Biblical Discipline in a Cross-cultural Setting

The issue of biblical discipline is one that continues to receive attention because it is often not well done whether here at home or in cross- cultural contexts. Where local churches have been established in host cultures it is, of course, the responsibility of those churches to seek to resolve disciplinary issues and hold members accountable to the standards of Scripture. There are situations, however, where expatriate church planters are working together with nationals in less well developed ministry settings where no local church is yet in place. In such cases where issues demanding discipline arise in the absence of an established local church, who is empowered to act? The author asserts that the expatriate missionaries possess the qualifications and mandate of biblical elders and are therefore empowered to deal with disciplinary situations in a manner that is both consistent with Scripture in seeking resolution and reconciliation, and relevant to the host culture. Recommendations are made to help equip church planting missionaries deal with disciplinary problems and resolve conflicts with national coworkers.

Autorentext

Wayne C. Raychard, D.Min., Missions and Cross-Cultural Studies, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Professor of Missions at New England Bible College in South Portland, Maine for 9 years; 17 years in missions in East Africa; currently working with Africa Inland Mission in Tanzania.