What to do when a church is criticized for church discipline

Leader Accused of Slander

When a church is slandered for performing church discipline, we must not automatically assume the church is without fault. However, it may have performed church discipline perfectly. Consequently, there are several issues that must be considered.

A Wrong Attitude Is Sin

First, the leadership of some churches is like the man Diotrephes in 3 John 9-10.

I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. 3 John 9-10 (NASB)

The passage reveals that Diotrephes was a bully. He refused to receive brethren sent to the church by the apostle John. That is, Diotrephes lorded it over the people in his church and those sent to him. This is a problem in some churches. Some elders think that the members of their church are to submit to them in every way. They believe that Hebrews 13:17 gives them the authority to control the people of their congregation. But the example of 3 John 9-10 reveals that is not true. Further, in 1 Peter 5:3 the apostle Peter warns elders of a church to not lord it over the people in the congregation. Unfortunately, some church leaders lord it over the members of the congregation in the process of church discipline. They expect blind obedience!

But Galatians 6:1-2 encourages church leaders and every believer to be gentle and help those who are caught in a sin.

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 (NASB)

But one who lords over others does not care about the individual. Some may not care about repentance but only in removing the individual from the church. So, the first point is that if the leadership conducts church discipline with the wrong attitude, they are guilty of sin. Notice that Paul warned anyone involved in a church must look to “yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” Having a wrong attitude in the process of church discipline is sin.

Misapplication Is Sin

Second, some church leaders abuse the process of church discipline. They use it in areas that do not involve sin. The process does not apply to removing staff members due to poor performance, for example. Another example, is that church discipline does not apply to a member refusing to obey an elder or the Board of Elders with a just reason. It does not apply to false teaching. In that situation, the member who is guilty of false teaching should be simply removed from his or her teaching role. Church discipline is limited to patterns of sin that are being committed by a believer. That is the message of Matthew 18:15-18. Misapplying the process of church discipline itself is sin.

Gossip and Slander Is Sin

Third, some church leaders or elders gossip about the individual who is the focus of church discipline. This is one of the most common and worst sins that are committed in the process. They forget that God did not say church leaders can gossip and slander a sinning brother. Gossip and slander applies to church leaders too!

Yet, it is obvious that in order for church leaders to perform church discipline, they must discuss the situation. But that discussion must be limited to only a few (Matthew 18:15-18) and to the facts. They must be objective. The details of the sin must not be shared until the third step of church discipline is reached. Gossip and slander even in the process of church discipline is sin.

Violation of the Process Is Sin

Fourth, some church leaders do not understand the biblical principles involved in the process of church discipline. As a result, they will violate the process. One of the most common violations is that the accuser does not first speak with the believer whom they think committed a sin. That is, they skip the first step of the process of church discipline. Usually, they skip the second step also, and immediately share the name of the believer who is accused of sin with the leadership team. They do not want to be involved. Sometimes the pastor or an elder will immediately take the situation to the Board of Elders without first asking the one who raised the concern to question the accused. Thus they violate the process of church discipline. Violating the process of church discipline is itself sin.

If Sin Is Committed

If the church leadership team is guilty of sin when performing church discipline, they should repent and seek forgiveness from God and from the accused individual who was involved in the process. That would honor the Lord. For when we sin, our sin is against the Lord and can be against individuals. For in Psalm 51:4 King David admitted that He had sinned against the Lord when he committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight.
Psalm 51:4 (NASB)

Peter said this to Jesus,

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?” Matthew 18:21 (NASB)

Our God is not pleased if the church leaders sinned while trying to help another believer not sin. So, if a church is criticized because they sinned in performing church discipline, then they should repent and seek forgiveness from their accusers.

When church leaders do not deal with their own sin or do not correctly handle the process of church discipline, it is time to leave the church. When church leaders gossip about their own members they are guilty of sin. It is time to leave the church.

If Sin Is Not Committed

But if the church leadership did not sin while performing church discipline, then here are some points to remember.

1) First, it is important to remember that God has not promised that when church leaders do His will, there will not be difficulties and conflicts. But God has promised church leaders that He will be with them in the decision–making process and after the decision (Matthew 18:18-20). Since our God was with the leadership when the decision was made, He will also be with the leaders in the aftermath.

2) The role of a church leader is not an easy road. The apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:28, the he had “daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.” 1 and 2 Corinthians reveal the apostle Paul struggled with the sins of the church in Corinth. That is the ministry of church leaders. It is a never-ending spiritual battle.

3) What should the church do next? First, thank the Lord that He helped them make the correct decision. Second, ask the Lord to silence their critics.

4) Finally, ask the Lord to defend the church and the leadership from the attacks of Satan. Ask God to put up a hedge around the church (Job 1:10).

5) Ask the Lord to give you peace.