I heard today that a rebuke is only as strong as a relationship. Sure, church leaders can rebuke and correct, but that disciplinary action will only be received if the leaders have earned the trust to speak into an individuals life. Otherwise, you are nothing more than a tyrant or dictator.
The other part of the equation is the level of commitment to community. Many church members, even at the hint of facing disciplinary action, would choose to leave the church rather than submit to church authority. In other words, if a church member faces church discipline, they will most likely leave the church and go find another one that won't hold them accountable and work towards redemption and spiritual maturity.
Most Christians maintain a consumer mentality and reason, "Hey, if I don't like this church, I'll just go find another" instead of working out my issues in the context of community.
