DISCIPLINE
The church is called to be a body which reflects God’s character of holy love. Therefore the spiritual well-being of each member is its concern. This concern is shown in discipline that seeks the restoration of members whose behavior is damaging their relationship with God or other people. The primary responsibility for reconciliation rests with the person(s) involved. If this responsibility is not fulfilled, the church must take initiative to effect reconciliation because persistent sin weakens the health of the entire body. If these efforts fail, the final recourse is to remove the unrepentant member(s).
Eph. 1:3-6; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 1 John 4:7-8, 1 John 4:16; Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20; Matt. 5:23-24; Matt. 18:15-22; 2 Thess. 3:14-15; 1 Cor. 5:9-13