Church Discipline and Conflict Resolution

Biblical Conflict Resolution

Matthew 18 Process

When conflicts arise between members, or between a member and leadership, we follow the biblical pattern outlined in Matthew 18:15-17:

• Private conversation - Go directly to the person involved
• Witnesses present - If unresolved, bring one or two others
• Church leadership involvement - If still unresolved, bring the matter to church leadership
• Church discipline - If the person refuses to listen, the church may need to exercise discipline for the protection and purity of the body

No Lawsuits Between Believers

Scripture forbids Christians from suing one another in civil court (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). Members agree to resolve all disputes through biblical means, including pastoral counsel, mediation, and - if necessary - binding Christian arbitration.

Members may seek compensation from another Christian's insurance company for injuries, provided this is done without malice, slander, or a spirit of revenge.

Binding Christian Arbitration

If a legal matter arises within the church that cannot be resolved through the biblical process above, members agree to submit to binding Christian arbitration rather than pursuing civil litigation.

By becoming a member, you expressly waive any rights to bring church-related disputes before a civil court, except that judgment upon the arbitrator's award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

Arbitration procedures shall be established by church leadership. If specific procedures have not been adopted, we will use guidelines provided by the National Center for Life and Liberty or another Christian arbitration service. This arbitration is ecclesiastical and faith-based in nature, operating under Scripture and church guidelines rather than state or federal arbitration statutes.

(Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8)

Church Discipline

Purpose of Discipline

Church discipline exists to:

• Restore a sinning believer to fellowship with God and the church
• Protect the purity and testimony of the church
• Demonstrate God's holiness and the seriousness of sin
• Warn others against following a similar path

Discipline is always pursued with a spirit of humility, love, and a desire for repentance and restoration.

(Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11)

The Matthew 18 Process

When a member becomes aware of an offense that hinders the spiritual growth and testimony of an individual or the body as a whole, the following biblical process must be followed:

Step 1: Private Confrontation

Go directly to the offending party and seek to restore them. Before going, examine yourself and approach with humility and the goal of restoration, not condemnation.

"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." (Matthew 18:15)

Step 2: Bring Witnesses

If reconciliation is not reached, bring one or two other believers with you to address the matter again. This step should also be preceded by self-examination and exercised in a spirit of humility with the goal of restoration.

"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." (Matthew 18:16)

Step 3: Involve Church Leadership

If the matter remains unresolved after the first two steps, bring the issue before the pastor and/or deacons, who represent the church body. They will attempt to meet with the offending brother or sister.

"And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church." (Matthew 18:17)

Step 4: Church Action

If the pastor and/or deacons agree that the offense is serious and reconciliation cannot be reached, they may terminate the individual's membership without further notice. Unless the matter involves safety or security concerns for the congregation, the specifics shall not be addressed publicly or with the general membership.

"But if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." (Matthew 18:17)

(Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Titus 3:10-11)

Leadership Accountability

The pastor, deacons, elders, and trustees are subject to the same discipline process as other church members. No leader is above accountability to Scripture or exempt from church discipline if they fall into serious sin.

(1 Timothy 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1)

Restoration and Forgiveness

When a disciplined member repents, the church should readily forgive, comfort, and restore them to fellowship. The goal of discipline is always restoration, not permanent separation. We follow Paul's instruction to "confirm your love" toward the repentant believer.

(2 Corinthians 2:6-8; Galatians 6:1)

Notification

For memberships terminated through the discipline process, the pastor may send a letter informing the individual of the termination, but this is not required.

Learn More

• Church Leadership - Who leads the church and how decisions are made
• Church Policies and Procedures - How Pilgrim operates, manages resources, and conducts ministry.
• Church Membership - How to join and what's expected of members

Questions or concerns? Contact Pastor Fortunato directly.