Navigating Conflict: Church Discipline and Restoration
Membership Monday #11
Yes, conflict happens—even in church families. But it doesn’t have to destroy unity; in fact, if handled wisely, conflict can actually strengthen relationships under Christ. At Redeemer, we recognize that church discipline isn’t a comfortable topic, yet it’s clearly addressed in Scripture and vital for a healthy congregation.
What does this look like in practice? We follow Matthew 18:15–20 as our guiding framework. Step one is a loving, private conversation between the two people involved. Instead of letting bitterness grow, we approach with humility and a desire for peace. Often, conflicts can be resolved right there when both parties are willing to listen and extend forgiveness. But what if the person won’t hear you out or the sin is severe? Then we bring in a small group of trusted leaders—people who can mediate and speak truth in love. The goal remains the same: reconciliation, not embarrassment or punishment.
In rare cases of ongoing, unrepentant sin, the church must take more formal action—whether it’s temporarily barring someone from leadership or, in extreme scenarios, removing them from membership. This sounds harsh, but we see in Scripture that discipline’s purpose is to protect the flock and ultimately restore the individual. Galatians 6:1 reminds us to do this gently, watching ourselves so we don’t become prideful. Jesus’ heart is always for repentance and redemption, never for condemnation of a repentant sinner.
On the flip side, we love restoration! It’s a joy when someone who’s been walking in disobedience turns back in true repentance. We want them fully welcomed into fellowship again—no grudges, no secret shame. Think of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15): the father ran to meet his returning child with open arms. In the same way, God’s heart is to see every brother or sister repent and flourish.
So, how can you contribute to a culture of healthy conflict resolution? If you feel tension with someone in our Redeemer family, pray first. Then take a step of faith and talk directly to that person. Resist the urge to gossip or stew in bitterness (Ephesians 4:31–32). Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but the fruit of biblical reconciliation is worth it: deeper trust, renewed unity, and a fresh reminder of the gospel’s power.
Conflict can be messy, but when we let Scripture guide our responses, we often emerge more unified and more devoted to Christ. We’re not perfect—none of us are—but we believe Jesus is faithful to guide us through every challenge. Next week, we’ll wrap up our Membership Monday series by casting a vision for lifelong discipleship at Redeemer—because membership is only the beginning of a much larger journey. Stay tuned!
