Church Discipline

We follow Matthew 18. Every step of the process is aimed at restoring a sinning brother or sister to a right relationship with fellow believers, with the church, and most importantly with the Lord.

First, if someone becomes aware of a brother/sister in sin the Bible says that person is to go to the one in sin.

If they will not hear you you come back with two or three spiritual believers (hopefully whom the one in sin respects).

If they still will not listen and repent it goes to the elders.

If the person will not listen to the elders and repent it come before the church body at the Lord's Supper and we do not allow that person to take communion with the church.

 

What if someone doesn't believe that membership is biblical, but attends church regularly, are they not in line to be diciplined if they step out of line?

 

Sure; they can be asked not to return until they get things straightened out.

 

Sexual sins do not fall under Matthew 18. Paul was very explicit about this. Consider 1 Cor. 5. Those who profess Christ, but commit sexual sins and do not repent immediately are to be put out from the assembly. Zero tolerance.

 

I like your process and intention but just curious as to why you added the step of going to the elders if you are following Matt 18? Don't get me wrong, that seems like a good idea and I would have no qualms about doing it. It just seems that one could leave out that step and still be biblical.