From my observation as a black man growing up in the black church, I believe that one of the major causes for the decline of the “Black Church” is its negligence in faithfully applying the biblical doctrine of Church Discipline. Unfortunately, there are numerous church leaders and members alike that have never even heard the term “Church Discipline,” let alone having a biblical understanding about it.  One of the marks of a true church, according to the reformers of the 16th century, was that a church had to faithfully and properly administer church discipline. I believe they viewed this as a very serious matter because they understood the infectious nature of allowing a “little leaven” to remain in the camp. The Apostle Paul stated it best in 1Corithians 5: 6 “…….a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” In other words, if you allow sin (or a person openly living in sin) to remain among the congregation unchecked it would infect the whole church so much so that this once vibrant church of Christ would become a “Synagogue of Satan.” Was Paul  being unloving when he instructed the church at Corinth to excommunicate a man that was living a lifestyle of fornication. Paul uses even stronger language in 1Corinthian 5 when he says not to even eat with a person, who professes to be saved, but was currently living a lifestyle of fornication, covetousness, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness, or swindling. Many would say that Paul was unloving and judgmental because they don’t have a biblical view of what true love is. The bible says faithful are the wounds of a friend. The highest form of love a parent can show to a child is disciplining them. This is why the scripture says that the Lord chastens whom he loves.  I believe that one of the roles of the church is to be used in the hands of a loving Father to bring correction to his children. This may be one of the reasons why some early church fathers would say if a man does not have the church as his mother he cannot have God as his Father. Is your church displaying this true mark of a “True Church?” Is it lacking this mark and declining into or has already become the “Synagogue of Satan?”   It maybe that God has placed you there to blow the trumpet in Zion to show the people their sin and that God would grant repentance and revival. It was the zeal for his Fathers house that motivated Christ to go chase the money changers out of the temple. The question remains are you zealous enough for the exalting of Christ name and glory to take up this arduous task of Reformation. If so, this site may be a great resource to deliver helpful insight to assist in the much needed Reformation in our land.  (To Be Continued….Stay tuned.)