Growing into Christ (7)

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18.15

The Elder and His Work
David Dickson (1821-1885)
“For the right discharge of the duty of discipline the elder requires the spirit both of faithfulness and tenderness…The first and great end of discipline, as laid down in Scripture, is the restoration and salvation of the offender. The second is the maintaining of the purity of the Church and freeing it from scandal. The first objective must ever be kept prominent.”

Church discipline is not much practiced these days, although I’m heartened to hear of pastors and church leaders who are beginning to discover this vital tool for sanctifying sinners and the church. Jesus Himself outlined the procedures for this communal discipline, and the apostles followed His directions as often as was necessary (cf. Acts 5; Galatians 2; 1 Corinthians 5; etc.). We are not wise, nor are we faithful shepherds, if we set the practice of church discipline aside. This is an important tool for all believers in helping us grow into Jesus; it is an integral part of the disciple-making process. To do church discipline well, we must maintain faithfulness to God and His Word, and tenderness to those who have offended. Keep these in balance at all times. Church discipline is not punishment, but correction for growing into Jesus Christ.

Does your church practice church discipline? In what ways have you seen this be a means to reclaiming a sinner for the Lord?

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context and calling of the shepherd, and provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training of personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative and we’ll walk through this handbook and various other assessment resources together. Watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from David Dickson, The Elder and His Work (Dallas: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1990).