Excommunication (Church Discipline)
One subject that has been controversial and misunderstood is excommunication. The reason for this is its misuse, and lack of understanding of its purpose. In casual conversations, often people reveal they believe it’s an act of judgment, especially if a friend or family member is involved. “They are judging people.” In truth, excommunication is a form of Church discipline designed to keep people from facing the wrath of God. Let’s drill down on biblical Church discipline, and the subject of excommunication
First, the word itself is not found in the Bible. Of course, there are other words not found there either (“Trinity” for instance); however, such words serve as quick references to principles found in the Bible.
The dictionary defines excommunication as an institutional act of religious censure used to deprive, suspend, or limit membership in a religious community or to restrict certain rights within it, in particular those of being in communion with other members of the congregation, and of receiving the sacraments. Okay, that’s the dictionary, but what does the Bible have to say about it?
In the New Testament, Jesus is the first One to teach this principle.
Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover 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. But 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. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church (refuses to listen to the church), let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Before examining the process, look at the purpose: reconciliation. What does that tell us? Love has to be the motivating factor behind the action. Question, how do we treat heathens? We love and pray for them. Though it may mean not hanging out with them; it does not mean we despise them!
In this particular example, the first course of action is to talk alone with the individual -mono et mono. It does not include telling others about the incident; except perhaps, genuinely seeking counsel from another. No drama! No one else needs to know how someone wounded us, nor do we need to publicly disparage the individual. The Bible talks much about backbiting. If the person refuses to listen or have an honest discussion, then we go to step two: get one or two others involved.
Before addressing the second step, let’s talk a little more about the first. This entire process requires humility. Yes, we may have been victimized by another, but that does not mean we play the victim card. On the contrary! On the other hand, we ourselves may play a role in the incident. We have to be able to admit when we’re wrong. Maybe we didn’t instigate the problem, but we could have made things worse by mishandling it. Have you ever let anger speak for you? Has self-righteousness ever play a role in a conflict? Can you even take the wrong without retaliating? Paul talks about this very thing in relation to taking others to court.
1 Corinthians 6:1, 5-8 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren (read entire chapter for fuller context).
Even in this passage, we see that we should avoid taking a brother or sister to court. Furthermore, it is not a good idea to air things out in front non-believers. It does nothing to further the Kingdom.
Paul asks, “Why not rather take the wrong?” What does this require? Forgiveness. When dealing with other people, forgiveness is a reoccurring theme. Our relationships don’t work very well without it. Before this, he asks if there’s someone you can find to mediate, and settle the dispute.
This leads us to another point: when involving other people, it’s important to find neutral parties. Whoever it may be should not have a dog in the fight, so to speak. We’re not trying to get them to side with us; we need them to help us sort things out. We do not always see things clearly, especially when emotions are involved. We have to allow others to call us out if we’re in the wrong. Are you willing to receive correction? Sometimes repentance is necessary on our part in order to facilitate reconciliation.
If the person still refuses to listen, the next step is to take them before the Church. At which point, if he or she still refuses to repent, cease fellowship with him or her. However, leave room for repentance and reconciliation. Separating ourselves from others does not mean we cease loving them. Separation can lead them to repentance. When people feel isolated, they tend to start viewing things differently. One thing for which to pray for the other person and ourself is clarity.
We’ll continue to drill down on Church discipline in the next blog. There are too many important aspects to cover in this one.
