With all the talk about confusion and disagreement that is occurring in churches today, I felt this would be a good reason to write a few biblical guidelines I have read in the Standard Baptist Directory. This is a guideline that can be used in any church if one so wishes to do so.

From the Discipline in a Baptist Church:

See Mathew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:4-6 — Using these methods as models, Baptist churches have established as basic principals the ideals of true democracy and self-government — their sovereign by authority.

Matthew 10:14 Mark 6:11 Luke 9:5 — Councils being purely advisory bodies have no arbitrary authority. They may be called for the recognition of churches; for the ordination of ministers; for the trial of ministers involved in difficulties of any kind and for aggrieved members. A council may be composed of the pastor and two other persons invited from any given number of churches, but attendance is purely voluntary. There are two kinds of councils — mutual and exparte. A mutual council is one where the opposing parties agree to a council. An equal number of brethren are usually selected by the party to the controversy. Often after the minority has been excluded this wise step is taken for the reason that a just cause loses nothing from careful examination by an impartial jury. An exparte council is one chosen by only one party to the controversy, only after he has been denied a mutual council, but it ought never to be called unless it is found impossible to secure a mutual council. Persons from a distance may be selected when feeling is bitter on order to get advice from those who have no local prejudices to fetter them.

Mathew 10:14 Mark 6:11 Luke 9:5 — When the church agrees to call a mutual council an invitation is extended the sister church to send their pastor and other to participate. Ordinarily, the aggrieved person or persons name some of the members of this committee and the church names the others. It is customary for both sides to agree to abide by the decision of the council. If the church refuses to grant the mutual council, the aggrieved parties may call an exparte council. This council is entitled to the use of the church building; but if this is refused the council may convene at any other place designated or selected by it. The finding and recommendation of such a council are not binding upon the church, but if it should render a decision in favor of the parties who called it, they (the parties who called it) will be entitled to the fellowship of other regular Baptist churches.

Matthew 10:14 Mark 6:11 Luke 9:5 — To be successful in operation, every origination must have rules and regulation by which the body is governed, and a church is no exception. Baptist churches have few laws but they must conform to them for they are simple and founded upon divine law as laid down by Jesus Christ Himself. … When one becomes a member of a church, he not only pledges it his support, but binds himself to be governed by the New Testament standard of life and principals. The universal law of love comes first barring out suspicious jealousies, hatred and bitterness (John 13:34). Law for the offender-confession: this law urges one who thinks his brother is offended with him to go to his brother and attempt reconciliation. This is obligatory whether or not he may consider his brother has just cause for the grievance. He must seek to restore harmony without delay. … When a member brings a private grievance or injury to the attention of the church, after he has failed in his attempts to settle it, he must thereafter abide by the disposition which the church makes.”

In closing, in the “old days” the disagreements and confusion were usually settled around the quilting table for the ladies; and the men would go hunting or fishing with the party that was in need of chastising. There was little judging and less gossiping. But this is a new day. Therefore guidelines are the discipline for the church of today.