Accountability is a reciprocal relationship that e xis ts between two or more people where permission has been given to hold one another to account on matters of faith and practice.  This is dependent on either a formal or informal mentoring or discipleship relationship being in place.  The nature of accountability lies in the questioning and follow-up element of a relationship.  Accountability requires that the ‘Did you?’, ‘Have you?’, ‘What happened?’ questions be asked, and responded to, regularly.  Without this, accountability does not exist.

The relationships formed hereby are those of brotherly love, friendship, fellowship, interest, concern and support. The insight into one-another’s’ lives means that a partner should not fall through the cracks when facing trials of life.

Accountability

If we have a simple look at the elements of the word, accountability consists of two elements:

Account: Synonyms are description, story, explanation, report, relate;

Ability: Synonyms are aptitude, skill, capability, capacity, facility.

So, we are not stretching the point to say that accountability means that you can be expected (due to aptitude, skill, capacity) to explain or report on your actions.  More than this, it is giving specific people the right, the mandate, the instruction or request, to keep you true to your commitments.

The difference that a foundation of accountability makes to any relationship, particularly mentoring or discipleship, is a commitment to action, a commitment to growth, as seen in Figure 2 below.  Whereas a mentoring or discipleship relationship demonstrates an intent and desire to grow, the accountability factor moves you from voiced intent to demonstrated commitment.

Types of Accountability

One can choose to be held accountable for a limited number of actions, or you could choose to have a holistic and integrated approach to your accountability relationship.  An accountability relationship can be between two people or three or four.  More than four is also possible, but you need to watch the group dynamics as there is a critical mass at which some groups find it easier to be vulnerable, and after which the numbers prevent complete transparency.

With two people it is too easy for the discussion to evolve into just another friendly chat, and it becomes harder to challenge the other party if the relationship becomes more important than the accountability.  Having three or four people means that the group dynamic will outlast the unavailability of a member for periods of time, and also provides checks and balances that should put the concept of accountability above discomfort or apathy.

 Targeted accountability relationships could focus on some of the following:

Holistic accountability relationships could include many of the following primary elements:

 Challenges

The primary challenges facing meaningful and sustainable accountability relationships are:

Reasons:

Meaningful accountability relationships enhance the quality of your life, challenge you to overcome inertia and obstacles, shine a light into the darker places, endeavour to journey with you through life’s difficulties, and keep you from mediocrity in a kingdom of abundance.

Benefits:

‘Return on Investment’ is incalculable, but many will testify to the incredible value of such a relationship.

The following figure shows that accountability moves you from intent to commitment, to change, implement, grow, execute, and generally be transformed in faith and practice.  At the heart of the diagram, where mentoring, accountability and discipleship overlap, I believe we can experience transformation of our lives as we assess, plan, execute and then assess again, in the context of loving guides and supporters.

Transformational growth integrating MAD elements