Discipline that restores

Church discipline is often either avoided altogether or applied like a legal proceeding. This session walks through the steps of Matthew 18 and the Church Order with restoration, rather than procedure, as the goal.

Outline

• The purpose of discipline: the honour of God, the good of the sinner, and the health of the church.
• Private admonition before anything else. Most discipline should end here.
• When and how a matter comes before the consistory.
• Patience without drift: keeping a case moving when nothing appears to change.
• Receiving a brother back.

For discussion

1. Why is discipline so rarely carried through today?
2. What does it mean to admonish a friend privately and well?