The Impact of Church Discipline Practices on Member Retention and Church Reputation

Executive summary

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual prescribes a graduated discipline process culminating in disfellowship (removal from membership) for unrepentant members — framed as redemptive, pastoral, and consistent with Matthew 18:15-17. In theory, discipline is rare, proportionate, and aimed at restoration. In practice, implementation varies dramatically across congregations and cultures: some churches disfellowship members for lifestyle issues (cohabitation, Sabbath-breaking, substance use) with li...