Accountability Part One: Accountability Groups

This week I have been finishing the final thoughts on a "Covenant of Accountability" for my mentor, my close friends, and me. In this covenant I have mainly included Scripture references and truths about accountability rather than writing the traditional "probing questions" employed by small groups. I believe that one of the main hindrances to true accountability is the lack of transparency, authenticity, honesty, and availability. This lack of transparency definitely includes the glaring weakness most of us have in asking serious, deep, personal, challenging, and spontaneous questions, not merely questions someone else has made into a list for us. The Biblical basis for accountability is without debate. It is necessary, and when blessed by the Spirit of God, it is one of the holy means God uses to keep us, protect us, heal us, and guide us into paths of righteousness for His name's sake (cf. Psalm 23). A wonderful introduction and explanation of the means, benefits, potential pitfalls, and scriptural basis of accountability has been written by Andy Naselli. You can read it here. Accountability. Another excellent article concerning the meaning, necessity, purposes, and types of biblical accountability (including some helpful ways to promote accountability) can be found here. Accountability. 

If you are considering starting an accountability group, then I can highly recommend that you read an important article by Eric Costa entitled The Gospel Versus Accountability Groups. He warns us of the inherent danger of allowing pride and the fear of man to rob us of the power and joy of God's glorious gospel of grace. If you have any doubts about some problems people have experienced from accountability groups then please read Why I Don't Believe in Christian Accountability by Mike Foster. There are always problems involved anytime fallen human beings get together, but the biblical mandate is that we must not let anything destroy "faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6).

For those who are starting groups or already participating in a group, I would counsel you to do an in-depth study of the "one another" passages found all throughout the New Testament.

Here are some Small Group Accountability Questions you may consider using.