According to the principles of church discipline, who is primarily responsible for disciplining non-communing members?

In the context of church discipline, parents hold a vital responsibility for disciplining non-communing members, particularly their own children. This stems from the understanding that parents are tasked with nurturing and guiding their children in their faith journey. As the primary influencers in their children's spiritual upbringing, parents play a crucial role in instilling values, teaching biblical principles, and correcting behavior in alignment with the church's teachings.

While pastors, church elders, and fellow members all have roles in maintaining accountability within the church, the direct and ongoing responsibility for disciplining non-communing members, especially young ones, lies significantly with parents. Their influence and authority in the home enable them to address spiritual matters effectively and to instill a sense of belonging and commitment to the church community. Thus, the emphasis on parental responsibility in church discipline reflects the broader biblical principle of family stewardship and the importance of foundational teaching in a child's life.