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What is Meant by "Church Discipline", and what does it involve?
Meaning Matrix
Formative church discipline is that form of discipline
which is preventative rather than restorative. It shapes the congregation's
beliefs and values according to biblical principles and standards before sin
occurs so that members are less likely to fall into serious sin that calls
for corrective action.
- Preaching, teaching, modeling, mentoring, and responsibility
in receiving new members are the primary forms of formative discipline. Brief
definitions are provided below.
- Preaching - expounding the meaning of a text with a view
towards applying that meaning to both believers and unbelievers through exhortation,
encouragement, or consolation.
- Teaching - expounding the informational content and doctrine
of the Bible, with less of an eye towards exhortation or practical application
and more of a view towards developing accuracy and soundness in our thinking
about God, Scripture, doctrine, and ourselves.
- Modeling - providing a behavioral example of godly life
and ministry for other Christians to follow.
- Mentoring - meeting with another Christian with the expressed
intent of doing them good spiritually.
- Responsibility in receiving new members - taking care
to verify, as accurately as externally possible, the newness of each candidate's
heart by hearing their testimony, listening for a biblical understanding of
the gospel, and looking for observable fruit that comports with genuine repentance
and belief.
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