SECTION 5: DISCIPLINE AND RESTORATION OF MEMBERS

The Scripture emphasizes the importance of discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2), mutual accountability of all believers to each other (Matthew 18:15-17), as well as the need for discipline for sinning members of the church in accord with the standards of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-22; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Titus 1:10-16).

Each member should care enough to confront others who are in repeated sin or in error. According to Matthew 18:15-17, the first confrontation should be alone. The second confrontation, if necessary, should be with two or three others as witnesses to the veracity of the concern and/or the sincerity of the repentance. If these first two approaches do not succeed in restoration of the individual, then and only then should the campus elders be involved. The first two steps should be commonplace and therefore are not, for the purpose of these bylaws, considered discipline.

"Discipline" in this document shall be the final stages of accountability for personal holiness after the first two confrontations have taken place.

The purpose of accountability and discipline is repentance from sin and restoration with God, the Church, and others affected (1 Peter 2:9).

The elders shall have authority in determining when a member’s continuing offense, doctrinal error, and/or pattern of willful and unrepentant sin would warrant Church discipline.

Initiation. After repeated unsuccessful attempts at biblical reproof (Matthew 18:15-16), a member may inform elders (as representatives of the Church, Matthew 18:17) of their spiritual concern for a brother or sister. The elders will determine whether discipline should proceed. If the offense is public and/or calls for immediate action the discipline process may begin with the elders.

Action. The elders will contact the individual concerned to seek resolution and restoration, including repentance if necessary. The campus elders are responsible for making sure the accused individual fully understands the nature of the problem, expected action, and has opportunity to respond. If the matter remains unresolved and/or they refuse to listen (Matthew 18:17), the elders will take action listed below with respect to the individual's membership.

The request by the member to terminate Church membership during the discipline process will not prevent the Church from continuing the discipline process.

In cases where repentance and restoration are not accomplished with the person under discipline, that person's membership shall be terminated by vote of the Executive Team.

The Church shall be informed of such termination at the next business meeting.

Ultimately, even if discipline fails, the goal of this process is to restore the individual to Christ (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

Certain situations extend beyond the scope of a Matthew 18 process. These may include, but are not limited to, times when a person may be repentant but the consequences of their actions require additional procedures for their protection or the protection of the Church; Or, the offending brother might be an elder that would require more public treatment than Matthew 18 has in view (1 Timothy 5:20). In the cases which extend beyond Matthew 18, the elders retain the right and responsibility to determine the most biblical and wise course of action, prayerfully seeking restoration and protection of all involved (Galatians 6:1).