Church Attempts To Extradite Member Fleeing From Abusive Pastor

[DrHuk&Duck]

Is that a yes or a no as to church discipline being a man made doctrine?

I never said anything about it being a man made doctrine. I said it feels antiquated and I think the possibility of a kangaroo court is a very real possibility, but I’m not arguing it’s not in the Bible. Upon reflection, I’m not against it for certain offenses, but it seems anyone can make a charge against anyone for any reason. I’d like to represent someone in one of these meetings and see what’s really going on with these “church disciplines.”

 

[DrHuk&Duck]

Are these people at these church discipline meetings granted any due process rights at all? I bet not….

 

[Ransom]

Are these people at these church discipline meetings granted any due process rights at all? I bet not….

At my church, by the book:

• allegations must be submitted to the elders in writing;
• the member is promptly informed;
• the member is given sufficient notice to attend a meeting of the elders;
• at this meeting he may hear evidence presented, present his own, and speak (either in person or through a representative);
• the member is informed of any decisions made;
• any pubic statements by the elders are given to members only;
• the elders make every effort not to present prejudicial information;
• information submitted in confidence remains confidential.

Looks like due process to me. There's a reason churches have constitutions and by-laws. We don't just wing it at some secret Star Chamber hearing.

 

[DrHuk&Duck]

at this meeting he may hear evidence presented, present his own, and speak (either in person or through a representative)

OK, so your church allows a representative. I’m in favor of everything else if this allowed. Not everyone is capable of discerning the fine print of bylaws, constitutions, etc., nor is everyone capable of advocating on their own behalf.

 

[Bruh]

It looks to me that church as a whole has been updated and doesn’t look like God intended.

What that is supposed to look like? I don’t know but whatever is church today, I believe that’s not it.

 

[Ransom]

What that is supposed to look like? I don’t know but whatever is church today, I believe that’s not it.

This is a thread about church discipline. The New Testament lays out minimal norms for what a church is "supposed to look like." Practicing church discipline is one of those norms. Having elders that take discipline seriously is another one of those norms. Otherwise, you don't have an authentic New Testament church, no matter what it's "supposed to look like."

 

[ALAYMAN]

It looks to me that church as a whole has been updated and doesn’t look like God intended.

What that is supposed to look like? I don’t know but whatever is church today, I believe that’s not it.

Evangelical churches for centuries, even millennia, have practiced church discipline. Do some reading on Church history and you’ll find that it is a cornerstone of what most theologians agree is a core tenant of what constitutes a legitimate church.

 

[ALAYMAN]

OK, so your church allows a representative. I’m in favor of everything else if this allowed. Not everyone is capable of discerning the fine print of bylaws, constitutions, etc., nor is everyone capable of advocating on their own behalf.

While I generally agree with the sentiment of advocacy, that is only valid as a premise if both partie agree that the authority for resolution lies in authority of the Scriptures, not the US Constitution or case law.

 

[DrHuk&Duck]

While I generally agree with the sentiment of advocacy, that is only valid as a premise if both partie agree that the authority for resolution lies in authority of the Scriptures, not the US Constitution or case law.

I think we’re pretty much on the same page. Ecclesiastical law is not typical jurisprudence, and I get that, but the principle idea behind Gideon v. Wainwright can be found in other sectors of society, including employment and church membership disputes.

 

[Baptist Renegade]

 

[DrHuk&Duck]