Hey, Church! 

Today, I want to continue our exploration of what it means that Rio is part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). 

Constitution

“The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in America, which is subject to and subordinate to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inerrant Word Of God, consists of its doctrinal standards set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith, together with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the Book of Church Order, comprising the Form of Government, the Rules of Discipline and the Directory for Worship; all as adopted by the Church.” (www.pcanet.org) 

The PCA’s website provides links to all of the above, as well as position papers on various topics that may be of interest. 

Church Discipline

I imagine that most are aware that we view the Bible as the supreme authority, and many know that we believe the Westminster Standards represent the best interpretation of biblical doctrines. What many people do not know is that we have a subordinate document called The Book of Church Order (BCO), which provides practical guidance on governance (e.g., Rules for calling a congregational meeting), worship (e.g., The proper elements in a baptismal service), and how to conduct discipline (e.g., The judicial process). 

PCA churches require a joining member to “enter into a solemn covenant with God and His Church” by answering five questions in the affirmative. Question #5 is “Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?” So, what is the discipline of the Church? 

Church discipline is rooted, firstly, in Jesus’ statement to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19, which establishes the earthly church as the gatekeeper of heavenly blessings and curses. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” A second key biblical text is Matthew 18:15-20, which prescribes a particular order to confronting a brother in sin. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone… If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you… 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 tax collector.” Then Jesus repeats, “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 

The Book of Church Order’s “Rules for Discipline” outlines a standardized process for what happens after an aggrieved party “tell[s] it to the church.” Presumably (and the church session will confirm this, before any further action is taken), the injured party has already followed the first two steps of Matthew 18; he or she has gone to their offender, told them of their fault, and, when they did not listen, brought one or two witnesses to establish evidence of the charge. Assuming that has been done, the injured party then brings the matter to the church. 

In short, the process of formal, judicial discipline closely resembles our civil court proceedings. An indictment is drawn, prosecutor appointed, charges read, a plea is entered, trial is held with witnesses and evidence, and the session gives its verdict. Once a person is found guilty by the court, he or she may be censured: by formal, written admonishment, indefinite suspension from the table, deposition from office, or, finally, excommunication. 

Church discipline is a reminder that God takes sin seriously, that the Church is His authoritative emissary (Matt. 16:18; 18:18-19), and that ultimately God wants his wayward people restored to fellowship with Himself and His Church. Heavy as this all sounds, the end goal of discipline is actually quite beautiful. 

BCO 27-3: 

“The exercise of discipline is highly important and necessary. In its proper usage, discipline maintains: 

1. the glory of God,
2. the purity of His Church,
3. the keeping and reclaiming of disobedient sinners. Discipline is for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7); therefore, it demands a self-examination under Scripture.

Its ends, so far as it involves judicial action, are the rebuke of offenses, the removal of scandal, the vindication of the honor of Christ, the promotion of the purity and general edification of the Church, and the spiritual good of offenders themselves.” 

Is the peace and purity of the Church important to you? Are you grateful for a church that has tiers of accountability and systems in place for disciplining the wayward? Give thanks to God for His precious Bride! May we all remember our vows, to support her work, attend its worship, and submit to its correction. She is worth fighting for!