The church is the primary source for Christian encouragement by other believers. It is the primary outlet for the spiritual gifts given by God to each who receives Christ as Savior. It is to be the recipient of funds for use in the ministry. It is the primary place for a person to learn doctrine and be taught the Bible. However, the Bible recognizes various positions of authority within a church, such as pastors, deacons, elders, etc.
Churches also have a right to exercise authority over their members.
Typically, the authority is to first consist of counseling, but ultimately may consist of bringing a person before the membership in order to confront him publicly with charges of behavior or beliefs inconsistent with the standards of the church. Ultimately, the church has the right to ostracize a person who does not conform to the standards of the church. These things are to be done in a spirit of love, in an effort to encourage a person to repent and return to fellowship. Discipline beyond these measures is not authorized by Scripture. The civil government transgresses its proper authority whenever it attempts to interfere with church discipline of people within a church.