What is the purpose of church discipline in AG practice?

• A. To correct, restore, and protect the integrity of the church and its witness.
• B. To punish offenders publicly, regardless of repentance.
• C. To increase church fines and penalties.
• D. To enforce political conformity.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that church discipline in AG practice is a pastoral tool to correct wrongdoing, bring about repentance, and restore fellowship, while protecting the church’s purity and its witness to the world. It is pursued with the aim of restoration and accountability, not punishment for punishment’s sake. This approach safeguards the community from ongoing harm and upholds doctrinal and moral integrity so the church remains faithful in its witness. Public shaming, fines, or enforcing political conformity aren’t the purpose of discipline in this context; those aims fall outside its restorative, redemptive focus.