How should church discipline be handled?

Matthew 18:15-17If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

1 Corinthians 5:1, 3-5, 13I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. . . . Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns. . . . God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

Remember that church discipline is for the benefit of the one being disciplined. Therefore it begins with the personal confrontation between the individuals involved. It moves to the next level only if the person refuses to respond with repentance and making the situation right. As the problem person persists in his sin and refuses to repent, church discipline becomes more and more public to the whole church body.

2 Timothy 3:16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Scripture should be the guideline and basis for determining areas requiring discipline.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

Church discipline should not be too lenient, but must correct mistakes needing correction; nor should it be too harsh and not respond in forgiveness.

Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Hebrews 12:15Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Church discipline should be administered in humility and love, not in anger, but with gentleness, patience, and instruction. The goal is not to punish but to restore. Anyone can make mistakes or act wrongly and need discipline, so no one should discipline others and think themselves immune.