How should discipline in the church be handled?

Matthew 18:15-17“If 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.”

If you have an issue with another believer, if you are convinced he or she has sinned against you or fallen into a sinful habit, then go to that person and confront them in private. If the person does not listen, and you are convinced there is still a problem, go back with one or two others who feel the same way. If the person still refuses to listen and make any changes, take the matter to the church leaders. Remember that the goal of discipline is not to judge or condemn but to reconcile yourself with the other person so you can live in harmony. As difficult as this may be, it is better than the alternative that often occurs: cutting off the relationship due to anger or resentment, seeking revenge, or gossiping about the person’s sin. None of these are healthy for you or the church.

1 Corinthians 5:13As the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

Titus 3:10If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

If a person continues in flagrant sin after repeated warnings, or if he or she is causing division in the church and refuses to stop, then it is appropriate to expel that person from the fellowship.

2 Corinthians 2:5-7I 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.

When the church gives united disapproval, forgiveness and comfort are in order if the person repents. Do not shut out a fellow believer who is genuinely repentant.

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies, but warn them as you would a brother or sister.

Christians who do not repent of sin should not be treated as though everything is all right. They need to be warned of the consequences of their continued sin.