When Church Discipline Becomes Necessary: Protecting the Fellowship of Believers
The church is meant to be a place of joy, peace, and love—a community where people can experience the transformative power of Christ. But what happens when someone within that community becomes disruptive or refuses to turn from harmful behaviors? While it's uncomfortable to discuss, the Bible provides clear guidance on how to handle these situations.
What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline?
In 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul gives specific instructions: "Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer."
This passage isn't about shaming people and walking away. It's about creating temporary distance with a purpose—helping the person recognize their behavior and return to healthy fellowship.
Who Is Paul Talking About?
Earlier in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Paul clarifies: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you receive from us."
He further explains in verse 11: "We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies."
Paul is addressing believers who are:
Deliberately disruptive
Rebellious against authority
Making mountains out of molehills
Constantly getting into others' business
What's the Purpose of Church Discipline?
The goal isn't punishment—it's restoration. When someone experiences separation from the fellowship of believers, they often begin to miss what makes church special: the community, encouragement, and support.
Think of it like a young man returning from a wonderful week at Christian camp. At camp, he experienced joy, peace, and encouragement. Going back to environments where people tear each other down made him realize how special the Christian community was.
Church discipline works on this principle. When someone is temporarily separated from fellowship, they may realize what they're missing and choose to return.
How Should We Approach Someone in Sin?
Jesus gave us a clear process in Matthew 18:15-17:
Go to them privately first: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you."
If they won't listen, bring one or two others: "Take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'"
If they still refuse, involve church leadership: "Tell it to the church."
As a last resort, treat them differently: "If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector."
What's the Right Attitude When Confronting Sin?
Galatians 6:1-5 provides important guidance:
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
This passage teaches us to:
Restore gently, not harshly
Be careful not to fall into sin ourselves
Help carry burdens, but recognize each person must ultimately take responsibility
Why Is This So Important for Church Health?
Think of it like gravity. It's always easier to pull someone down than to lift someone up. When we allow disruptive or sinful behavior to continue unchecked in our church community, it can gradually pull others down too.
Consider the story of "Glenn"—a once-encouraging, positive church member who began associating with someone negative and critical. Over time, Glenn's own attitude soured. He stopped being the welcoming, encouraging presence he once was. By the time he passed away, many felt they had "lost Glenn" years before his actual death.
Had the church practiced proper discipline earlier, perhaps Glenn could have been restored to his former self, and the church could have avoided losing several families due to the negativity that spread.
Life Application
This week, consider these challenging questions:
Is there someone in your life who needs to be gently confronted about behavior that's harmful to themselves or the church community?
Conversely, is there an area in your own life where you need correction? Would you receive it humbly if someone approached you?
How can you help create a church atmosphere that feels like "heaven on earth"—a place of such joy, peace, and love that visitors say, "If this is what heaven will be like, I can't wait"?
Remember, church discipline isn't about judgment or superiority—it's about protecting the beautiful fellowship of believers that makes church a place where people can experience Christ's love. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is to draw boundaries that protect both the individual and the community.
The goal is always restoration. As Paul reminds us, even when we must distance ourselves from someone, we should "not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer."