Accountability allows us to be answerable to one another, focusing on key relationships such as with our spouse, close friends, colleagues, coworkers, a boss, small group members, and pastor. It is sharing, in confidence, our heartfelt Christian sojourn in an atmosphere of trust. Then, we can give an answer for what we do and understand where we need help in areas where we are weak and struggling, where and how we are growing, what we are learning, and to be encouraged. These precepts help us to stay on track, and get prayer, care, and support when we fail. We can also model guideposts for one another in order to keep going.
Accountability enables us to share our lives with one another in a deep, introspective way. This helps us to get to know ourselves and others in a deeper manner. Even though most of our relationships in life tend to be casual and superficial, we need deep connections; that is what God has made us for (Eccl. 4:10-12; Rom. 12:5; 14: 13-23; Eph. 5:21; Col. 3:9-10; 1 Peter 3:15). In this, we can have a place to open up, share, and be challenged beyond sports, weather, fashion, or makeup. The goal is our spiritual formation which is Christian maturity, growth, and character derived from God working in us and our working out our faith with one another.
Why Do We Need Accountability?
We are accountable to God and to one another (2 Chron. 19:6-7; Ezek. 34:2-4; Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Pet. 2:10-11). We are all fallen creatures; as Christians, we are still fallen, but are saved by His grace. We are declared clean before God by our Lord’s work; however, we are still full of sin. We all have items and thoughts in our lives that diminish our relationship with God and our effectiveness with others. There is still a process on which to embark to become cleaner (which I believe we never totally become); this is called sanctification. As Christians, we are in the process and practice of our faith, growth, learning, and maturity all the days of our lives. At the same time, we are still sinners and susceptible to temptation, spiritual warfare, and our misplaced desires. We have blind spots and need input from others to find them. If you really want to grow in faith and be effective in ministry, you must be held accountable; otherwise, you will fall, backslide, or be ineffective because of imbued pride. Sin will get you; maybe not today, but tomorrow is still coming. Accountability is essential for every Christian to help reach his or her full potential; it is a mandate to those in leadership and ministry!
Accountability Partner Checklist
AP’s Responsibility
The major purposes are:
To be sure Level 1 and Level 2/AP are meeting regularly via phone conversation, email, or Facebook.
To monitor Level 1 and assess whether they are making progress toward the DFH school/course.
Pray for Level 1 student.
____ Familiarize yourself with the DFH guidelines/policies.
____ Be sure that your Level 1 knows how to contact you (e.g., email, telephone, fax, Facebook, etc.).
____ Request contact information from your Level 1.
____ Introduce yourself by phone, brief letter, or email.
____ Set aside about an hour for the first meeting via phone conversation with your Level 1.
¨ Use this hour to learn about other aspects of your Level 1.
¨ For example what are his/her hobbies?
¨ Share similar information about yourself.
¨ Share Praise Reports
____ Discuss your expectations and your needs with your Level 1.
____ Work with your Level 1 ensuring they understand Level 1 guidelines.
____ Determine meeting/phone conversation times.
____ Plan to meet at least monthly or twice a month with your Level 1 (follow up/check on them).
____ Ask if they are having any qualms/difficulties with DFH Level 1 outline/course.
____ The check-in discussions during this period can be more focused assessing whether they are making
progress.
_____Have you observed any positive or negative changes in the student?
_____Pray for your Level 1
Student Checklist
Before meeting with your AP…
Ask yourself – What are my goals? How can my AP assist me in meeting these goals?
Take the initiative. Introduce yourself by phone, brief letter or email.
Questions or Discussion:
_____ Has your AP contacted you and/or get their contact information?
_____ When was the last time you met with your AP?
_____ How often do you talk with your AP?
_____ Does your AP keep appointments with phone calls?
_____ Share how your experiences have been going in Level 1
_____ Am I having issues with my AP? They are not staying in contact.
Write Pastor Lynn if there are major issues with my AP.
Ministries
