Christianity Today's August cover story was a series on fixing church discipline. The subject conjures images of witch trials and inquisitions, but, practiced with humility and the goal of restoration, church discipline should be a regular practice of the church. As the visible body of Christ on earth, the church is to be holy as God is holy. But moving toward a more disciplined church involves many issues in a day when it's impossible to know who's who in a 5,000-member church, or when a church risks lawsuits for disciplining members. Below we've collected our recent and past articles on church discipline. Authors from John Ortberg to Mark Dever discuss discipline in today's church.
Fixing Church Discipline
How Discipline Died
The church should stop taking its cues from the state. by Marlin Jeschke | posted 07/22/2005
Shaping Holy Disciples
Mark Dever says church discipline is not about punishment or self-help. Interview by Mark Galli | posted 07/25/2005
Spheres of Accountability
The dynamics of discipline in the megachurch. by John Ortberg | posted 07/26/2005
Keeping the Lawyers at Bay
How to correct members while staying out of court. by Ken Sande | posted 07/27/2005
Healing the Body of Christ
Church discipline is as much about God as it is about erring believers. by David Neff | posted 07/28/2005
Our Uniquely Undisciplined Moment
Formal accountability has been a core part of church life from its earliest days. by Thomas C. Oden | posted 07/29/2005
Earlier Articles
Canterbury Crackup
Eschewing church discipline has come back to haunt Anglicans. A Christianity Today editorial | posted 12/03/2004
To Judge, or Not to Judge
Christ commanded us not to judge others, but aren't there times when common sense or prudence requires it? Answered by Roger E. Olson | posted 06/29/2005
The Evangelical Scandal
Ron Sider says the movement is riddled with hypocrisy, and that it's time for serious change. Interview by Stan Guthrie | posted 04/13/2005
Weblog: Debates on Debates on Church Discipline
Catholic bishops will issue statement on Communion as a Matthew 18 lawsuit is reinstated against a Texas Bible church. Compiled by Ted Olsen | posted 06/18/2004
Church Discipline Really Works (pt. 2)
How to find courage (and avoid lawsuits) when confronting sinning believers. An interview with Ken Sande of Peacemaker Ministries | posted 01/31/2005
Up to Code
Scandal among Catholic clergy is forcing all ministers to reconsider practices—not just in working with children, but in setting ethical standards in all areas. Pastors are finding it's time to dust off the code of ethics, and in light of recent social and technological developments, it's time to rewrite. Leadership (Winter 2003)
Why I Resist Accountability
Doug Self, with whom I've been meeting weekly since 1976, and I were sitting comfortably in front of the fireplace at the Redstone Inn, enjoying our early cup of coffee as usual. Then out of the blue, Doug said, "Louis, I have something for you from the Lord." Leadership (Summer 1996)
The President's Small Group
Turning your life around is not a do-it-yourself project. A Christianity Today editorial | posted 10/26/1998
Finding God in Small Groups
Tom Albin's doctoral research reveals why the Wesley's system worked so well. Interview by Tim Stafford | posted 09/04/2003
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