chad everson on church discipline

chad has been rebuked privately and publicly and members of the body are to withhold intimate fellowship through the process and procedure of group disapproval and social ostracism. Clearly, the offender knows that his action has dishonored the Lord and has caused a rupture in the harmony of the body. The goal has always been restoration.

2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15 6 But we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition they received from us. 14 But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Unfortunately, here we are at the final stage. “If there is still no response in repentance and obedience, the church is to apply the procedures of excommunication as directed in Matthew 18:17 (If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector.)”

Fellow Brothers & Sisters, my prayer is that you will reach out to this man with the Gospel.