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Disfellowshipping

Discussion in '2004 Archive' started by Debby in Philly, Jan 12, 2004.

  1. Debby in Philly

    Debby in Philly Active Member

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    Has anyone been involved in the process of applying church disipline to the point of disfellowshipping a member? What were the circumstances? How was it done?
     
  2. GrannyGumbo

    GrannyGumbo <img src ="/Granny.gif">

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    Churches who will not exercise loving discipline are doing all who are involved a great disservice. My family was not excluded for ungodliness, but were kicked-out of an ABA church we had fellowshipped in for 6yrs. because we didn't want Satan Claws brought in. :eek:

    We were just a Mission at the time, & the sponsoring church came over & told us to get out. My husband & sons-in-law were deacons; so much for the autonomy of a church. :rolleyes: (Of course, as it turned out, this was absolutely the best thing that could have happened to us!) [​IMG]

    Churches have the right & responsibility to discipline members who refuse to settle personal disputes(Matt. 18:15-17). They also have the authority to discipline members who are guilty of public sins(1Cor. 5:1-5; 2Cor.2:5-7). "Discipline is not something a church does to its members, but rather, it is something it does for them."

    Churches have maintained their purity by the proper use of church discipline...not many are doing this anymore. :confused:
     
  3. Debby in Philly

    Debby in Philly Active Member

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    I am referring here to a case similar to I Cor. 5. What would be considered the "correct" process, both from the position of concern for the individual and the position of concern for the church?
     
  4. GrannyGumbo

    GrannyGumbo <img src ="/Granny.gif">

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    I'm not a Bible "scholar", but I do believe a church should deal with any member who is bringing reproach upon the Lord & His church.

    There in 1Cor.5, Paul instructed the church @Corinth to withdraw fellowship from the man who was guilty of immorality. They did as he instructed, because in 2Cor.2 he told them to restore him to fellowship.

    Personally, I do not believe just a pastor or the deacons have the authority to expel members...the whole church does; but the pastor should teach what ought to be done, as he will be held responsible before God.

    The church should be able to present itself to God without spot or blemish. (Eph. 5:27) I believe Jesus will find very few of His churches in this condition when He comes back.

    I'm sure there are some sound teachings of church discipline on the net. God bless.
     
  5. Debby in Philly

    Debby in Philly Active Member

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    Thank you, GrannyGumbo.
    Has anyone else had experience with this? This is a very serious thing, and I would find all testimony helpful.
     
  6. Dan Todd

    Dan Todd Active Member

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    The ultimate purpose of church discipline - is to correct sinful behavior -

    True confession of the sin - seeing a change in the sinful behavior - then re-association with that forgiven believer.

    Sometimes the corrected person can no longer function as they once did - example - if a pastor committed the sin of adultry - divorces his wife, etc. When the sinful behavior is truly confessed - and fellowship is restored - that pastor can no longer Scripturally function as a pastor.

    Sin scars - and although the open wounds heal - the scars remain.

    Dan
     
  7. GrannyGumbo

    GrannyGumbo <img src ="/Granny.gif">

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    Debby, I can tell you what I've seen...In one instance, the one being brought before the church had been approached by the pastor, then a couple of men, (all with a heart of love for that person)--- but still he refused to repent.

    Then his "exclusion" was brought before the church & voted on. He was not present, altho' he was asked to be. The man was then in a position for God to better deal with him, but I'm sure he didn't think so at the time. In the meantime, he could not hold any positions, or partake of the Lord's Supper. (We practice "closed communion").

    Another time, a woman was excluded for practicing heresy. She later realized how wrong she was & came before the church & made a public apology, which was accepted & she was received into full fellowship.

    Churches do have the authority to discipline members who are guilty of public sins, but usually a person's attitude says, "I don't owe the church anything". (Also, most pastors today seem spineless).

    I think there's only a couple of churches I know of who practice excluding; especially with folks continually shouting "judge not!"

    Things are really different today, but that don't make it right. It is important that we be like Christ.
     
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