Correlation Between Church Discipline and Church Growth in the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ

by David E. Beaty
June 1st, 1997
The subject of church discipline has been ignored in many churches. One result of this is that churches today are hesitant to deal with their own problems. This research project examines a possible relationship between the use of church discipline and the health of the church, which could result in church growth. The primary question of this project: Is there a correlation between the proper use of church discipline and the healthy growth of the church?

A review of the literature about church discipline include: purpose and methods of church discipline; the attitudes of those in leadership about church discipline; and the possibility of a relationship between church discipline and church growth. The literature reviewed suggested a relationship between church discipline and church growth. A study is made of New Testament passages recognized for their contribution to the subject of church discipline: Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 5:1-11; and I Corinthians 5:1-5. Each presents an expectation for discipline to be used in the local church.

Two surveys were used to collect data. The attitudes of leaders about church discipline was the subject of the first survey; and the realistic application of discipline in the churches these leaders served was the subject of the second survey. While it was evident that churches use church discipline, most used a less severe or more private method. The two surveys are then synthesized to show a correlation between the use of church discipline and the health and growth of the church. A correlation was also shown between the use of written discipline policy and the growth of the church. Suggestions for more study and application for the church are included.