Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
When Michael read *Walking in the Resurrection* (Schleitheim, 1527), he became convinced their excommunication practice was wrong because it was “backed up with scripture”; what does this imply about God’s intentions for church discipline, and how does it confront the way many churches (Amish and non-Amish) use authority to control outcomes?
Another way to ask: Michael saw that their way of excommunication seemed “supported by scripture,” yet he believed it was still wrong. What does that suggest God wants church discipline to be for, and how does it challenge churches that use authority to get the results they want?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
It implies church discipline is meant to follow Scripture carefully and apply to the right people and situations, not to function as a tool for enforcing conformity. Michael’s experience confronts authority structures that refuse biblical discussion and instead demand compliance with inherited rules.
- Michael says *Walking in the Resurrection* showed what the early church believed about excommunication, and he was convicted “we were wrong in how we applied it,” because “it was backed up with scripture.”
- He references Schleitheim’s “nine articles of faith” (1527) and highlights clarity on excommunication.
- He later says the ministry was “not really interested in talking about the Bible…The focus was to talk about our ordinance.”
- The bishop insisted, “today, we’re not here to talk about the scripture,” reinforcing authority centered on ordinance.
- Ephraim’s stated goal is to help people find a church “walking with Christ in the historic faith,” implying discipline and authority must align with Christ, not mere tradition.