JESUS ON CONFRONTING OFFENDERS

Matthew 18:15-18 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. {16} But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. {17} If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

PAUL DEALS WITH AN OFFENDER

1 Corinthians 5:1,2,5-6 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father's wife. {2} And you are arrogant! ... {5} ...You are to hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. {6} Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?

2 Corinthians 2:6-10 This punishment by the majority is enough for such a person; {7} so now instead you should forgive and console him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. {8} So I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. {9} I wrote for this reason: to test you and to know whether you are obedient in everything. {10} Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ.

QUESTIONS

(1) What types of problems might church members encounter?

(2) What policies are already in place to deal with immorality in the church or friction between members?

(3) What church policy (based on the passages above) might be submitted to deal with problems between church members?

(4) Is internal church government appropriate in this day and age?

CASE HISTORIES

(1) LH, a single woman is a professional church counselor. MD is a single man in counseling with LH for problems relating to a previous marriage. After a professional relationship of several months, LH finds herself very depressed over an unrelated situation. She confides in MD about her depression, and a romantic relationship ensues. When the church at large finds out about the relationship, several members object to it, and complain to the pastor.

(a) Should members be concerned? Why or why not?

(b) If there is some impropriety, how should it be handled?

(2) WS, a male member for 43 years, is acquiring a reputation for being the "watchman" of the church. If people of different cultural, racial, or social backgrounds than he approves of visit the church, WS is sure to mention to such people after the service that they are not welcome in his church again. There definitely is a problem here. How should it be handled (keeping the scripture in mind)?