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:
- 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?
- Do you reaffirm your union with Christ and desire to be readmitted to the covenant family of God?
- 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.]