CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Reformed churches, following the norms laid out in the Bible, place a great deal of emphasis on church discipline. The term can be misleading, since it is not the elders of the church who first of all look after church discipline. We follow the rule laid out by Christ in Matthew 18:15-17,

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."

It should be noted that the goal of church discipline is not negative--it is employed so that there will be repentance and a desire to serve God. Our confession concerning church discipline is found in the Heidelberg Catechism , Question and Answer 85:

How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by church discipline?

According to the command of Christ, people who call themselves Christians but show themselves to be un-christian in doctrine or life are first repeatedly admonished in a brotherly manner. If they do not give up their errors or wickedness, they are reported to the church, that is to the elders. If they do not heed also their admonitions, they are forbidden the use of the sacraments, and they are excluded by the elders from the Christian congregation and by God Himself from the kingdom of Christ. They are again received as members of Christ and of the church when they promise and show real amendment.