The notion of restricted churches goes back to the bible:
1 Corinthians 11 discusses the exclusion on members from receiving communion if they are not worthy. Not to turn Flubros into a theology bashing session but I thought I would point out that from the early days the Christian church imposed restrictions on its own members and who can do what. I see a scriptural basis, regardless of your denomination, for a church pastor to have the power to impose restrictions on its members.
“I see a scriptural basis, regardless of your denomination, for a church pastor to have the power to impose restrictions on its members.”
In our church, it’s left up to the members’ own self searching to decide whether they’re in a right relationship with God and other Christians. If they are, they take communion; if they aren’t, they abstain.
I grew up in a parsonage, have many relatives who are/were pastors, and a ton of seminary friends who are as well. They aren’t spiritually or emotionally qualified to have power to impose restrictions on members regarding communion. That’s between God and his children, one-on-one. IMHO.
If there are true issues with a member, then it’s up to a leadership group such as deacons or elders to counsel with the fallen member. A minister never should have 100% control over the church.
Matthew 18:15-18 is the only Scripture that shows ex-communication.