Even among Southern Baptist Churches, there is probably varying practices. Many SBC churches require members to affirm a “church covenant” and would most definitely excommunicate members for violating such a covenant. Now, they may not call it excommunication, but it’s essentially a removal from the privileges of membership–which include communion.In the Southern Baptist Church, prospective member would never be asked about your personal life. You’re on the honor system. The only “notorious” sinners kicked out were paid junior ministers.
Of course, a Baptist church does have an authority structure. The bishop/elder is the pastor. Some Baptist churches also have a board of lay elders. And there is always a group of lay deacons. All of these are elected by the congregation, which is ultimately the final authority though typically they follow the lead of their elected leaders.A Southern Baptist church can’t “excommunicate” anyone. There are no bishops, elders, or any other authority. Southern Baptists believe that salvation comes from God. Salvation cannot be taken away. All people are equal before the Bible. A member can be told to leave a particular church. But there aren’t any negative outcomes – unless you go to the press and make a big deal about it.
You can define excommunication narrowly, but broadly defined, denying someone the right to take communion (whether you believe it’s symbolic or not) is, essentially, excommunication because you are expelling them from communion. Whether they can go to another church or not is irrelevant to what the church in question does.But I must be clear that the Baptist Church cannot excommunicate anyone.
He is still an authority in the church. Pastors, elders, deacons and congregational meetings are all authorities because they have “authority” to make decisions, like remove people from membership for violating church rules or beliefs.And in my church, people were called brother and sister – including the pastor. He was given immense respect. And yes, the pastor is voted into his job. And he can be voted out, if necessary. The second pastor I knew was nearly voted out of office.
Correct, but that’s really irrelevant when considering whether a church can deny access to the ordinances. Clearly, Baptist churches can and do deny access in cases of church discipline. Yes, Baptists don’t believe it affects one’s salvation, but it is necessary as part of disciplining a church member who is living in open and notorious sin and protecting the rest of the congregation. There is the visible and invisible church. The congregation’s responsibility is to protect the integrity of the visible church. Hence, excommunication or disfellowship or withdrawing the right hand of fellowship or whatever you want to call it.They do have ordinances, but separation from these ordinance offer cannot bar you from salvation.