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The Scandal of Undisciplined Disciples: Making Church Discipline Edifying
Mention church discipline and people often react in discomfort. But did you know that Jesus made discipline a test of whether a church meets His approval (Revelation 2–3)? In The Scandal of Undisciplined Disciples, James Durham helps us to understand the matter by defining the nature of discipline and explaining when it is necessary. He identifies practical issues related to administering church discipline and shows how we can know when a case has been satisfactorily resolved. He also explains why simply leaving a church fails to address the issue and even provides practical advice for unfortunate instances when discipline is defective. Now presented in modern English, Durham’s classic treatment on the importance of church discipline can be used to edify a new generation.
Table of
1. Why Does Church Discipline Matter?
2. When Is Church Discipline Necessary?
3. How Should Church Courts Handle Disciplinary Cases?
4. When Has a Discipline Case Been Satisfactorily Resolved?
5. What Practical Issues Arise in Administering Church Discipline?
6. Why Does Separation from a Church Fail to Address the Issue?
7. What Should Church Members Do when Discipline Is Defective?
Table of
1. Why Does Church Discipline Matter?
2. When Is Church Discipline Necessary?
3. How Should Church Courts Handle Disciplinary Cases?
4. When Has a Discipline Case Been Satisfactorily Resolved?
5. What Practical Issues Arise in Administering Church Discipline?
6. Why Does Separation from a Church Fail to Address the Issue?
7. What Should Church Members Do when Discipline Is Defective?
184 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2022
3 people are currently reading
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About the author
James Durham
78 books8 followersJames Durham (1622 - 1658) was the eldest son of John Durham of Grange Durham Angus, and proprietor of ‘a good estate,’ then called Easter Powrie, in the county of Forfar. He studied at St. Andrews University, and afterwards lived at his country place. Subsequently he took arms in the civil war and became captain of a troop. Naturally serious and thoughtful, he had come under profound religious impressions on a visit to the relations of his wife (Anna, daughter of Francis Durham of Duntarvie) at Abercorn, near Edinburgh, and it was his being overheard praying with his soldiers by David Dickson, an eminent Presbyterian divine, that led to his devoting himself to the ministry.
After studying at Glasgow he was licensed as a preacher in 1647. That a man of his position should make such a change excited some comment among his old friends and neighbours, but his whole soul was in his new occupation, and he vindicated himself with great fervour.
Durham was a man of intense strength of conviction and great gravity of character. It is said of him, as of Robert Leighton, to whom in certain respects he bore a resemblance, that he was seldom known to smile. His studies, both in Scripture and in the theological and ecclesiastical questions of the day, were carried on with extraordinary diligence. Of his devotion to the Christian ministry he gave decided proof, both by his laboriousness in the work and by his retiring from the position and enjoyments of a country gentleman’s life.
Of his power and faithfulness as a preacher a remarkable illustration is said to have occurred at the time of Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. It is said that Cromwell entered his church incognito, and got a seat as it happened in the pew of the provost’s daughter, who, as he wore the dress of an English officer, was by no means very courteous to him. At the close of the service Cromwell asked her the preacher’s name. She gave a curt reply and asked why he wished to know. Cromwell replied ‘because he perceived him to be a very great man, and in his opinion might be chaplain to any prince in Europe, though he had never seen him nor heard of him before.’ It is certain that Durham preached before Cromwell against the English invasion. One version of the story has it that Cromwell asked him whether it was his habit to preach on politics, and that he replied that it was not, but seeing him present he thought it right to let him know his mind.
For a time he exercised his ministry in Glasgow, and in 1650 he was appointed Professor of Divinity in the university there. But before he could be settled in that office the General Assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain on the king. The duties of this office he discharged ‘with such majesty and awe’ as to inspire the court with much reverence for him. When free from this situation he was again called to the ministry in Glasgow, and inducted into the ‘Inner Kirk.’
His health had never been strong, and he was prematurely old, partly the effect of the singularly laborious life of study which he led. He died on 25 June 1658, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was held by his contemporaries in the very highest esteem as one of the most able and godly men of the time.
After studying at Glasgow he was licensed as a preacher in 1647. That a man of his position should make such a change excited some comment among his old friends and neighbours, but his whole soul was in his new occupation, and he vindicated himself with great fervour.
Durham was a man of intense strength of conviction and great gravity of character. It is said of him, as of Robert Leighton, to whom in certain respects he bore a resemblance, that he was seldom known to smile. His studies, both in Scripture and in the theological and ecclesiastical questions of the day, were carried on with extraordinary diligence. Of his devotion to the Christian ministry he gave decided proof, both by his laboriousness in the work and by his retiring from the position and enjoyments of a country gentleman’s life.
Of his power and faithfulness as a preacher a remarkable illustration is said to have occurred at the time of Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. It is said that Cromwell entered his church incognito, and got a seat as it happened in the pew of the provost’s daughter, who, as he wore the dress of an English officer, was by no means very courteous to him. At the close of the service Cromwell asked her the preacher’s name. She gave a curt reply and asked why he wished to know. Cromwell replied ‘because he perceived him to be a very great man, and in his opinion might be chaplain to any prince in Europe, though he had never seen him nor heard of him before.’ It is certain that Durham preached before Cromwell against the English invasion. One version of the story has it that Cromwell asked him whether it was his habit to preach on politics, and that he replied that it was not, but seeing him present he thought it right to let him know his mind.
For a time he exercised his ministry in Glasgow, and in 1650 he was appointed Professor of Divinity in the university there. But before he could be settled in that office the General Assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain on the king. The duties of this office he discharged ‘with such majesty and awe’ as to inspire the court with much reverence for him. When free from this situation he was again called to the ministry in Glasgow, and inducted into the ‘Inner Kirk.’
His health had never been strong, and he was prematurely old, partly the effect of the singularly laborious life of study which he led. He died on 25 June 1658, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was held by his contemporaries in the very highest esteem as one of the most able and godly men of the time.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 18, 2025
A lot of excellent, practical wisdom for elders as they seek to exercise discipline in the church. Durham's counsel on when discipline cases are satisfactorily resolved is especially insightful and may do much to prevent discipline from harming rather than helping. Once again, this should be required reading for elders as they seek to exercise this important mark of the church in a spiritually healthy manner.
March 21, 2024
Wow! This book and "The Scandal of Stumbling Blocks" were so helpful to me. I wish I had read them years ago. As a layperson, it is easy to feel helpless and discouraged by stumbling blocks in the church and wonder when or if it is time to leave. However, this book was hugely encouraging and helped me understand that God only holds me accountable to humbly examine my own heart, to believe rightly about Him, and live in obedience to His word. No unrepentant person can profane the ordinances or make a church congregation unacceptable for someone else, warranting separation. God holds each of us accountable as individuals. Even when church discipline fails, as it often does, God does not fail, and He will discipline the stumbling block in His time and His way. This failure is not to be held against the elders and pastors. This book also guides and encourages pastors and elders in the proper application of church discipline for the health and encouragement of believers, including many issues that are unworthy of church courts, requiring forgiveness from the person who has been offended or caused to stumble.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews