Announcement
Some time ago (name) was excommunicated from the
church of the Lord because of his/her persistence in a serious and offensive
sin without any token of genuine repentance. At that time we expressed the hope
that God would use this excommunication as the extreme remedy unto conversion.
We may now rejoice in the blessed results of Christian discipline and thankfully
announce that our brother/sister has repented and expressed his/her desire to
be restored into the covenantal relationship with the Lord and his people. If
there are no lawful objections, this readmission will be celebrated on (date).
Meanwhile, let us praise the Lord for this glorious manifestation of the power
of his grace and ask him to keep our brother/sister in the grip of his hand during
the days of preparation.
Form for Readmission
It is known to you that (name) , who was excommunicated, has requested to
be readmitted to the communion of Christ and his church. Since no one
has presented any valid reason why this restoration should not take place,
we now proceed with gladness to receive our brother/sister again into
the church of Jesus Christ.
Our Lord declares in his Word that he takes no
pleasure in the death of the sinner but rather that he/she should return from
his/her ways and live (Ezek. 18; Luke 15). Our Lord also declares that communion
with him and his church is open to all who show sincere repentance. Again he
declares, "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven," and "Whatever
you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (John 20:23; Matt. 16:19).
(name), will you stand now, and in the presence
of God and his people respond to the following questions:
1. Do you acknowledge before God and his people that
you are truly sorry for your sin, and do you believe
that the Lord has forgiven you?
2. Do you reaffirm your union with Christ and desire to be readmitted to
the covenant family of God?
3. Do you promise to do all you can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to
strengthen your love and commitment to Christ by sharing faithfully in the
life of the church, honoring and submitting to its authority; and do you
join with the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere? Answer:
I do, God helping me.
Declaration
By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ this
congregation, through its officebearers, restores you to full fellowship with
Christ and his church. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reception
[The minister asks the congregation to rise.]
Minister: Brother/Sister (name) , we heartily
and gladly welcome you back to all the privileges of full communion. We welcome
you to full participation in the life of the church. We welcome you to its responsibilities,
its joys, and its sufferings. May God by his Holy Spirit graciously enable you
to continue steadfast in faith and godliness unto the end, through Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen.
And you, beloved Christians, receive this brother/sister
with all your love. Count him/her no longer as a stranger, but as a fellow member
with the saints of the household of God. Let us together thank and praise the
Lord!
Congregation: Thanks be to God! We promise you
our love, encouragement, and prayers.
Minister: Let us say what we believe: I believe
in God, the Father almighty . . .
[To be concluded with an appropriate prayer.]
