Grace Baptist Church

Article VII - Church Discipline

   1. Section 1 - Formative

Formative church discipline is set forth through the teaching of God's Word, the example of Christian living, and the mutual ministry of the several members of the body of Christ. It has as its goal the instruction of disciples, the transformation of their lives, and their edification in love (Eph. 4:11-13; Rom. 12:1-16; 1 Cor. 12:4-27). Formative discipline has a sanctifying influence. Every member should be satisfied with his/her God-given ministry, and thus we shall all grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 4:7-12). Formative discipline utilizes the talents of each member, whether young or old, for the edification of all.

As members of this church we recognize our obligation to honor, serve, worship, praise and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all that we say and do (1 Cor. 10:31). Jesus Christ is the Head of the church and, therefore, its Lord and Lawgiver (Eph. 1:22; Isa. 33:22); and those who truly love Him will endeavor to keep His commandments (John 14:15). In His Holy Word our Lord has entreated believers to perform certain duties one toward another. Some of these duties are:

         1. To love one toward another without offence or hypocrisy (John 13:34, 35; Rom. 12:9; 13:8-10).

         2. To labor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).

         3. To endeavor for the edification and spiritual benefit of the whole body that they all may grow up to be a holy temple in and for the Lord (1 Cor. 14:12-26; Eph. 4:12, 29; 2:21, 22).

         4. To watch over one another for good (Phil. 2:3-4).

         5. To pray with and for one another (James 5:16).

         6. Not to neglect the assembling of ourselves together, for the celebrating of divine worship, and thereby to promote one another's spiritual benefit (Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42).

         7. To contend unanimously for the faith and truth once delivered to the saints, in the purity thereof, according to the Holy Scripture (Ps. 93:5; Zech. 14:2; 1 Cor. 14:33-40; 11:2).

The above duties, when faithfully performed by all, will have a positive, formative effect upon the whole assembly; and with the blessing of the Holy Spirit we will all be enabled to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The following section is provided in the event of the failure of formative discipline as set forth above.

   1. Section 2 - Corrective Discipline

Corrective discipline is called for by disorderly conduct or heretical doctrine which is contrary to the church's standard of life and doctrine. Reasonable efforts shall be made through counsel and admonition to resolve difficulties, correct errors, and remove offenses before any further action is taken. No offenses shall be brought before the church until the instructions of Christ have first been followed (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15-18). Corrective discipline always has for its aim the glory of God, the welfare and purity of the church, and the restoration and spiritual growth of the offender. The following are elements of corrective discipline:

         1. Exclusion - If a member is habitually absent from the fellowship of this church without just cause, or is unwilling to settle differences on Scriptural grounds, or requests severance of membership, he or she may be excluded from the membership at the recommendation of the Elders and vote of the congregation.

         2. Suspension - If a member has publicly sinned, but shows hopeful signs of repentance, including submission to the admonitions of church officers, then severe discipline, such as excommunication, would be improper. Nevertheless, serious offenses may not be overlooked altogether, lest God's enemies multiply their blasphemies, lest other saints be emboldened to sin, and lest the offender is harmed by a failure to test his own soul and appreciate the gravity of his offense. Therefore, at the discretion of the Elders, less severe terms may be imposed upon a member-such as public rebuke, or suspension of membership. The latter consists of a temporary suspension of the rights to attend the Lord's Table, to serve publicly in the church or vote in congregational meetings. Those who submit to such discipline are to be wholly forgiven and received as brethren. All such actions shall be reported to the congregation.

         3. Excommunication - When restoration is not secured by the processes required in Matt. 18:15-18, further steps must be taken to correct offenders. Written charges shall be given to the accused offender if he requests a hearing. The Elders shall meet with the accused, unless the person refuses to appear. After a fair and impartial hearing of all the witnesses accessible, and all facts ascertainable, the Elders must form a judgment. If they believe the accused to be guilty and deserving of severe biblical discipline, they shall make a recommendation that the offender be excommunicated at a duly called congregational meeting. The congregation shall have the right to excommunicate a member by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting. Excommunication always has as its end the glory of God, the purity of the body of Christ and the restoration of the offending party.

         4. Restoration - It is the duty of the church to forgive and restore to membership those persons who give satisfactory evidence of being repentant (II Cor. 2:6-8). The Elders shall meet with and restore those who have been excluded or suspended when they have judged that the aims of the discipline have been accomplished. Such action is to be reported to the church. Upon recommendation of the Elders the congregation shall have the right to restore an excommunicated person by a majority vote of the members present and voting at a duly called congregational meeting.