The goal of this segment is to help analyze your obedience in discipleship and also show the value of accountability groups for everyone’s obedience.
I. Evaluate your Obedience to Making Disciples
We show our love to God through obedience to Him. Throughout this training we have seen how to obedience in fulfilling the Great Commission. On the path of multiplying disciples there are many obstacles and excuses. The accountability group helps everyone overcome these barriers.
Most Common Excuses and Obstacles:
- I’d make disciples, but I don’t know how (I am not competent).
- I’d make disciples, but I am afraid (I am afraid of others).
- I’d make disciples, but I don’t know where to begin (no opportunities).
- I’d make disciples, but I am not the kind of person that is needed (we need a professional).
- I’d make disciples, but I am very weak (I can’t convince people).
- I’d make disciples, but I don’t have the time (I am very busy with other things).
Identify obstacles or excuses that are closest to your situation, then share them with you group.
II. The Importance of an Accountability Group
- Accountability groups encourage each other to do good deeds.
- Accountability groups help to protect each other from sin.
- Accountability groups watch out for one another.
- Accountability groups remember more than the individual.
- Accountability groups learn faster than the individual.
- Accountability groups correct itself.
III. Format of an Accountability Group
The Main Elements of the Group Meetings:
- Checking homework – the group gives time to how everyone is doing on their homework after the training, analyzes any mistakes or barriers, and learns from each other how to overcome them.
- Conducting a “Discovery Bible Study” – the group conducts a Discovery Bible Study in three parts: “Look back,” “Look up” and “Look forward”. It is very important to practice the skill of facilitating a Discovery Bible Study.
- Planning – the group plans their action steps before the next meeting. The group also chooses a place, time and leader for the next accountability group meeting.
Obedience to God is unquestionably important, but circumstances of life and problems often take us off track. We need someone else who will also look out for us. That’s how accountability helps!
