Matt 18

[Salty]

We are all familiar with church discipline and Mat 18.

When there is strife we are instructed to discuss the situation with the individual.

In this modern age, do you thin that an email or FB PM is the proper way of doing this.
I am not talking about setting up a meeting - but actually discussing the specifics of the strife?

Thoughts

 

[JonC]

I do not think it is appropriate. Electronic (and written, for that matter) 'communication' is more correspondence. Communication is more than words...especially in that type of situation. It is too serious of a matter not to discuss face to face with the person(s) involved. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

You can never tell if someone has even looked at an e-mail, with any accuracy.

Face to face. Dialog.

 

[annsni]

This is where face to face is VITAL!! You need to discuss a serious matter. That is not e-mail or text-worthy.

 

[Van]

I do not see fellow forum members as necessarily part on my local assembly, under the same Pastoral and Elder rule. What does the Bible say about settling disputes with neighbors?

 

[Pastor_Bob]

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (KJV)

Obviously they didn't have social media in Jesus' day; but, I believe the Scripture is instructing a face-to-face confrontation.

It is far too easy to misinterpret a text or an email. When you're looking someone in the eyes, it is much easier to see their seriousness and/or sincerity.

 

[Salty]

I do not see fellow forum members as necessarily part on my local assembly, under the same Pastoral and Elder rule. What does the Bible say about settling disputes with neighbors?

Van, this is nothing to do with BB members (other than getting opinions)
this is an actual situation within our local church.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (KJV)

Obviously they didn't have social media in Jesus' day; but, I believe the Scripture is instructing a face-to-face confrontation.

It is far too easy to misinterpret a text or an email. When you're looking someone in the eyes, it is much easier to see their seriousness and/or sincerity.

Or just watch them squirm around uncomfortably for a half hour or so. You don't see that on a 'pute, either.

 

[Salty]

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: (KJV) ...

let me add one more thing --- this email was sent by one person to one person, however, I have reason to believe that 2 or maybe 3 other members were consulted prior to that email being sent.

I trust that this will be resolved on Sunday - face to face.

 

[Don]

Interesting. A phone call this evening has caused me to consider doing a lesson on this very topic Sunday evening. I hadn't considered the email or voicemail options yet.