4 Keys to a Successful Accountability Group

Have you ever wondered what goes on in an accountability group? I had no idea before I was in one! My accountability group has been a pivot point for many of my life decisions. I would be chasing anything that comes my way, without those 3 ladies in my life to point me to Christ! I have had repeated struggles with sin that have left me wanting to give up on the battle. Without the encouragement of my accountability group, I probably would have stopped fighting!

4 keys to the success of an accountability group.

1. Have ground rules. For example; confidentiality, not a place for gossip, non-judgmental environment for sharing personal struggles.

2. Be Honest. For some, it is hard to open up and let another woman see your true heart. Be willing to take a step and dive into what is really going on in you.

3. Pray and read together (Matthew 18:20, James 5:16). This is one of the vital keys. Whether you’re reading a book in the Bible or A.W. Tozer, be reading something together that will point you to Christ. Additionally, a book can help structure your discussion and may be something you wouldn’t read on your own. 

4.  Have fun together. A craft is an easy way to come together and what woman doesn’t like to be creative! Often I have my knitting in hand while we talk, others crochet. This week, we are doing a hand-made knitting needle give-away with this post! Even if you aren’t a knitter this will be a fun give-away to enter, you can give it away as a gift. If you have an accountability group already or are thinking of starting one, I’d encourage you to use that time to knit or crochet together while you talk.

When a major life event came up in one of our member’s life, I called an emergency meeting. This wasn’t any ordinary meeting either. We met at 5:30am! We were willing to sacrifice and show up that early because we have a desire to lift each other up, come along side one another and pursue God above all else.

Before being in an accountability group, I’d often kept my struggles to myself. I lived in shame and fear of what “better Christians” would think of me (Hebrews 10:24-25). This is exactly what Satan wants to see happen. Once we isolate ourselves from other believers, there is a limit to our growth. We might then become stagnant and superficial in our walk. By this time we’ve gone so far, we forget about keeping the Great Commission in front of us. Instead of focusing on Christ, we focus on ourselves. Instead of proclaiming Christ as our savior, we hide in shame.

Maybe you’re reading this today and you realizing a change is needed? Look to God for guidance as you seek an accountability group. Remember at the end of the day whoever you got to for Godly encouragement, you a have Christ in common. You’d be surprised who God might unexpectedly use in your life! Don’t hold yourself back from growing deeper in your relationship with God. Get into an accountability group or start one. As believers, we can edify each other by confessing our sin. Here are some other thoughts and tips for accountability groups.

I’d love to hear from you on ways you’ve succeeded in an accountability group. How did you get it started? What has it done to grow you closer to God?

About Hedy

Hedy is a graduate of Fort Lewis College with a BA in Psychology. She is married with a son. She can't get enough of God and works for Master Plan Ministries at Three Trails Ranch in Durango, CO. Before coming to Colorado, Hedy grew up in Sitka, Alaska. 
Hedy loves to hunt and fish with her best hunting partner, her husband! Most recently she has been hunting in Colorado and Kansas.  When she has a free moment or two, Hedy enjoys to knit and bake bread. 

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