?

He his conclusion summarizes the article well:

In sum, the motivation for discipline is love (for the errant believer) and the goal of discipline is restoration. If Christ himself is so passionately committed to the purity of the church that he would sacrifice his life on her behalf, in order to present her “to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Eph. 5:27), we can hardly afford to turn a blind eye to repeated and unrepentant sin in our midst. May God grant us the grace and wisdom so essential for this delicate and crucial task.

Read both articles:

• Sam Storms: Reflections on Church Discipline
• R. Scott Clark: If We Won’t Discipline Are We Really A Church?

See also our previous posts:

• ELCA Approves of Gay Pastors
• Gay ELCA Defrocked Pastor Returns to Pulpit

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