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Doctrinal Discussions
These studies examine the traditional doctrines held by the Church of Christ to see if they are actually taught in the scriptures. This is not an "anti-Church of Christ" site. I was reared in the Church of Christ and have preached in the Church of Christ since 1968. My desire is that we walk righteously before God, not according to traditions of men. Bernie Parsons
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"Disfellowshipping"
By Bernie Parsons - February 05, 2002 Substantial
Revisions March 28, 2010
After more than four decades
preaching in the Church of Christ, I find that there are many differing
doctrines and interpretations of scripture, often leading to division
in our ranks. Many of these misinterpretations are directly attributable to
the fact that many of our preachers and teachers, not to mention our general
membership, spend little time actually studying the Bible. When they do
read, it is usually to reinforce the traditional beliefs that our forebears
have passed along to us.
One such common
misunderstanding regards fellowship. This misunderstanding leads to a
plethora of cases referred to as "disfellowshipping". I despise the word "disfellowship",
a word which appears neither in the Bible nor in the dictionary, but which I
have heard all my life. It shows the lack of diligent study of the
scriptures on the part of those who use it.
"Disfellowshipping" is the
Church of Christ name for the Catholic doctrine that Catholics call
excommunication. Since the Church of Christ is fond of claiming that there
is no historical tie to the Roman Catholic Church (read
History of The Church of Christ), they always try to find scriptures that seem to
substantiate Church of Christ doctrines. Some of the following scriptures
are called upon to justify a perverse and ungodly practice, because "disfellowshipping"
is improperly used against those who disagree on doctrine.
Matthew 18:17 "And if he shall
neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the
church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
Romans 16:17-18 "Now I beseech
you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and
avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of
the simple."
1 Corinthians 5:11 "But now I
have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a
brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a
drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
2 Thessalonians 3:14 "And if
any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no
company with him, that he may be ashamed."
At first glance, these four
instances of scripture, taken out of context and strung together, present a
seemingly powerful argument in favor of the idea of "disfellowshipping".
Yet, taken in context, each of the four reveals distinctly different
circumstances and treatments. Let's look at each situation individually,
within its intended context.
Matthew 18:15-17 "Moreover if
thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between
thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But
if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the
mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he
shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to
hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
In this setting, Jesus is
telling His disciples the importance of forgiveness. Look at the same
chapter, verse 35. (Also look at Matthew 6.) Notice that this deals, not
with differences in doctrine or understanding of particular scriptures, but
personal grievances. This is the procedure to follow if one professed
believer, or Christian, does another Christian wrong.
Matthew 18:35 "So likewise
shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts
forgive not every one his brother their
trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15 "For if ye
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
What Jesus is teaching, as
described by Matthew, is how to heal the body of Christ--the
church--whenever there is a wound. Has someone harmed you? Approach that
person in private and try to resolve the issue. The burden is on both
parties to heal the wound. We have just read that the one who was offended
is obligated to point out the rift, and seek closure. We also read words of
Jesus in which He puts responsibility on the person who has committed the
offense.
Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore if
thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother
hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift
before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother,
and then come and offer thy gift."
A wound in the body of
Christ--the church--is so serious, that both parties are obligated to seek
restoration of the body. James describes this responsibility, as well.
James 5:16-20 "Confess your
faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he
prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by
the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven
gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do
err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which
converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from
death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
Paul also discusses splits, or
schisms, in the body, and how they are damaging and dangeorus to the whole
church. A suffering body works to heal itself--and so it is with a suffering
church--the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:23-27 "And
those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these
we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant
comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the
body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
That there should be no schism in the body;
but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether
one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be
honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ,
and members in particular."
Jesus, in Matthew 18:15-17
gives a simple method of healing the church. The brother--or sister--who is
offended approaches the one who committed the offense and seeks
reconciliation. If the offender will not repent and seek the forgiveness of
the one he offended, one or two witnesses are to be taken and the attempt is
to be made with witnesses on hand. These witnesses can verify that the
offended person sought reconciliation, and whether or not the offender did
the same. (Note: the practice of some church trouble-makers who gather two
or more of their friends to help them attack another member regarding
doctrinal disagreements is not justified by this, or any other, scripture.)
If the offender will not heal
the wound in the church, he is to be treated as the unbeliever he is--for,
at that point, he has fully rejected God's plan for healing the body of
Christ. If he rejects God's law, he is not a true believer in God, nor is he
a true worshipper of God, and is to be treated as such. This is not carte
blanche for individual members to attempt to "throw someone out of the
church". Since elders have the oversight of the local church, they quite
logically should guide the church in such drastic measures. After all, the
goal is the healing of the church as a whole.
Matthew 18:17 "And if he shall
neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the
church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
Let's look at the second
scripture that is often abused:
Romans 16:17-18 "Now I beseech
you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions
and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and
avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of
the simple."
This is quite simply a warning
against false teachers and insincere individuals claiming to be Christians.
These are people who preach for profit (read the article, "Paying The Preacher"), who serve themselves by preying upon the
unlearned and the naive. Paul says to identify them for who they are, and
steer clear. This is not the same as "disfellowshipping". Jesus warned
against these false teachers, as did the Apostle Peter, and John.
Matthew 7:15-23 "Beware of
false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by
their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so
every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth
evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt
tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit
is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall
know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied
in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart
from me, ye that work iniquity."
2 Peter 2:1 "But there were
false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the
Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many
shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall
be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words
make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not,
and their damnation slumbereth not."
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: because many false prophets
are gone out into the world."
The cure here is not
"disfellowshipping", but avoidance. Don't listen to false teachers, and
don't support them. Ignore them, and they will be forced to go away.
The third oft-abused scripture
when "disfellowshipping" is discussed is:
1 Corinthians 5:11 "But now I
have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a
brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a
drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
The offense here is the direct
violation of the laws of God by a church member who is committing
fornication. When a man claims to be a Christian, yet engages in grossly
ungodly practices--things that are clearly and directly opposed to God's
instructions, then such a one is to be put on notice that the behavior is
wrong, and is not a Christian attribute--after all, "Christian" means to be
like Christ, or Christ-like.
The problem was that the
church looked the other way, tolerating unholy behavior.
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 "It is
reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication
as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his
father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he
that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily,
as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I
were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my
spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto
Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the
day of the Lord Jesus.
"Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the
whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump,
as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the
leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity
and truth.
"I wrote unto you in an
epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the
fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with
idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have
written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be
a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an
extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye
judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore
put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
Of the four instances often
used to justify it, this comes the closest to "disfellowshipping" a person
as it is practiced by some of the churches. In this case, a church member is
committing public sin and is in danger of polluting the church from within,
as well as generating criticism from without. The church is told to "take
him from among them", "deliver him to the power of Satan", "not to keep
company with him", "not to eat with him", and to "put away that wicked
person".
This instruction is often
abused by people who want to apply this severe punishment to anyone who
merely disagrees with them on the meaning of a particular scripture. Notice
that this action was reserved for "fornicators, covetous, idolaters,
railers, drunkards, and extortioners". All of these are grievous,
public sins. They are the mark of a person who roundly rejects the laws of
God in favor of a life of sensuality and sin in the flesh. The person is
described as "wicked". The danger in tolerating such behavior, besides
costing that individual his soul, is to contaminate the entire body of
Christ. As Apostle Paul pointed out, Christ does not join His body to
whores, and the church is the body of Jesus Christ. If one who fornicates is
embraced as holy and acceptable, others may imitate the sin and the whole
body is corrupted.
1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not
that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived:
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor
abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye
are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things
are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats
for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and
them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord
for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up
us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?
shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an
harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an
harlot is one body? for two, saith he,
shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee
fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that
commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that
your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of
God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
What is the intention in
putting a publicly sinning church member away from the warm embrace of the
congregation, and in "delivering such a one to Satan"? The goal is not
punishment or control--the goal is repentance of the individual and a pure
body of Christ.
I Corinthians 5:5-6 "To
deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the
spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord
Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that
a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?"
Those who would withdraw from
a member to punish him or her for having a different view on a scripture do
not understand the purpose of the action, nor the damage that can be caused
when it is abused. They also fail to consider that other Christians may be
in different stages of spiritual development, and may either be younger or
older in the spirit than they. If the person is young in the spirit, the
goal is to guide them to maturity, not run them off. If they are more mature
spiritually, perhaps their view is closer to the truth than your own! Would
you want them to "throw you out of the church" if that is the case? By the
way, we don't actually have the power to "throw people out of church", as we
don't have the power to add them to the church. Read "Communion & Fellowship". The Roman Catholics with their doctrine of
excommunication originated this ungodly practice.
In fact, the intended
consequence in the above situation was realized as Paul writes in the second
recorded Corinthian letter.
2 Corinthians 2:6-11
“Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest
perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I
beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also
did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in
all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave
any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person
of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant
of his devices.”
The goal is to have that
person who had publicly sinned to come to his senses and abandon his sinful
activity. The goal is to restore a wayward brother to the paths of
righteousness, to heal the body of Christ. This goal was accomplished by the
church at Corinth.
The fourth instance of
scripture used to justify infighting and schism is:
2 Thessalonians 3:14 "And if
any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no
company with him, that he may be ashamed."
Some folks appear to reason
that if another church member won't do what I think that they should, then I
should have no company with them. Again, our goal should not be to lord over
other people. View the complete context.
2 Thessalonians 3: 6-15
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and
not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye
ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and
travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not
because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to
follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if
any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some
which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now
them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with
quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary
in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that
man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not
as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
The context is that of a
brother who refuses to work to support his own needs, relying upon others to
take care of him. Paul condemns this slothfulness, and reminds that he had
worked at his own craft while among them, in order to set a good example. He
also did it to keep himself out of compromising situations: if he did not
take their money, none could feel that he was beholden to them, and none
could rightfully accuse him of preaching just for money—read “Paying The Preacher”.
The message here is, if you
don’t work, you don’t eat. Anyone who doesn’t take care of his own family is
worse than an infidel—someone who does not honor God.
1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any
provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath
denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Such a person has no place
among the believers because he is not truly converted, is not walking in the
footsteps of Jesus, and hasn’t the faintest idea what God expects of him.
Even so, the person in this case is to be treated as a brother, not the
enemy. This precludes our treating him as though he were invisible, or
treating him like the scum of the earth. He is to be made ashamed in order
to save him, and he is to be admonished—that is, warned—that if he does not
change, his soul will be lost. This is done lovingly, as to a wayward
brother, not bitterly or hatefully, as I have often witnessed. The goal is
not to “throw people out of the church”, but is rather the restoration of
the lost, and the healing of the church by bringing them back into it.
Galatians 6:1-2 “Brethren, if
a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one
in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Jude 1: 21-23 “Keep yourselves
in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto
eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others
save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment
spotted by the flesh.”
James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if
any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he
which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from
death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 “And above all
things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the
multitude of sins.”
Read the article, “Charity”.
The erroneous doctrine of "disfellowshipping"
must be abandoned by the Church of Christ. It is clearly a renamed,
repackaged Protestant version of Roman Catholic excommunication.
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
