Accountability

Whenever the issue of accountability comes up in a conversation with a “minister of the Gospel,” almost always, in my experience, the next point comes up as, “to whom?”

I’ve heard responses ranging from, “I’m not accountable to any man; I’m only accountable to God,” all the way to, “As a servant of Christ, I’m accountable to everyone.”

I’m a big believer in accountability. As such, I try to hold myself open to advice, input and correction from a closely held group of men, my friends, in whom I have a long relationship and a bond of trust. I feel that God can and does speak through them.

I also hold myself accountable to my wife! I thank God each day for her; she keeps me honest and humble. I definitely can’t get anything past her!

All kidding aside, we need loving people that we have relationships with, that can speak a word in due season, whether to encourage, teach or even rebuke if necessary. Whether we are “hitting on all cylinders,” or missing the mark somewhere, we need loving individuals and friends who can come alongside and speak into our lives in a genuine way.

I have found, unfortunately, that those individuals who hold themselves above that type of transparency, are those that cannot be trusted, and sometimes are to be feared. The idea that, “I’m only accountable to God,” is an attitude that is in conflict with what the Scriptures teach.

Jesus Himself was so approachable and open with His disciples that they felt comfortable in trying to correct Him, even though they knew He was the Master! (See Matthew 16:21-22)

Our prayer is that we at Honest Faith Ministries continue with a servant’s heart, and will be open and transparent with those we are attempting to serve.

I am heavily involved in H.O.P.E. Ministries, which can be seen at:  H.O.P.E. Ministries website

There, I have the accountability I am looking for: With my good friend, Pastor Jim Grimm, a lifelong friend and good brother. He really challenges me to “keep it real.”

I also have twice weekly meetings via Zoom sessions, with amazing like-minded spiritual men and women of Faith. I love them and the whole process!

I’ve researched many, many church and ministerial organizations in earnest, and frankly there were “more toads than princes.” That may sound harsh, but the unfortunate truth is that almost anyone can secure ministerial credentials if you are willing to pay a yearly fee and 10% of your income. Credentials don’t guarantee character and integrity — and ministry and fellowship in Christ shouldn’t be about money.

I don’t think you’ll find that Jesus, any of the apostles or early church leaders carried around their seminary degrees in their robe pockets!

Seriously, when you examine the long history of greed and abuses in the pulpit or even higher up the food chain, you begin to wonder what ordination and credentials have really purchased for us as believers. The writer of Thessalonians said, “…And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you…”

(1 Thessalonians 5:12)

The implication is to have relationships with church leaders that is intimate, open and reciprocal. How can you truly know them otherwise?

We have (or are building) relationships with many friends that we honor, look to for guidance and consider trustworthy. Check them out when you get a chance.