Something from ... Martin Chemnitz on Church Discipline

Young Martin Chemnitz
with bad haircut.

Martin Chemnitz (November 5, 1522 - April 8, 1586) was a Lutheran pastor who was involved in settling numerous controversies affecting the Lutheran Church in the generation that followed Martin Luther.  In settling these matters with sound biblical theology, he also eased tensions and resolved problems in various congregations who were in danger of schism.

When Chemnitz was called to serve as the superintendent over churches in the city of Braunschweig, he sent a proposal to ensure that he would be able to serve as pastor there without the city council interfering with church-related matters, particularly in the area of church discipline.

The concerns about church discipline were well-founded.  People still had vivid memories of the Roman Catholic practice of church discipline which were tantamount to imposing threats over individuals, congregations, or even entire territories so that the people would do as the Pope declared.  Chemnitz' concern, however, was for godly living among God's people.  Sinners were to be called to repent.  Negligence in word and sacrament were to be addressed so that people would not be lost to the kingdom of God.  Discipline was not to be a bully tactic, but an exercise of the faith.

Older Martin Chemnitz
with better haircut.

Nevertheless, Americans would be shocked to read what would result in the pastoral discipline of God's people.  Apparently, it was concluded that people who allowed themselves to be ensnared in the areas listed below were not to be considered God's people.  After all, God's people should not have to be begged to come to church or to flee from sin.

Here is something from Chemnitz on church discipline:

"But this discipline takes place when a person does not attend the preaching of the Word, does not partake of the Sacrament, or lives in open sin, so that the pastor admonishes him to take hold of himself, and he speaks and warns him earnestly on the basis of God's Word to live a better life.  Likewise, such a person must not be allowed to stand at a Baptism or help serve at Communion, and if such a person has not attended Communion in the last two years, it must be solemnly stated that there be no singing or music at his grave side."  (page 136, The Second Martin: The Life and Theology of Martin Chemnitz.  J. A. O. Preus.  Concordia Publishing House: St. Louis, MO.  (c) 1994.)