We believe and confess that the Church has the right to exercise fraternal discipline over members who have deviated from the Christian teaching of God’s Word through their attitude, doctrine, or lifestyle. Discipline consists of admonishment, the suspension of rights, and exclusion (excommunication) from the Church. The restoration of an excluded person is conducted in the same manner, based on their confession and correction following repentance.
Matthew 18:15–17 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 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.”
Titus 3:10 “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him...”
2 Thessalonians 3:6 “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”
1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”
1 Corinthians 5:12–13 “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? ... Purge the evil person from among you.”