How do different denominations approach casting out heretics in the modern day church?

score:1

Accepted answer

While this may not be representative of the entire denomination, the Open Brethren church I attend uses Matthew 18:15-20 as the basis of church discipline, including handling people attempting to spread false doctrine, and I believe this is the case for many other churches as well. Verses 15-17,ESV:

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

So if someone in the church is out of line (generally someone who is deliberately acting contrary to the teachings of Christianity in a significant way, eg having an affair, dealing drugs - you won't get kicked out because you littered last Wednesday, we are all sinners after all), the person will usually first be contacted by an elder or maybe the pastor for a chat; if they refuse to repent, then that elder/pastor will bring a couple more people with him, usually also elders; if the person still won't budge then the matter will be brought before the congregation, after which the person will be asked to leave and no longer be welcome at that church if they still don't repent.

More post

Search Posts

Related post