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NASB | Matthew 18:17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 18:17 "If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector. [Lev 19:17; Deut 19:15] |
Bible Question: In reference to Mat. 18, Does the church have the right to bring a person before the church body and tell their sins if the person has asked to be removed from the membership of the church. Should it be up to God to judge and discipline the person. Also, if bring the person's name in front of the congregation will damage the persons reputation to the point the person can not face these people is this not wrong. |
Bible Answer: Godfirst: I see it was November when you asked this question. I note that you had more responce just a few days ago as well. However late I do welcome you to the Forum and hope to see you back and join in the Forum. Perhaps you situation has been resolved by now. But just a note to say Matt. 18 is the best advise when the person is a member. When someone leaves and withdraws unless it was a legal matter connected to the church, like theft or something simular telling the church may be only make matters worse and drive the person further from the Lord. If as you said they have removed their membership you might become legally held for liable. Having pastored a church that went through the complete process of Matt. 18 and the church removing a man as an Ordained Deacon and dis- fellowishiping him, by removal of his membership I can address your question with pain and sorrow. No one came out of the situation without deep grief. My self included! There was no other way to resolve this, and it cost the church it's reputation, and growth was stopped for two years, friends were hurt and ministry was hampered. The man simply went 20 miles away to another SBC church and joined with no problems. As I look back some 22 years later the price the church paid was indeed very high emotionally and spiritually. The man never repented and died with sever mental illness. There were no winners, only people left in deep pain and sorrow for the man and his family. I wish there could have been a better way to restore him and the church members. This man had run the church and every pastor for almost 30 plus years. I can say as the pastor then, it was without a doubt the most painfull thing I have ever seen happen in a church. I would say assuredly the church went over Matt. 18 and beyond, and this man was unrepentant and would have it no otherway. As Christians we must be very wise in taking such actions, as the results may be very hard to deal with, as people are left with damaged emotions and spirits. Some times to obey Godsw Word it is costly. So enter wisely and God be with you. justme |