Fifteen Theses on Excommunication
Note: I posted an earlier draft of these theses on my personal social media accounts a few days ago. They have since generated a good deal of worthy discussion—especially concerning Theses 3 & 6. Two additional Theses (11 & 12) have been added to the original thirteen. No other changes have yet been made.
Preface: Excommunication is done so infrequently in our churches that it is possible for faithful leaders to bungle the process horribly, not through any malice, but simply for lack of experience and established procedure. Thus, I invite discussion on the following theses in order to promote the proper care of souls and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1. The decree of excommunication is spoken with the voice of God Himself on behalf of the whole Church in order to bring the impenitent sinner to repentance. Therefore, excommunication may be pronounced only for sins clearly defined as such by the Word of God.
2. Further, though all sin is potentially damning, including sins of the heart, only impenitence for outwardly manifest sin may be considered as grounds for excommunication.
3. A standard for excommunicable sin that does not apply to all believers in every place and every age is invalid.
4. Holding political opinions deemed obnoxious or culturally out of favor cannot of itself be grounds for excommunication. Mere association with those presumed heterodox, though potentially dangerous, cannot of itself be considered an excommunicable sin.
5. An excommunication done for punitive reasons is itself a sin.
6. The Fourth Commandment, insofar as it concerns the pastor’s own authority, may not be used as grounds for excommunication.
7. The command in Matthew 18 to go to your brother privately does not apply to matters of public scandal and false teaching.
8. Therefore, failure to use the “proper” channels for voicing dissent in such matters cannot be grounds for excommunication.
9. The manner in which a confession is delivered cannot by itself be grounds for excommunication.
10. An excommunication that does not follow a congregation’s own established, written procedures, provided they are in accord with Scripture, is invalid.
11. The accused may not be denied a witness in meetings with church leadership.
12. Repentance may not be a prerequisite for meetings with church leadership.
13. Apart from protecting the reputation of the accused, any efforts to keep excommunication proceedings secret are wicked and call into question the validity of the excommunication.
14. An excommunication does not bar the accused from entering the house of God, hearing His Word, or receiving pastoral counsel.
15. Because of its public nature and force, an excommunication performed by a congregation may be challenged by the Church.