Ripe for Harvest

314 • R IPE FOR H ARVEST

E. A simple way to remember the roles of the leadership at Anyname is:

• The Elders authorize • The Pastors supervise • The congregation ratifies

IV. Through the Elders and Pastoral leaders of Anyname, the church seeks to fulfill its mission of worshiping God, witnessing to others concerning His salvation, and doing good works in the world. They are given responsibility and authority to act on behalf of the best interests and well being of the body, and have no authority to harm or abuse any member of the body, or disobey any command which Christ has given to His church. Their role is to serve and to edify, not to lord it over and tear down, 2 Cor. 13.10. V. Because the church of God is holy (1 Pet. 1.15-16), she is responsible to guard her teaching and conduct under Christ’s direction. In strict keeping with Christ’s wise counsel in Matthew 18.15-20, we shall encourage in all cases at AF where members are caught in error or immorality to be settled through our ordinary life together as maturing Christians. In other words, God will instruct, exhort, and build us up through each other as we follow His leading and instruction (Rom. 12.4-5). When discipline does become necessary, we will handle it biblically and discretely, with all dignity given to all parties involved. What kinds of situations or problems might require such loving intervention?

A. Disorder and division, 2 Thess. 3.11-15

B. Heresy and false teaching, Titus 3.10

C. Moral indiscretion and corruption, 1 Cor. 5.11-13

VI. How should such godly confrontation be carried out? We are to seek to bear one another’s burdens confidentially and privately, in a spirit of meekness and fear, considering our own proneness to err (Gal. 6.1-3). If private counseling is ineffective due to rebellion or refusal to listen, then one or two witnesses should be taken to restore the erring member. If this is also ineffective, then the leadership will be informed and may then meet with the troubled member. If such a one refuses to accept the counsel of the Elders

Context Values/Vision

Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter