Handling Church Conflict According to Matthew 18

The board must refuse to listen to the complaint and direct the individual to first follow the specific rules of reconciliation given by our Saviour15MR 193.2+1.

The Scriptural Mandate for Resolution

When a member brings a complaint about a brother or sister to a minister or men in positions of trust without following the divine plan, the leaders must ask if they have complied with the rules Christ provided15MR 193.2. If the reporter has failed to carry out any part of the instruction in Matthew 18 the board must not listen to a single word of the complaint15MR 193.2. They should firmly refuse to take up a report against a brother or sister in the faith until the biblical process is honored15MR 193.2.

Following the Gospel Order

The process for handling personal injuries or misunderstandings is clearly outlined and must be followed with humility and sincerity:

• Private Consultation: The first step is to go to the erring one alone and seek to adjust the matter in the spirit of Christ Matthew 18:153TT 201.1. This conversation should be calm and quiet, appealing to the person's better judgment with a heart filled with sympathy3TT 201.1.

• Seeking Witnesses: If the individual will not hear the lone appeal, the next step is to take one or two spiritually minded witnesses so that every word may be established Matthew 18:16CCh 257.2.

• Board/Church Action: Only after these steps are taken should the matter be brought before the church body or its representativesCCh 257.2+1.

Consequences of Neglecting This Rule

Neglecting these plain lessons has often left churches weak and Christless15MR 193.2. When members go entirely contrary to these rules, they actually make themselves subjects of church discipline and should be put under the censure of the church for their disorderly conduct15MR 193.2. Furthermore, the board should be aware of the following:

• The Sin of Evilspeaking: Telling others of a wrong before speaking to the individual involved allows reports to grow and causes the whole church to suffer7T 260.3.

• The Danger of Litigation: Some are hindered by pride from following the Saviour’s rule and may even resort to law, which is a departure from the spirit of ChristTT 162.3.

• Protection of the Erring: Debate the cause with your neighbor himself and do not discover a secret to another, lest the reproof seem like revenge Proverbs 25:8-9GW 498.4.

The Goal of Discipline

The ultimate purpose of this process is the restoration of the soul and the preservation of church unity3TT 201.1+1. By approaching others in a spirit of meekness and mercy, problems are solved and the "multitude of sins" is hidden James 5:20PaM 268.1. Board members must exercise wisdom and grace, remembering that they themselves will be judged by the same measure of mercy they extend to othersPaM 268.1+1.