From the desk of Pastor Ben

Church Discipline – Second Step

“But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses, every fact may be confirmed.”
(Matthew 18:16)

If the church member who is sinning does not respond to Reproof from a single believer, the second step of discipline is to “take one or two more” believers and confront the errant member again. Moses originally established the fundamental procedure (Deuteronomy 19:15) for verifying and corroborating the facts in a dispute or concerning an allegation of wrongdoing. So, this was not a novel concept for those listening to Jesus. To guard against someone being falsely charged with a crime or sin is an important safeguard against a wrongful accusation of an innocent person.

If the testimony of several witnesses becomes necessary, it will not only confirm that a sin was committed, but that the believer who sinned was properly rebuked and whether or not he has repented. When we take one or two witnesses with us, we hope that this added behind-the-scenes confrontation will preclude the next step of presentation before the whole church. This second-stage rebuke should induce a change of heart in the offender that the initial reproof did not.

These built-in, biblical protections against abuse or unjust indictment are to protect church leaders as well as others in the church. Paul warned Timothy, “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning” (1 Timothy 5:19-20). Any and all believers deserve a God-honoring fairness and balance in the process of discipline.

Ask Yourself:
Those who dismiss the notion of church discipline would perhaps be surprised that Jesus’ instructions are actually as patient and multi-layered as they are. What does it tell you about our Lord to know He calls us to continue seeking the welfare of a straying brother or sister?