Love that Rescues - A Pastoral Case for Church Discipline

In this review of Love that Rescues, Eric J Bargerhuff offers a thoughtful, biblically grounded defense of church discipline aimed at pastors, elders, and engaged church members. The single biggest reason to read it is its insistence that church discipline flows from the cross and from God as a father, reframing the practice as an act of redemptive care rather than mere punishment. For readers seeking a humane, theological rationale that ties Matthew 18 and the gospel together, this book provides a clear pastoral argument and practical orientation.

Key Features

• Biblical foundation: Shows how church discipline is instituted by Christ in Matthew 18, helping readers locate the practice within Scripture rather than cultural assumptions.
• Theological framing: Centers the discipline conversation on the cross, arguing that the punitive wrath for sin was poured out on Christ and that discipline is an expression of God s fatherly love.
• Historical perspective: Traces how church discipline has been understood historically to correct common false notions and situate contemporary practice in tradition.
• Practical emphasis: Offers a pastorally minded, practical position that leaders can apply when shepherding congregations and restoring sinners.
• Pastoral tone: Writes with a pastoral concern for gospel witness, encouraging churches committed to making disciples to reclaim a disciplined life of faith.

Who It's For

This book is best suited to pastors, elders, church leaders, and committed laypeople wrestling with how to practice church discipline faithfully and lovingly. Readers who want a biblically rooted, Christ-centered rationale for loving corrective action will find Bargerhuff s approach clarifying and instructive.

Those looking for a legalistic manual, a step-by-step disciplinary checklist, or treatment of secular church governance issues may want to supplement this volume with more procedural guides. It is not a substitute for denominational polity documents or full legal counsel on congregational disputes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Argues convincingly from Scripture that church discipline is a Christ-instituted, gospel-shaped practice.
• Reorients discipline around the cross and God s fatherly love, reducing punitive misconceptions.
• Combines historical, theological, and pastoral perspectives to aid thoughtful implementation.

Cons

• Not a procedural handbook, so leaders seeking detailed step-by-step protocols will need additional resources.

Specifications

Title	Love that Rescues
Author	Eric J Bargerhuff
Primary focus	Church discipline grounded in Scripture and the cross
Key scriptural anchor	Matthew 18
Approach	Historical, biblical, theological, and practical
Intended audience	Pastors, elders, church leaders, engaged laypeople

Our Verdict

Love that Rescues is a concise, pastorally sensitive defense of church discipline that reframes the practice as an expression of God s fatherly love and the gospel. Pastors and church leaders committed to faithful disciple-making will find it a valuable theological resource and a reasonable investment, though those needing procedural checklists should pair it with practical guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain a biblical basis for church discipline?
Yes. It grounds church discipline in Matthew 18 and argues from Scripture that the practice is instituted by Christ and rooted in the gospel.

Is the tone pastoral or punitive?
The tone is pastoral; the author emphasizes the fatherly, redemptive love behind discipline rather than punitive measures.

Will this book provide step-by-step procedures?
It provides practical guidance and theological framing but is not a procedural handbook; leaders may need supplemental resources for detailed protocols.