Summary: There is a need for discipline in the church and God has given elders the authority to administer that discipline, although every member of the church is responsible to deal with sin. Ultimately, that discipline can include excommunication, which is the most serious punishment a person can receive because it mirrors God’s actions. A person who has been properly excommunicated and does not repent, will go to hell. There is great pressure on church leaders to not administer proper discipline and to compromise the Word of God. John F. MacArthur recently compromised the Word of God by teaching that pastors have no authority, which is unbiblical and contrary to his own prior teaching.<br> <br>
