Discipline in the Body of Christ

Those Who Care

When we think of church discipline, we are thinking of action taken by the church as a whole, in a matter that has not been able to be affected by other means. Normally, this is a last resort. God has provided oversight to care for our souls. When it is functioning properly, this care should be effective in dealing with the majority of difficulties. Other members will be aware of needs if they have spiritual discernment, but their primary responsibility is to take the matters before the Lord in prayer. There should be communication with those who are functioning as overseers, giving a witness about what they are seeing as the need, and being aware of what steps are being taken to affect the needs. This is not meddling, but active care and concern for other members. Again, we are our brother's keepers. This is a normal outgrowth of our care for one another.

In some situations, there may not be recognized elders to perform this function. This does not mean that care is not being exercised, or that we can move on quickly to other things. Listen to Paul's admonition to the Thessalonians: "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves" (I Thessalonians 5:12,13). Where God is building a people together, He is always working a care in the hearts of brothers, even if that care has not come to full maturity in expression and formal recognition in eldership. Our responsibility is to recognize that care so that we can benefit from it. It is God's provision for our souls and for the building up of the body of Christ.

It is those who have been exercising this care that will likely bring unresolved needs to the brothers and the church as a whole for further action. Those who exercise this care are not a law unto themselves, but are accountable to the whole body for their functioning. As matters are brought out, they should not take us unaware, for if we have been sensitive to the Spirit, we should know what has been taking place. Every member is functioning under the authority of the Head, Christ, and He has given the Holy Spirit to dwell within each one. Every member may not know all of the facts and really should not need to know. But each member should be able to give a witness of the Holy Spirit to the need and to the action that should be taken. To do this, however, every member must be alive unto God. Without this sensitivity to God, the body will not be able to move in faith under the direction of God and we will not see the spiritual results that God is looking for.

Next: A Matter Against a Brother