2016 Wesleyan Discipline:5023

5023. Definition of Disciplines. There shall be five degrees of discipline for the administration of discipline which are:

(1) Admonition. Admonition is the mildest discipline and consists of a general reproof, a warning and an exhortation to greater watchfulness by the offender. (See 1 Thess. 5:14.)

(2) Rebuke. Rebuke is a stronger discipline for a more serious offense and consists in setting forth the offense, an official rebuke and correction, and a warning to the offender. (See 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2.)

(3) Suspension. Suspension is that discipline by which the accused is placed “under discipline” and is deprived of certain rights and privileges for a period of probation.

(4) Removal. Removal is that discipline by which a person is deposed from an official position, credentialed status or appointments. (See 1 Tim. 1:19–20.)

(5) Dismissal. Dismissal is the strongest discipline and is the expulsion of the offender from membership in the Church (Disc. 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:305:3; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:315:1; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:585:3), which automatically includes all lesser disciplines. Dismissal should be imposed only for the most serious offenses, or for obstinate persistence in a serious offense. (See 2 Cor. 6:14–15; 1 Tim. 1:19–20.)