thistle93
Puritan Board Freshman
Hi! Do you think there is a Biblical basis for practicing formal church discipline on those who are not members of the church? This would be for those who claim to be Christians but are merely attendees and have made no real commitment to the local body. The way I see it is there is a need to admonish them as a brother and sister in Christ but think matter of formal church discipline is reserved for church members who have come into covenant with local body and have agreed to be under the authority of leadership. Obviously, my main desire is to be faithful to Scripture but also disciplining non-members does not only seem impractical but also could bring the church into possibly getting entangled in legal issues. THOUGHTS?
One last thing. When church discipline is practiced and the final step is reached where the person is to be put out of the church, what does this mean? Does it mean the person is to be asked to leave and no longer allowed to attend the church? I do not believe this is the case. Rather I would see it that person is to be removed from membership of the church, treated as a unbeliever who needs the Gospel and is not allowed to participate in Lord's Supper. THOUGHTS?
For His Glory-
Matthew
One last thing. When church discipline is practiced and the final step is reached where the person is to be put out of the church, what does this mean? Does it mean the person is to be asked to leave and no longer allowed to attend the church? I do not believe this is the case. Rather I would see it that person is to be removed from membership of the church, treated as a unbeliever who needs the Gospel and is not allowed to participate in Lord's Supper. THOUGHTS?
For His Glory-
Matthew
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