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"I wrote unto you in my epistle to have no company with fornicators; not at all meaning with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world: but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat. 12 For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves." I Cor. 5:9-13

It should be noted that Paul doesn't limit excommunication to just fornicators. Included in his list are: the covetous, idolaters, revilers, drunkards and extortioners. I wonder how many in our churches, including pastors, are covetous people and according to Paul, deserving of excommunication?

So there's no misunderstanding, I agree with Paul. The 21st century church is divided in many ways, so there's no consistency in doctrine, which included how to discipline believers. Is it the role of the Pastor to be the grand inquisitor of the flock? I don't think so. I believe the preacher preaches as he is led of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit convicts the hearer and the hearer chooses to believe or reject the Word. Now, if a Believer is openly practicing sin he should be referred to the Pastor or apply Matthew 18:16 .