.png)
Church Restoration
- MVCC Pastors
- Jul 17, 2022
- 15 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. NIV
The purpose of this section is to provide clarity and guidelines for the restoration of those who have fallen out of fellowship with God, the Church (in particular MVCC), and other believers, due to sin. The previous statement requires some clarification in and of itself. The following definitions will help to further define the nature and scope of this document:
Initial Definitions of Terms
“Fallen out of fellowship” – This refers to the removal, or potential removal, of an individual from the leadership, ministry, and/or membership of MVCC. Though we recognize that all believers sin and, as a result, their fellowship with God and other believers is strained (I John 1:5-10; Matthew 6:14-15), falling out of fellowship in this paper refers to the believer’s relationship to the corporate Body of Christ here at MVCC.
“Sin” – Can be defined as “lawlessness” (1 John 3:4) or transgression of God's will, either by omitting to do what God's law requires or by committing what it forbids. The transgression can occur in thought (1 John 3:15), word (Matthew 5:22), or deed (Romans 1:32).”For the purposes of this document, however, the type of sin referred to is sin, deemed by the church to be egregious (serious in action and potential consequences), public (affecting others openly in the Body of Christ to some degree), and rebellious (a transgression willfully and knowingly committed) as judged by the shepherds of the church.
“Restoration” – From Galatians 6:1 we learn that to restore one who has fallen is to mend what is broken so that they are equipped and strengthened for useful service. This concept includes the idea of returning one to right ethical standing, and repairing damage done so that, if possible, they are returned to original standing. [ii]
For the purposes of this document, therefore, the aim or goal of restoration is to bring the believer back into fellowship with the Body of Christ, restoring them to fellowship, ministry, and leadership as warranted by the process such as is appropriate and practical given individual circumstances.
“Ministry” – Service rendered to God through the appointment and sanctioning of MVCC.
“Leadership” - Service rendered to God through the appointment and sanctioning of MVCC in which the believer has authority and responsibility for the execution of a ministry venture of the Church.
Situations Leading Up to the Restoration Process
Before restoration can be considered, several sets of circumstances must have occurred. Though each of these circumstances warrants individual treatment, the scope of this section of this document only allows for cursory explanation (for further explanation of church discipline see part one of this document). The first of these circumstances is the discovery and confrontation of sin that results in falling from fellowship and subsequent church discipline. Key passages of scripture regarding this situation are Matthew 18:15-20, Galatians 6:1-5, and James 5:19-20. Since these passages contain key principles, they are listed here in the body of the document.
Matthew 18:15-20 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." NIV
From this passage we observe the pattern and process for confronting sin as spoken by our Lord Himself. Initially, a one-to-one meeting with the hope of resolving the issue is ideal. If that attempt fails and sin persists, one or two other impartial parties are brought together to discern the correct course of action (either exoneration or a second call to repentance). If that fails and it is agreed that sin persists, the matter is to be taken to the church body for further deliberation and final discernment (again exoneration or a third call to repentance). At Mountain View Community Church, representatives (ruling body or Pastoral staff as appropriate) are called to pronounce the judgment of the church. If the presence of sin is affirmed, then church discipline is to follow. Since the offending party refuses to repent, church discipline may consist of removal from leadership, and/or ministry, and/or fellowship with the church. The offending believer then becomes a potential candidate for restoration in the future.
Galatians 6:1-5 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load. NIV
In the preceding passage several principles should be noted as it pertains to the discipline process. The first is that only those who are clearly in sin are candidates for restoration. The caution that must be taken is that sin worthy of church discipline must be unequivocal in nature. The sin must be definable, scripturally justified, and agreed upon by those who are spiritually mature and discerning. Furthermore, those spiritual individuals must have a circumspect perspective of their own spiritual standing and a humility that qualifies them to be appropriately discerning and suited to the situation at hand.
James 5:19-20 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. NIV
This passage brings with it the clear charge to confront sin in the Body of Christ. Too often, sin is not confronted to the detriment of the Body (I Corinthians 5:1-13). The effects of ignoring sin in the Body of Christ are serious, loss of unity, loss of purity, diminishing of the Church’s holiness, and bringing shame to the person of Christ are among some of the ramifications. A second principle that can be construed from this passage is the goal of confronting sin; namely, restoration (the healing of sin). If the goal of confronting sin is anything other than for these reasons, the confronters are in sin themselves.
These passages lead up to the beginning of the restoration process. The purpose of the following sections is to provide scriptural guidelines and principles for effecting the restoration of a fallen believer.
The Responsibilities and Characteristics of Each Party in the Restoration Process
For the fallen believer seeking restoration:
Humility – Scripture indicates that most, if not all, sin has pride as its root (see Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 29:23). The biblical antidote to the disease of pride that leads to sin is humility (I Peter 5:5). It is the ongoing demonstration of humility (in word, deed and attitude) by the fallen believer that will help his restoration team discern where the believer is in the process of restoration.
Submission and obedience – Submission and obedience to God and spiritual leadership are essential for the fallen to pursue restoration (Hebrews 13:17, Proverbs 5:12-14). This characteristic is closely related to humility. The willingness of the fallen believer to submit demonstrates the commitment and genuineness of the fallen’s heart to turn from sin and follow the Lord.
Transparency – The fallen must be willing to be transparent regarding their thoughts, attitudes, and daily lives in the restoration process (Ephesians 4:22-25). Accountability is only effective if all parties involved are willing to be open and honest in the restoration process.
Patience – The passing of time is crucial in this process so that the heart of the believer seeking restoration may be discerned (Luke 7:35, Matthew 7:16-20). People can be expert at deceiving others for a short period, but the test of time reveals a person’s true heart condition. The fallen believer who is humble and submissive will understand the need for time to pass before full or final restoration can occur. That person will agree that reputation, character, and prudence in the restoration process will require a significant period of time to be established (more on time periods later).
Prayer – The fallen believer seeking restoration will be committed to prayer (as every believer should be). Prayer aids the believer in developing and maintaining each of the four character qualities mentioned above (James 5:13, Colossians 4:2, Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 12:12), and is an indispensable part of the restoration process.
For the Church and the Church’s designated restoration team members:
Spiritually mature and equipped – The members of the restoration team must be mature in their faith (Galatians 6:1) and equipped to meet the unique needs of the situation at hand (I Peter 4:10). Each restoration team therefore is a specifically designed and designated group of believers who are mature and equipped to help in the specific circumstance addressed.
Purposeful in objective – The Church must maintain God’s perspective regarding restoration. It is not a battle of the wills. It is not an attempt to exact punishment or revenge. It is a firm, but gentle, process by which a fallen believer is brought back into fellowship with the Body of Christ through repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and eventual restoration in relationships and appropriate service to God (I Corinthians 5:4-5, II Corinthians 2:7-9, and Philemon 11).
Committed to prayer – We are commanded to pray for those who seek healing (James 5:16. I John 5:16). Prayer provides the opportunity for self-examination (to insure the team members hearts are in line with God’s), for God’s will to be revealed (through his Holy Spirit who guides us- John 16:13), and for God’s wisdom (which is crucial in dealing with difficult situations- James 1:5).
To be of godly character and repute – Given the seriousness of the situations that will be involved in the restoration process, it seems prudent that the restoration team members be believers of overseer caliber. Such individuals should meet the criteria outlined in Scripture (I Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9), whether they are actual overseers in the church administration or not. The matters that will warrant the restoration process being addressed here will be difficult in several regards, including accountability, discernment, wisdom, and sound doctrine. These are just a few of the facets that will require maturity of faith and holiness.
These are the responsibilities, and characteristics of each party in the restoration process. In one sense, the restoration process becomes a covenant in which an individual and the church (through the restoration team) agree to walk together down a path of healing. This course of action results in a believer, who had rebelliously sinned, finding restoration to the Body of Christ. Both parties must agree to perform their roles and responsibilities if biblical restoration is to take place.
The Process of Biblical Restoration
Step one: An expressed desire to be restored by the fallen believer
This may occur when the believer has been confronted in regard to their sin or at a later time when they have been convicted by the Spirit to remedy their situation (rebellion). This desire on the part of the fallen believer would include several facets that demonstrate their heart in this situation. The first of these facets is a humility that admits to sin without excuse or attempted justification. The second is a clear expression of repentance - a desire to turn from their sin and turn to holiness. Finally, there is a commitment to the process of restoration, knowing that the process is long and difficult with no guarantee of results and no promise of removed consequences.
Step two: Assembly of a restoration team
This principle is drawn from Galatians 6:1, where those who are to restore are referred to in the plural. In addition, the principle of the Body of Christ functioning as a unit, with each part fulfilling its role, should also be noted. Thus, a group of qualified and gifted individuals would be asked to come together as this individual’s restoration team. Believers to be considered for the team should be willing to be committed to the process and to the individual seeking restoration. The believer seeking restoration does not have to know each member of the team personally, nor will they always desire some team members, but this process is for their restoration not for their comfort. This does not mean consideration is not given to personalities and commonality, for while a good fit is always desirable, it may not always be possible. The church is concerned with restoration which is seldom easy or pleasant.
Step three: Public Confession
James 5:16 calls on believers to “confess to one another”, again using the plural. This is not confession to God alone, this is confession before others. The public confession referred to here is the gathering of the restoration team and the confession of sin (again, without excuse or attempted justification), expression of repentance, and stated desire to be restored by the fallen believer. This confession serves several purposes:
It provides understanding to the restoration team regarding the nature and scope of the sin from which the believer is seeking restoration.
It demonstrates some of the qualities needed on the part of the believer seeking restoration, namely, humility and transparency.
It allows the group to immediately begin the forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration process.
Step four: Ongoing accountability (confession and prayer)
This principle is drawn from James 5:16 again. The verbs confess and pray, in Greek, are both in the present middle imperative. This grammatical form indicates an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Applying this principle to the restoration process indicates regular meeting times of confession and prayer, (daily, weekly, or as the situation merits) by the group. It should also be noted that this is a call that cuts both ways. The team members are accountable to one another and to the seeker of restoration. Do not ask a question unless you are prepared to answer the same question about yourself.
Step five: Biblical discovery
Since the path away from sin and to righteousness in inextricably linked with the “renewing of the mind” (Romans 12:1-2), and since one crucial factor to this process is God’s communication through His Word, it will be vital for the group to move through a course of study in order to facilitate the life change that is a part of the restoration process. It is recommended that the course of study be specifically designed to aide the believer seeking restoration through their process, taking into account specific issues and needs pertinent to his situation.
Step six: Time
As mentioned earlier, time is a crucial element in the restoration process. The restoration to fellowship begins immediately upon confession and repentance. If restoration to ministry and leadership is considered, it will require longer periods of time so that trust and character may be established. No where in the Scriptures does God communicate specific time frames for restoration to ministry or leadership, however, the requirements of such positions (I Timothy 3:1-12) could possibly preclude further consideration for such positions depending upon the individual situation. This is quite possibly due to the fact that no two situations are precisely the same, nor are any two people. Restoration will vary by offense, individual progress, and the leading of the Spirit among the restoration team. It is with a confident degree of certainty that it can be said that restoration will take a substantial period of time before restoration to ministry or leadership can take place.
Step seven: Graduated Service
This concept involves a step-by-step growth process by which the believer, seeking restoration, is reintegrated back into the fellowship, followed by ministry and leadership (if deemed appropriate by the restoration team and the church leadership). I Timothy 3:1-13 outlines the character and actions of one qualified for ministry and leadership. Therefore, this pattern serves as a paradigm for restoration purposes. When considering the restoration of a believer, the restoration team should consider the passages in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 before recommending the candidate for ministry and/or leadership roles. Two phrases from the passages are worth noting:
“not be a recent convert” – This phrase corroborates the concept of the passage of time before restoration. Having sinned, the believer must re-establish trust, reputation, and character with the church before entering into service. The amount of time will vary with the type of ministry proposed and the nature of the believer’s offence. Each new or additional ministry considered should result in a revisiting of these passages for the good of the believer and the church.
“a good reputation with outsiders” – This aspect of the restoration process must also be considered. An application of this principle includes the perception of others in the restoration process. This involves a judgment by the restoration team and the church because there will always be those who will judge harshly. Nevertheless, input from individuals in the Body of Christ must be seriously considered if we are preserve unity in the Body. Furthermore, there may be insights or information of which the team and the church should be aware.
Step Eight: Levels of restoration considered
Scripture and church life seem to imply levels of restoration. These, in graduated order, are:
Restoration to Fellowship – The rejoining of the believer seeking restoration to the corporate Body of Christ in worship and membership. This can take place as the believer expresses confession, repentance, a desire for reconciliation, and for restoration (Ephesians 4:32, I John 1:9, I Peter 3:13-14, I Corinthians 2:6-8).
Restoration to Ministry – Nowhere does scripture indicate that a fallen believer forfeits spiritual giftedness because of sin; nor does scripture indicate that a fallen believer is permanently disqualified from ministry because of sin. By the same token, scripture does not command a return to ministry either. This becomes a matter of spiritual discernment and judgment on the part of the restoration team in conjunction with the church leadership. It seems that the church and team must, therefore, seek wisdom from God (James 1:5) in making a prudent decision in this aspect of restoration. It should be noted that a fallen believer does not have to enter the same ministries they served in prior to falling. This area seems to rest solely with the discretion of the Body of Christ’s leadership.
Restoration to Leadership – It is in this arena that the passages in I Timothy 3:1-9 and Titus 1:6-9 must be closely considered. Leadership in the church is not to be taken lightly. It seems prudent to indicate that this level of restoration would take a considerable period of time and testing before such a step would be considered.
The Decision Making Process for the Restoration Team
Deciding the fate of another believer’s standing in the Body of Christ is a great responsibility. How does one discern when another believer is restored to each of the levels discussed? What does one look for in the believer’s life when making this decision? What are the pitfalls that any team member may encounter in this process? When is the process complete? In the following paragraphs, insights to these questions will be shared that, hopefully, will facilitate the answers to these questions.
When is the process complete?
Looking back to the passage in James 5:16, the believer’s struggle with sin is never complete. The present middle imperative grammar of “confess” and “pray” in the passage indicates that there is no endpoint to this process. It may mean that there is an easing in the process as time progresses, but one should be willing to continue, in some fashion, and to “bear up” alongside the fellow believer.
What are the pitfalls that any team member may encounter in this process?
Galatians 6:1-5, helps to answer this question. The sentence “Each one should test his own actions,” comes into play. Every believer, especially those on the restoration team, needs to be aware of their own spiritual standing and temptations. The passage in James 5:16 calls on every believer to confess to one another. It then becomes important that each team member have accountability of their own so that they are not hindered or ineffective in helping the believer seeking restoration. This accountability may occur within the team or in another setting, but it seems indispensable in this process.
What does one look for in the believer’s life when making this decision?
In Colossians 1:10, Scripture proclaims that fruit is the evidence that one should look for in each believer’s life. Fruit takes time and cultivation. Look for the evidence in the believer’s life, words, attitudes and works. The composite of these will give the restoration team a good basis for making a judgment of the believer’s readiness for restoration to each of the levels discussed previously.
How does one discern when another believer is suited to restoration to each of the levels discussed?
This may be the least defined of all answers because it is not directly spoken to in Scripture. The answer is found in the person of the Holy Spirit. If the team has taken onto account the criteria above, then listening to the guidance of the Spirit becomes the crucial factor. Since God is one, and He does not change, when the believer, team members and church leadership pray about this matter, God’s answer should be one as well. One of the great confirmations of discerning God’s mind in this matter is when the team and leadership of the church has reached the same conclusion independently. If there is disagreement however, a noting of the differences, a sharing of the minds, and a return to prayer are in order. It seems prudent to believe that God will be faithful in answering this question if He is sought diligently.
It is an earnest prayer that those who enter into this ministry would be filled with God’s Spirit, wisdom, and discernment. One of God’s greatest desires is to restore His people to fellowship and service. In the same manner, the church must seek out those who are lost and make every effort to return those individuals to fellowship with God and His children, the church. This call applies to both believers and non-believers. May the Lord be pleased with MVCC’s effort to fulfill His purpose in this matter.