Suspending a person in Church – An extreme or a necessity?
It is not uncommon to feel slighted when put under some kind of disciplinary measure in church.
The first thought that usually comes to the mind of the average individual when he/she hears a person was suspended is ‘I thought CHURCH wasn’t supposed to be critical and discriminating’.
As a believer in a Christ-minded community as the church, it is important to note that the integrity of that community is important to the head which is Christ.
To cite a biblical authority, 1 Corinthians 5:1- 5 establishes the fact that suspension is a disciplinary tool in the church.
Suspension serves as a means to address wrongdoing, curtailing its spread and preserving the integrity of the church community.
A biblical reference to how fast unhealthy leaven affects a healthy lump will put perspective on why the Holy Spirit was swift in taking out Ananias and Sapphira – that united couple that would have made lying and deceit to become commonplace in the early church.
An extreme example, yeah? Juxtaposed with suspension, anyone would rather have the latter.
However, it is essential to understand that suspension is not an act of hatred but rather an expression of love, aimed at fostering repentance and restoration.
It is important to note this because God’s chastisement is love-born and the biblical perspective of discipline according to Hebrews 12:11, is that when it is being administered, it is not pleasant; but unto as many as would give themselves to that process, it would yield peaceable fruits of righteousness.
What should Suspension in the Church look like?
During the period of suspension, individuals are to undergo scrutiny by church leadership and receive a consistent dose of spiritual guidance through the Word.
The true essence of this kind of disciplinary suspension lies in the temporary withdrawal of responsibilities and privileges, allowing individuals to embark on a journey of reflection and amendment.
By disconnecting them from their previous roles and immersing them in spiritual exercises that will bear positively on their spiritual growth, suspended individuals can return to the community transformed and without the risk of contagion.
Thus, It is important to ensure that suspended individuals remain connected to the Word during their time away, as disconnecting them can create bigger problems on their return.
It is the truth of the word that can purge and sanctify a believer.
Ultimately, the goal of suspension is not to discriminate against, but to facilitate reconciliation and restoration.
It is only in rare cases of unrepentant rebellion that individuals may be considered as heathen, emphasizing the significance of grace and redemption within the church.
For further clarity on the subject, refer to Apostle Maxwell Mordi’s question and answer sessions on telegram.
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