How Are We Accountable?
The effectiveness of all small groups depends on how clearly they understand their purpose, then hold themselves accountable for that purpose. An overriding purpose of church groups is growth in faithful discipleship. Each group needs to decide what members will hold one another accountable for. One way of saying this is "setting ground rules" as the group begins. Many groups set ground rules at the beginning; the challenge comes as we try to hold ourselves accountable to the ground rules.
Accountability may take many forms. The group members need to decide how and how often they will practice accountability for their corporate mission and their personal growth in faith and love.
"Accountability" is to give an explanation of one's conduct, duties, and spiritual practices.
The Christian practice of accountability aims for support and mutual growth in faith, not on judgment.First, how will we hold one another accountable? What will our ground rules be? Groups may begin with a study of Wesley's General Rules (see below) and use the Rule to guide their shared and personal lives. For example, administrative committees (finance, trustees, staff/pastor parish relations, administrative council/ board) and program groups (education, mission, evangelism, membership care, etc.) may set aside time to evaluate their work in light of the General Rules. They can ask themselves how they have contributed to building the body of Christ and serving Christ in the world by doing no harm, doing good, and practicing the means of grace together. Such corporate accountability would serve to keep the groups' work and the personal relationships focused on the mission of serving Christ in the world and contributing to the entire congregation's life and mission. The key is to work together to keep Christ at the center.
Second, how often will the group hold themselves accountable? Many groups self-evaluate each time they meet. Some groups evaluate on one aspect of the General Rule each time until, over a series of meetings, they have examined the whole Rule. Sometimes, a group devotes a full meeting to accountability, then moves to new tasks and new forms of accountability. Ongoing accountability is a challenge that must be shared by everyone in the group.
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Wesley's General Rules It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
First, by doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind; especially that which is most generally practiced:
Secondly, by doing good, by being merciful at all times, as they are able; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as is possible, to all people.
Thirdly, by regular participation in the means of grace. They are, the public worship of God; reading and study, alone and with others; the LordŐs supper; family and private prayer; searching the Scriptures; and fasting or abstinence.
(From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2000, pp. 72-74. Copyright © 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.)
• • • In conclusion, the General Rules may be used for accountability in "traditional" small groups that have a more explicit goal of Christian formation for their members. Groups for prayer, Bible study, support, and nurture may adopt the General Rules as the guiding principle for their life together. Such practice will help keep the group focused on its common purpose and assure that Christ is at the center.
A written covenant simplifies accountability and keeps the group focused. The group simply checks its actions and decisions against the covenant. Groups often post a copy of their ground rules in their meeting space or include them at the top of their printed agenda. The group can reflect on the meaning of the General Rule to write a covenant in contemporary language.
"While the Holy Spirit may increasingly empower us in our discipleship, the structure of a written covenant provides the form of how we live it out in the world. It is a framework within which we deepen our relationship with Christ while holding fast to the priorities of our obligations to Christ."
Gayle Turner Watson, Guide for Covenant Discipleship Groups, page 42 (Discipleship Resources, 2000).A written covenant helps group members see where their strengths and weaknesses lie so they can make any needed "course corrections."
When there is a written covenant, it is important to remember that the covenant is a means to an end. Such covenants are agreements of intent. They must not become rigid, restrictive, or legalistic. The covenant is the means (a rule of life) to the end of "having the mind that was in Christ" (Phil. 2:5-11). The purpose of a covenant is to liberate the group so it can be a channel of grace for the world. The covenant serves the role of teacher/coach, encouraging and helping the group grow in holiness of heart and life.
Steven W. Manskar (smanskar@gbod.org) is Director of Accountable Discipleship at the General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.