Free Grace Women

Obstacle #1 

Accountability is a difficult topic in most spaces. This can be largely credited to the societal difficulty in broaching the subject. Most people aren’t sure how to discuss or navigate the topic. Accountability comes with such connotations as engrossing addictions, recovery programs, awkward conversations, etc.

Truth be told, the idea of accountability makes many people uncomfortable, even in the church.

Accountability can be defined as upholding others to a set standard. When applied to the church, there are many layers to this upholding: corporate church, local church, pastors and leadership, attendees, etc. With the different layers come different levels of responsibility, and thus different layers of accountability and answerability.

The Barna Group, which holds the leading survey identifying this issue, has found that “one of the least favorite biblical principles might well be ‘Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow’ (Hebrews 13:17 NLT, emphasis added).”

This passage demonstrates a call to obedience for both spiritual leaders and consumers. The churchgoer should obey the leadership. Similarly, the leaders should practice obedience unto the Lord by watching over the congregation. This “watching over” their souls is the act of holding followers accountable. Church leaders are held accountable (to a certain standard) by God.

Dr. Marcia Thomas gave an excellent definition of accountability for Christian leadership: “Christian leadership emphasizes serving others, integrity, humility, and the pursuit of righteousness. On the other hand, accountability is the responsibility and answerability that leaders have to God, their followers, and the principles they uphold.”

Obstacle #2

Barna explains the disconnect between pastors and accountability:

“Another barrier is that many followers of Christ are uncertain about the difference between judgment and discernment, not wanting to be judgmental, they therefore avoid all conversation about the other person’s behavior…”

But this missing piece isn’t solely affecting pastors and church leadership. The lack of accountability affects a lot of churchgoers negatively, as well.

Obstacle #3

“Unfortunately, accountability is largely absent from church today. Those who try to implement it into their churches, are often met with anger, or ridicule. Most Christians are not accountable to their churches or anyone in them. According to Barna, only 5% of Christians in the USA have accountability at their churches,” 

says Keith Rose of Covenant Eyes, a platform that empowers people to quit their pornography addictions and move forward in purity.

These facts point to a deeper issue: our churches aren’t being held accountable for their lack of accountability. This is incredibly unfortunate because it opens doors to unmonitored, unrestricted ungodly activity. But there lies the opportunity for change.

Accountability Awareness:

Change starts on a personal, individual level.

As an imperfect individual, I can look back and see areas of my life that could have changed for the better if I had worked with an accountability partner.

Overall, accountability is still a taboo topic. My goal was to flesh out this lack of accountability to inspire a deeper understanding, and maybe even a desire for change. Accountability applies to and can assist all individuals.

Accountability can be a partnership that affects churchgoers and leaders alike, for the betterment of individuals and assemblies.

A verse of encouragement:

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV)