What do you think?
Rate this book
Handbook of Church Discipline: A Right and Privilege of Every Church Member
NOTE : The Copyright Date of this ISBN is1974 But the Sale of the Book was started n the Year 1986 This is a handbook for pastors, elders, and all Christians who want to see how Scripture presents the process of discipline that should operate in the Christian community. It was written in response to the various concerns that threaten to tear apart marriages, families, friendships, and congregations--concerns that call for a biblical approach to discipline that can heal fractures, restore right relationship, and ensure the health of the church. Developed around the five corrective steps found especially in Matthew 18:15-17, this book helps church leaders deal with the sorts of problems that require the church’s disciplinary response. Charting a course that combines discernment with appropriate action, this simple, readable handbook can have a profound effect on the community of believers.
120 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1986
47 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Jay E. Adams
221 books147 followersJay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 31, 2022
A short but helpful book on a thorny topic. Adams offers and explains a particularly helpful diagram relating to the Matthew 18 and Corinthian passages, which I will almost certainly share with others in the future.
Although he credits another pastor for its origins, the author rightly reminds us that the discipline process really starts with self-discipline; the classic biblical texts on the subject only kick in after that stage fails.
I would have liked to have seen a more in depth exegesis and explanation of the Corinthian texts, but overall, I appreciated this Adam's highly pastoral and to-the-point approach to church discipline.
Although he credits another pastor for its origins, the author rightly reminds us that the discipline process really starts with self-discipline; the classic biblical texts on the subject only kick in after that stage fails.
I would have liked to have seen a more in depth exegesis and explanation of the Corinthian texts, but overall, I appreciated this Adam's highly pastoral and to-the-point approach to church discipline.
May 27, 2017
This really is a helpful little primer in church discipline. Adams helpfully includes preventative (formative) and self discipline in the framework of church discipline, as well as corrective discipline. He clearly communicates the importance of reconciliation as the goal of discipline, and shows the wisdom of a pastor.
Chapter ten on intercongregational discipline is the least helpful. Given the departure from what is clearly laid out in Scripture (on discipline within a church), the instructions in here could afford to be a bit more circumspect. But really, this chapter suffers from needing more attention (to delve into issues of church authority and autonomy) than the space of the book allows.
Overall very helpful
Chapter ten on intercongregational discipline is the least helpful. Given the departure from what is clearly laid out in Scripture (on discipline within a church), the instructions in here could afford to be a bit more circumspect. But really, this chapter suffers from needing more attention (to delve into issues of church authority and autonomy) than the space of the book allows.
Overall very helpful
September 16, 2020
This is a good, solid resource. It helped clarify my thinking on a few things. Adams is clear and careful in his definitions. As with any book like this, it will require wisdom and experience to properly apply the principles laid out in a real church setting.
October 26, 2021
An essential read for anyone who is struggling whether or not to implement church discipline or how to do it. Jay Adams language is simple and clear. I highly recommend this book.
May 21, 2024
2.5 stars.
August 3, 2021
Honestly paradigm shifting in some ways as I think about church discipline. I don’t agree with everything but his insights are invaluable.
October 8, 2024
Chapter 1
This chapter makes the case that discipline is the teaching of Jesus. It is the same Greek word found in Hebrews 12 that at times can be painful. Teaching is the life of the disciple and the great commission. Discipline is the means of order in the church.
Chapter 2
Positive and preventative discipline is important. A concept needs to change before the practice. This is a chapter describing "formative" discipline, not corrective discipline, which most people think about.
Chapter 3
The process. The right amount of confidentiality (it isn't absolute!) Find where on the process this sin needs to be dealt with. Is there refusal? Is this something that gets resolved, but there needs to be ongoing counseling/discipleship to prevent this from happening again?
Chapter 4 Self-discipline
The self controlled Christian "has a hold or a grip on himself…persons who have such a grip on themselves that they are able to handle problems and relationships in the church and world without the need of help from others…is someone who knows when to seek help himself rather than waiting for others to offer it." 40
He qualifies this to not make one thing there is such thing as a lone wolf Christian.
Discipline formative and corrective is to keep the Christian in self control. Even after restoration, training the embodiment of the law and practices that help prevent transgression ought to be the goal. Like a parent training a child to live the right path (Deut 6).
Chapter 5
A summary chapter on "go to your brother". Basically, make sure there is sufficient evidence and give the benefit of the doubt ("love believes all things"). If sufficient grounds then go to them personally to talk about the matter. Achieve reconciliation if possible.
Will the author get into particular sins and not sins of offending another brother or sister but moral?
Chapter 6
Who to pick and what to do when bring in the other party. This is not Step 4 yet, even if the other Christian chosen to bring along is an elder.
Chapter 7
Tell it to the church. Members or representative elders. He breaks the process of this step into two secitons. Elders then they communicate to the congregation for the final decision.
Good advice on what removing fellowship would be like 73-74
Chapter 8 Removal
This is the last step where Adams runs through the different ways the bible speaks about excommunication. He walks through the OT background to show the severity of what is happening. The section on mourning exemplifies this (88). However, he does show that there is still hope for restoration even of the offender.
Chapter 10 Cross-congregational discipline (most helpful chapter)
This was the most helpful chapter for me. Adams deals with the problem of church discipline in the messiness of reality. People hop from church to church, pastors do not correspond, and people ignore seeds of division. Adams himself is a presbyterian, but the reality of discipline in a multi-denominational world is that people can just go to the church down the street. I appreciate the severity of this willful neglect. A lack of church discipline in one church and a lack of acknowledgement of the disciplinary action of another is not a good witness to the community. In fact, it puts the sheep in danger and is just cause to consider a church a "non-church". This is his attempt to wrestle with "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." Mt 18:17. The reasoning of which is because the church no longer draws "a line between the world and the church by exercising discipline" (103). That is a strong statement (which , but is why discipline is the mark of a true church. This is a neglect of the privilege and blessing of discipline that Jesus ordained for the good of his people. The issue is no longer about the particular case, but about the relationship between the two churches. This, of course, is not a permanent declaration, but one that can be changed by turning from sin and obeying the Chief Shepherd of the church.
Chapter 11
The last chapter is to encourage the pastor that Jesus will bring about the right result. The binding and loosing has happened in heaven and Jesus is with his people. Now, the book is one serious about obedience. If read, if convinced, one must obey. The question is not whether or not to implement church discipline as found in Matthew 18. The question is only how to implement. How fast? In what way? With who? May God grant patience and wisdom.
This chapter makes the case that discipline is the teaching of Jesus. It is the same Greek word found in Hebrews 12 that at times can be painful. Teaching is the life of the disciple and the great commission. Discipline is the means of order in the church.
Chapter 2
Positive and preventative discipline is important. A concept needs to change before the practice. This is a chapter describing "formative" discipline, not corrective discipline, which most people think about.
Chapter 3
The process. The right amount of confidentiality (it isn't absolute!) Find where on the process this sin needs to be dealt with. Is there refusal? Is this something that gets resolved, but there needs to be ongoing counseling/discipleship to prevent this from happening again?
Chapter 4 Self-discipline
The self controlled Christian "has a hold or a grip on himself…persons who have such a grip on themselves that they are able to handle problems and relationships in the church and world without the need of help from others…is someone who knows when to seek help himself rather than waiting for others to offer it." 40
He qualifies this to not make one thing there is such thing as a lone wolf Christian.
Discipline formative and corrective is to keep the Christian in self control. Even after restoration, training the embodiment of the law and practices that help prevent transgression ought to be the goal. Like a parent training a child to live the right path (Deut 6).
Chapter 5
A summary chapter on "go to your brother". Basically, make sure there is sufficient evidence and give the benefit of the doubt ("love believes all things"). If sufficient grounds then go to them personally to talk about the matter. Achieve reconciliation if possible.
Will the author get into particular sins and not sins of offending another brother or sister but moral?
Chapter 6
Who to pick and what to do when bring in the other party. This is not Step 4 yet, even if the other Christian chosen to bring along is an elder.
Chapter 7
Tell it to the church. Members or representative elders. He breaks the process of this step into two secitons. Elders then they communicate to the congregation for the final decision.
Good advice on what removing fellowship would be like 73-74
Chapter 8 Removal
This is the last step where Adams runs through the different ways the bible speaks about excommunication. He walks through the OT background to show the severity of what is happening. The section on mourning exemplifies this (88). However, he does show that there is still hope for restoration even of the offender.
Chapter 10 Cross-congregational discipline (most helpful chapter)
This was the most helpful chapter for me. Adams deals with the problem of church discipline in the messiness of reality. People hop from church to church, pastors do not correspond, and people ignore seeds of division. Adams himself is a presbyterian, but the reality of discipline in a multi-denominational world is that people can just go to the church down the street. I appreciate the severity of this willful neglect. A lack of church discipline in one church and a lack of acknowledgement of the disciplinary action of another is not a good witness to the community. In fact, it puts the sheep in danger and is just cause to consider a church a "non-church". This is his attempt to wrestle with "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." Mt 18:17. The reasoning of which is because the church no longer draws "a line between the world and the church by exercising discipline" (103). That is a strong statement (which , but is why discipline is the mark of a true church. This is a neglect of the privilege and blessing of discipline that Jesus ordained for the good of his people. The issue is no longer about the particular case, but about the relationship between the two churches. This, of course, is not a permanent declaration, but one that can be changed by turning from sin and obeying the Chief Shepherd of the church.
Chapter 11
The last chapter is to encourage the pastor that Jesus will bring about the right result. The binding and loosing has happened in heaven and Jesus is with his people. Now, the book is one serious about obedience. If read, if convinced, one must obey. The question is not whether or not to implement church discipline as found in Matthew 18. The question is only how to implement. How fast? In what way? With who? May God grant patience and wisdom.
December 1, 2018
A short read that breaks down the process of church discipline into understandable steps, based on several biblical passages on the subject. Adams presents a pastoral, caring approach of loving concern, aiming to reconcile and restore the offender to the church.
There are two areas I need to research further. Adams says that excommunication is barring a person from the Lord's Supper, and putting a person "out of the midst" is a separate thing. He also says that a person who has been excommunicated and put "out of the midst" 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
Preventive Discipline
Positive, preventive discipline should always be occurring, and it reduces need for corrective discipline (Heb 10:24-25; Col 3:16).
Corrective Discipline
5 steps of corrective discipline
Informal
1. Self-discipline
2. One-on-one
3. One or two others
Formal
4. The church (4a leaders; 4b whole body)
5. The world
Steps 2-5 described in Matt 18. Step 1 mentioned in Gal 3:23.
Don't promise absolute confidentiality; that's contrary to biblical process. Say, "I am glad to keep confidence in the way the Bible instructs me. That means I will never involve others unless God requires me to do so."
If a person publishes or speaks publicly, you may respond publicly without going to person privately first.
One-on-One
Offended party must go to offender, seeking reconciliation (Matt 18:15).
Say, "As far as I can see, you have wronged me in such and such a way, but if you have an explanation, I am ready to hear it before passing final judgment." See Luke 17:3.
Overlook any offense that doesn't get between you and offender (Prov 10:12; 19:11). You must deal with anything that causes you to be unreconciled to a brother, or that is debilitating to a brother (Gal 6:1-2).
One or Two Others
You may need to go to brother several times before determining that he is unwilling to be reconciled; go as long as you can have a reasonable discussion.
Bring 1-2 witnesses/counselors who seek to see parties reconciled (Matt 18:16). Should be wise; elders, deacons, pastors are ideal, though they should act as private Christians, not church officers.
Tell it to the Church
A matter may originate at level of church (Step 4), if offense is apparent to church (1 Cor 5:1).
Only church should be told, so one should tell at a closed meeting of members (or private letters to members), or elders as representatives of church (Ex 3:15-16; 19:3, 7; Deut 31:28, 30).
Elders should attempt to work with offender before involving congregation (2 Thess 3:14a).
Congregation should be told:
• Offender's name
• Nature of offense (minimal detail)
• Not to fellowship with offender (2 Thess 3:14; 1 Cor 5:8, 11)
• To counsel offender (2 Thess 3:15; Gal 6:1-2)
Withdrawing from offender (2 Thess 3:14-15; 1 Cor 5:9, 11) means congregation may not fellowship with offender, and offender is excluded from Lord's Supper (1 Cor 10:16-17).
Excommunication literally means remove from fellowship of Lord's Table. Putting offender out of congregation isn't technically excommunication; that's referred to as "removing from the midst," "handing over to Satan," and the like.
Removal from the Midst
A person who leaves the church during process of discipline should be considered as a heathen and publican (1 John 2:19).
Church is to treat offender as if he were an unbeliever, without making final judgment of heart condition (Matt 18:17b).
Ways NT refers to putting offender out of church:
• Remove him from your midst (1 Cor 5:2)
• Clean out the leaven (1 Cor 5:7)
• Get him out of your midst (1 Cor 5:13)
• Deliver this person to Satan (1 Cor 5:5)
• I have handed them over to Satan (1 Tim 1:20)
• Treat him as a heathen and a tax collector (Matt 18:17)
Offender may attend worship, because he's to be treated as heathen, and heathen may attend (1 Cor 14:23-25). But he's removed from care and discipline of church; not considered a member.
Adams recommends Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) Book of Discipline.
Congregation should be informed of removal of any member, and a time of prayer and mourning should be set aside.
Restoring to Fellowship
When offender repents, forgive, assist, reinstate in love (2 Cor 2:6-8).
There are two areas I need to research further. Adams says that excommunication is barring a person from the Lord's Supper, and putting a person "out of the midst" is a separate thing. He also says that a person who has been excommunicated and put "out of the midst" 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
Preventive Discipline
Positive, preventive discipline should always be occurring, and it reduces need for corrective discipline (Heb 10:24-25; Col 3:16).
Corrective Discipline
5 steps of corrective discipline
Informal
1. Self-discipline
2. One-on-one
3. One or two others
Formal
4. The church (4a leaders; 4b whole body)
5. The world
Steps 2-5 described in Matt 18. Step 1 mentioned in Gal 3:23.
Don't promise absolute confidentiality; that's contrary to biblical process. Say, "I am glad to keep confidence in the way the Bible instructs me. That means I will never involve others unless God requires me to do so."
If a person publishes or speaks publicly, you may respond publicly without going to person privately first.
One-on-One
Offended party must go to offender, seeking reconciliation (Matt 18:15).
Say, "As far as I can see, you have wronged me in such and such a way, but if you have an explanation, I am ready to hear it before passing final judgment." See Luke 17:3.
Overlook any offense that doesn't get between you and offender (Prov 10:12; 19:11). You must deal with anything that causes you to be unreconciled to a brother, or that is debilitating to a brother (Gal 6:1-2).
One or Two Others
You may need to go to brother several times before determining that he is unwilling to be reconciled; go as long as you can have a reasonable discussion.
Bring 1-2 witnesses/counselors who seek to see parties reconciled (Matt 18:16). Should be wise; elders, deacons, pastors are ideal, though they should act as private Christians, not church officers.
Tell it to the Church
A matter may originate at level of church (Step 4), if offense is apparent to church (1 Cor 5:1).
Only church should be told, so one should tell at a closed meeting of members (or private letters to members), or elders as representatives of church (Ex 3:15-16; 19:3, 7; Deut 31:28, 30).
Elders should attempt to work with offender before involving congregation (2 Thess 3:14a).
Congregation should be told:
• Offender's name
• Nature of offense (minimal detail)
• Not to fellowship with offender (2 Thess 3:14; 1 Cor 5:8, 11)
• To counsel offender (2 Thess 3:15; Gal 6:1-2)
Withdrawing from offender (2 Thess 3:14-15; 1 Cor 5:9, 11) means congregation may not fellowship with offender, and offender is excluded from Lord's Supper (1 Cor 10:16-17).
Excommunication literally means remove from fellowship of Lord's Table. Putting offender out of congregation isn't technically excommunication; that's referred to as "removing from the midst," "handing over to Satan," and the like.
Removal from the Midst
A person who leaves the church during process of discipline should be considered as a heathen and publican (1 John 2:19).
Church is to treat offender as if he were an unbeliever, without making final judgment of heart condition (Matt 18:17b).
Ways NT refers to putting offender out of church:
• Remove him from your midst (1 Cor 5:2)
• Clean out the leaven (1 Cor 5:7)
• Get him out of your midst (1 Cor 5:13)
• Deliver this person to Satan (1 Cor 5:5)
• I have handed them over to Satan (1 Tim 1:20)
• Treat him as a heathen and a tax collector (Matt 18:17)
Offender may attend worship, because he's to be treated as heathen, and heathen may attend (1 Cor 14:23-25). But he's removed from care and discipline of church; not considered a member.
Adams recommends Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) Book of Discipline.
Congregation should be informed of removal of any member, and a time of prayer and mourning should be set aside.
Restoring to Fellowship
When offender repents, forgive, assist, reinstate in love (2 Cor 2:6-8).
November 13, 2023
Church discipline seems important to think through if you're at all concerned with 'the peace and purity of the Church,' as the PCA puts it in our membership vows, and so a concentrated look at the difficulty and messiness of that is to the good here. However, I'm not sure this deals fairly with the difficulties. It seems a little fake, in fact. One of the few issues it brings up as a case study, for instance, is a Christian car mechanic charging a guy more money than the other guy said he was willing to pay. Could be messy and unpleasant, sure, but also nowhere near the unpleasantness that most church discipline issues actually entail, right? I mean, we're not talking about embezzlement or sexual sins. And his idea of churches sitting in judgement on other churches also seems a little much. My church solemnly and publicly declaring the church down the road to be No True Church seems like a remarkably bad PR move.
April 15, 2024
This is one of Jay Adams's better books. He gives both a biblical approach to church discipline while giving you a healthy starting point for where the person is. It is a simple and quick read. I would use most of it to train Pastors and Ministers on this sensitive topic. There is not much work out there on how one should walk a people through Church Discipline, so I will give grace to the sections towards the end in which he gives his thoughts on specific scenarios. As the church has developed since this book's original release, I believe there is better wisdom and counsel for his generic thoughts on one-offs, but it gives you a good starting point.
April 28, 2021
Pretty helpful as a baseline summary of biblical teaching on church discipline from a generally Reformed perspective. It would be helpful to read this in conjunction with a Book of Church Order that includes a disciplinary process. There are lots of contemporary issues this book doesn't cover (abuse of authority, cases of child abuse in the church, etc.). For that reason, this book is a good starting point but not the final word on church discipline.
March 9, 2025
Jay Adams’ approach to church discipline isn’t new or unique to him. It simply represents what the Bible already says about how God’s people must respond to those who refuse to act like God’s people.
Adams handbook is short, succinct, and rich with examples and word studies. At times, he communicates certain sub-points in a confusing manner, requiring careful rereading. Jonathan Leeman’s volume under the 9Marks brand offers a more readable regurgitation for church leaders.
Adams handbook is short, succinct, and rich with examples and word studies. At times, he communicates certain sub-points in a confusing manner, requiring careful rereading. Jonathan Leeman’s volume under the 9Marks brand offers a more readable regurgitation for church leaders.
March 12, 2025
I found this book quite helpful, though I agree with others on a few issues.
First of all I do not agree with the Calvinistic stance on The reason why people may not come back to church after being asked to leave. The claim being that they where never saved to begin with.
Secondly his take on inter church discipline is not all that well done.
Other then these few things there is still lots of good stuff in this little book.
First of all I do not agree with the Calvinistic stance on The reason why people may not come back to church after being asked to leave. The claim being that they where never saved to begin with.
Secondly his take on inter church discipline is not all that well done.
Other then these few things there is still lots of good stuff in this little book.
November 10, 2020
Who knew
Comprehensive reading!
More biblical examples should’ve been used to help give examples of biblical discipline (ie. Philemon, David and Nathan, and others).
Still, this book is recommended
Comprehensive reading!
More biblical examples should’ve been used to help give examples of biblical discipline (ie. Philemon, David and Nathan, and others).
Still, this book is recommended
August 22, 2025
The "go to' book on practical application of biblical church discipline. Read, highlight meditate on the applicable scriptures, apply, repeat. Essential for pastors and elders, and should be required reading.
October 24, 2023
I was surprised by how much I actually liked this book. It was very concise but very helpful in outlining how to go about pursuing church discipline and why this is vital to loving others.
February 15, 2024
Short and solid.
October 25, 2024
Excellent. Necessary for today. Gets confused in forgiveness and reconciliation in my opinion. But overall very practical and not overly long. Keeps his focus.
January 31, 2025
Short, Biblical and MUST reading for each and every church leader.
April 30, 2011
Adams' aims are limited: he seeks to explain the biblical process of discipline, and succeeds quite well. He carefully distinguishes his terms and the steps of discipline, while maintaining a godly desire to bring the sinner to repentance and restoration. Adams correctly reads the times, and comes down hard on churches and pastors who have neglected their responsibilities. I was intrigued by his idea of a church excommunicating another church, and think a fuller articulation of this idea, especially as it relates to disparate denominational structures would be helpful. I think the obverse is an important question as well: are our standards of communion wide enough to include these other churches if there is no disciplinary separation? Or would a Baptist church excommunicate the Presbyterians en masse because of ecclesiological differences? Food for thought.
January 3, 2014
This is a helpful straightforward book on church discipline. It excells at making church discipline seem attainable for communities where the idea seems foreign. He also shows how discipline is about the total process of becoming a disciple and involves teaching as well as punitive measures.
Discipline should not be a checklist. You should only move to the next stage of discipline when the person is unwilling to repent, not for their lack of trying. Bringing along more witnesses is exactly that: people to attest to the unrepentance, not necessarily to also heap conviction on the sinner. Remember that people under discipline are to be treated more strictly than a non-believer, and interaction with them should pretty much just be calls to repent in love.
The length is great and probably only takes 2-3 hours to read tops.
Discipline should not be a checklist. You should only move to the next stage of discipline when the person is unwilling to repent, not for their lack of trying. Bringing along more witnesses is exactly that: people to attest to the unrepentance, not necessarily to also heap conviction on the sinner. Remember that people under discipline are to be treated more strictly than a non-believer, and interaction with them should pretty much just be calls to repent in love.
The length is great and probably only takes 2-3 hours to read tops.
June 28, 2017
I solid book outlining the need for proactive church discipline. He advocates not waiting until problems get out of hand, but that informal discipline should be happening on a regular basis. This should lead to the reduction of formal discipline before the church.
One thing I didn't quite understand is the distinction between disfellowshipping and excommunication. As I understand it, the former means not allowing someone to partake in the Lord's supper and the latter means expulsion from the membership of the church. Adams did not explain this distinction much, but I probably need to reread it again. I will have to study this further.
One thing I didn't quite understand is the distinction between disfellowshipping and excommunication. As I understand it, the former means not allowing someone to partake in the Lord's supper and the latter means expulsion from the membership of the church. Adams did not explain this distinction much, but I probably need to reread it again. I will have to study this further.
February 3, 2013
I have been greatly surprised by the many facts that are covered in this book. If we are real in becoming part of the church of Christ, then we have to be real and follow this guide. It's plain and simple, Jesus made the provision for us to follow him as a church. We can't be disciples without disciplines. There is a point that I don't really agree with, but this is minor to the rest. Each Church should have a copy of this.
November 26, 2016
Adam's book is a short, succinct summary of church discipline. Adams clearly and carefully walks through the five steps of church discipline: self-discipline, one-to-one, 1-2 witnesses, the church, and finally excommunication. This little book is a quick, but helpful, read for pastors, deacons, and church members who care about the glory of God, the good of their neighbors, and the purity of the local church.
January 18, 2012
For those who don't believe in a reformed hermeneutic, or the inerrancy of Scripture, they will find this book to be judgmental and critical. But if you take the Bible seriously, this book offers help to any who would be interested in wresting with the subject matter. Helpful, practical, even if you don't agree with all the conclusions.
February 21, 2025
Second reading. Adams encourages, and instructs in the nuts and bolts of church discipline, with an emphasis on the positive side of discipline. Until someone tells me of a better book, this is the best in its class. Pastors, elders, and church members should all read this book.
February 13, 2009
Some good stuff here. Not a whole lot though on using communion as a form of discipline. Not a whole lot on the positive aspects of discipline either. But still, overall pretty good.
April 6, 2009
On the plus side of good.
December 23, 2014
Very good explanation of Church Discipline. Gives a lot to ponder and research. Must read for Pastors and Church Leaders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews