In Pursuit of Prodigals: A Primer on Church Discipline and Reconciliation

by Stephen Davey

An 83 page primer on the biblical teaching concerning church discipline and reconciliation.

Genres: Ecclesiology

88 pages, Hardcover

First published February 21, 2011

About the author

Emphasizing expositional preaching, Stephen Davey is an influential pastor, professor, and author living with his wife, Marsha, in Cary, North Carolina. Serving as pastor-teacher at Colonial Baptist Church since founding it in 1985, his pulpit ministry is extending around the globe through the media/radio ministry, Wisdom for the Heart.
Stephen is also president and founder of Shepherds Theological Seminary, where he serves as professor of Biblical Exposition and Pastoral Theology. He and Marsha have four grown children and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise introduction to Church Discipline. As such, it is commendable. I found a number of very helpful passages and definitions. Would be a great little resource to hand out to someone just being introduced to the idea of meaningful membership and church discipline.

There were a couple of times where the author took some cheap pot shots at the church growth movement and 'broad evangelicalism'. He is not alone in this tendency - it is a common tactic among more conservative authors and leaders. And of course there is no lack of fodder for easy criticisms - that isn't the point. The point is that these kinds of statements tend to achieve only mixed results. For those already convinced of these views, they are self-congratulatory and potentially an encouragement to self-righteousness. But for those who hold the view being critiqued, I think the condescending tone makes it unlikely for them to be convinced and won over.

I would love to see a greater self-restraint and more effort given to winsomely convincing the 'other side'. The only conclusion I can draw from the kinds of statements I'm referring to is that they are designed primarily to reinforce the existing beliefs of the author's tribe. To me it smells like the kind of thing that happens when someone is surrounded by people who think just like them for extended periods of time. They learn to speak the language of that group, but can tend to lose the ability to communicate winsomely to those outside the tribe. Therefore when I think of passing this book to a well-meaning pastor or elder who has not seen church discipline done (or done well) and was shaped in a typical modern evangelical setting, I can foresee these statements being off-putting. That's unfortunate.

Aside from that minor issue, I appreciated the book a lot.

[Patrick Lacson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book for pastors who are trying to follow how to love others who have in open sin. If you are a pastor this is a must-read. Helpful as well for Christians to come around wayward Christians who need to be restored in christ.

The chapter alone on what true repentance looks like is worth the price of the book!

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a small book on the controversial topic of church discipline. The strength of this book is that it is clear, direct and Biblical. Both Pastors and church members will benefit from reading it. The author begins with startling statistics of the large percentage of Pastors and church leaders who confess of neglecting the practice of church discipline. As the rest of the book demonstrates, the Bible is not vague on church discipline, which is described and prescribed in the Bible. I appreciate how early in the book the author stated the main objective of church discipline is restoration and not punishment. I also appreciate how the book deals with the major objection against church discipline, with the charge that we are not to judge others. The apologist within me is quick to point out the self-defeating nature of such an objection, but the author takes the more pastoral route in his response by showing from Scriptural data of when it is right and proper to judge, and when it is not right to judge. Again, this is very helpful. While some of the book’s interaction with the Biblical author can be gain from other books that touches on church discipline (typically within volumes on ecclesiology), I found this book to be uniquely helpful with its discussion on the parameter of sins that leads to church discipline, what the biblical evidence of repentance looks like and the need for forgiveness in the restoration process. For those who are unfamiliar with what the Bible has to say about church discipline, this should be the first stop.

[Allen Tsai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off strong, but then kind of puttered out. While I know it is a primer, perhaps the topic just can't be addressed without a lengthier treatment. There were also some interpretations and applications I was puzzled by. I didn't see the connection between Jesus' condemnation of unbelievers (Pharisees, pagan cities, etc.) matching the author's point about disciplining believers. I was also in disagreement with the issue of disciplining a non-member.

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful resource on a critical and challenging topic.

[Jarrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good stuff in the beginning. I came away feeling, however, it could be so much more.