Church Discipline: God's Gift for a Healthier, Holier Church

by James T. South, C. Philip Slate (Foreword)

The topic of church discipline has had an odd history in Christian circles. At one time, it was considered an "identifying mark of the church," but in modern times it has fallen into disrepute and suffers general negligence. In this book Tommy South seeks to reverse that trend by offering a biblical and theological exposition of the practice of early Christian discipline and showing how it can (and ought to) be utilized by churches today. South's earlier work on this topic ("That We May Share His A Fresh Approach to Church Discipline" [Bible Guides, 1997]) was the only book at the time which offered a close examination of all the biblical texts which teach corrective church discipline. Thoroughly re-written, expanded, and re-titled, it remains the most comprehensive study of this subject currently available.

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2015

Reviews

[Douglas Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little tedious. Church discipline is necessary and important -unfortunately what many have experienced of it has been graceless legalism rather than gentle restoration. It would have been great to hear how to have church discipline without creating a "gotcha" culture in the church. Would also have been helpful to have some directive in gentle restoration (Gal 6:1).

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thorough study of church discipline - an often neglected aspect of the local church and even more neglected in practice. The author is thorough in his exegesis of the applicable passages and their context. Every eldership and preacher should work through this material together.

[Jack Wilkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairly thorough study of the topic that does a great job of explaining the importance of not just practicing discipline but getting it right.