Disfellowshipped Notification — Yes Or No?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesA querist asks, “If a person has been disfellowshipped by a congregation, should that congregation notify other area congregations of their action so they are aware of the facts?”
This question has been answered with varying views in the “General Bible Study” section of the Preacher’s Files Forum:
Should A Church Notify Other Churches When It Withdraws?
There’s another biblical point that needs to be made with regard to a local congregation notifying other congregations of withdrawing from a wayward member. In addition to Paul’s admonition in Romans 16:17 – NKJV, John tells us in 2 John 1:9-11 – KJV that as Christians, we are not to receive anyone into our house who no longer abides in the doctrine or teaching of Christ.
Additionally, we are not to bid this wayward member “God speed,” for if we do, we are considered an accessory before the fact. We are indeed just as guilty before God of not abiding in the doctrine of Christ as the guilty party is.
If the guilty party goes to another congregation, and that congregation accepts the guilty party that was disfellowshipped, that congregation then becomes an accessory after the fact and will be held accountable before God. This is indeed a serious consequence to think about.