Church Membership and Church Discipline at
Great Harwood
Christian Fellowship

Introduction

Church membership and church discipline belong together. If a church is a real body, with real members, real shepherds, real responsibilities, and real accountability, then it must also have a biblical way of guarding its life, holiness, peace, and witness.

In many churches today, membership is treated as little more than a list of attendees, and discipline is either ignored or feared. Yet the New Testament presents the local church as a gathered people under Christ, joined together in truth and love, and ordered according to the Word of God.

From a Reformed Baptist perspective, shaped by Scripture and expressed in the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689), the local church is not a loose association of Christians who happen to meet in the same place. It is a defined covenant community of baptised believers who willingly walk together under Christ’s lordship. They gather for worship, the ministry of the Word, prayer, fellowship, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, mutual care, holiness, and mission.

This is also the way Great Harwood Christian Fellowship understands the church. Its Constitution describes the universal church as the body of Christ made visible in local churches, which are congregations of believers committed to one another for the worship of God, the preaching of the Word, the administering of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, pastoral care, discipline, and evangelism. The Handbook and Constitution also set out a clear local framework for membership, pastoral oversight, and church discipline.

Because this is true, the church must know who belongs to it, who its elders are responsible to shepherd, and how it should respond when sin or error threatens its peace, purity, and witness. Church discipline is therefore not an optional extra, nor is it a harsh and loveless practice. Properly understood, it is part of Christ’s loving government of His church. It protects the spiritual life of the congregation, calls wandering believers to repentance, preserves the church’s witness in the world, and honours the name of Christ.

What follows explains the biblical foundations of church membership, why it matters, what defines it, and why discipline is necessary in the life of a faithful local church, with particular reference to the life and practice of Great Harwood Christian Fellowship.

 

1. Why Do We Have Church Membership?

Church membership exists because the New Testament treats the local church as a recognisable and defined body of believers. It is not a vague crowd, but a real congregation with known members and known leaders.

A defined church body

In the book of Acts, believers were not merely converted in a private sense. They were added to the visible people of God.

Acts 2:41 (LSB)


“So then, those who had received his word were baptised; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”

Acts 2:47 (LSB)


“And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

This shows two things.

First, people were added to the church.

Second, there was a known number or body to which they were added. That is the basic principle behind church membership.

 

Pastoral oversight requires membership

Pastors are called to care for specific souls, not for everyone everywhere in exactly the same way.

Hebrews 13:17 (LSB)


“Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account…”

That command only makes sense if there is a definite flock which the elders shepherd.

 

Church discipline requires membership

Jesus taught that the church must deal with unrepentant sin in its midst.

Matthew 18:15–17 (LSB)


“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault between you and him alone… But if he does not listen to them, take one or two more with you… And 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.”

Paul says the same in 1 Corinthians 5:12–13 (LSB):


“Are you not to judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”

The church must therefore know who is inside and who is outside. That is membership in principle.

 

Mutual covenant commitment

Church members are not independent Christians living as they please. They are committed to one another in worship, love, accountability, and care.

Hebrews 10:24–25 (LSB)


“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together…”

 

Identified leaders and flock

Acts 20:28 (LSB)


“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers…”

There is a flock, and there are overseers responsible for that flock. Membership helps define that relationship.

 

2. What Defines Church Membership?

From a Reformed Baptist point of view, membership is not mere attendance. It is defined by clear biblical marks.

1. A credible profession of faith

Romans 10:9 (LSB)


“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

A church member must credibly profess faith in Christ.

 

2. Believer’s baptism

Baptism is the public sign of entry into the visible church.

Acts 2:41 (LSB)


“Those who had received his word were baptised…”

The New Testament pattern is faith, baptism, and addition to the church.

 

3. Commitment to the local church

Acts 2:42 (LSB)


“And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers.”

Membership means commitment to doctrine, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and prayer.

 

4. Submission to biblical shepherding

1 Peter 5:2–3 (LSB)


“Shepherd the flock of God among you… exercising oversight…”

Members willingly place themselves under biblical pastoral care.

 

5. Participation in accountability and discipline

Galatians 6:1 (LSB)


“Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one…”

Membership means that believers are accountable to the church and to one another.

 

A simple definition

Church membership is the covenant commitment of baptised believers to a specific local church, under Christ’s authority, for worship, discipleship, mutual care, and accountability.

The 1689 Confession

The Second London Baptist Confession, 26.6, teaches that a local church consists of visible saints who voluntarily covenant together to walk in the commands of Christ. That covenant commitment is what we mean by church membership.

 

3. Church Membership in the Early Church and in Reformed Baptist History

Although the phrase “church membership” is modern, the practice is not.

 

The early church

The apostolic pattern was clear: faith, baptism, and addition to the church.

Acts 9:26 (LSB)


“When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.”

Paul did not appoint himself a member. The church examined him and then recognised him. It is important to note that Paul wasn’t the one who decided if he was a member, it was the church who examined him before accepting him.By the second century, churches commonly required a confession of faith, moral examination, and instruction before baptism. This reflected the concern that the church should be made up of credible believers.

1 John 4:1 (LSB)


“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

The early church also practised excommunication.

1 Corinthians 5:13 (LSB)


“Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”

If someone could be removed, he must first have belonged.

 

Reformed Baptist church covenants

Historically, Reformed Baptists used church covenants to express the promises members made to one another. These covenants reflected the conviction that the church should be regenerate in membership, voluntary in commitment, and accountable in discipline.

 

4. Membership at Great Harwood Christian Fellowship

Great Harwood Christian Fellowship gives local and practical expression to these biblical principles. The Constitution states that membership is open to those who profess the Christian faith in accordance with the church’s Basis of Faith, satisfy the requirements laid down in the Church Handbook, and agree to become members and accept the duties of membership. Membership is personal and cannot be transferred, and an accurate register of members must be maintained.

The Church Handbook adds that members must confirm in writing their unreserved agreement to the Basis of Faith and their acceptance of the Constitution and the Handbook in its entirety. Membership is therefore not casual or assumed. It is intentional, informed, and accountable.

 

Privileges and responsibilities

The Handbook states that the privileges of membership include belonging to the local body of Christ in all its work and worship, helping to discuss and agree how the local church should move forward in fulfilling its biblical role in the community, and receiving pastoral care.

It also states that the obligations of membership include submitting to the authority and leadership of the Church Officers, taking part in the work and activities of the church, attending meetings regularly, bearing one another up in prayer, and sharing in the financial needs of the church. These obligations are then applied very practically to Sunday worship, personal prayer and Bible study, weekday prayer and fellowship where possible, Christian service, regular giving, showing Christian love, living consistently with one’s profession, and regular attendance at the Lord’s Supper.

 

Admission into membership

The GHCF process for receiving new members reflects careful pastoral oversight. A person may apply for membership, or may be invited to apply by the Church Officers. Each applicant is interviewed by two Church Officers, one of whom must be an Elder. They ask about the applicant’s testimony, baptism, and ongoing Christian life. If the application is approved by 75% of the Church Officers, the applicant is invited to a new members’ meeting where the role of membership and the church’s doctrinal position are explained. If the applicant is in agreement with the benefits and responsibilities of membership, he or she signs a New Members form and is welcomed into membership at the next church meeting when the Breaking of Bread is observed. Membership is open to applicants aged 18 and over, and the Church Secretary maintains the membership register.

 

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper at GHCF

The Handbook states that, while it is desirable that all who partake of the Lord’s Supper should have been baptised in obedience to Scripture, all who profess to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour are welcome to partake.

 

Termination of membership

The Constitution and Handbook state that membership comes to an end when a member dies, resigns by notice to the charity trustees through the Church Secretary, or has membership terminated in accordance with the church’s discipline procedures.

 

5. Why Church Membership Matters

Church membership matters because the church matters to Christ.

 

Christ loves the church

Ephesians 5:25 (LSB)


“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”

 

The church is God’s family

Ephesians 2:19 (LSB)


“You are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God’s household.”

 

The church provides spiritual protection

Acts 20:28 (LSB)


“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock…”

 

The church promotes spiritual growth

Hebrews 3:13 (LSB)


“But encourage one another day after day…”

 

The church displays the gospel

John 13:35 (LSB)


“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Membership is therefore not cold administration. It is the biblical expression of life within Christ’s covenant people.

 

6. The Marks and Responsibilities of Church Members

A healthy church member is not simply someone on a roll. He is someone whose life shows the fruit of belonging to Christ and to Christ’s people.

 

6.1 Seven biblical marks of a healthy member

A healthy church member:

1. has a regenerate heart - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (LSB):

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

2. obeys Christ in baptism - Acts 2:41 (LSB)

3. is devoted to the Word of God - Acts 2:42 (LSB)

4. participates faithfully in church life - Hebrews 10:24–25 (LSB)

5. loves fellow believers - John 13:35 (LSB)

6. submits to biblical leadership - Hebrews 13:17 (LSB)

7. pursues holiness with accountability - Hebrews 3:13 (LSB)

 

6.2 Nine biblical responsibilities of church members

Church members are called to:

1. gather faithfully with the church - Hebrews 10:24–25 (LSB)

2. pursue personal holiness - 1 Peter 1:15 (LSB)

3. love one another - John 13:34–35 (LSB)

4. encourage and build up one another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (LSB)

5. submit to church leadership - Hebrews 13:17 (LSB)

6. use their spiritual gifts in service - 1 Peter 4:10 (LSB)

7. protect the unity of the church - Ephesians 4:3 (LSB)

8. support the church’s mission - Matthew 28:19 (LSB)

9. pray for the church - Colossians 4:2 (LSB)

These general biblical responsibilities are closely echoed in the GHCF Handbook’s practical expectations for members.

 

7. Why Church Discipline Is Needed

Over roughly the last century, many churches have taken a careless and haphazard approach to fellowship within the local church. The church as the body of Christ, a living organism, has often been forgotten.

In its place has come a more individualistic idea, where members think of themselves as answerable to no one but themselves. They may see themselves simply as Christians who happen to attend a particular church, while treating their opportunities for service as private and personal matters.

This decline has historical causes. As many churches moved away from biblical faith and practice, evangelicals often shifted their energy into para-church and interdenominational activity, while the standing of the church itself declined. In many places it has been forgotten that the church is God’s appointed instrument for evangelism, mission, and the growth and encouragement of believers.

This outcome is unscriptural.

There is a pressing need to return to the scriptural pattern. Discipline is one of the clearest areas where reformation is needed.

The word “discipline” can sound harsh to modern ears. It may suggest coldness, rigidity, or vindictiveness. But biblically, church discipline means that God has given His church an order, revealed in Scripture, for its organisation, government, and fellowship. When a believer joins a church, he places himself under the care of a body which, through its elders, ministers to his needs. He is also expected to play his part in the body, so that the whole church does not suffer. When this order is disturbed, the church has authority to act in order to maintain it.

Scripture is the authority for belief and practice in the church. It tells us how the church should be organised, governed, and conducted.

 

8. The Biblical Need for Maintaining Church Order

The need for discipline flows from the very nature of the church.

 

8.1 The gathered church

The church is a fellowship of regenerate people. It must receive into membership only those who are believers. The value of this principle is lost if it is not maintained. Those who turn back on their profession, or who give the elders good reason to believe they are not truly converted, must be removed from membership.

The “gathered church” is not made up simply of those who once made a credible profession, but of those who still hold that profession.

1 Corinthians 1:2 (LSB) describes the church as


“the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling…”

 

8.2 The ordered church

The church stands for the truth of the gospel and for Christian morality. It exists to bear witness to both in the world. To do this faithfully, it must have an ordered structure and fellowship. If its standards are violated by a member, action must be taken to restore order, for the sake of both purity and witness.

See Titus 2:1–5 (LSB).

 

8.3 The voluntary principle

When a person joins a church, he does so willingly, not by force. In doing so, he takes on both privileges and responsibilities. These include contributing to the life of the church and living a consistent Christian life personally. Since he has willingly agreed to this, the church has the right to act when these responsibilities are violated.

See 2 Corinthians 8:5 and Acts 2:41.

 

8.4 Scriptural warrant

The New Testament gives many examples of churches maintaining order. These include offences against peace and fellowship, heresy, personal sin, disputes between members, and even disputes between churches.

Relevant passages include Matthew 18:15–20; Acts 15:1–33; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–2; 2 Corinthians 13:1–2; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11–15; 1 Timothy 1:20; 5:20; Titus 1:13; 3:8–11.

 

9. The Purposes of Church Discipline

Church discipline serves several important purposes.

 

9.1 The preservation of the spiritual life of the church

In maintaining order, the church acts in self-preservation. Its life is spiritual, and tolerated sin can damage and even destroy that life. If sin is allowed to remain unchecked, the whole fellowship suffers.

1 Corinthians 5:6 (LSB)


“Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?”

See also Revelation 2:14–16, 20.

 

9.2 The preservation of the church’s witness

If sin and error are overlooked, the message preached by the church is denied by its life. A truthful witness requires consistency.

See Titus 2:1–5 (LSB).

 

9.3 The discouragement of sin among the members

When members know that the church will act to maintain its order, they are warned away from sin. This is strengthened when they see discipline actually carried out.

1 Timothy 5:20 (LSB)


“Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful.”

 

9.4 The restoration of the offending member

This is one of the most important purposes of all. Discipline is for the good of the sinner. It shows that the church takes sin seriously, but its aim is not destruction. Its aim is restoration to full fellowship.

Galatians 6:1 (LSB)


“Brothers, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one…”

2 Corinthians 2:7 (LSB)


“You should rather graciously forgive and comfort him…”

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Discipline must therefore be exercised with Christian love and humility, not with pride or vindictiveness.

See also 2 Timothy 2:24–26; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 2:6–8; Revelation 3:19.

This same aim is stated clearly in the GHCF Handbook, which says that members who refuse to repent of sin may be removed from membership, but always with the aim that they may be brought to repentance and welcomed back, and with the further aim of protecting other members from following their example.

 

10. Church Discipline at Great Harwood Christian Fellowship

The GHCF Handbook explicitly grounds church discipline in Matthew 18:15–17 and

1 Corinthians 5.

It states that local churches should remove from among them members who refuse to repent of sin.

It also sets out the grounds on which a member may be removed.

These include:

a. doctrinal error so that the person no longer affirms the Basis of Faith,

b. refusal to respect the church’s practices and doctrinal positions,

c. open sin that brings the church into disrepute,

d. persistent failure to fulfil the obligations of membership,

e. refusal to repent of sin against another member,

f. making false and malicious allegations against an Elder, Deacon, or other member, and g. refusing to live in submission to the leadership and authority of the Church Officers.

 

This is helpful because it shows that discipline is not reserved only for scandalous moral failure. It also includes serious doctrinal deviation, divisive behaviour, and settled refusal to live faithfully as a member of the church.

 

Formal process in relation to the Charity Commission.

It is important to state here, that because GHCF is a charity, we have to also follow the rules of the charity commission BUT GHCF’s highest authority and guide is the Holy Bible.

The GHCF Constitution requires that no resolution to remove a person from membership is effective unless the charity trustees have considered the matter at a duly constituted meeting, have given the person 21 clear days’ notice, have informed the person of the reasons why removal is being considered, and have allowed the person or his or her representative to make representations in person.

The Handbook states that a member may only be removed by a resolution of the charity trustees. Before such a resolution is passed, the trustees must hold a Charity Trustee Disciplinary Meeting. The member concerned must receive 21 clear days’ notice, and may bring a companion for support and as a witness. The person must be allowed to make representations, and the trustees must take those representations into account before deciding whether to remove the person from membership. The Church Secretary then communicates the decision and the register is amended accordingly where termination of membership is applied.

 

Prior pastoral steps

The Handbook also makes clear that formal removal should not normally be the first step. The Church Officers must be informed if it is believed that any of the stated grounds apply. If one member has been sinned against by another, the matter should normally first be raised with the person concerned before it is reported to the Church Officers.

The Officers then appoint two spiritually mature people to enquire into the matter thoroughly and, where appropriate, encourage repentance. After investigation, those appointed report back to the Church Officers, who then decide whether a Charity Trustee Disciplinary Meeting is needed and what additional steps should be taken.

 

Restoration and support

The Handbook also says that a person who has been removed from membership shall be welcomed back if he or she applies for membership in the normal way and the application is approved.

It also recognises that, even in cases where repentance is genuine, the facts may still need to be reported to the relevant secular authorities. In such cases, the Church Officers are to give all appropriate support to the person as one who is genuinely repentant.

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11. The Means of Maintaining Church Order

11.1 Maintaining a regenerate membership

It is vitally necessary that only converted people be admitted into membership. But that concern does not end when someone is first received. The church must remain a church of converted people. Those who show that they are not converted should be removed from membership.

 

Mistakes can be made. A first acceptance is not infallible. The church is not saying that every member is under constant suspicion. Rather, it is saying that where there is positive reason for doubt, the matter should be reconsidered.

This includes lapsed members, those who openly deny the faith, and, except in very unusual cases, those who have moved away and should seek membership in another faithful church. Time should be given for this to happen.

No one should be removed without pastoral ministry to the person concerned. Unless it is impossible to trace him, it should never happen without his knowledge.

 

11.2 Instruction and exhortation

The church’s teaching should include clear and detailed instruction on Christian living and standards of behaviour, both personally and in the corporate life of the fellowship. This means not only public preaching, but also private and pastoral application.When a member is guilty of a fault, he should be visited by the elders, reminded of the truth, and encouraged to follow it.

See Galatians 6:1 (LSB).

 

11.3 Censures                         

Except in grave cases, formal censures should be used only when private exhortation and pastoral care have failed. These censures are made before the gathered church and by the church as a whole.They must never be carried out in a vicious or vindictive spirit. They must be exercised with love, compassion, fairness, and mercy.

See 2 Corinthians 2:6–8 (LSB).

Members need to understand this beforehand. New members especially should be taught the church’s practice clearly before they join. If people understand from the beginning how the church will respond to unruliness, offence and confusion are less likely. Discipline should be constant and consistent, not an occasional sudden purge. There must be no favourites, and no one must feel unfairly singled out.

See 1 Timothy 5:20–22 and 1 Timothy 5:21.

 

12. A Biblical Process for Receiving New Members (step by step)

Because discipline belongs to membership, churches should receive members carefully. This general biblical pattern also fits the GHCF membership process.

 

Step 1 — A credible profession of faith

The elders listen to a person’s testimony and ensure that he understands the gospel. Romans 10:9 (LSB)

 

Step 2 — Baptism

If the person has not yet been baptised as a believer, baptism should ordinarily come before membership. Acts 2:41 (LSB)

 

Step 3 — Instruction in church doctrine and practice

The candidate should be taught the church’s doctrine, life, expectations, and responsibilities. 2 Timothy 1:13 (LSB)
“Retain the standard of sound words…”

 

Step 4 — Elder recommendation

The elders examine the candidate and recommend him to the church. Acts 20:28 (LSB)

 

Step 5 — Congregational affirmation

The congregation receives the person into membership.

Matthew 18:17 (LSB) shows that Christ gives real authority to the gathered church.

At GHCF this general pattern takes practical shape in interviews, leadership approval, instruction at a new members’ meeting, formal agreement to the Constitution and Handbook, and reception into membership at a church meeting where the Breaking of Bread is observed.

 

13. The Practice of Church Discipline

Christ Himself gives the basic pattern.

Step 1 — Private correction

Matthew 18:15 (LSB)


“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault between you and him alone.”

The goal is restoration, not punishment.

Step 2 — Small group confirmation

Matthew 18:16 (LSB)


“Take one or two more with you.”

This protects fairness and truth.

Step 3 — Tell it to the church

Matthew 18:17 (LSB)


“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.”

The church then calls the person to repentance.

Step 4 — Removal from membership

If there is still no repentance, Christ says,


“let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Paul states the same principle in 1 Corinthians 5:13 (LSB):


“Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”

GHCF’s local process reflects this same biblical seriousness, but also adds procedural care through trustee consideration, notice, representation, and pastoral investigation.

 

14. The Three Main Censures of the Church

Historic Baptist practice has often described three main levels of censure.

 

14.1 Rebuke and warning

A person guilty of a fault should first be visited by the elders and rebuked privately.

Titus 1:13 (LSB) supports sharp and clear correction where needed.

If he refuses this rebuke, he may be called to a special meeting of the church and rebuked and warned before the congregation.

 

1 Timothy 5:20 (LSB)

The warning makes clear that if the behaviour continues, the second censure will follow.

 

Matters that may call for rebuke and warning include:

• grumbling

• anger

• quarrelsomeness

• rumour-mongering (gossip)

• heartlessness towards a brother, especially by exposing his weakness or criticising him harshly

• wasting energy on unprofitable matters that disturb the peace of the church

• neglect of church meetings, including business meetings

• neglect of responsibilities to the church

 

14.2 Suspension

Suspension means the temporary withdrawal of the privileges of membership. This may include the Lord’s Supper, prayer meetings, and church business meetings.The key New Testament passage here is 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15. The offender is not treated as an outsider, but “as a brother.” The purpose is that he may be ashamed and brought to repentance.

Suspension should continue until the offender:

• confesses his sin

• rights the wrong done

• gives credible assurance that he will not continue in the sin

It must not continue forever. If the person still refuses to respond, the church may need to proceed to excommunication. See also Titus 3:10.

 

Suspension must be accompanied by ongoing pastoral ministry from the elders, with the aim of restoring the person to full privileges.

Galatians 6:1 (LSB)

Ordinarily, such matters should remain confidential within the church, and members should not spread them outside. But if the offence is already public, or if public knowledge is unavoidable, the church may need to make its censure public in order to protect its witness.

In serious cases, even where repentance appears early, a brief period of suspension may still be wise.

Matters that may warrant suspension include:

• refusal to receive and acknowledge the first censure

• continuing in sin after public rebuke

• deliberate and calculated disruption of the peace of the church

• slander against another member

• leaking confidential church business

• false doctrine

• grave sin

• guilt in UK criminal proceedings

Relevant references include 2 Corinthians 12:21; 13:2.

 

14.3 Excommunication

Excommunication is the removal of a person from church membership. It is a very grave action and should be taken only where there is no real doubt about the guilt and no repentance. Ordinarily it should be preceded by suspension so that an opportunity for repentance is given.

The clearest example is 1 Corinthians 5:1–5. The man in Corinth was guilty of an offensive immoral relationship. But the immediate reason for excommunication was not only the nature of the sin. It was also that the sin was open, blatant, and unrepented of.

Paul describes the action as a kind of delivering over to Satan. This means removal from the sphere of the church into the world, the realm outside the church’s fellowship and protection.

See 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5, 13; Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 1:20.

Even here, the aim is spiritual good. Excommunication is designed for the offender’s welfare and salvation.

 

Excommunication is not irreversible

A person who has been put out of the church may be received back if he truly repents.

The case of the disciplined man in Corinth likely points this way.

2 Corinthians 2:6–10 speaks of punishment by the majority, followed by forgiveness, comfort, and reaffirmed love.

This same principle is present in the GHCF Handbook, which explicitly provides for a person removed from membership to be welcomed back through the normal application process if repentance is evident and the application is approved.

 

How should an excommunicated person be treated?

An excommunicated person is treated as an ordinary outsider.

Matthew 18:17 (LSB)

That does not mean cruelty, hatred, or total social severance. Christians may still show ordinary kindness, greet the person, and speak with him. Love must still be shown.

2 Corinthians 2:8 (LSB)


“I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.”

 

Excommunication does not mean banning someone from public services, nor does it require the kind of extreme “shunning” practised in some groups, where family and ordinary social contact are cut off. Such harshness goes beyond Scripture.

 

Further civil action

Excommunication does not rule out further action in rare and serious cases, such as informing the civil authorities or bringing a case to court, for example where funds have been misappropriated. GHCF’s Handbook likewise recognises that some matters may still need to be reported to the relevant secular authorities even where repentance is genuine.

 

15. Church Discipline Must Be Loving, Fair, and Pastoral

The whole process of discipline must be carried out in the right spirit.

• never vicious

• never vindictive

• never proud

• never careless

• always loving

• always compassionate

• always fair

• always merciful

• always aimed at repentance and restoration

There must be no favourites. The church must not ignore the sins of some while disciplining others. Nor should discipline feel like a sudden purge after long neglect. It must be constant, careful, and consistent.

The GHCF Constitution and Handbook help safeguard this by requiring proper notice, clear reasons, opportunity for representation, trustee consideration, and orderly record keeping.

 

16. Ten Common Objections to Church Membership and Discipline

Many objections are raised today, but Scripture answers them.

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1. “Church membership is not in the Bible.”

The word may not be used, but the concept clearly is. There are those inside and those outside.1 Corinthians 5:12–13 (LSB)

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2. “I belong to the universal church, not a local church.”

Believers belong to the universal church, but the New Testament always places them in local congregations with known leaders.

Philippians 1:1 (LSB) refers to “the saints… in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.”

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3. “I attend regularly, so I do not need membership.”

Attendance alone does not establish covenant commitment or accountability.

Hebrews 10:24 (LSB)

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4. “Membership is a modern invention.”

The early church had recognised belonging, examination, and removal. Acts 2:47 (LSB)

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5. “I do not want to submit to church authority.”

Christ commands believers to submit to faithful shepherds. Hebrews 13:17 (LSB)

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6. “I can worship God on my own.”

Personal devotion matters, but Christianity is not individualistic.1 Corinthians 12:27 (LSB)
“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”

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7. “The church is full of sinners.”

Yes, but it is a community of redeemed sinners whom Christ is sanctifying.

Ephesians 5:25–26 (LSB)

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8. “Membership sounds legalistic.”

Biblical membership is covenant commitment in love.  Romans 12:5 (LSB)

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9. “Church discipline is unloving.”

In truth, discipline is an act of restorative love.

Galatians 6:1 (LSB)

 

10. “Commitment feels restrictive.”

Biblical commitment brings spiritual growth and protection.

Ephesians 4:16 (LSB) says that the whole body grows as it is “fitted and held together…”

 

17. Why Membership and Discipline Are Disappearing Today

Many churches have abandoned meaningful membership and discipline. Several reasons stand out.

 

Consumer Christianity

People treat church as a service provider rather than a covenant family.

Ephesians 4:25 (LSB)


“for we are members of one another.”

 

Individualism

Modern culture prizes independence, but the gospel teaches interdependence.

1 Corinthians 12:21 (LSB)


“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’”

 

Fear of conflict

Many churches avoid discipline because they do not want difficult conversations.

But 1 Timothy 5:20 (LSB) shows that public rebuke can be necessary.

 

Weak teaching on the church

Many believers have never been taught what the church is.

Yet Acts 20:28 (LSB) says that Christ purchased the church “with His own blood.”

There has also been a long historical decline in the importance attached to church order. Although many Baptists and Independents practised these things more seriously in the past, that is often no longer the case. In many places, biblical church order has been neglected for so long that returning to it will require real change, perhaps even painful change.

For that reason:

• elders must study the matter carefully

• members must be taught patiently and clearly

• churches may need clearer membership articles or statements

• fellowship between churches should include serious discussion of common biblical practice

• increased mobility in modern society makes these matters even more urgent

 

18. A Biblical Definition of the Local Church

A local church is a gathered community of baptised believers who covenant together under Christ’s authority to worship God, practise the ordinances, receive biblical teaching, exercise mutual care and discipline, and carry out the mission of Christ.This definition fits both the teaching of Scripture and the GHCF Constitution’s statement that local churches are congregations of believers committed to worship, preaching, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, pastoral care, discipline, and evangelism.

a. The church is a gathered people 

1 Corinthians 1:2 (LSB)

b. The church is under Christ’s authority

Colossians 1:18 (LSB)
“He is also the head of the body, the church.”

c. The church is a covenanted community

Acts 2:42 (LSB)

d. The church practises the ordinances

1 Corinthians 11:26 (LSB)

e. The church exercises discipline

Matthew 18:17 (LSB)

 

19. Final Pastoral Conclusion

Church membership is not a human invention, nor is church discipline a harsh relic from the past. Both arise from the very nature of the church as Christ designed it.

The local church is a defined body of believers who willingly walk together in the truth, under Christ’s authority, for worship, holiness, mission, mutual care, and accountability.

 

At Great Harwood Christian Fellowship, this is not only a theological conviction but also a stated constitutional and pastoral commitment. Membership is and should be entered into carefully, carried out responsibly, and, where necessary, guarded through a measured and pastoral process of discipline.

The church’s own governing documents make plain that membership is not casual, and discipline is not arbitrary. Both are intended to serve the glory of Christ, the purity of the church, the good of the members, and the restoration of those who fall into sin.Discipline is necessary because sin is serious, the church is holy, and Christ loves His people too much to leave them to spiritual ruin. Proper discipline preserves the spiritual life of the church, protects its witness, discourages sin, restores the wandering, and honours the Lord Jesus.

When rightly practised, church membership and church discipline produce a church that is spiritually healthy, doctrinally faithful, loving, accountable, and guarded from corruption. This is not cold administration. It is Christ’s wise and gracious care for His people.

Ephesians 5:27 (LSB) says that Christ’s purpose is,


“that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle…”

And Ephesians 4:16 (LSB) reminds us that the whole body,


“being fitted and held together… causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

That is why church membership matters, and that is why church discipline must not be neglected.

 

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