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ARTICLE 9: Discipline

Biblical church discipline shall be carefully conducted by each member according to the Scriptures. The elder(s) should be contacted if any member thinks that an issue may be worth considering for public discipline. If there are no elders in the church, a deacon(s) or steering committee member should be contacted. The elder(s), and in the case of the absence of elders, the deacon(s) or steering committee, shall administrate any discipline that necessitates public disclosure of a non-repentant brother or sister. There are two types of discipline we will conduct:
A.
Formative Discipline
Formative discipline involves the use of all the means ordained by God to discipline or develop our souls unto godliness.
1.
Personal: the Word of God ; prayer ; fasting ; and the mortification of sin

Psa. 1 KJV Read in context

1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Pr. 8:34 KJV Read in context

34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Jn. 17:17 KJV Read in context

17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Matt. 6:5-15 KJV Read in context

5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 18:1 KJV Read in context

1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Matt. 9:14-17 KJV Read in context

14Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? 15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. 16No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. 17Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

Mark 2:18-22 KJV Read in context

18And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? 19And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. 21No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. 22And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

1 Cor. 7:5 KJV Read in context

5Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Matt. 18:8-9 KJV Read in context

8Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Rom. 8:13 KJV Read in context

13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

1 Pet. 2:11 KJV Read in context

11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

2.
Reciprocal: member to member , people to pastors and pastors to people .

Rom. 12:10 KJV Read in context

10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Rom. 14:19 KJV Read in context

19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Rom. 15:7, 14 KJV Read in context

7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

1 Cor. 12:25 KJV Read in context

25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Gal. 5:13 KJV Read in context

13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Gal. 6:2 KJV Read in context

2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Eph. 4:2, 32 KJV Read in context

2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Phil. 2:3 KJV Read in context

3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

1 Thess. 3:12 KJV Read in context

12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

1 Thess. 4:18 KJV Read in context

18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thess. 5:11, 15 KJV Read in context

11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Heb. 3:12, 13 KJV Read in context

12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Heb. 10:24 KJV Read in context

24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Jms. 5:16 KJV Read in context

16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

1 Pet. 4:9-10 KJV Read in context

9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Thess. 5:12-13 KJV Read in context

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Heb. 13:7, 17 KJV Read in context

7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Acts 20:28 KJV Read in context

28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Pet. 5:2-3 KJV Read in context

2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

B.
Corrective Discipline
Corrective discipline involves the use of all means ordained by God to discipline our soul against sinfulness.
1.
Personal sins

Matt. 18:15-17 KJV Read in context

15Moreover 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. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

1 Cor. 5:9-13 KJV Read in context

9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

2 Cor. 2:6 KJV Read in context

6Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

Gal. 6:1 KJV Read in context

1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1 Thess. 5:14 KJV Read in context

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

2.
Public sins

Matt. 18:15-17 KJV Read in context

15Moreover 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. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Rom. 16:17-19 KJV Read in context

17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

1 Cor. 5:9-13 KJV Read in context

9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

2 Cor. 2:6 KJV Read in context

6Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

1 Thess. 5:14 KJV Read in context

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

2 Thess. 3:14 KJV Read in context

14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

1 Tim. 4:7 KJV Read in context

7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Titus 3:10 KJV Read in context

10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Corrective discipline will be applied after the elder(s), deacon(s) or steering committee have presented the case to the voting members and upon a properly conducted vote of the church. Discipline shall be removed by a properly conducted vote of the church.
Public, corrective discipline may take any of the following forms: verbal censure ; verbal censure with the removal of some membership privileges ; or excommunication–the removal of a person from the communion of the saints or church membership .

Matt. 18:17 KJV Read in context

17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Rom. 16:17–19 KJV Read in context

17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

1 Thess. 5:14 KJV Read in context

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

2 Thess. 3:6–15 KJV Read in context

6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Tit. 3:10 KJV Read in context

10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 Thess. 3:14–15 KJV Read in context

14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Rom. 16:17-19 KJV Read in context

17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

1 Cor. 5:9-13 KJV Read in context

9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

The specific passages to be applied will be determined by the elder(s), deacons(s) or steering committee. Any censures placed upon an excommunicated person will depend on the reasons for discipline on a case by case basis.
This church reserves the right to publically censure non-members in accordance with .

Romans 16:17-19 KJV Read in context

17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

All public censures of non-members must be approved by a vote of the church.

King James Version (1769 text), public domain. Text from eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society.

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