Beyond Forgiveness: The Healing Touch of Church Discipline

by Don Baker

The Bible is very clear about the way we are to treat a fellow Christian who has sinned, especially if that person is a leader in the church. Yet we so often fail to respond biblically to a fallen brother or sister. Sometimes we ignore the sin. Or we go to the other extreme and kick the sinner out of the church. We allow him to quietly disappear, never to face and overcome his wrong. Or we allow him to stay in the body, yet fail to truly forgive him or restore him to a place of effectiveness for his Lord. This story of one congregation's response to a member of its staff who had sinned is a triumph of love and restoration. Pastor Don Baker's search for the Bible's answers to each step of the church discipline process offers wisdom to all who seek hope for despair, renewal for brokenness, beauty for ashes.

102 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 1984

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book on church discipline and Biblical forgiveness based on a true story. There was a positive outcome which shows that Biblical forgiveness and discipline is possible and can work in the context of a loving congregation committed to living out God's Word. The only thing I would disagree with the author on is the statement that, "God's people can never be punished for their sins. The believer's sins have already been punished on the cross." I believe Christ died for our sins, but the ones committed after coming to faith are punished. The author ws trying to make a distinction between punishment and divine chastisement, but I think that it an unnecessary distinction and our differing views probably are a reflection of our doctrinal stances.