God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

6. HOW MANY ATTEMPTS SHOULD BE MADE TO BRING RECONCILIATION? Two attempts should be made privately, with witnesses present at the second attempt. Matthew 18:16. 7. IF TWO ATTEMPTS FAIL, WHAT PROCEDURE SHOULD BE TAKEN? After the failure of two attempts, the matter must be brought before the Church which is represented by the local congregation. Matthew 18:17. 8. IF THE SINNING MEMBER WILL NOT HEED THE CHURCH'S ADVICE, WHAT IS THE NEXT PROCEDURE? "…but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican." Matthew 18:17 9. WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM DISCIPLINE WHICH THE CHURCH CAN IMPOSE? There are only two forms of discipline which the Church can impose: A. The exclusion of a sinning member from the Lord's Supper. B. The exclusion from the fellowship of believers. 1 Corinthians 5:11. NOTE: This is NOT an exclusion from the Body of Christ. 10. WHO DIRECTS THE PROCEDURE WHEN A CASE IS BROUGHT BEFORE THE CHURCH FOR DISCIPLINE? The elders are to take the initiative. Titus 1:9. 11. WHERE THERE ARE NO ELDERS, WHO TAKES THE INITIATIVE? Where there are no elders, those who are spiritual should take the initiative to see that correction is exercised. Galatians 6:1. NOTE: In every case, it is the local church that must assume the responsibility. 209