What Does The Bible Say About Church Discipline Church Discipline Ultimate authority resides in Christ, who authorizes the church to use it as needed. (Matthew 18:17) And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Corrective discipline is for: Troublemakers and those who sow discord. (Romans 16:17)”Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” The unruly and disorderly. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) “ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” Those who disobey the great doctrines of the faith. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-14) “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this [a]epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.” Those who deny the great doctrines of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)”  If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the [a]doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. [c]From such withdraw yourself.” Those who are devise in the church Titus 3:10 ”If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” Those who engage in sex immorality and refuse to repent 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 Those who blaspheme the things of God. 1 Timothy 1:20Procedures in discipline Arrange a private meeting with the offender. (Matthew 18:15) If a private meeting fails, meet with them and several witnesses. (Matthew 18:16) Admonish and warn them. (Titus 3:10) As a final resort, bring the matter up to the whole church. (Matthew 18:17) Remove their membership, and avoid them. (Romans 16:17) Be ready to forgive them when repentance occurs. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11) Purpose of discipline To maintain the standards of the church to a watching world. (Matthew 5:13-16) To keep sin from spreading throughout the church. (Joshua 7:3); (1 Corinthians 5:6-7) Help the guilty person find their way to God. (2nd Corinthians 2:6-8) To escape God's judgment upon habitually sinning saints. (1 Corinthians 11:30)  Disciplining a leader in the Church Qualifications for a Elder/Overseer/pastor/Bishop 1Timothy 3:1-8, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4 Discipline 1 Timothy 5:19-20 Actions taken: investigate, gather two or three witnesses, rebuke1651 elégxō – properly, to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect) By word to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove. By deed in front of the Church. Note show no partiality. When should a leader be sat down? If they are rebuked before the congregation, warned by the leadership one and then twice they are to be rejected and removed. Can a fallen leader come back? Yes after he has shown the fruit of repentance he can be restored Luke 3:8, Galatians 6:1,2. How long must a leader wait to begin restoration? The qualification of an elder must be seen in his life and if two or three agreed he can return. 1 Timothy 3:1-8, Matthew 18:19-20 When should the authorities be brought into church discipline? Local or government authorities are reported to when criminal acts are committed, raped, murder, molestation, fraud etc.. Romans 13:1-8 otherwise the church must handle its discipline through the scripture and wise leaders. 1 Corinthians 6:1-5