Submitting to each other in matters of biblical discipline

We, as a local body of followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, do covenant together to make disciples of all nations and to promote one another to good works and mature faith in Christ.

The word discipline in our modern context and to be used among the church today may seem out of touch or even harsh by many. Why would anyone covenant with others and commit to submitting to one another in biblical discipline? Just the words ‘submit’ and ‘discipline’ can bring up a range of thoughts, emotions, and responses. So, why would we include this commitment in our covenant?

To make disciples is to discipline one another. Chapter 5 in the book of Ephesians is full of examples given to the church with warnings of what is not the life of a follower of Christ and what is the evidence of having faith in Christ. The chapter ends with the command that we are to ‘submit to one another out of reverence for Christ’. Hebrews 12:10-11 speaks of how God disciplines those whom He loves and it leads to a life that bears the fruit of righteousness. 

Contrary to modern misconceptions, church discipline is not about power, control, or guilt, rather it is about love for one another so that we will endure to the end and show ourselves faithful to Christ. I have said for the entire 10 years of our church family so far that we covenant together to care for one another's souls. Church discipline is about soul care. It is about loving one another so that we will reflect the character of Christ in our lives.

Church discipline does have a formal process when necessary and you can read of it in Matthew 18. But most church discipline happens in a very loving, ongoing, and from our relationships. It takes place in our community groups as we are corrected as we study the Bible together. It happens over coffee as you connect with a brother in Christ and confess sin and ask for prayer. It is when you meet a sister in Christ and share the Word as she shares her struggle in an area of life. We may not even recognize in the moment that church discipline is taking place, but it is and this is why it is from love and encouragement we are committed to this biblical command.

In rare cases, a situation may require bringing it to the attention of the entire church if a member is refuses to repent of clear biblical guidance and in the areas of our covenant. This is also a hard and sad time in the life of a church family, but it is an area we must engage due to the care of souls. Thankfully, this level of church discipline is rare due to each member's desire to share life together in covenant and care for one another through worship, study, prayer, and fellowship. When we care for one another in this way, it is life-giving and becomes a vital part of our joy in the church family.