Last week we talked about cultivating real authentic accountability in our small groups. We acknowledged the fact that many of us have had experiences with accountability that left us less than favorable towards cultivating it within our group. In this lifeline, I would like to suggest what elements make for non-productive accountability and conversely the elements that are essential for productive accountability.

1. Non-productive accountability is forced! You must get the people in your group to willingly buy into the idea so that it is 100% voluntary.
2. Productive accountability deals in specifics as opposed to generalities. For instance, general would be to say, “I’m struggling with a sin issue”, while specific would sound like, “I’ve noticed a pattern of sinful anger in my life when it comes to disciplining my children.” (Tip: as a leader you should gently ask clarifying questions when a person gives information that is very general).
3. Non-productive accountability is a dump fest where people share their issues of sin and temptation but it doesn’t lead to change. Accountability functions best when there is follow up and intentionality about pursuing personal holiness. (Tip: be sure to celebrate spiritual victories when growth has occurred in a member’s life)
4. Productive accountability is bathed in scripture as opposed to a lot of human advice/opinions. The question should always be, “How does scripture inform our thinking about this specific area of discussion?” (Tip: try to guard against too many opinions that are not anchored in scripture).
5. Finally, productive accountability is down right surgical! It can be a painful process for people to get to the heart of an issue of spiritual deficiency but accountability aims at doing Romans 8:13, “Put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit.” Non-productive accountability simply puts a band-aid on a situation but people aren’t challenged to change/heal/grow.

I want to encourage you to use these elements in order to evaluate the way your group does accountability or to help you cultivate an element of accountability within your small group. If you’re at the beginning stages it is crucially important to cast vision to the group and to lead by example. I really believe that authentic accountability will help your small group grow deeper both relationally and spiritually.

One of the ways I’ve seen God dispense a powerful measure of sanctifying grace in my life is through accountability with the people I’m in community with. This will be our topic for the next two Lifelines. Now let me just say that I am totally aware that your small group may not be ready for real accountability. We understand that. Real, authentic accountability can only develop over time, but what you must be aware of as a leader is that without “intentionality” it won’t develop!

In some Christian circles, there is a negative connotation when we think about accountability, a stigma even. Maybe you’ve tried it in the past and it yielded little fruit or maybe you were in an accountability group with someone who wasn’t trustworthy and you ended up getting burned. Whatever your past experience was or your present apprehension is, I believe with my whole heart that God can and will do amazing things to grow you and the members of your group in Christ-likeness, if you will be intentional about developing real, authentic accountability in your small group. Next week I’ll discuss some very practical things about accountability and give you some tips on implementation, but for today I want to give you two things to think about:

• Accountability is not just for people who are struggling with a pattern of glaring immorality. Immorality is not the only thing that could shipwreck one’s faith, for instance:
  • A root of bitterness could destroy someone over time.
  • Pride/arrogance can lead to immeasurable sorrow.
  • Poor leadership in a marriage could lead to divorce.
  • Poor stewardship could lead to financial ruin and a crisis of faith.

• Accountability is preventative—not just restorative! It functions as a preserving agent in the lives of believers who are deeply committed to practicing it in community.

What is the level of real accountability in your small group? Pray this week and ask God for his direction and ask him for the wisdom you will need to lead your group towards a deeper level of authentic, biblical accountability with each other.