Anchoring our aim in truth and love

We correct because Jesus is Lord and His Word is true in every line. Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Our goal is not to win an argument but to bring brothers and sisters into fuller obedience to Christ and sound doctrine (Titus 2:1; 1 Timothy 4:16).

At the same time, we pursue unity that is rooted in truth. We speak the truth in love so that the body matures into Christ (Ephesians 4:15). We aim for one mind and no divisions, around the gospel once for all delivered to the saints (1 Corinthians 1:10; Jude 3; Philippians 1:27).

Begin with your own heart

Correction begins with humility. Those who are spiritual restore with a spirit of gentleness, watching themselves lest they also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience; bear with one another and put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12–14).

Slow down. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19–20). A gentle answer turns away wrath; harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Pray for the person, for clarity, and for courage, and let the peace of Christ rule your heart (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:6–7).

- Pray and examine motives for love of Christ and His church

- Remove the log in your own eye before addressing a speck (Matthew 7:3–5)

- Gather accurate facts and listen well (Proverbs 18:17)

- Choose a wise time and a private setting (Proverbs 25:11; Ecclesiastes 3:7)

- Commit to speak graciously, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)

Know what must be contended for

Not every error is equal. The faith to be contended for includes the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, the full deity and true humanity of Christ, His substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, and return, and salvation by grace through faith apart from works (Jude 3; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; 2 John 9; Galatians 1:6–9; Ephesians 2:8–9).

- Matters to firmly contend for: the gospel of Christ’s atonement and resurrection; justification by faith alone; the authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of Scripture; the Trinity and the person of Christ; the reality of sin, judgment, and the necessity of repentance; Christ’s bodily return

- Matters to bear with one another on: food and days (Romans 14), tertiary eschatology details, schooling choices, music styles, some aspects of polity, and prudential strategies for mission that do not overturn Scripture

On disputable matters, welcome one another without quarrelling, avoid foolish controversies, and pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding (Romans 14–15; 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23–24).

Follow the biblical process of correction

Start privately. If your brother sins, go and show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens, you have gained your brother. If not, take one or two others. If he refuses to listen, tell it to the church (Matthew 18:15–17). Do this patiently, prayerfully, and carefully.

Public error sometimes requires public response, especially when it misleads the flock. Yet even then, facts must be established. Do not entertain an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses; those who persist in sin are to be rebuked in the presence of all (1 Timothy 5:19–20). Guard the flock and silence harmful teaching (Acts 20:28–31; Titus 1:9–11).

1) Address privately and clearly with Scripture

2) If unresolved, include one or two wise witnesses

3) If still unresolved, involve appropriate church authority

4) As a last resort, proceed with church discipline for the good of the sinner and the church (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5)

5) In cases of public teaching error, issue careful, documented, pastoral correction

6) Keep records, pray constantly, and move no faster than obedience requires

Speak so people can actually hear

A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting opponents with gentleness, trusting God to grant repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24–26). Set Christ apart as Lord in your heart, and give a defense with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15).

- Begin with shared ground and sincere affirmation where possible (Philippians 4:8)

- Open the Bible and tether concerns to the text in context (Acts 17:11)

- State the concern fairly, avoiding caricature or loaded words (Proverbs 12:18)

- Invite a response and listen fully before replying (Proverbs 18:13)

- Propose next steps toward clarity, accountability, and growth (Hebrews 10:24–25)

- End with prayer and a plan to follow up

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; they land best with a gentle tongue and slow anger (Proverbs 27:6; Proverbs 15:1; James 1:19–20).

Guard unity as you guard doctrine

Make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Love one another so the world knows you belong to Jesus (John 13:34–35). Love rejoices with the truth and refuses to gossip or slander (1 Corinthians 13:6; Proverbs 10:12; Ephesians 4:29).

- Refuse gossip and faction-building (Romans 16:17–18; Proverbs 16:28)

- Keep matters as private as faithfulness allows (Proverbs 11:13)

- Avoid online theatrics; speak to people, not just about them (Proverbs 10:19)

- Stay mission-focused: prayer, evangelism, and discipleship remain central (Philippians 1:27)

- Keep extending forbearance on non-essentials (Romans 14:19)

- Maintain relationships even amid disagreement when conscience allows (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14)

Unity is not papering over error. It is pursuing Christ together with patience, clarity, and courage.

When error becomes dangerous

Some error destroys souls and splits churches. Watch out for those who cause divisions contrary to the doctrine you have learned; avoid them (Romans 16:17–18). Warn a divisive person once, then twice; after that, have nothing more to do with him (Titus 3:10–11). Do not receive teachers who do not abide in the teaching of Christ (2 John 9–11). Even if an angel preaches another gospel, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8–9).

- Errors that require decisive action: denial of Christ’s deity or humanity; rejection of His substitutionary atonement or bodily resurrection; adding works to justification; undermining Scripture’s authority or clarity; normalizing sexual immorality; predatory leadership; prosperity distortions that merchandise the gospel; paths to God apart from Christ (2 Peter 2; Jude 4; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; John 14:6)

Do not treat the unrepentant as an enemy but warn as a brother where applicable, while protecting the flock with necessary boundaries (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; Acts 20:28–31).

Restore, not merely rebuke

The aim is always restoration. When discipline has had its effect, reaffirm love and comfort, lest the person be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow (2 Corinthians 2:6–8). If a sinner strays and is brought back, a soul is saved from death and a multitude of sins is covered (James 5:19–20).

- Clarify repentance and fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10–11)

- Rebuild trust through time, accountability, and discipleship (Hebrews 12:11)

- Restore stepwise to fellowship and, where fitting, to service (Galatians 6:1)

- Keep watch and encourage ongoing growth in sound doctrine and life (1 Timothy 4:16)

Forgiveness and restoration display the gospel we proclaim (Luke 17:3–4; Ephesians 4:32).

In the home, the group, and the pulpit

Context matters. In the home, correction is formative and constant. In small groups, correction is warm, biblical, and orderly. From the pulpit and elder board, correction is careful, documented, and shepherding.

- Home: read Scripture aloud; correct gently and immediately; model repentance; catechize clearly; discipline consistently (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Ephesians 6:4)

- Small groups: open Bibles; keep discussions within orthodox bounds; involve leaders early when confusion arises; pray and follow up (Acts 2:42)

- Elders and teachers: teach the whole counsel of God; refute contradictors; document facts; act in plurality; protect the flock (Acts 20:27–31; Titus 1:9; James 3:1)

Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately, a model of gracious clarity and fruitful correction (Acts 18:26). Keep close watch on life and doctrine; persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).

Persevering with hope

Correction is sowing. God grants repentance and brings people to a knowledge of the truth in His time (2 Timothy 2:25–26). His Word does not return empty but accomplishes His purpose (Isaiah 55:10–11).

Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, now and forever (Jude 24–25).

Some errors are mistakes among faithful brothers; others deny the faith. Heresy denies essentials and divides from Christ Himself (2 Peter 2; 1 John 2:22–23). Schism divides what God has joined around non-essentials (1 Corinthians 1:10–13). Learn to exercise doctrinal triage that honors the weight of each truth (Matthew 23:23; Jude 3).

Discernment grows as minds are renewed by Scripture. Train yourself and your people to test everything and hold fast what is good (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Correcting leaders and public teachers

Correction of leaders is sober and scriptural. Establish facts with witnesses, avoid partiality, and act without haste (1 Timothy 5:19–22). When error is public and influential, a measured public response may be required (Galatians 2:11–14).

- Gather documentation and seek clarity in private first

- Involve appropriate elders and, if needed, sister churches in fellowship

- Issue clear statements rooted in Scripture, not personalities

- Provide a path for repentance, correction, and restoration

Truth across church lines

Pursue unity in the gospel with churches that hold the same core confession (Ephesians 4:4–6; Philippians 1:27). When disagreements are secondary, collaborate on mission while honoring distinctives (Romans 14:1–9). When a group rejects the doctrine of Christ, do not partner (2 John 9–11).

- Practice charity in non-essentials and clarity in essentials

- Share resources that strengthen the whole body

- Maintain clean boundaries where conscience and Scripture require

Digital controversies and public platforms

Online disputes often inflame rather than illumine. Where words are many, sin is not absent (Proverbs 10:19). Answer a fool not according to his folly, yet sometimes answer lest he be wise in his own eyes (Proverbs 26:4–5). Apply the same biblical process online as offline.

- Prefer private messages over public call-outs

- Verify facts before posting; avoid hearsay (Proverbs 18:17)

- Keep tone gracious; limit to necessary scope (Colossians 4:6)

- Defer to local church processes whenever possible

- Aim for edification, not scoring points (Ephesians 4:29)

Catechesis as prevention

Prevention outpaces correction. Equip saints with sound words and the pattern of healthy doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14; Ephesians 4:11–16). Teach the whole counsel of God, not only favorite themes (Acts 20:27).

- Establish doctrinal classes for all ages

- Use confessions or statements of faith as teaching tools

- Train small-group leaders to handle Scripture accurately (2 Timothy 2:15)

- Regularly address common contemporary errors with biblical clarity

When sin is criminal or abusive

Some matters belong to civil authorities. Submit to God’s servant for your good and do not cover evil (Romans 13:1–4; Ephesians 5:11). Protect the vulnerable, report crimes, and cooperate fully with lawful investigations.

- Separate the accused from positions of influence during inquiry

- Provide care for victims and transparency for the congregation

- Pursue church discipline in tandem with legal processes as appropriate

When separation is faithful

If a church or leader persists in gospel-denying error, faithful separation may be required (Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18). Move with gravity, counsel, and clarity of conscience.

- Document the concerns and attempts at resolution

- Seek counsel from trusted, wise elders and churches

- Communicate plainly, without rancor, and without slander

- Leave to pursue Christ in truth and peace, praying for those who remain

A practical elder-process map

- Intake: receive concern; record specifics and sources

- Triage: determine category—misunderstanding, non-essential, serious error, disqualifying sin

- Inquiry: meet privately; open Bibles; hear both sides

- Decision: admonish, instruct, or correct; set timelines

- Oversight: appoint accountable mentors or teams

- Communication: inform appropriate members with needed transparency

- Review: evaluate fruit, adjust care, and, if needed, proceed to formal discipline

Phrases that help and phrases that harm

- Helpful: “Let’s open the passage together.” “Help me understand your view in your own words.” “Here’s what I think I hear; is that accurate.” “What would obeying this text look like for both of us.” “How can we walk this out together.”

- Harmful: “Everyone knows you’re wrong.” “If you were spiritual, you’d agree.” “People are saying.” “This is how we’ve always done it.”

Common pitfalls to avoid

- Correcting beyond the authority God gave you (Jude 8–10)

- Rushing to public rebuke without private pursuit (Matthew 18:15)

- Confusing preferences with principles (Romans 14:3–4)

- Weaponizing truth without love (1 Corinthians 13:1–3)

- Delaying necessary action in the face of predatory error (Titus 1:11)

Truth and love are not rivals. In Christ, they walk together, build up the church, guard the gospel, and win our brother.