The Scriptures provide instruction for reproving and restoring a sinning person within a local church. The Scriptural goals in offering reproof to a fellow believer in unrepentant sin include: (1) to bring about a return to a biblical standard of doctrine and conduct (Gal. 6:1); (2) to maintain purity in the local church (I Cor. 5:6); and, (3) to deter sin (I Tim. 5:20). Ultimately, the goal is to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31).
Persons who persist in unrepentant sin in doctrine or conduct should be removed from the church according to Matthew 18:15-18. Before removal, however, the following steps should be followed:
1. It is the responsibility of any person in the church who has knowledge of the sinning person’s heresy or misconduct to warn and correct the sinning person privately, seeking his or her repentance and restoration (Matt. 18:15).
2. If the sinning person does not “listen,” or heed this warning, the warning person is responsible to go a second time to the sinning person, accompanied by one or two witnesses, to warn and correct the sinning person, seeking repentance and restoration (Matt. 18:16-17a).
3. If the sinning person still refuses to heed this warning, he must then hear from the whole church (Matt. 18:17). In light of the Scriptural teaching of church leadership (Heb. 13:17) and the need for order in the church (1 Cor. 14:40), the matter should be brought to the attention of the elders. The elders, upon careful and prayerful consideration, should inform the church so that the church collectively may warn the erring person, seeking repentance and restoration.
4. If the sinning person refuses to heed the warning of the elders and the church, the sinning person should be publicly removed from the church (Matt. 18:17).
At every step of the process outlined above, believers should demonstrate love, humility, gentleness, and compassion (Gal. 6:1-3; 2 Cor. 2:4).