SAMPLE Q&A FROM MAY:

** This response is biblically sound, thorough yet concise, well written, and personable. The response is easy to understand, well organized, and clear. It gives helpful definitions and clarifications. The tone is friendly. **

Question: Matthew 18:15–17 in what circumstances should you do this?

Profile: Male, North America, 19–25

Answered by: Vic Borden, who has been a volunteer with us since April, 2006.

Answer: Thank you for writing to www.gotquestions.org. I trust I can be of help.

Church discipline (the text you referenced) is always a painful time for the church family – – but, very necessary. I was likely given this question because my major project in my Doctor of Ministry degree program was on the practical outworking of church discipline. I have much experience in this area.

Let me begin by saying that there is never a time when it’s appropriate to act/react without grace. Even if your situation comes to the point of excommunication, it should always be done with graciousness (see Colossians 4:6 and Ephesians 4:15).

Now, for a more full answer. We’re told what to discipline (i.e., unrepentant known sin). This could be relative to heretical doctrine (what we believe matters!), or it could be behavior sin (how we act/react matters!). Any unrepentant known sin should be confronted with a desire to see the sinning brother/sister restored to a close walk with Jesus.

Secondly, we’re told how to discipline (i.e., in love and with the motive of God’s glory). You see, church discipline is not to be used as punishment. The Lord Jesus took the punishment for His people on the cross. Our punishment is paid. You don’t punish children, but you do punish criminals. Those who leave this world without Christ will face eternal punishment. However, like children, sinning believers are to be disciplined, with the prayerful hope that they will repent and glorify God once again.

Thirdly, we’re also told why we’re to practice discipline (i.e., to restore a sinning believer to fellowship with the Lord and church). Again, the goal isn’t excommunication FROM fellowship with God and other believers, but restoration TO fellowship with God and other believers.

Fourthly, we’re also told where to discipline (i.e., within the church membership). This isn’t an issue of having a personal vendetta against someone. It’s for the health of the Body of Christ. This is CHURCH discipline, not personal discipline.

Finally, there is one church discipline parameter which isn’t nearly as clear as the others. The directive on when to discipline is difficult. We simply aren’t given an exact amount of time for each step in the process of Matthew 18:15–18. So, you must operate from principles. When the sinning believer has been confronted, if the confrontation is received, then there isn’t any need to go to the next step. If the call to repent is disregarded, then you take the next step. The amount of time between confrontations is subjective. You must feel your way through each step. Remember, this is “church discipline,” not “personal” or “pastoral” discipline. So, the church should have a respected group (small number) of members who oversee church discipline. In the church I pastor it’s the deacon fellowship. Those men (and their wives if needed) discuss the amount of time between the confrontations and who will be doing the confronting.

Clearly, it should not go on indefinitely or else discipline is not considered serious. Also, it should not be instantaneous as it wouldn’t be viewed as discipline, but punishment. You should seek to understand if the person is practicing hard-hearted or stiff-necked rebellion, or if it’s a bit of ignorance or weakness. You teach the ignorant and you support the weak; but, you discipline the sinfully resistant member (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Timing is critically important. Be sure the vast majority of church leaders are on the same page before proceeding.

I trust this has been helpful. I have prayed for you today. May God richly bless you.

Pastor Vic


** This response is biblically sound, concise, easy to understand, and personable. The question is answered directly and with some nuance. Enough information is given to satisfy the relatively broad question while also highlighting specific topics or issues the questioner might want to delve into more deeply. Biblical support is given so the questioner can look directly at what the Bible says. The tone is friendly. **

Question: How powerful is a pastor on the life of a Christian? Is the pastor a key to success in a Christian’s life?

Profile: Male, Africa, 26–35

Answered by: TJ Conwell, who has been a volunteer with us since April, 2008.

Answer: Thank you for writing to us. While it is important to be under correct and proper teaching as a Christian (especially to ensure that the teaching is Bible-based), your pastor is NO different than you are in the eyes of God. Paul writes in Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God,” which means that God does not have favorites — and your pastor is just as big of a sinner who needs grace as you are. However, God does ordain men to be placed into positions as teachers/leaders within the church (see 1 Timothy 3, 1 Peter 5, and Titus 2) and holds them accountable to teach correctly, and to lead with grace and love. They are critical in ensuring that you are under correct teaching — however, you also have a responsibility to study God’s word and learn from it yourself. God bless you. ~ Rev TJ