Biblical Church Discipline
At Garston Community Church, we affirm and practice church discipline in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ in Matthew 18:15–17. Church discipline is a loving, restorative process aimed at maintaining purity within the Body of Christ and guiding individuals back to spiritual health.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you… If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
— Matthew 18:15–17 (ESV).
Purpose of Church Discipline
- Restoration of the person caught in sin (Galatians 6:1)
- Protection of the church's holiness and witness (1 Corinthians 5:6–7)
- Warning to others (1 Timothy 5:20)
- Obedience to the Lord’s command and care for the flock (Hebrews 13:17)
- Private Correction: An individual goes to their brother or sister privately to address the issue.
- Small Group Confirmation: If unrepentant, two or three witnesses are involved for further encouragement and confirmation.
- Public Accountability: If the issue continues, it is brought before the church leadership and, if necessary, the congregation.
Final Step: If all appeals are rejected, the person is lovingly treated as an outsider—not with condemnation, but with continued prayer and hope for repentance and restoration.
A Loving and Humble Approach
Church discipline is never about shame or control. It is always carried out with humility, compassion, and patience, as Jesus intended. The goal is reconciliation, not punishment. We follow this model to preserve unity, spiritual integrity, and care within our church family