Chapter 28: Discipline of Non-communing Members

28-1. The spiritual nurture, instruction and training of the children of the
Church are committed by God primarily to their parents. They are responsible
to the Church for the faithful discharge of their obligations. It is a principal
duty of the Church to promote true religion in the home. True discipleship
involves learning the Word of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit both
at home and in the Church. Without learning there is no growth and without
growth there is no discipline and without discipline there is sin and iniquity (1
Timothy 4:7).

28-2. The home and the Church should also make special provision for
instructing the children in the Bible and in the church Catechisms. To this end
Sessions should establish and conduct under their authority Sunday schools
and Bible classes, and adopt such other methods as may be found helpful. The
Session shall encourage the parents of the Church to guide their children in the
catechising and disciplining of them in the Christian religion.

28-3. The Church should maintain constant and sympathetic relations with
the children. It also should encourage them, on coming to years of discretion,
to make confession of the Lord Jesus Christ and to enter upon all privileges of
full church membership. If they are wayward they should be cherished by the
church and every means used to reclaim them.

28-4. Adult non-communing members, who receive with meekness and
appreciation the oversight and instruction of the Church, are entitled to special
attention. Their rights and privileges under the covenant should be frequently
and fully explained, and they should be warned of the sin and danger of
neglecting their covenant obligations.