How should sin in the church be handled?

Answer

The Bible is clear about God’s desire for us to reflect His holiness, as stated in 1 Peter 1:15, “but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” It also emphasizes the importance of church discipline in addressing sin within the church. Since one of the church’s responsibilities is to demonstrate God’s goodness and holiness, it must take action when a member persists in sin to safeguard the spiritual well-being of both the individual and the church community from the detrimental effects of unaddressed sin.

Jesus provided guidance on how to address sin within the church community: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17). Therefore, the initial step in addressing sin within the church involves a caring confrontation by someone knowledgeable about the situation, often the pastor or an elder, who should express concern and explain the spiritual consequences of continuing in sin.

If the sinning member remains unrepentant, a further step is necessary. The individual who initially addressed the sin should bring along other spiritually mature individuals to meet with the sinning member again. The presence of additional witnesses may encourage repentance, and if not, their presence ensures accountability and prevents any false claims or denials. This meeting should involve reproof based on Scripture and offer opportunities for repentance.

Opportunities for restoration can be found in verses such as 1 John 3:3–10, 5:18, Luke 14:25–27, Matthew 7:16–23, and Ephesians 5:3, which may offer guidance during this time.

If, after the second step, the church member still refuses to repent of the sin, Jesus instructs to “tell it to the church” «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. », (Matthew 18:17). This action would increase the pressure. If this approach fails, then the offending member is to be removed from the church and considered an unbeliever (cf: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). This process highlights the seriousness of sin in the church and emphasizes the importance of striving for reconciliation. Jesus’ outlined steps to safeguard the purity and reputation of the church should not be bypassed or disregarded.

What types of sins should a church address? Given that everyone is a sinner, including the pastor and elders, where should the line be drawn between sins that everyone commits and those that warrant confrontation? The answer appears to be the lifestyle sins committed by those who will not inherit the kingdom of God (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-20;see also Titus 3:10-11). These are public, ongoing sinful choices that are distinct from sins committed in our hearts due to living in the flesh. For instance, a Christian grappling with impure thoughts or personal jealousies is not defaming the name of Christ as they struggle with these sins. These are private and undesired sins that require repentance but are not lifestyle choices. Conversely, a professing Christian engaged in open, unrepentant adultery, sexual immorality, idolatry, etc. is making a lifestyle choice that contradicts their profession of faith.

Immorality, drunkenness, or any of the other sins listed by Paul must be addressed.

Sin in the church must be dealt with appropriately, that is, in a biblical manner. Church leaders who choose a sinful path are not exempt from discipline: “Those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning” «Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. », (1 Timothy 5:20). Unfortunately, many churches today do not practice church discipline, even in obvious instances of impropriety and clear sin. The consequence is that the ministry of the church is undermined, and the legitimacy of its message is cast into doubt. If the Bible states that Christians do not engage in X, but there are presumed Christians in our church who are engaging in X without facing consequences, then outsiders are justified in questioning whether we take the Bible seriously.

God spoke to Israel words that still resonate throughout the church: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sins, and heal their land” «if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. », (2 Chronicles 7:14). Envision the restoration that would occur in the world if all churches would adhere to the biblical model for addressing sin within their midst.