Accountability can be defined as: “mutual disclosure leading to increased obedience.” Remember, the end goal of our accountability is not simply self-disclosure. It’s not to get to know each other better. The end goal of accountability is increased obedience. It’s life transformation. We want to be conformed to image of Christ (Romans 8:29) in order that we might walk in the same way in which he walked (1 John 2:6).
In order for this type of accountability to take place, leaders need to (1) model this through self-disclosure and (2) be intentional about guiding conversations and asking good questions in such a way that brings people to a place of vulnerability. To help you achieve this, here are some optional resources that may help you as you lead accountability times in each of your groups.
Personal Accountability Worksheet (click here to download)
This in-depth accountability worksheet can be used to guide sharing times. This could be a resource you use every week if time permits or a resource you bring out a couple of times a semester to check-up on how everyone is doing in each of these areas. Have your small group members fill it out and then discuss their worksheets with the group. Encourage them to talk about areas of victory and areas where growth is needed.
Personal Growth Points (click here to download)
This is another useful resource that can help you guide conversation during accountability times. Encourage each member of your small group to choose one spiritual discipline, one relationship, and one character quality each week that they want to work on and grow in. Be sure to followup with each of these areas each week to see how members of your small group are progressing and growing.
Sample Accountability Questions (click here to download)
This is a questionnaire that was produced by Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago Illinois. You might want to pick some questions from this to go over in your group or hand it out to each member in your group to go through during your accountability time.
Growing Up – Accountability Questions (click here to download)
This resource is from Replicate Ministries and contains a shorter, concise list of questions that you can use during your accountability time.
Accountability Questions on Parenting (click here to download)
Small groups should not only be places where we feel comfortable sharing about our spiritual disciplines, sin issues, and marriages, but also places where we can discuss parenting and what God’s Word has to say to us about it. So here are some optional accountability questions related to parenting that leaders can use from time to time in their small group.
