Ronnie W. Rogers, “Taking every thought captive…”

Recently ALEXANDRA ALTER wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal about church discipline.  While the story includes references to a few different churches that practice church discipline, the article focuses on the discipline of Mrs. Caskey by Allen Baptist Church in southwestern Michigan, pastored by Jason Burrick.

Of course, the pastor is presented as having a personal axe to grind with Mrs. Caskey who in turn is referred to as a “71-year-old…church member for nearly 50 years who had taught Sunday school and regularly donated 10% of her pension” and later refers to her as “a devout Christian and grandmother of three”.  You know an angel in human form. 

Alter refers to the practice of church discipline being based upon “a passage in the gospel of Matthew that says unrepentant sinners must be shunned,” and things made public which were “confessed … in confidence.” While I cannot comment on the legitimacy of this particular case since I do not know all the facts, a consideration not given by Alexandra since she makes her view quite apparent.  I can comment on the article and the biblical practice. (more…)

 Restoring Integrity in Baptist Churches is edited by Thomas White, Jason G. Duesing, and Malcolm B. Yarnell III.  This book is a must read for anyone concerned about restoring the biblical identity, value, vitality, and purity of the local church.  The authors not only remind us that the local church in both its essence and mission is not a social construct but a spiritual body governed by the New Testament. 

Since every believer shares some responsibility in building the local church, it behooves pastors and laymen alike to know and understand the privileges and responsibilities associated with being a follower of Christ and a part of a local body of believers.  (more…)