Biblical Methods for Church Discipline and Restoration

Initial Private Labor: If an offense is known, a wisely selected member should first speak with the individual alone in a spirit of kindness to show them their fault and persuade them to desist Matthew 18:15AMS November 29, 1894, page 369.11.

Secondary Effort: If the first effort does not result in reformation, a committee of two members should make a second visit to establish the facts and continue the work of persuasion Matthew 18:16AMS November 29, 1894, page 369.11.

Church Involvement: If the member refuses to hear these witnesses, the matter is brought before the church body Matthew 18:17AMS November 29, 1894, page 369.11.

Civil Accountability: If the offense involves a violation of civil law and church efforts fail, it is appropriate to make a formal complaint to the proper civil officer to perform their dutyAMS November 29, 1894, page 369.11.

Collective Accountability: The Lord holds the entire church accountable for the sins of its members, especially when they neglect the afflicted, the widow, or the orphan3T 517.2+1.

Removal of Wrongs: God will hide His face from His people until they perform their duty and remove wrongs from among themWM 212.2+1.

Necessary Discipline: The church must not speak lightly of the duty to administer censure or rebuke, as Christ commanded that plants not planted by the Father be rooted up Matthew 15:1317MR 164.4.

Preserving Purity: It is a painful but necessary task to separate those who prove themselves unworthy of fellowship to maintain the honor of the cause of God 2 Thessalonians 3:617MR 164.4.

Withdrawal of Fellowship: Believers are commanded to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly or refuses to obey the word given through the apostles 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14ARSH January 9, 1855, page 153.13.

The Purpose of Separation: When a member is disfellowshiped, they are not to be counted as an enemy but admonished as a brother, with the hope that being separated from the company of believers will make them ashamed and lead to recovery 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15ARSH January 9, 1855, page 153.13.

Bridling the Tongue: Since the tongue is a world of iniquity that can defile the whole body, those who do not bridle their tongue possess a vain religion and must be corrected James 1:26+1ARSH October 23, 1856, page 198.19+1.

Internal Reform: The entire body of believers must maintain a decided reform in their habits and practices to preserve clear minds and healthy bodies8MR 37.3+2.

Avoiding Harshness: All labor should be done without a spirit of retaliation, envy, or jealousy, which only degrades the principles of truthRH December 18, 1888, par. 8+1.

Refining Character: True salvation means deliverance from every habit that drags humanity down, requiring a thorough conversion of soul, body, and spiritPC 1.9+1.

Unity in Counsel: Those in positions of trust must work in harmony with the decisions arrived at by the general body of believers in united councilTT 105.2+1.

The Ultimate Goal: The objective is to cleanse the soul temple of sin and restore the member to a state where they glorify God in both body and spirit 1 Corinthians 6:20YI February 11, 1908, par. 6+1.

A Work That Cannot Be Done by Proxy: Every follower of Christ has an individual work to engage in the salvation of others and the maintenance of church orderChS 10.2+1.

Direct Interaction: When a brother is in error, go to him in humility and sincerity to talk about the matter before resentment ripens into malice Proverbs 25:8-93TT 201.1.

The Power of Love: The labor should be filled with Christ’s love and sympathy, using reasoning that appeals to the person's better judgment rather than using sharp or severe speech3TT 201.1+1.

Winning a Friend: If the erring one hears you, you have not only gained a friend but have potentially saved a soul from death and hidden a multitude of sins James 5:207T 261.3+1.

Delegated Authority: God has conferred upon the church the power to act in Christ’s stead for the preservation of order, purity, and discipline7T 263.1+1.

Ratification in Heaven: Whatever the church does in accordance with the directions given in God’s word regarding discipline is ratified in the heavenly courts Matthew 18:187T 263.1+1.

Removing Dishonor: The church bears the responsibility of excluding from fellowship those whose un-Christlike conduct brings dishonor on the truth17MR 164.4+1.

The Role of the Whole Body: No single officer or committee should take the responsibility of disfellowshipping an individual; instead, the entire church must take action after Christ's instructions have been followed7T 261.3+1.

Faithful Stewardship: Church officers and conference leaders must pray and plan to keep the churches in good working order, cultivating their part of the vineyard with mental power and keen perceptionChL 67.2+1.

Teaching Personal Accountability: Newly converted members should be educated immediately in the principle of personal responsibility and the danger of spiritual despotism2MCP 705.4+1.

Testing Doctrines and Actions: All relationships and doctrines within the church must be brought to the test of the law and the testimony to ensure unity in spirit Isaiah 8:20MR311 22.1.

Temperance and Judgment: Intemperate habits, especially in eating, pervert the judgment and are a fruitful source of church trials; therefore, temperance is essential for rational thinking and acting 1 Corinthians 9:25CTBH 155.3+1.

Guarding the Body Temple: Since the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, any unhealthful habit that injures the physical machinery also afflicts the soul and dishonors God 1 Corinthians 6:19-20CH 577.2+1.

Education of the Youth: Proper discipline and training of children and youth are required to develop moral energy and a sense of individual accountability so they do not grow up to be a burden to the community3T 132.2+1.

Restoration Over Destruction: The work of the church is to be one of restoration, reflecting the delight of heaven over one sinner who repents Luke 15:7GCB December 1, 1895, par. 15+1.