Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25, (CSB)
Today we begin a two part series looking at accountability. In this first part, we’ll define accountability; Next week we’ll look at why accountability is so important.
Remember, that we define discipleship as intentionally equipping believers with the word of God through accountable relationships empowered by the Holy Spirit to replicate faithful followers of Christ. The point of being in a discipleship group is to become more Christ-like and help others to do the same. One of the keys of the discipleship process is “accountable relationships.”
But what is accountability, and why is it so important?
What is accountability?
According to Webster accountability is: “The obligation to report, explain, or justify; being responsible for or answerable to someone.”
Practically speaking accountable relationships can only happen when we give others the right to walk alongside us, observe our manner of life, and share with us those things that don’t measure up to Christ.
As Rod Hadley puts it – Accountability; “Will not remove sin or keep you from sin, but it helps you become aware of your sin, and helps you focus your attention back on Christ.” He goes on to say, “Being accountable (to another person) takes
honesty, and if it doesn’t exist, it will be a meaningless experience!”
You and I are living in a fools paradise if we think that we can live the Christ life alone. We need one another! This is especially true as we walk the path He has set before us!
At this point, some may “push back” and say, “Why do we need others, we have the indwelling Christ living within?” And while that is true, it is easy for us to be deceived into thinking that all is well in our fellowship with God.
All of us have what some have called “blind spots.” All of us have talked ourselves into thinking all is well; yet all the while we have bad habits, destructive behaviors, and things in our lives that don’t honor God.
We desperately need accountability in our lives!
Help find accountability in your d-group by giving them the D-Group Starter Guide! This resource will help you coach and train your people and help them see that a D-Group is not as complicated and time consuming at they may think.
Pastors, find help developing every aspect of your discipleship ministry by checking out the Replicate Network.
