The Strange Practice of Church Withdrawal

Even though the practice of withdrawal of fellowship is nearly gone, we know that it is sometimes still practiced—in a defective and minimal way. Most of us have heard of the practice and perhaps a few of us have even experienced the results of it.

As we may know, there are a variety of terms that figure into this discussion. Perhaps you have heard of Catholic “excommunication” in which the Roman Catholic may “deprive of the right of church membership by ecclesiastical authority” (The American Heritage College Dictionary). Then there are other terms, such as “disfellowship,” “withdrawal of fellowship”, “church discipline,” “shunning” or “unchurch.” Various churches and denominations use this terminology to indicate that a person has been removed from membership and fellowship by others who remain within the church or group.

We know that many or most of these terms are used in an unbiblical way and indicate unscriptural concepts, yet they continue to be used. In order to study this subject again, I noticed on the internet the many different examples of “disfellowship” and was quite amazed. Of course, there were many examples of withdrawal of fellowship by the so-called “Jehovah’s Witness” organization. We find it strange that a cult with manifold false teachings can freely excommunicate their members for rejecting those or other false teachings. So strange!

There were also many examples of Catholic excommunication. Again, so strange, since the Roman Catholic organization of over one billion people are guilty of dozens and dozens of false teachings, aberrant practices, and heretical views. We know that this makes no sense, but it is often practiced.

Then there were other churches and denominations that practice various forms of disfellowship. There are the Mormons—another renowned false cult with manifold false teachings. There were the Adventists, many examples of Baptists, and many others. Although disfellowship is not practiced very often these days, still it is found. And often it is practiced by those who themselves are guilty of massive error!

We hope that you will take the time to search for the thorough article on this subject on the website. It is entitled “The Painful Command” and the sub-title is “Preliminary Studies in Withdrawal of Fellowship.” Please go to www.Truediscipleship.com.