Addresses forty of the most common and thorny questions about church life Does church membership mean more than simply joining a social group? Does the church have a responsibility to discipline its members--and if so, what does that look like? Recognizing the many puzzling questions about the critical role of the church in the life of believers, Jeremy Kimble addresses forty key points. Each section considers questions of theology, ministry, and practicality, such as: Is there a New Testament precedent for membership? - How does membership relate to baptism and communion? - Who should become a member? - How is discipline related to discipleship? - Should a believer associate with someone under church discipline? Like the other volumes in the 40 Questions & Answers Series, this book raises--and clearly answers--the most common and difficult questions that church leaders and members have. With succinct chapters, this is an eminently practical resource for any church leader, elder board, or new member seeking a foundational understanding of how the church should function. “Every pastor needs this resource, which is sound exegetically, theologically, and pastorally. The 40-question format makes it so readable and easy to use. I’ve written a few things on church membership and discipline, yet still found myself learning throughout. An excellent work.” -- Jonathan Leeman, Editorial Director, 9Marks; Elder, Capitol Hill Baptist Church Published On: 2017-02-14 “In this excellent book, Jeremy Kimble provides a well-researched and lucidly written account of church membership and church discipline. It distinguishes itself from similar books by considering both Old and New Testament passages, by showing the connections between ecclesiology and other doctrines such as covenant and kingdom. Highly recommended.” -- Bruce Ashford, Professor of Theology and Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Published On: 2017-02-14 “In recent years, a growing number of evangelicals have shown renewed interest in church membership, church discipline, and related themes. One evidence of this welcome trend is the raft of helpful books, articles, and websites that focus on these key aspects of practical ecclesiology. Jeremy Kimble’s contribution to Kregel’s fine 40 Question series now ranks as one of the best resources for pastors and students who wish to consider the place of the local church in God’s kingdom purposes, as well as his purposes for each of our Christian lives. Kimble offers just the right balance between theory and practice, synthesizing the best of current biblical and theological scholarship with thoughtful, pastorally sensitive application. 40 Questions About Church Membership and Church Discipline is an essential resource that deserves a wide reading. Highly recommended.” -- Nathan A. Finn, Dean, School of Theology and Missions, Union University Published On: 2017-02-14 “This handbook concisely explains the why and how of church membership and church discipline. Jeremy Kimble, who serves as a pastor and who wrote his PhD dissertation on church discipline, is a faithful guide.” -- Andy Naselli, Professor, Bethlehem College & Seminary; Elder, Bethlehem Baptist Church Published On: 2017-02-14 “Jeremy Kimble’s original work on a biblical theology of church discipline deeply influenced my own thinking on that doctrine. His perspective is sound, expansive, grounded in good ecclesiology, and practical for churches. Add to this his wise and concrete approach to church membership, and you have an immensely helpful book. When pastors and laypeople ask me to recommend resources on church membership and discipline, this book will be at the top of my list!” -- Gregg R. Allison, Professor,Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Pastor,Sojourn Community Church Published On: 2017-02-14 “Few if any topics are more important to the life, health, and mission of local churches than church membership and church discipline. The treatment of these topics by Jeremy Kimble shows both the knowledge of a scholar and the experience of a pastor. The forty-question format will allow pastors and church leaders to find the help they need for the questions they are asking. It may also prompt them to ask some questions they did not realize they needed to ask. Highly recommended!” -- John S. Hammett, Chair of Systematic Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Published On: 2017-02-14 “Jeremy Kimble’s contribution to the 40 Questions series is one that brings needed clarity to topics often discussed but rarely discussed together. By asking and answering key questions related to church membership and discipline, Kimble brings into focus how these biblical practices are not mere prescriptions for rightly ordered churches but essential and divinely given preventative medicine for church health and growth. Wonderfully helpful, this book is one we need and one we can use.” -- Jason G. Duesing, Provost and Associate Prof