At the recent ELCA Church Council meeting last weekend (April 16-18) the council took several actions. One was to approve the updated document “Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline.” This document outlines how we live together as church and the framework of expectation for our life together. The former document “Vision and Expectations” has no authority as of this time.
While the largest section centers on Rostered Leaders and their work. There are also provisions for discipline of Congregations and Individual members of our congregations. The First Use of the Law teaches us that God gives us guidelines for our life together to keep us safe and protect the vulnerable. This is what this document is to do.
Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline 2021
I would encourage you to read over it, particularly in the expectations for congregations and members of congregations. While much of my work as bishop in areas of discipline has focused on candidates and rostered leaders, there are instances where congregations and congregation members act in inappropriate ways. https://www.ntnl.org/…/definitions-and-guidelines-for…/