If a member sins against another person, or if a member sins and this sin becomes known to another member of the church, the person sinned against or aware of the sin should go privately to the sinner and confront him.
Web transcription of the official 2026 PDF, with links (Crown & Covenant Publications), or the unchanged file. Where they differ, the PDF governs.Transcribed from the official 2026 PDF, with links (or the unchanged file). Where they differ, the PDF governs.
Contents
Section I · Chapter 2. Dealing with Sin in the Church—Personal Responsibility
If the sinner repents, there must be forgiveness and reconciliation, and the matter shall be closed. You have won your brother.
If the sinner does not repent, the member aware of the sin should take one or two others along as witnesses and seek the sinner’s repentance. It is at this point that a plan of mediation or arbitration may be useful. If this is successful, the matter shall be closed. You have won your brother.
If the sinner still does not repent, the person aware of the sin shall bring the matter to the session for action.
If the sin is known generally, and therefore cannot be solved privately, charges may be taken directly to the appropriate church court.
Scripture: Matt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5:1-2; 1 Tim. 5:19-20.