GOD REDEEMING HIS BRIDE
A handbook for church discipline
By Robert K. Cheong
Christian Focus. 329 pages. £11.99
ISBN 978 1 845 507 190
I guess church discipline would be fairly high up on the list of topics we would all rather avoid when it comes to church life.
If it has to happen, we rather wish it would be done by others, to others, at a safe distance and with minimal impact on our ‘normal’ existence as the people of God.
This practical, pastoral and highly refreshing book addresses and corrects so many flawed views about discipline, not least by insisting that ‘normal’ Christian living should be seen as a constant series of careful, restoring and encouraging challenges to our daily living as the Bride being prepared for Christ.
Music to my ears
The emphasis on the corporate nature of church discipline, the teaching about our shared role in the ongoing redemptive mission of God, the reminder about the ‘one-another’ nature of church life form a melodic line throughout the book – and it was music to my ears. Cheong’s definition of church discipline on p71 is almost worth the price of the book.
Accessible theological reflections
Using a case study which threads its way through each chapter, we are exposed to some careful but very accessible theological reflections on the matters in hand. Then we are directed to our own thoughts and practical responses via a series of questions at the end of each chapter.
More than 100 pages are given over to appendices which are very detailed and highly practical, if not always directly applicable to every context.
The initial thought on seeing this book would be to assume that it was only for the leadership of a local church. The mistake in that assumption would be around the word ‘only’. By all means encourage your leaders to get a copy, but read it yourself, or get a copy for your small-group members and read it together.
It will fire your passion for the church, your pursuit of the wanderer and your prayers for your leaders. Perhaps as helpful as anything, it will remind you of your corporate and mutual responsibilities in ‘normal’ real-life ministry towards the Bride that our Lord adores.
