ELDER’S TRAINING SEMINAR Based on the Elder’s Handbook Ministerial Association of the General Conference

Church Standards and Discipline Chapter 3 – Part 6

Because God is holy and righteous, His church has set high standards of moral and social behavior that reflect the character of God. These standards are based upon biblical principles which are eternal and unchanging. Every person baptized into the church promises to follow these standards The Church’s High Standards

Discipline of a Member Does the church have to correct a member who has seriously broken God’s law? How does the church treat members who are not living up to its high standards?

What are the steps toward correcting the wrongs of members? When and how should the church discipline its members? When and how should the church discipline its members? Discipline of a Member

Whether saved or unsaved, God’s love is the same for all people. Whenever the church need to take action concerning a member who has fallen into sin, let each one of us be reminded that Jesus gave His life for that erring member just as much as He gave it for us. The Value of a Soul

“Human beings are Christ’s property, purchased by Him at an infinite price.... How careful, then, we should be in dealing with one another” Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 260 The Value of a Soul

“If wrongs are apparent among His people, and if the servants of God pass on indifferent to them, they virtually sustain and justify the sinner, and are alike guilty and will just as surely receive the displeasure of God; for they will be made responsible for the sins of the guilty.” Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 266 Seriousness of Sin

Sin can not be ignored in the congregation. While gentleness, love, and mercy must be shown to members who have fallen into sin, the church has a responsibility to take action concerning that sin. Seriousness of Sin

Principle of Matthew 18 (four basic steps). When the church has done all it can to reclaim erring members, without success, Jesus says that they should then be considered as outside the church. Disfellowshipped members should not, however, be removed from the church’s love, prayers, and concern. Christ’s Method

Disfellowshipping to be carefully considered It is an extreme action which may be taken only when every other action to reclaim them has been attempted. See Church Manual for more information. Church Discipline

“No church officer should advise, no committee should recommend, nor should any church vote, that the name of a wrong doer shall be removed from the church books, until the instruction given by Christ has been faithfully followed.” Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 261 Church Discipline

Love and mercy to guide all action In our dealing with those who make mistakes, love must guide everything we do. Many feel it is their duty to root out sin in the church. God has not given them this work Church Discipline

The presence of a pastor is essential. No individual church member has the authority to disfellowship another member. Nor does the church board. This action may only take place in a regular business meeting. Church Discipline