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Church Discipline (Disciplina Bisericii): How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus (Cum Protejeaza Biserica Rote Je Aza Biserica Numele Lui Isus): 9Marks
Church discipline is essential to building a healthy church. So how exactly do we practice church discipline? Jonathan Leeman helps us face the endless variety of circumstances and sins for which no scriptural case study exists, sins that don’t show up on any list and need a biblical framework to be corrected appropriately in love. Here is a contemporary and concise how-to guide that provides a theological framework for understanding and implementing disciplinary measures in the local church, along with several examples of real-life situations and the corresponding responses.
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About the author
Jonathan Leeman
85 books157 followersJONATHAN LEEMAN is the editorial director of 9Marks, which involves him in editing the 9Marks series of books as well as the 9Marks Journal. He has written a number of books on the church, including Reverberation, and he teaches theology at several seminaries. Jonathan lives with his wife and four daughters in a suburb of Washington, DC and serves as an elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington. You can learn more about him and his writing at www.9Marks.org.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 17, 2023
A wonderful concise explanation on the importance of church discipline and it’s Biblical basis. I appreciated the way it was often reiterated that there is no cookie-cutter approach to church discipline and that the goal is always reconciliation, while still protecting the church and honoring Christ’s name. I highly recommend, especially if you’re not sure why church discipline matters.
December 25, 2020
Excellent little book on the nature and practice of church discipline. Leeman provides a gospel framework (chs. 1-5), which is necessary for church discipline to make sense. Then he gives helpful case studies (chs. 6-14), concluding with practical tips on leading a church toward church discipline (chs. 15-16).
Even though this is a 5-star book in my estimation, I still have a few reservations:
- Leeman sees an apparent conflict between 1 Cor 5 and Mt 18 (pp. 55-63). I've never heard this before, and it appears an unnecessary and unhelpful distinction. Leeman admits "in some [1 Cor 5] cases," you can follow a series of warnings from Mt 18. Why not always? What harm would multiple warnings cause (they could even occur in an accelerated timeline)?
- Leeman argues for excommunication of non-attending members (ch. 10). While I totally agree for their removal from membership, I wonder if excommunication might be a bit too far. Does that communicate a level of certainty about their profession of faith that we just can't have because of their prolonged absence? I especially worry about the ethics of requiring this of members who joined under a different understanding of membership (Leeman admits we must communicate this standard when people join, p. 133).
Even though this is a 5-star book in my estimation, I still have a few reservations:
- Leeman sees an apparent conflict between 1 Cor 5 and Mt 18 (pp. 55-63). I've never heard this before, and it appears an unnecessary and unhelpful distinction. Leeman admits "in some [1 Cor 5] cases," you can follow a series of warnings from Mt 18. Why not always? What harm would multiple warnings cause (they could even occur in an accelerated timeline)?
- Leeman argues for excommunication of non-attending members (ch. 10). While I totally agree for their removal from membership, I wonder if excommunication might be a bit too far. Does that communicate a level of certainty about their profession of faith that we just can't have because of their prolonged absence? I especially worry about the ethics of requiring this of members who joined under a different understanding of membership (Leeman admits we must communicate this standard when people join, p. 133).
September 15, 2018
If you’re a church member, you must read this book! Really thoughtfully wrote by one of my favorite authors. You won’t walk away condemned about what you’re not doing but encouraged to grow.
February 6, 2023
short, informative, and immensely helpful for understanding biblical church discipline.
June 25, 2020
Clear, straightforward primer on church discipline. Leeman is especially helpful by placing discipline in a larger church and gospel context. The later part of the book is a series of case studies which flesh out the framework from earlier chapters. The only one I disagreed with was his suggested dealing with apostasy as death (thus simply removing the apostate from the rolls) rather than sin (thus excommunication). Maybe some baptist voluntarism at work.
Overall, this is the best introductory work on the subject that I have seen, and I will gladly be recommending this book to people who want to understand not only how discipline works, but what discipline is all about.
Overall, this is the best introductory work on the subject that I have seen, and I will gladly be recommending this book to people who want to understand not only how discipline works, but what discipline is all about.
May 17, 2023
I thought since I was preaching on Matthew 18:15-20 this week it would be good to read up on Church Discipline. And as usual this 9Marks book was solid, biblical and very practical. I really enjoyed it.
November 1, 2017
Avaliação máxima pela importância prática do conteúdo e pela excelente abordagem teórica e prática sobre o assunto, mesmo em poucas páginas.
February 22, 2023
Quick read with lots of helpful information on the reasons and practice of church discipline. Great resource.
October 19, 2025
Brief but profoundly illuminating, this guide grounds church discipline in its biblical roots, enriches understanding through real-life examples, and offers pastors and leaders clear, actionable wisdom for helping their congregations steward the keys of the kingdom with faithfulness and grace.
March 13, 2023
This is a great resource on a topic that the church at-large doesn't talk about much. Leeman provides a framework on church discipline that displays the redeeming goal of it, as well as the necessity for the church to show its God-given authority to protect the gospel and the name of Jesus. His framework is based primarily on Matthew 18 and 1 Cor 5 and the need to strike a balance between the two on a case-by-case basis. Local churches are encouraged to test for repentance, seek wisdom from the Lord in discerning actions taken, and engage the congregation and its leaders based on the scenario, among other things. The last third of the book presents case studies that provide some great examples where the framework is put into practice. This is a really helpful book that emphasizes the gospel with the desire for a transformed life for those that confess Christ - in this vein church discipline is practiced, is important, and is a loving act that can be for the local church's good and for God's glory.
January 31, 2022
At times, outstanding. At times, infuriating!
The vast majority of this short handbook on church discipline is full of excellent, well-reasoned exegesis.
However, The book's focus on solid biblical teaching is marred by some outrageous assumptions here and there. The most egregious to me was the overblown sense of authority given to the local church to declare "who is a kingdom citizen and therefore represents Jesus's name on earth." Biblical support for such a statement was tenuous at best. We can affirm someone's faith for sure, but the faith of a believer is not dependent on it. Of course, a church has significant authority, given their remit to execute church discipline at the appropriate time, but unfounded statements like this were a concern.
Aside from a few moments like this, it was very helpful!
The vast majority of this short handbook on church discipline is full of excellent, well-reasoned exegesis.
However, The book's focus on solid biblical teaching is marred by some outrageous assumptions here and there. The most egregious to me was the overblown sense of authority given to the local church to declare "who is a kingdom citizen and therefore represents Jesus's name on earth." Biblical support for such a statement was tenuous at best. We can affirm someone's faith for sure, but the faith of a believer is not dependent on it. Of course, a church has significant authority, given their remit to execute church discipline at the appropriate time, but unfounded statements like this were a concern.
Aside from a few moments like this, it was very helpful!
January 1, 2024
Such a helpful book! I learned a lot through the leadership of scripture in this book. The following quote moved me quite a bit when thinking about church membership:
“What is church membership? Church membership is the church's public affirmation of an individual Christian's profession of faith in Jesus, and it's the individual's decision to submit to the oversight of the church. When your church begins to understand that, the idea of church discipline will start to make a lot more sense.
It will also help people to understand why they don't have the authority to simply resign their membership when threatened with discipline. People join a church by the authority of a church, and they exit a church by the authority of a church.”
“What is church membership? Church membership is the church's public affirmation of an individual Christian's profession of faith in Jesus, and it's the individual's decision to submit to the oversight of the church. When your church begins to understand that, the idea of church discipline will start to make a lot more sense.
It will also help people to understand why they don't have the authority to simply resign their membership when threatened with discipline. People join a church by the authority of a church, and they exit a church by the authority of a church.”
May 13, 2012
Another excellent book from Jonathan Leeman. This book is practical, clear, helpful, and easy to read. And it (as well as his book on church membership in the same series) is perfect for distributing to members of your church or fellow church leaders.
This book does not aim to make the case that church discipline is biblical and necessary, but to help those who alread believe it is biblical and necessary to know how to practice it well. Leeman provides a framework for discipline based on the Bible's teaching and then provides multiple case studies as examples of how that framework can be applied to various situations and circumstances.
Highly recommended. A great book!
This book does not aim to make the case that church discipline is biblical and necessary, but to help those who alread believe it is biblical and necessary to know how to practice it well. Leeman provides a framework for discipline based on the Bible's teaching and then provides multiple case studies as examples of how that framework can be applied to various situations and circumstances.
Highly recommended. A great book!
February 9, 2021
Extremely helpful book on a vital, yet oft-neglected topic in church life. Provides a thorough and robust gospel-framework to process sin issues in local churches that need to be addressed. Deals really well with the important Scriptural truths and passages on discipline, while at the same time providing practical case studies and examples — all done with a big dollop of humility by the author. A must read for pastors and church leaders, and a very useful read for church members too.
February 8, 2019
This is a helpful and biblical primer on church discipline. I appreciated his overall biblical theology of church discipline, rightly informed by the gospel of Christ and the need for God's glory to be made manifest through the local church. In the last third of the book, Leeman helpfully goes through case studies of how his church handled certain sin issues within the church - this was most helpful.
February 7, 2022
Another home run from this series of practical guidance for churches. Church Discipline lays the theological foundation for its regular practice and includes many examples that really helps one to understand how it ought to work in real life. This should be required reading for every elder (and church member) who wishes to see the church blossom in Spirit-filled holiness.
November 9, 2021
Très bon livre pour expliquer ce qu'est la discipline d'Eglise, pourquoi c'est important, et comment la pratiquer dans l'Eglise. Ce livre est rempli de sagesse biblique, de souci pastoral, et d'exemples pratiques.
July 16, 2017
Useful, even if its emphasis on formal membership is probably better suited to highly judcialized countries such as ðe US.
December 21, 2023
Very concise and practical treatment on church discipline. Leeman sets up his premise and then applies the framework to various case studies. Biblical, clear, and easy to read!
May 1, 2019
Helpful explanation of the principles behind church discipline, and gives several specific examples showing how to apply them to various situations.
Leeman says the purpose of the book is to help those who want to administer church discipline know how and when to practice it, not to convince readers that church discipline is necessary.
Leeman says he differs from others who've written about church discipline because he wants to establish a theological framework that accounts for the variety of approaches in Scripture (e.g., compare 1 Cor 5 to Matt 18).
Leeman is a Baptist Congregationalist, so his views on church polity (government) differ from Reformed/Presbyterian views. Leeman is the editorial director of 9Marks and an elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
There are two areas I need to study further. Leemon says that these are synonyms: excommunicate, exclude from fellowship, remove from the Lord's Supper, and formally discipline. He says these aren't different stages of discipline. He also says that a person who has been excommunicated is still welcome at the worship services of the church they have been removed from; they're just no longer a member of the church.
Notes
Part 1: Establishing A Framework
The Biblical Basics of Discipline
Church discipline is the act of removing an individual from membership in church and participation in Lord's Supper. It's not a prohibition to attend church's public gatherings. It's church's public statement that it can no longer affirm person's profession of faith by calling them a Christian. It's excommunicating (or ex-Communion-ing) person. These are synonyms: excommunicate, exclude from fellowship, remove from Lord's Supper, formally discipline; these aren't different stages of discipline.
Discipline passages: Matt 18:15-17; Gal 6:1; Eph 5:11; Titus 3:10; 2 Thess 3:14-15; 2 John 9-10; Acts 18:17-24; 1 Cor 5.
A Gospel Framework for Understanding Discipline
Christians need church's official affirmation of their faith (as Christians needed affirmation of Jerusalem church, Acts 2:38). Church doesn't make a person a citizen of the Kingdom, but it has the power to declare who and who isn't a member of Christ's Kingdom. It's similar to how an embassy has authority to declare citizenship, which an individual doesn't.
When Is Discipline Necessary?
Formal church discipline (excommunication) is generally warranted when someone crosses from the domain of sins you expect of Christians, and sins which make you think a person may not be a Christian.
Formal church discipline should occur with sins that are outward (visible, audible), serious (can't be overlooked in love, 1 Pet 4:8), unrepented of (sinner won't repent after confrontation).
Paul's approach in 1 Cor 5 (removal before confrontation) differs from Jesus' in Matt 18 (confrontation before removal) because 1 Cor 5 begins where Matt 18 ends, with a characteristically unrepentant sinner.
Decision to move toward excommunication requires examining balance between person's sin and repentance.
How Does a Church Practice Discipline?
Principles for conducting church discipline
1. Involve as few people as necessary to produce repentance (Matt 18:15-20).
2. Church leaders (older and wiser members, often elders) should lead the process (Gal 6:1).
3. Length of process depends on how long it takes for leaders to determine that person is characteristically repentant or characteristic unrepentant (Matt 18; 1 Cor 5; Titus 3:10). Characteristic repentance is zeal for casting off sin, and willingness to make dramatic changes to do so (Matt 5:29-30).
4. Individuals should receive benefit of doubt (Matt 18:16).
5. Leaders should involve and instruct congregation during discipline, or at least after discipline (Matt 18; 1 Cor 5), including instructing how to interact with excommunicated person (1 Cor 5:9, 11; 2 Thess 3:6, 14-16; 2 Tim 3:5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10). Interactions should no longer be casual, but deliberately focused on repentance. Family members should continue to fulfill family obligations (Eph 6:1-3; 1 Tim 5:8; 1 Pet 3:1, 2), including spouses eating together and children and parents eating together.
One approach (based on Matt 18)
Individuals address matters in private. If no private repentance, elder(s) become involved, first individually, eventually as a group. Elders spend a few days to a few months discussing whether to inform congregation. If they decide to inform, they present pertinent info in private meeting of members only. They name individual and define category of sin with few details. They explain pertinent matters for pursuing member's repentance, and ask congregation to pray for repentance. They explain that if member doesn't repent, they'll move for excommunication at next members' meeting (usually 2 months away). Elders take questions from members. If at next meeting elders decide to recommend excommunication, they'll do so, ask for questions, move for vote. If members vote to excommunicate, elders instruct congregation how to interact with former member.
How Does Restoration Work?
When excommunicated person repents, church restores person by publicly declaring forgiveness, and reasserting person's membership in Kingdom (2 Cor 2:6-8; John 20:23; 21:15-17). There's no probation period.
Churches have authority to receive individuals disciplined by another congregation, though this may not be wise, and it would be wise to investigate actions of former congregation. Jesus has given each congregation authority of keys for binding and loosing, and one congregation's decisions aren't binding on another.
When a church excommunicates a person, it hands them over to Satan (1 Cor 5:5); it removes its affirmation that person belongs to God's Kingdom, and declares they must belong to Satan's Kingdom (Matt 4:8-9; John 12:31; 14:30). Church then has no more authority over excommunicated person than it does over any other non-Christian (Matt 18:17). Churches should warn each other about false teachers and unsavory characters (1 John 4:1-3; 3 John 9-10).
Part 2: Applying The Framework—Case Studies
Elders lead discipline process once it reaches a certain level, but congregation has final say on whether excommunication happens, which occurs in meeting of members only.
The Adulterer
In some situations, adultery might lead to immediate excommunication, such as if there's a pattern of adultery, or if the individual is committed to continuing in adultery.
The Nonattending Member
Elders should keep congregation informed of behind-the-scenes discipline to avoid causing shock when they move for immediate excommunication. Satan often uses this shock to undermine confidence in church leaders.
The Faithfully-Attending and Divisive Nonmember
Non-members can't be excommunicated. Instead, elders should instruct and warn congregation about person (Acts 20:28-31).
The Preemptive Resigner
Church members can't preempt threat of discipline by resigning. Just as a person joins a church by the authority of the church, they can only exit by the authority of the church. It's similar to how a criminal can't resign citizenship to avoid prosecution.
The Newly-Decided Unbeliever
If member renounces faith, church should remove them from member rolls, not as excommunication, but at member's request. Local churches have authority over Christians, not non-Christians, so church has no authority to act (Matt 18:17; 1 Cor 5:11). Congregation should treat person as non-Christian friend, welcome them to public church gatherings, and evangelize.
The Family Member
Husband must still love, serve, care for his disciplined wife, even being willing to lay down his life for her (1 Cor 7:14-15; Eph 5:25-30). Distinguish between creation and common grace institution of marriage from redemptive and special grace institution of local church. Husband must not give wife impression that he thinks of her as a Christian, but must encourage her to repent and believe.
Reasons for not eating with excommunicated members
1. Protect Christians from leaven of sin.
2. Protect excluded members from thinking church regards them as believers.
3. Protect church's witness in community.
At time of early church, sharing meal with someone communicated fellowship, care, protection. That's why it shouldn't be done with excommunicated members outside of family bonds.
Part 3: Getting Started
Appendix: Mistakes Pastors Make in Practicing Discipline
Invite the disciplined individual to continue attending church to continue to hear God's Word (assuming there is no threat of harm).
Leeman says the purpose of the book is to help those who want to administer church discipline know how and when to practice it, not to convince readers that church discipline is necessary.
Leeman says he differs from others who've written about church discipline because he wants to establish a theological framework that accounts for the variety of approaches in Scripture (e.g., compare 1 Cor 5 to Matt 18).
Leeman is a Baptist Congregationalist, so his views on church polity (government) differ from Reformed/Presbyterian views. Leeman is the editorial director of 9Marks and an elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.
There are two areas I need to study further. Leemon says that these are synonyms: excommunicate, exclude from fellowship, remove from the Lord's Supper, and formally discipline. He says these aren't different stages of discipline. He also says that a person who has been excommunicated is still welcome at the worship services of the church they have been removed from; they're just no longer a member of the church.
Notes
Part 1: Establishing A Framework
The Biblical Basics of Discipline
Church discipline is the act of removing an individual from membership in church and participation in Lord's Supper. It's not a prohibition to attend church's public gatherings. It's church's public statement that it can no longer affirm person's profession of faith by calling them a Christian. It's excommunicating (or ex-Communion-ing) person. These are synonyms: excommunicate, exclude from fellowship, remove from Lord's Supper, formally discipline; these aren't different stages of discipline.
Discipline passages: Matt 18:15-17; Gal 6:1; Eph 5:11; Titus 3:10; 2 Thess 3:14-15; 2 John 9-10; Acts 18:17-24; 1 Cor 5.
A Gospel Framework for Understanding Discipline
Christians need church's official affirmation of their faith (as Christians needed affirmation of Jerusalem church, Acts 2:38). Church doesn't make a person a citizen of the Kingdom, but it has the power to declare who and who isn't a member of Christ's Kingdom. It's similar to how an embassy has authority to declare citizenship, which an individual doesn't.
When Is Discipline Necessary?
Formal church discipline (excommunication) is generally warranted when someone crosses from the domain of sins you expect of Christians, and sins which make you think a person may not be a Christian.
Formal church discipline should occur with sins that are outward (visible, audible), serious (can't be overlooked in love, 1 Pet 4:8), unrepented of (sinner won't repent after confrontation).
Paul's approach in 1 Cor 5 (removal before confrontation) differs from Jesus' in Matt 18 (confrontation before removal) because 1 Cor 5 begins where Matt 18 ends, with a characteristically unrepentant sinner.
Decision to move toward excommunication requires examining balance between person's sin and repentance.
How Does a Church Practice Discipline?
Principles for conducting church discipline
1. Involve as few people as necessary to produce repentance (Matt 18:15-20).
2. Church leaders (older and wiser members, often elders) should lead the process (Gal 6:1).
3. Length of process depends on how long it takes for leaders to determine that person is characteristically repentant or characteristic unrepentant (Matt 18; 1 Cor 5; Titus 3:10). Characteristic repentance is zeal for casting off sin, and willingness to make dramatic changes to do so (Matt 5:29-30).
4. Individuals should receive benefit of doubt (Matt 18:16).
5. Leaders should involve and instruct congregation during discipline, or at least after discipline (Matt 18; 1 Cor 5), including instructing how to interact with excommunicated person (1 Cor 5:9, 11; 2 Thess 3:6, 14-16; 2 Tim 3:5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10). Interactions should no longer be casual, but deliberately focused on repentance. Family members should continue to fulfill family obligations (Eph 6:1-3; 1 Tim 5:8; 1 Pet 3:1, 2), including spouses eating together and children and parents eating together.
One approach (based on Matt 18)
Individuals address matters in private. If no private repentance, elder(s) become involved, first individually, eventually as a group. Elders spend a few days to a few months discussing whether to inform congregation. If they decide to inform, they present pertinent info in private meeting of members only. They name individual and define category of sin with few details. They explain pertinent matters for pursuing member's repentance, and ask congregation to pray for repentance. They explain that if member doesn't repent, they'll move for excommunication at next members' meeting (usually 2 months away). Elders take questions from members. If at next meeting elders decide to recommend excommunication, they'll do so, ask for questions, move for vote. If members vote to excommunicate, elders instruct congregation how to interact with former member.
How Does Restoration Work?
When excommunicated person repents, church restores person by publicly declaring forgiveness, and reasserting person's membership in Kingdom (2 Cor 2:6-8; John 20:23; 21:15-17). There's no probation period.
Churches have authority to receive individuals disciplined by another congregation, though this may not be wise, and it would be wise to investigate actions of former congregation. Jesus has given each congregation authority of keys for binding and loosing, and one congregation's decisions aren't binding on another.
When a church excommunicates a person, it hands them over to Satan (1 Cor 5:5); it removes its affirmation that person belongs to God's Kingdom, and declares they must belong to Satan's Kingdom (Matt 4:8-9; John 12:31; 14:30). Church then has no more authority over excommunicated person than it does over any other non-Christian (Matt 18:17). Churches should warn each other about false teachers and unsavory characters (1 John 4:1-3; 3 John 9-10).
Part 2: Applying The Framework—Case Studies
Elders lead discipline process once it reaches a certain level, but congregation has final say on whether excommunication happens, which occurs in meeting of members only.
The Adulterer
In some situations, adultery might lead to immediate excommunication, such as if there's a pattern of adultery, or if the individual is committed to continuing in adultery.
The Nonattending Member
Elders should keep congregation informed of behind-the-scenes discipline to avoid causing shock when they move for immediate excommunication. Satan often uses this shock to undermine confidence in church leaders.
The Faithfully-Attending and Divisive Nonmember
Non-members can't be excommunicated. Instead, elders should instruct and warn congregation about person (Acts 20:28-31).
The Preemptive Resigner
Church members can't preempt threat of discipline by resigning. Just as a person joins a church by the authority of the church, they can only exit by the authority of the church. It's similar to how a criminal can't resign citizenship to avoid prosecution.
The Newly-Decided Unbeliever
If member renounces faith, church should remove them from member rolls, not as excommunication, but at member's request. Local churches have authority over Christians, not non-Christians, so church has no authority to act (Matt 18:17; 1 Cor 5:11). Congregation should treat person as non-Christian friend, welcome them to public church gatherings, and evangelize.
The Family Member
Husband must still love, serve, care for his disciplined wife, even being willing to lay down his life for her (1 Cor 7:14-15; Eph 5:25-30). Distinguish between creation and common grace institution of marriage from redemptive and special grace institution of local church. Husband must not give wife impression that he thinks of her as a Christian, but must encourage her to repent and believe.
Reasons for not eating with excommunicated members
1. Protect Christians from leaven of sin.
2. Protect excluded members from thinking church regards them as believers.
3. Protect church's witness in community.
At time of early church, sharing meal with someone communicated fellowship, care, protection. That's why it shouldn't be done with excommunicated members outside of family bonds.
Part 3: Getting Started
Appendix: Mistakes Pastors Make in Practicing Discipline
Invite the disciplined individual to continue attending church to continue to hear God's Word (assuming there is no threat of harm).
January 14, 2026
¡Terminé de leer este excelente recurso! Si buscas algo que sea profundamente bíblico y teológico, pero al mismo tiempo práctico y aplicativo, este libro es para ti. Con ejemplos reales e ideales para el fortalecimiento de ancianos y el crecimiento saludable de la congregación. SDG💚
May 13, 2025
Great for learning to submit to a local church!
September 15, 2018
I'm torn over this book - however, I still feel like it merits a good review. Church Discipline is a topic which is often shied away from or simply ignored by a majority of Evangelical churches. My mixed feelings are not to do with me disagreeing that Church Discipline is needful and Biblical, but rather more with my differences of opinion regarding church polity and governance to that of the author. With that little caveat said - this book is well written and structured. It is clear and easy to read and provides much Biblical support and exposition on the topic of Church Discipline.
Leeman is a pleasure to read, and having just read his other book in the 9Marks series (Church Membership) - this book was a good follow up as a theology of Church Membership lays the groundwork for understanding Church Discipline.
Leeman does a great job of articulating the importance and even urgency of the need for churches to practice Church Discipline as a means by which to shepherd the flock lovingly, protect the Name of Jesus from disrepute and shame, and to instil a greater understanding and desire for holiness in God's people. He also gives a well-balanced argument for seeing Church Discipline as a loving act - one who's goal is not retributive vengeance or malice, but rather restorative and calling one who has gone astray to repentance and renewed fellowship. He explores what the 'power of the keys' means and the role of churches as it relates to the lives of believers, the bigger setting of operating within governments, and as Christ's Bride and visible representation of His Kingdom here on earth.
Leeman is a Baptist Congregationalist - so as a result, those from differing Protestant traditions may not agree with all of his views or models of Church Discipline. However, this does not make this book useless to those who are outside of his tradition. It simply means it must be read and thought through carefully - as must every book! He raises several good thinking points and situations which are helpful for thinking through how one might deal with a similar situation within their own form of church governance/polity. While I disagree with his nuances on the role of membership and the Lord's table within the discussion of Church Discipline, I do appreciate the fact that he is trying to at least be faithful to the theological significance behind those two realities and the fact that they are related to the question of Church Discipline.
All in all, this is a worthwhile read. Is this THE book on church discipline? Not by a long shot. Is this the BEST book to give to a young believer or use to teach a small group? Perhaps? Maybe. It depends on how it is used, I'd say. If one comes from a church like Leeman's - then this may be the perfect book for you. However, even if you come from a different church tradition, I'd say it is still useful - even for the benefit of raising good questions and widening your understanding of how other Protestant churches which are seeking to be Biblically faithful in the area of Church Discipline try to enact it in a faithful way.
Leeman is a pleasure to read, and having just read his other book in the 9Marks series (Church Membership) - this book was a good follow up as a theology of Church Membership lays the groundwork for understanding Church Discipline.
Leeman does a great job of articulating the importance and even urgency of the need for churches to practice Church Discipline as a means by which to shepherd the flock lovingly, protect the Name of Jesus from disrepute and shame, and to instil a greater understanding and desire for holiness in God's people. He also gives a well-balanced argument for seeing Church Discipline as a loving act - one who's goal is not retributive vengeance or malice, but rather restorative and calling one who has gone astray to repentance and renewed fellowship. He explores what the 'power of the keys' means and the role of churches as it relates to the lives of believers, the bigger setting of operating within governments, and as Christ's Bride and visible representation of His Kingdom here on earth.
Leeman is a Baptist Congregationalist - so as a result, those from differing Protestant traditions may not agree with all of his views or models of Church Discipline. However, this does not make this book useless to those who are outside of his tradition. It simply means it must be read and thought through carefully - as must every book! He raises several good thinking points and situations which are helpful for thinking through how one might deal with a similar situation within their own form of church governance/polity. While I disagree with his nuances on the role of membership and the Lord's table within the discussion of Church Discipline, I do appreciate the fact that he is trying to at least be faithful to the theological significance behind those two realities and the fact that they are related to the question of Church Discipline.
All in all, this is a worthwhile read. Is this THE book on church discipline? Not by a long shot. Is this the BEST book to give to a young believer or use to teach a small group? Perhaps? Maybe. It depends on how it is used, I'd say. If one comes from a church like Leeman's - then this may be the perfect book for you. However, even if you come from a different church tradition, I'd say it is still useful - even for the benefit of raising good questions and widening your understanding of how other Protestant churches which are seeking to be Biblically faithful in the area of Church Discipline try to enact it in a faithful way.
July 29, 2024
Fantastic book. Was practically everything I hoped for.
Church discipline has always fascinated me. Something about it feels so very right but yet it seems to not be used as often as it should. This book definitely helped turn that fascination into deeper appreciation and knowledge of the subject.
Leeman is extremely balanced and wise. He writes with conviction and biblical truth but gives the possibility that many people might view cases differently. He does not present himself as the final authority but does offer direction with clear biblical reasoning on specific cases.
I appreciate how the author is clear that church discipline is just one aspect of the life of the church, it is not standalone. To use a metaphor, Church discipline may be described as a tumor removal - the necessary removal of cancer destroying the body. But preaching the gospel of faith AND repentance, encouraging faithful membership, regular discipleship, general “spurring each other to love and good works”, proclaiming Jesus as Savior AND Lord, and maintaining strong leadership in the church is the healthy lifestyle that prevents the growth of cancer. The life of a healthy church will prevent discipline from needing to take place (and will actually give sense and meaning to it when it has to be done.)
Highly recommend.
Church discipline has always fascinated me. Something about it feels so very right but yet it seems to not be used as often as it should. This book definitely helped turn that fascination into deeper appreciation and knowledge of the subject.
Leeman is extremely balanced and wise. He writes with conviction and biblical truth but gives the possibility that many people might view cases differently. He does not present himself as the final authority but does offer direction with clear biblical reasoning on specific cases.
I appreciate how the author is clear that church discipline is just one aspect of the life of the church, it is not standalone. To use a metaphor, Church discipline may be described as a tumor removal - the necessary removal of cancer destroying the body. But preaching the gospel of faith AND repentance, encouraging faithful membership, regular discipleship, general “spurring each other to love and good works”, proclaiming Jesus as Savior AND Lord, and maintaining strong leadership in the church is the healthy lifestyle that prevents the growth of cancer. The life of a healthy church will prevent discipline from needing to take place (and will actually give sense and meaning to it when it has to be done.)
Highly recommend.
June 8, 2022
Excellent treatment on the subject of biblical church discipline. Leeman is a pastor who knows the importance of teaching and preparing the church to create an atmosphere where church discipline makes sense. He spends time showing the importance of bringing people along and spending time teaching about the gospel, conversion, discipleship and biblical church membership. He provides a gospel framework for handling different cases of discipline in nuanced ways, not simply a one-size-fits-all approach. Some cases will look a lot like Matthew 18 and some might look like 1 Corinthians 5, which begins where Matthew 18 seems to end. And Leeman helps us see all the different factors that go into to the discernment matrix for prayerfully and biblically making decisions about formal discipline cases. Pastors must exercise care and thoughtfulness and compassion as they seek to restore sinners and pursue their discipline as faithful shepherds.
Leeman reminds us, "Pastors should also teach members about the purposes of church discipline. Churches must not practice discipline for the sake of retribution, but for the sake of gospel love. We saw in chapter 1 that discipline serves to expose cancerous sin, to warn against a greater judgment, to save the sinner, to protect other church members, and to present a good witness for Christ-all of which are activities of love." p. 130
What an excellent, biblically faithful blueprint for moving towards the kind of church culture that takes the clear teaching of Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 seriously. If you are looking for a sound, biblical, boots-on-the-ground approach to church discipline, then I highly recommend this book for the good of your local church and the glory of Christ.
Leeman reminds us, "Pastors should also teach members about the purposes of church discipline. Churches must not practice discipline for the sake of retribution, but for the sake of gospel love. We saw in chapter 1 that discipline serves to expose cancerous sin, to warn against a greater judgment, to save the sinner, to protect other church members, and to present a good witness for Christ-all of which are activities of love." p. 130
What an excellent, biblically faithful blueprint for moving towards the kind of church culture that takes the clear teaching of Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 seriously. If you are looking for a sound, biblical, boots-on-the-ground approach to church discipline, then I highly recommend this book for the good of your local church and the glory of Christ.
January 15, 2021
Very clear and inspiring summary of the Bible's teaching on the topic of church discipline. Leeman has a very winsome way of summarizing very large ideas into a clear and brief model. This book highlights both the importance of the practice of church discipline and the necessary practical matters that must be in place in order for church discipline to be effective. Highly recommended.
One criticism is that Leeman doesn't offer substantive steps in progressive discipline between private reproof and excommunication. Corrective discipline seems to be equated with excommunication in his thinking, whereas traditionally, the church has recognized other steps that can be taken along the way (such as suspension from the Lord's Supper) to help win sinning members to repentance. Such steps more robustly flesh out the New Testament's teaching on withdrawing fellowship in order to win erring members.
One criticism is that Leeman doesn't offer substantive steps in progressive discipline between private reproof and excommunication. Corrective discipline seems to be equated with excommunication in his thinking, whereas traditionally, the church has recognized other steps that can be taken along the way (such as suspension from the Lord's Supper) to help win sinning members to repentance. Such steps more robustly flesh out the New Testament's teaching on withdrawing fellowship in order to win erring members.
February 18, 2022
What a neglected topic and what a well written book on the matter. In honesty, I didn’t expect from the book, but I was very glad to be proven wrong. As Leeman shows in the work, how one understands the gospel and church play out in church discipline. If one believes the gospel is only the news of forgiveness in Christ, then the idea of church discipline will seem like a foreign language. If however, one understands the gospel to be God’s grace in Christ not only to forgive but also to change people to be ambassadors for Christ and children who reflect the holiness of their Heavenly Father, then church discipline begins to make sense.
In the book, Leeman outlines the necessity of a right understanding of the gospel, Biblical defense of the practice, the purpose of it, and case studies. The book is amazingly insightful and helped at least myself to better consider what it means to congregate with the redeemed.
In the book, Leeman outlines the necessity of a right understanding of the gospel, Biblical defense of the practice, the purpose of it, and case studies. The book is amazingly insightful and helped at least myself to better consider what it means to congregate with the redeemed.
February 24, 2017
An important and short read for pastors and church members alike. I had the opportunity to take a class from Jonathan Leeman. He has a great deal of insight into the importance for the church to take responsibility for its members and purity. The heart of this book is doing what is best for the salvation of unbelievers. The church needs to be serious about purity for the sake of people in unrepentant sin, the church, and the world. I look foreword to reading his more detailed account of this subject titled "The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love".
May 28, 2020
This book is incredibly helpful in thinking through the difficult, yet biblical, doctrine of church discipline. What do we do when someone who professes faith is unrepentant of their sin? You'll be helped by reading this book and processing the case studies. More than anything, you will become even more fond of Christ's bride, the church, and in the means that God has given his children for protecting that bride.
January 2, 2021
Le doy cinco estrellas porque es un material indispensable en una iglesia sana, Jonathan Leeman toma en cuenta la enseñanza bíblica para abordar un tema que es delicado, pero necesario para una iglesia que busca glorificar a Dios amando al pecador, al resto de las ovejas, al mundo sin Cristo, pero también amando y velando por la imagen de Dios a través de los miembros de dicha iglesia. Animo a cada creyente a tener una lectura consciente de este material.
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