2. The word discipline comes from Latin:
disciplina which means ‘training’.
It is closely associated with the Latin word disciplus which
means ‘a learner’.
This is the word from which the English word disciple is
derived. The two root words lead us to understand that a
disciple is a learner who is in training. The Bible teaches
that the process of discipline (discipling) or learning and
training is most effective when it is carried out in a caring,
supporting and loving environment.
“If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you
don’t love them, if you love your children, you will be
prompt to discipline them”. Proverbs 13:24.
3. Discipline in the Bible is presented in two perspectives:
The constructive and the redemptive.
From the constructive perspective, discipline is presented
as a necessary path on the way to knowing God and
enjoying a productive life.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only
fools despise wisdom and discipline”. Proverbs 1:7 NLT
God’s discipline leads to a good life.
“Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and
health. You have restored me to life!” Isaiah 38:16 NLT
Biblical Viewpoint
4. “Happy are those whom you discipline, Lord, and those
whom you teach from your law. You give them relief from
troubled times”. Psalms 94:12,13a NLT
The redemptive perspective of discipline is observed in
the Bible when God’s children have turned away from
Him and will not respond to His repeated appeals to
return to Him. God either withdraws His protection or
directly allows His children to experience difficulties with
the hope that they will sense their need and return to
Him. Notice how Jeremiah talks about this to the people
of Israel.
God’s discipline will provide happiness and peace.
5. “For I am with you and save you, says the
Lord. I will completely destroy the nations
where I have scattered you, but I will not
destroy you. But I must discipline you; I
cannot let you go unpunished”. Jeremiah
30:11 NLT
Discipline is designed to train individuals
towards a better way of life. The
Pathfinder organisation is committed to
that ministry.
God’s discipline will provide happiness and peace.
6. Pathfinders come from many families where discipline is
administered by different methods. They come with a
whole range of experiences and expectations. Often,
they encounter a different kind of discipline than that
which is practiced in their home. They either experience
a new kind of freedom with a total lack of restraint, or
they encounter unaccustomed restraint. There are
situations where the expectations of the club in regards
to discipline are very different from those at home.
Consequently, it is expected that in a Pathfinder club,
there will be individuals who might initially be unable or
unwilling to conform to the accepted values and conduct
expected in a Pathfinder Club.
Why Discipline Becomes an Issue in a Pathfinder Club
7. Basic Principles of Effective Club Discipline
• Morale, or Club spirit, is
the tangible element that
determines the success of
any Pathfinder Club.
• All Pathfinders and staff
members will need to
work together in
developing a sense of
unity and belonging, and
maintaining interest and
enthusiasm.
8. Club staff need to check for the following:
• Spiritual Objective
• Attendance
• Home contact
• Round table discussion
• Unit Captain’s Table
• Making Members
Welcome
• Putting Friends
Together
• Reviewing the
Counsellor's Work
• Planning a balanced
Programme
• Developing Unit
Cohesiveness
• Pathfinder Meeting place
• Planning a Pathfinder
programme
• Equipment
• Camping Equipment
• Teaching Materials
9. Pathfinder Club Discipline
The goal of disciplining children must be :
a. to guide them as sons and daughters of
God.
b. to show them love and understanding.
c. to teach them God’s character as
revealed in order and discipline. to make
them useful members of the church and
community.
d. to help them respect their leaders and
parents.
10. a. Feel that they are being
born into a new
experience
b. Learn that they are being
loved by the kind of
correction and discipline
they receive
c. Learn to discipline their
desires
Pathfinders must:
11. Discipline has been administered in many different ways.
Each of them has their own strengths and their
weaknesses. The main four methods are:
1. Authoritarian Discipline.
Authoritarian Discipline lays down the rules and polices
them.
Fear, guilt, and force are used to obtain order and respect.
Authoritarian discipline brings instant order to a club but
does not guarantee self discipline. The Pathfinder staff is in
charge and cannot rest at anytime because the rules have
to be maintained.
Different Styles of Discipline
12. Different Styles of Discipline
2. Permissive Discipline.
Permissive Discipline appeals to the Pathfinder’s better self
and does not enforce obedience. Love and praise are used
to motivate productivity. Order, obedience, and self-
discipline are not highly valued. Achieving requirements
and maintaining standards including safety are not
ensured.
The outcomes are based on the success of gaining
cooperation. The Pathfinder can take charge and enforce
what they feel like doing without any regard for standards
or expectations. For the club to exist the staff have to go
along with the Pathfinders.
13. 3. Neglectful Discipline.
Neglectful Discipline is when there are
minimal rules or support for the group being
led. It is a situation where no one knows
what is going to happen because everyone is
only interested in their own agenda.
Both the staff and the Pathfinders have no
real goals or purpose for the club. This type
of discipline cannot last because either the
club will fold, or another style of leadership
will be adopted.
14. 4. Authoritative or Positive Discipline.
This is where discipline involves the
Pathfinders in the decision making as
much as possible. The Pathfinders are
held responsible and accountable for
the outcomes.
Affirmation and rewards are the chief
motivators of order and respect.
Pathfinders are held to the
consequences of negative choices. The
Pathfinder staff is ultimately
responsible.
15. a. Provides an environment that supports cheerful
attitudes and cooperative behavior
b. Emphasises guidance rather than restraint;
constructive rather than destructive
c. Enables not cripples
d. Encourages self-control and purposeful activity
e. Is present not seen
f. Teaches a child to do the right thing at the right time
in the right way and for the right reason
g. Prevents trouble
Good Discipline
16. How to Keep Discipline
•A well-planned programme will
avoid problems and mistakes.
Order and system inspire
confidence.
•Children learn by example.
•Club meeting starts on time –
staff are there before the start of
the programme and the
programme runs smoothly to its
conclusion.
17. Guidance for Balanced Discipline
Establish rules and regulations
and a point system
Rules should be few, well-
considered and enforceable
Present devotional
admonition on discipline,
explaining the Pledge and Law
Counsel with guilty youth
before disciplinary action.
Pray with them
Parents need to understand
the importance of Club
disciplinary training
18. Guidelines for Balanced Disciple
•Establish Rules and regulation and a
point system.
•Inform the Pathfinders of the rules,
your expectation and methods of
enforcements
•“Rules should be few and well
considered, and when once made,
they should be enforced. Whether is
found impossible to change, the
minds learns to recognise and adapt
itself to” (Education page 290)
•Present devotional on discipline,
explaining the Pledge and Law.
19. Proper Administration of Discipline
The CORRECT Way:
a. Inspire right and order by
love, kindness and
consistent example
b. Win confidence
c. Show love to youth by
kindness
d. Expect loyal cooperation
e. Develop trust, compliance,
cooperation and love
20. Improper Administration of Discipline
• The WRONG Way:
a. Crush or break the spirit
b. Use of strict force
Result: development of
distrust, evasiveness and
hatred for authority
21. Prevention of Discipline Problems
Plan an extensive
program of activities
Never go to meetings
unprepared
Be friendly, caring and
approachable
Cultivate a sense of
humour
Avoid the use of ridicule
and sarcasm
Don’t be a fault finder
Be fair and impartial
Show self-control
Watch the use of your
voice
Maintain eye contact
Give clear, precise
instructions and
commands
Eliminate mannerisms
that could lead to
ridicule
22. Punishable Offences
Clear and unjustifiable
insubordination
Indecency
Impudence to counsellor
Offensive language
Injuring others
Damaging property
Cheating and stealing
23. Methods of Discipline
Give personal
counsel
Use group
judgement
Take care of
individual
difference
Expel if necessary
Punish is anger
Use threats
Force apologies in public
Detain after club meeting
Assign extra tasks
Apply “Dunce Cap”
discipline
Use corporal punishment
Do Don’t
24. Discipline Procedures
Speak tactfully
Explain what is expected
Have a private visit and pray
Privately counsel together with
Pathfinder
Earnestly solicit cooperation
Pray with Pathfinder
25. Discipline Procedures
Counsel with Pathfinder
Convey the seriousness of the matter
Pray together
Make appointment to meet
parents/carer
Private visit and Pray with Pathfinder
Refer to Disciplinary Committee
Notify Parents of meeting
Visit Pathfinder during ‘vacation time’
26. 1. It develops character.
2. It builds relationships -
demonstrates that leaders care.
3. It defines right from wrong.
4. It is a learning experience.
5. It provides opportunity to
learn the impact of choice and
consequences.
6. Develops group
relationships.
7. Consistent - “one for all.”
Impacts of positive discipline
