Perception of members’ understanding of church discipline and its role in spiritual growth in Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Port-Harcourt District, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was focused on the perception of members’ understanding of church discipline and its role in spiritual growth. For this purpose a mixed design comprising questionnaire and interview was adopted. A sample size of 230 composed of 117 female and 113 male.12 of the respondents were between age range 15-25; 73 were between 26-39 while 145 were 40 and above years. The sample was drawn from Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mile 3, the headquarters of Port Harcourt district. The respondents were exposed to questions relating to restorative role of church discipline, and factors that can either enhance or hinder restoration. Three ministers in the Port Harcourt Conference Administration were interviewed on the importance and relevance of church discipline to the spiritual health of the church; the important roles of leadership in realizing the goal of church discipline; and the reality of restoration ofthe disciplined erring member and spiritual growth of the church through church discipline. Analysis of the data collected revealed that 100% of the respondents believes that church discipline is important and relevant. Approximately 99% of the respondents believes church discipline is truly redemptive and could restore the disciplined erring member, and cause spiritual growth of the church. The ministers interviewed, affirm that church discipline is relevant and truly restores the disciplined erring member and also give credibility to the mission of the church if the right condition are in place. Though the level of belief in the restorative role of discipline is very high, one wonder why members resist it and some ministers are slack in the use of this tool ordained by God. That seems to suggest there is a gap between belief and practice. The study therefore suggested some practical solutions on how to makes church discipline effective. They are exemplary leadership and transparent conduct, compassion and love, strict compliance with church policy procedure, taking sin seriously, timely dispatch of disciplinary cases, church discipline education, fair and impartial administration of discipline, securing the influence of the Holy Spirit, transformed life, and follow up programme.