Accountability Groups

What are they?

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Ideally, accountability groups should be small, single sex groups (no larger than 3 people) who regularly meet to share issues, pray and encourage each other in our lives.

What is accountability and why I need it?

The word accountability sounds rather threatening – we tend to associate it with criticism or blame. However it is a check and balance system to protect us from harm. We do this by being open about what we are thinking and doing, so we can receive encouragement and reproof, when needed.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16

Accountability is sharing - in confidence - in an atmosphere of trust. Then, we can give an answer for what we do and understand that we need help in areas where we are weak and struggling. We can also provide encouragement to one another.

“Two are better than one… If one falls down his friend can help him up…a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecc 4: 9-12

Accountability enables us to share our lives with one another in a deep way. These groups provide an opportunity for us to open up, share, and be challenged.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend”
Proverbs 27:17

Background

In the Bible there are several examples of small groups, which met to pray and were accountable to each other.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were friends who prayed together and were accountable. These three lived as a group and they trusted God with their very lives. (Daniel 3:1-30)

• Their loyalty to God was directly challenged to the point of a fiery death.

• Though faced with a furnace of punishment, this group remained true.

• They made it clear that obeying God was even more important than being rescued from the flames.

• Jesus was with them in the fiery furnace.

Why should I join an accountability group?

The small group is Jesus’ model for building his kingdom

Jesus himself said “where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20).

What is the value of a group?

1. You get to know Christ better

2. You get to know yourself better

3. You get to know others better

4. It is a safe place to be valued and affirmed

5. Friends are able to encourage your gifts, abilities and calling

What are the basic requirements of a group?

1. Meet in the Spirit of Christ

2. Love enough to confront when necessary

3. Pursue unconditional love and forgiveness

How often should we meet?

These groups work well when you have regular contact with the other people in the group.

Why not aim to meet every 3-weeks/ monthly? You can arrange to meet at any other times depending on the needs of the other people in the group.

Remember these groups are single sex.

What could we do when we get together?

Acts 2: 42 is a good model to follow.

1. You may consider doing some of the following:

• Teaching (read the Bible or a Christian Book)

• Sharing issues with each other

• Breaking bread (have a meal together)

• Praying for each other

2. Some ideas to promote sharing

• Share your life story in detail

• Talk about fears, failures and successes while growing up

• Share your strengths, weaknesses, concerns and joys

• What is keeping you from experiencing more of Christ?

• Have periodic shared experiences such as taking part in a hobby or playing sport

3. What to remember

• Be available when others are in need

• Pray for one another regularly

• Always maintain the spirit of confidentiality

How should I go about forming a group?

Think and pray about the people who you would like to form a group with. Consider who at church you could be accountable to. Ask them and set up an initial meeting.

If you have been a Christian for a while, why not ask a new Christian into your group? This would be a great way to help disciple them. It is important to ask people to form a group rather than waiting for someone to ask you.

Resources to get you started:

‘Spadework’ by Carl Beech for the guys, and ‘Women of the Word’ for the ladies, are a great starting place. You can order them from Miriam Webb (843317)

Please let Dan Horrex know who’s in your group and contact him for further advice. Tel no: 01487 740991 or email: