The Discipline of Baptized Members
Are Baptized Members Subject to the Judicial Process of the Church?T
The Reformed have historically identified three marks of the visible Church: first, the preaching of the true Apostolic doctrine of the Gospel; second, the administration of the two sacraments appointed by Christ; third, the Biblical government and discipline of the Church. Church members are under its discipline, but a related area of confusion concerns how baptized members, who have not yet communed at the Lord’s table, stand in relation to Church discipline. How should a Kirk Session deal with a baptized member who has grown up in the Church but fallen into sin and turned their back on the means of grace and pastoral care?