DISCIPLINE A BROTHER BACK INTO RIGHT STANDARD WITH GOD

My reaction to a ministry leader who has fallen into sin would be to use the recipe laid out in the Word of God in efforts to discipline and to help restore him spiritually. I believe that the New Testament is the guide for us to use to reconcile any fallen brother back into the right standard with God. The Book of Matthew distinctly describes how an individual or the church should respond to a fallen brother or ministry leader. This response encompasses a process of discipline. Today, millions of churches have forgotten the importance and usage of the Word of God in church discipline.

The purposes of church discipline are for the spiritual restoration of a fallen brother, the subsequent strengthening of the church as a whole, and for glorifying the body of Christ. When a brother in Christ is rebuked and he turns from his sins and is forgiven, he is reconciled back in the right standard with God, along with the right fellowship with the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the response to a fallen brother requires active discipline—a step-wise process, which Jesus has set forth in the book of Matthew (18:15-17). This process includes: (1) steps to be followed by the individual, whom the leader has offended or who knows of the leader’s sin; (2) if there is no reconciliation, the process of discipline moves to a plural level where witnesses are used to confront the leader who has sinned; (3) if needed further action involves the church body; (4) finally, if the faults of the leader are not resolved—he is to be treated as an outsider.t
The bible states, in 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.


MEET WITH THE BROTHER PRIVATELY
The primary step of church discipline begins on an individual level and then moves to the plural level and dimensions of the church body. Matthew 18:15-17, says, "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back but if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.”2
Meeting with your brother privately and pointing out his fault is an unknown discipline within the present church. The church has become very unconsciously inactive. We have allowed the most extreme and unwarranted behaviors in the church to go on without any consequence and this has destroyed the unity and the purity of the church. Our failure to approach our brother with his sin has caused a hindrance in the unity of the Body of Christ.3 Furthermore, the failure to discipline has caused a complacently among church membership and responsibility. Church discipline starts on an individual level, and our biblical response for the purity of the church should be to confront the fallen brother privately. Despite biblical warranting, private confrontation in the church has been regarded as wrong and, some how, has been reflected as a negative or judgmental response. Nevertheless without private confrontation, this primary step in discipline has become neglected, and this has led to us losing the sense of community and mutual responsibility for one another.3 Scripture supports restoration in that, “we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”4 Often we have given excuses such as, "Well, it's not really any of my business, is it?" Discipline is costly because my brother's business now becomes mine.

MEMBERSHIP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISCIPLINE

Members of the church have failed their responsibility because they frequently quote, but have misinterpreted the scripture: Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged."4 It is imperative to understand that God’s Word is the judge, and our lack of understanding has certainly put hesitancy in the hearts of many in regard to dealing with sin in the membership. I believe the fear of rejection has deterred us from correct discipline because we only anticipate in our minds what a faulty leader will say to us: "Mind your own business. You have no authority to tell me what I can and can't do. I am the leader" This anticipation of rejection and rebuttal has led many people to fear approaching a church leader concerning sin in his life. Talking directly about personal sin with an offender is difficult; it makes us feel uneasy and uncomfortable; however it is our biblical responsibility. To fulfill this responsibility, private confrontation should be done with gentleness, in love, out of compassion, and seeking to encourage3; the major purpose for private confrontation is to resolve the problem without fueling unnecessary gossip and restoring the brother.
MEET WITH THE BROTHER WITH OTHER WITNESSES
Secondly, if the private confrontation doesn’t work or is unsuccessful and the brother continues to sin and refuses to listen to the one who has confronted him privately—the next step is to approach the brother with one or two more witnesses. In some cases this can be very difficult because the lack of biblical understanding from other believers within the church. Some witnesses will simply want to ignore the problem, and feel in time it will go away. They will say things like: "…give him time to heal, or so that he can deal with the problem.” I believe the lack of haste responsiveness by the witnesses gives time for the brother to become callous towards the sin and the church. The witnesses goal is to discipline and it is not time to compromise or negotiate, discipline has to be demonstrated so that others will not stumble. In addition, the two or more witnesses have to know the consequence of the punishment before meeting with the brother, so there will be no confusion during the period of confronting him. I have been in a situation where we attempted to discipline a brother, and the witnesses begin to stall from fear of driving the person away, especially if the brother is a major financial contributor to the church. However, discipline was to be granted, while others were convinced it was too harsh. The witnesses’ purpose of talking to the fallen brother is so that “by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.”2 In other words, the witnesses are present not only to confirm that the sin was committed but, in addition, to confirm whether or not the sinning brother has repented.

Following these steps, if the two or more witnesses were not successful—it is the responsibility of the church leadership to bring about a reprimand to the accuser, openly.

This has to be done with Godly wisdom, but reprimand is strongly recommended. This step tends to be neglected because usually the guilty brother is not faithfully attending church. Damages can be made within the church without the believer showing up, so there has to be a public announcement and often this process is fearful among leadership because of the fear of legal reprisal in the form of lawsuits.3 I believe pastors struggle with this step because of the false concept of discipline and their observation of past personal abuse. In their minds discipline is associated “with heresy hunts, intolerance, oppression, harshness, mean-spiritedness, self-righteousness, legalism, etc. Many cases pastors are related to this fear of being labeled a cult and being too strict toward their members.”3 The responsibility of the appointed leaders is to openly or literally name the person and his sin from the pulpit to the congregation in love. Scripture confirms open reprimand, which it states: “An open rebuke is better than hidden love!”2
HARSHED DISCIPLINE TO THE BROTHER

Finally, treat him as an outsider if the fallen brother doesn't repent. Sit him down from his appointed duties or put him out of the church until he does repent. This will allow the church to maintain a true relationship and keep the commandments of God. Jesus taught that discipline is the key to discipleship. Jesus said to the people who believe in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings.”2 The real question of discipline and discipleship is whether we will apply the Biblical discipline in our churches today.

In conclusion, I am an advocate of biblical discipline and if you are aware that a ministry leader has fallen, we should use the New Testament to guide our fallen brother into right standard with God. The process starts with the offended individual confronting the brother privately. If no result, then we should confront him with two or more witnesses and if this does not work—the church should openly rebuke the brother’s sin. This will allow the reconciled leader to yield the fruits of holy living, holy correction, and holy purity. Lastly if the brother continues in sin, the church’s responsibility is to ostracize the fallen brother from the fellowship of the church.1 The Church should seek God for mercy for our fallen brother in hopes we can restore him back into the fellowship.

Bibliography1.John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 16–23 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1988)
2.The Living Bible, Paraphrased (1971). Wheaton, IL, Tyndale House
3.“Reflections on Church Discipline: "Article," Enjoying God Ministries 27 (Sep 07, 2007): enjoyinggodministries.com/enjoying-god/reflections-on-church-discipline/
4.The Holy Bible, New King James Version (1982). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson. This is based on the Authorized Version of 1611, commonly called the King James Bible

Church At The Park Believes

We believe the Bible is the Word of God, supernaturally inspired. It is inerrant in the original manuscripts and preserved by God in its verbal, plenary inspiration; and that it is a divinely authoritative standard for every age and every life.

We believe in the Godhead exists eternally in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that these three are one God.

We believe God is the absolute and sole creator of the universe and that creation was by divine command.

We believe God, by His sovereign choice and out of love for men, sent Christ into the world to save sinners.

We believe that Jesus Christ in the flesh was both God and man. He was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life; He was crucified, died as a penalty for our sins, and was raised from the dead bodily on the third day. Later, He ascended to the Father’s right hand where He is the head of the church and intercedes for believers.

We believe Jesus Christ is coming again personally, bodily, and visibly to this earth to set up His millennial kingdom.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ made a perfect atonement for sin, through his sacrificial death and shed blood,and has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. Men are saved and justified on the simple and single ground of His shed blood.

We believe that salvation through Jesus Christ, with its forgiveness of sins, its impartation of a new nature, and its hope of eternal life—is entirely apart from good works, baptism, church membership or man’s effort and is of pure grace.

We believe that a true believer is eternally secure, that he cannot lose his salvation, but that sin may interrupt the joy of his fellowship with God and bring the loving discipline of his heavenly Father.

We believe that all who receive Christ become joint heirs with Him, and at death, their spirits and souls depart to be with Christ in conscious blessedness.

We believe that at rapture, their bodies will be raised to the likeness of the body of His glory and dwell forever in His divine presence.

We believe that it is the goal of every Christian to become a disciple of Christ by growing toward spiritual maturity through the knowledge of and obedience to the Word of God and submission to the Holy Spirit, who indwells, baptizes and seals all believers at the moment of salvation.

We believe that every true Christian is to be a dynamic part of a local church since this is God’s primary context for spiritual development and community impact.

Lord Says...

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. Love others as well as you love yourself.

In the world you will have trouble but take courage for I have conquered the world.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Live in me, let me live in you, says the Lord.

Look at the birdas of the air; your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Yes I am with you always, until the very end of time

Church At The Park Partners

I want to wish you a Happy New Year as we prepare to focus our hearts and minds on the birth of our Savior. By God's grace, Church At The Park has come so far over the last ten months. We have much to thank God for as He continues to work in each of us to live and proclaim the gospel across our state. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel and for all that you do and bring to the Church At The Park table.

We need to enlist your help with these questions.

1) We will implement a Fellowship Life Group model in 2011 for all Church At The Park Partners. Please let us know if you would like to host a life group.

2) Let us know how you would like to become more involved – Pastoral Care/Praise Team/First Impression Ministry/Men’s Group/Women’s Group/ Children Ministry.

3) As we plan and construct our budget for 2011, please give us your best estimate of what you can give on a monthly basis. This will help Sheltia Bowens, our Financial Treasure, and Raphael Yon, our to gauge what we have to work with regarding events, training, Pastoral's salary, admin, etc.

Please send your responses to these questions to our leadership team at your earliest convenience. Thanks again and we strongly believe that God is going to use 2011 to be a pivotal year for our network as we live further into the vision that God has given us.

Happy New Year,

Raphael Yon, Pastor
Church At The Park

“How Can I Serve as a Part of the Church and with the Church?”

I want to consistently try to suggest ways to serve that are not necessarily at the building and ways that don’t require an official position. Here are some ideas I am giving to people in our church:

1) Attend a Bible study regularly. Your consistent presence and interaction is an encouragement to your Bible study facilitator and your fellow Christians. Your consistent presence is a ministry.

2) Be relationally biblical and Christ-centered. For example, invite someone from church to a meal and ask what God is teaching them through Jesus. Think of ministry in terms of relationships, not just positions.

3) Be an unofficial greeter. Every person who is a member should be a friendly face and greeter. Church should be the friendliest place on earth.

4) Connect people with other people. As you meet people, ask them if they are in a Bible study and if they are not then connect them with someone who is in a Bible study that fits their stage of life.

5) Invite people to have a meal at your home. Maybe invite someone who isn’t in your inner circle.

6) Invite people to a worship gathering at church. A personal invitation to someone you have a relationship with is the best way to get people to come to church.

7) Write a note of encouragement to someone. Maybe you know of someone who is going through a difficult season. Maybe you know someone who is serving faithfully. Write a note.

8 ) Pray. Everyone can pray for the local church.

9 ) Financial suppport, Church set-up support, Praise Worship: Musicians and Psalmist,
Children Ministry, Technology Support

10) Be specific and intentional with words. Often we greet others with generalizations for the sake of brevity or as a mindless habit. Think of specific encouraging words you can say to people. It is great to ask someone, “How are you?” It is even more helpful to ask, “How is everything going with your family, work, etc?”

11) Take the initiative to think and then act. Sometimes I think the church enables people to do nothing by providing everything. Some people feel as though they can’t do anything to serve without a program or event. Look around (In the church, in your work place, in your neighborhood) and ask the question, “What can I be and do for others with the abilities and passion God has given me?” If it is from God the idea and call will last and when it does; act.

12) As you go, live and tell the gospel of Jesus. Every believer, every disciple is to be an evangelist as they are going and where ever it is they go. Live like Jesus where you are and when people ask why you do what you do, tell them. Live like Jesus and tell others about Jesus.

13) Serve a little with a few. Surely there are needs in your church and in your neighborhood. Can you help someone mow their lawn? Can you pick up trash in your neighborhood? What can you do with one or two other people to serve others? The other day my two sons (4 and 6 years-old) helped mow our neighbors lawn without being asked. Our neighbor was encouraged and my sons learned about taking initiative to serve others. It doesn’t take a lot of planning and you don’t need a lot of people, just serve others with others.

These are simple and even obvious ideas that I am trying to plant in the lives of the people I pastor. Positions of service and specific tasks are important, and positions of leadership are needed and important, but I want to equip people to live and serve as Christians all of the time and in every place, even if they are away from the church building and don’t have an official position. Every person who is in Christ and is a member of a local church ought to see themselves as serving as a part of the local church. I’m leading the people I pastor to that end for the greater end of bringing glory to God through Jesus. I would welcome your ideas. By Brent Prentice

Jesus' Call to Pray without Ceasing

Pray without ceasing…Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…"And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him?" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Luke 18:1, 7)

Hoekstra writes, "Praying without ceasing is the way to relate rightly to the God of all grace. Jesus called His followers to live in this prayerful manner when He told a parable that contrasted a godless human judge with God, our righteous judge.

The primary message of this parable would be that men should persistently pray at all times. "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." Jesus used the illustration of a wronged widow who was appealing for help from an unjust judge. At first, the judge had no interest in assisting her. However, when she persisted, he relented and gave her relief. "Though I do not fear God nor regard man, because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me" (Luke 18:4-5). The ungodly judge granted her relief, although he was not motivated by fear of God nor by compassion for man. His action was merely self-serving. Jesus then contrasts this to the holy motivations of our loving God, who responds to the needs of His children, as they call upon His name. "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him?" (Luke 18:7). The Lord Jesus hereby encourages us to pray without ceasing.

Jesus' own life was an example of praying persistently. At times, Jesus was up before dawn for extended prayer with the Father. "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35). On another occasion, He prayed the entire night through. "Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12). In addition to His rich private prayer life, Jesus prayed regularly in public as well. "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes…Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them… Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me" (Matthew 11:25; Luke 9:16; and John 11:41-42). If Jesus, the Son of God prayed habitually, how clearly we are to do the same.

Jesus, my Lord, I want to heed Your radical call to a path of unceasing prayer. I want to follow Your wonderful example of a life of habitual prayer—in private and in public. Lord, stir my heart to such prayer, by Your empowering grace, Amen."

Our Community

Church at the Park invited friends, family and strangers to be our guest on Sunday, October 31st at 10:30am. We hosted a Family, Friends, and Fellowship day over lunch with FREE fun and games at Frankie's Fun Park in Raleigh. We just simply wanted to fellowship and have fun with you and your children! We also wanted to share our heart for the future of our church and see how we can be of service to our community. Here are monumental pictures of this event.