Accountability is all about friction and conflict. — J. R. Miller
Our world today cries out for a theology of spiritual growth that has been proven to work in the midst of the harsh realities of daily life. Sadly, many have simply given up on the possibility of growth in character formation.
Vast numbers of well-intended folk have exhausted themselves in church work and discovered that this did not substantively change their lives. They found that they were just as impatient and egocentric and fearful as when they began lifting the heavy load of church work. Maybe more so.
Others have immersed themselves in multiple social-service projects. But while the glow of helping others lingered for a time, they soon realized that all their herculean efforts left little lasting imprint on the inner life. Indeed, it often made them much worse inwardly: frustrated and angry and bitter.
The spiritual landscape is strewn with bodies broken from the works of the flesh, but yearning for a fresh work of the Spirit. Bitterness from genuine hurts has driven many to abandon the traditional church in search of new and “safer” communities. This exodus from pain, will not bring healing. Changing the external realities of where and how we do “church” will not change the internal realities that have broken many church families. Foster discusses our need for vital union with God which must come first.
The ancient maxim Actio sequitur esse, “action follows essence,” reminds us that our action is always in accord with the inward reality of our heart. This, of course, does not reduce good works to insignificance, but it does make them matters of secondary significance, effects rather than causes. Of primary significance is our vital union with God, our new creation in Christ, our immersion in the Holy Spirit. It is this life that purifies the heart; when the branch is truly united with the vine and receiving its life from the vine, spiritual fruit is a natural result.
The renewal we seek will come, not by changing the location of doing church, but it will come only as we sacrifice ourselves to pay the price of accountability.
…l us do all we can to develop the ecclesiola in ecclesia—”the little church within the church.” The ecclesiola in ecclesia is deeply committed to the life of the people of God and is not sectarian in any way. No separation. No splitting off. No setting up a new denomination or church. We stay within the given church structures and develop little centers of light within those structures. And then we let our light shine!
- God’s Leader Is Accountable First To God
- God’s Leader Is Accountable To Other Leaders
- God’s Leader Is Accountable To The People
- God’s Leader Is Accountable To The Law
- God’s Leader Holds Other To Account
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Hello J.R. I came by after you left a comment on my blog. Looks like we share a similar passion for the church and leadership. I read most of your series on elders (until one didn’t link to the next one) and was encouraged. I look forward to reading and interacting more with you.
I can testify to the importance of accountability as a leader. The lack of accountability as a leader was why I began to wonder if our churches’ leadership structure was unhealthy. I think one reason so many leaders fall or burn out is because the structure does not allow them to function in the body of Christ as a part of the body, as one who also is nourished and held accountable.
Glad you could drop by Matthew. I agree that our traditions have limited accountability and, God willing, that will change in the years to come.
I checked all the links on the Elder blogs and could not find a missing link. If you let me know which one is broken, I will fix it.
Thanks brother.
I enjoyed Richard Fosters class while at APU! He has so many good things to say on Spritual Formation. Great post, babe.
I have really enjoyed the books that I have read by Foster: Celebration of Discipline, Freedom of Simplicity, and Prayer. His words take a while for me to digest but they I love the direction they point me. Anyway, thank you for passing on the link to his January article. I’ll have to read it later when I won’t have interruptions. I agree with your assessment that we need more accountability in the church. I think that is true across the board- for all Christians – not just leaders. We need to move to a place where we can be more authentic and less afraid of judgement. Only then will we allow ourselves the freedom to be held accountable.