March 18, 2020 –
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the
one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10).
An Accountability Agreement is a covenant or willingness to answer to a trusted friend and fellow Believer to broaden and deepen your relationship with God.
The process of spiritual growth is the process of “changing” from a present spiritual paradigm to the next paradigm. Although leaving a “comfort zone” and experiencing resistance, new rules, and principles cause anxiety. You conquer uncomfortableness with the help of a Spiritual Accountability Partner.
Accountability partnerships work when they are an alliance between two Believers who like and respect one another. Your partner is a Christian you trust, who will keep you encouraged, honest, and execute your Spiritual Plan. And setting up an accountability agreement is refreshingly simple:
After you receive a commitment from your accountability partner, discuss your Spiritual Plan and their plan. Be specific with each other in the actions needed to achieve your goals.
Set up a regular check-up time (this can be a phone call, email, a text message, or personal meeting) to discuss each other progress or lack thereof. The Bible states, “Do two men walk together unless they have made an appointment?” (Amos 3:3) The goal is to hold each other responsible for staying on track. Don’t forget you are responsible for your success. This accountability is a non-negotiable task.
Besides a willingness to be accountable to each other, the criteria for a successful Spiritual Accountability Partnership include:
- Accountability Partners look for progress, not perfection.
- Accountability Partners encourage, support, and provide honest feedback.
- Accountability Partners tap into one another’s experiences and strengths.
- Accountability Partners must have a set of shared core values, but not be clones
- Accountability Partners have a high level of communication, trust, and mutual respect.
- Accountability Partners need clear Spiritual Plans for measuring themselves and each other.
- Accountability Partners help one another stay the course.