Dear Jeremy,

In addition to the relevant passages you have been referred to about "openness" during confession of sin, there is a very important principle in Galatians 6:1:

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

In other words, there are 2 opposing tendencies we must avoid. On one hand, without a covenantal commitment to openness in community, members simply cannot know each other well enough to know if a trespass has occurred or, if so, how to gently restore the one(s) involved.

(I for one feel the need for such openness should compel local churches to avoid exceeding a reasonable size, and fear that the mega-church model, even if coupled with sound theology, destroys much body life. I am grateful that our church covenant reads, in part, "I will submit myself humbly to the discipline of the church, my elders, my sisters and brothers, that I may live a life of discipleship. When I fail in any portion of this covenant, I will seek my brothers and sisters, confess my need, and find strength from our mutual bonds of life in the Spirit. I will take the initiative regularly to meet with other members of ... in order to share each other's joys and sorrows, plans and problems, so as to bring mutual encouragement and obedience in the work of the Lord and in our personal lives.")

On the other hand, the several confession/discipline Scriptures clearly indicate that as the combination of times/places/involved parties varies, different approaches are necessary, and the wrong approach would be most unedifying for the church and dishonoring to the Lord.

For example, let's take Mr. and Mrs. A and Mr. and Mrs. B. During a time of corporate worship at which all 4 are present with their children, Mr. B. announces, "I confess that this morning I am been burning with lust for, and committing adultery in my heart with, Mrs. A. I try not to, but everytime I see her in that outfit she's got on, I just can't help myself. "

If he "shares" that little piece of information, what edifying effect will it have on ... Mrs. A? Mr. A? Mrs. B? their children? the rest of the church? But if the church promotes an unregulated transparency during public worship, how will Mr. B not feel compelled to so share, or if he is wise enough not to, how will he not feel hypocritical when others make their confessions?

No, far safer to heed the biblical guidelines in this. Some situations--as above--should be confessed first to the Lord and then, if restorative exhortation and instruction is needed, only to those able to assist without being similarly tempted (this would certainly apply to sexual matters and unresolved interpersonal disputes). Other situations are matters which may not be tempting or offensive to others but are simply so unique to our depraved natures that there would not be time in a worship service for everyone to air all their laundry (e.g. let's say I get angry with people whose name starts with "S" because it makes me think of snakes/spiders/scorpions ...), or are so generally common during sanctification that everyone is constantly needing to confess them (e.g. "I'm so proud". Of course if one person confesses this, everyone else feels they must as well, lest they be thought ... proud!). Finally, there are occasionally unique situations which are appropriate for the body at large to hear. I have not regretted confessing before our church and publically asking forgiveness several years ago, a willful disregard of safety which resulted in a car accident which could have resulted--but by God's grace did not--in serious injury or death to my passengers, boys from several church families as well as my own. Since that time, in similar situations (driving tired), the memory of that confession surfaces and spurs me on to pull over and grab a few winks rather than tempt the Lord again.

So, although it doesn't fit in your poll format, I would say, be as open as possible within biblical bounds, in a way that brings glory to the Lord Christ rather than the person confessing, and builds up His holy church in repentance, faith and loving obedience.

In Christ,
Paul S