Handbook of Church Discipline

Handbook of Church Discipline: A Right and Privilege of Every Church Member by Jay Adams

One of the more difficult topics to broach in congregations today is the concept and implementation of church discipline. There are extremes ranging from no discipline to harsh and draconian environments. Very few books dare to address this subject, and fewer still give practical advice on putting biblical discipline into practice.  The, “Handbook of Church Discipline” (HCD) is a practical and scripturally based tome for those who wish to restore, revamp or reexamine their congregations understanding, protocol and implementation of Godly discipline.

Jay Adams delivers a grounded “how to” to church discipline. This book is not a theological exposition or merely theory, it is a pragmatic handbook. Adams emphasizes the need for preventative measures. He is not afraid to challenge his readers to discipline themselves and utilize “informal” one on one discipline before conflicts reach a formal church wide level. The handbook takes one step by step through an escalating situation with an unrepentant member. Adams also continues through the procedure for returning the individual to membership.

HCD also address the administrative aspect and lightly touches the legal facet of dealing with unrepentant members. Adams is refreshing in his willingness to deal with the need for proper documentation of disciplinary steps (before and during the procedure) and consistency in application. Although many will find these sections dull, it is often overlooked in other treatments of the subject.

 Due to Jay Adams Calvinistic bent, some of his conclusions are in error. The “once saved, always saved” doctrine is prevalent when discussing salvation and removal from membership. There is also a cross-congregational / cross-denominational section which can be adapted to Stone-Campbell churches. Readers from the Restoration Movement may find the book peppered with evangelical assumptions which are inconsistent with the Bible. Most of these will not affect the overall treatment of the subject and reader can adjust easily.

 If you desire deeper and a more detailed study on the subject, David Bercot and Douglas Jacoby have excellent papers and books on church discipline. If a congregation has not practiced church discipline in a while, Adams’ book is a great starting point and primer for deeper study. HCD is a must for leadership attempting to return to biblical discipline within their congregation.