The Process of Church Discipline

Let’s be honest—no one likes the word discipline. It brings to mind correction, discomfort, and confrontation. But in the church, discipline isn't about shame—it's about love, accountability, and, ultimately, restoration. After the recent event, I think the church needs a reminder of the process of church discipline.

As a pastor, I don’t take church discipline lightly, and neither do the elders. It's painful, it's messy, and it's never easy. But it's also biblical. And if done the way Jesus commanded, it leads to something beautiful: repentance, healing, and unity in the Body of Christ.

Why Does Church Discipline Matter?
The local church is a family. And just like in a healthy home, when someone starts living in a way that brings harm to themselves or others, love steps in. Not to control—but to restore.

Hebrews 12:11 (LSB) says:
“And all discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful, but to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

That’s the goal—righteousness. Not revenge. Not public shame. Peaceful fruit that comes from a life made right with God.

The Process Jesus Gave Us
In Matthew 18:15–17 (LSB), Jesus lays out a clear, loving process:

1st- Private Conversation

“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault, between you and him alone; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.”

The first step is one-on-one. No gossip. No social media. Just a loving confrontation. The goal is simple—win your brother back.

2nd- Take One or Two with You

“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED.”

If the person refuses to repent, involve one or two spiritually mature believers. Not to gang up—but to lovingly confirm and encourage repentance.

3rd- Tell it to the Church

“And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…”

At this point, the sin is hurting the whole body. Bringing it to the church is not about embarrassment—it’s a last plea for the person to return to Christ and His people.

4th- Treat as an Outsider (But with a Mission Heart)

“…and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as the Gentile and the tax collector.”

That sounds harsh—and sometimes it is. But in a person's loneliness, they realize the weight of their sin. The goal is still redemption.

What’s the Desired Outcome?
Church discipline is not about kicking people out. It’s about bringing people back. Back to truth. Back to grace. Back to Jesus.

Galatians 6:1 (LSB) reminds us:
“Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each of you looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”

We do this gently. Humbly. With tears in our eyes and hope in our hearts.

At Ignite Church, we don’t practice discipline because we’re perfect. We do it because we believe in the power of grace, truth, and accountability. If we want revival in the Church, it starts with repentance in the heart.

If you're walking in sin today—come home. The Church isn’t a place to hide sin—it’s a place where sin goes to die so that new life can rise in its place.

Let’s be a church that doesn’t just love with words—but with truth and action.

In Love,

Pastor Jody