Church Accountability
Living in Alignment with Christian Standards
In the Christian life, fellowship with other believers is essential for spiritual growth, encouragement, and accountability. Scripture teaches that living in fellowship requires more than just gathering together; it calls for a commitment to uphold Christian morals and standards. When a believer strays from these principles and resists correction, the church is encouraged to step in, fostering accountability and guiding the individual back to righteousness. This biblical approach, though often challenging, is both necessary and beneficial for the church and the individual. Let’s explore the scriptural basis for accountability within the body of Christ.
1. Accountability within the Body of Believers
• Jesus envisions a community where believers hold each other accountable, as reflected in Matthew 18:15-17. Jesus advises, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you… But if they will not listen, take one or two others along… If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church.” This passage highlights the responsibility believers have to lovingly correct one another. Accountability is not optional but a crucial part of Christian community.
• Every believer is called to be part of a body of believers, where mutual encouragement and correction take place. Hebrews 10:24-25 echoes this: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”
2. Not Only Hearers but Doers of the Word
• It is not enough to merely hear God’s Word; we must act upon it. In James 1:22, we read, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Accountability within the church ensures that members live out their faith and avoid self-deception. Through fellowship, we are reminded to actively live out God’s Word in all areas of life.
3. Loving Christ through Obedience
• Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” A true relationship with Christ is marked by obedience. Love for Jesus translates into a commitment to His teachings, and the church community supports believers in walking in this obedience. The communal aspect of faith is a safeguard, encouraging each other to seek God’s righteousness, as emphasized in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.”
4. Addressing Sin within the Church
• Scripture stresses that it is not loving to remain silent when we see a fellow believer straying into sin. Believers are responsible to lovingly confront those who are veering off course. Ezekiel 3:18-19 speaks to this responsibility: “When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them… that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.” Out of love and accountability, Christians are called to guide one another back to obedience, ensuring no one remains in sin due to neglect or silence.
5. Prioritizing Righteousness and Holiness
• The apostle Paul emphasizes righteous living within the church community. In 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, Paul advises the church to remove members who persist in sin without repentance. He warns, “You must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy… Do not even eat with such people.” Removing someone from fellowship, though difficult, is biblically supported and ultimately serves the well-being of the church and the individual. This act of discipline is a reminder that persistent rebellion against God and His standards must be addressed openly to maintain the integrity of the church.
6. Guarding Against Division and False Teaching
• Sadly, some individuals may join a church with ulterior motives, aiming to create division or compromise its values. Titus 3:10-11 warns, “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” Church leaders, pastors, and elders are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the church from division and false teachings. The role of a shepherd is to guard the flock, ensuring that open sin or rebellion does not harm the church’s unity and mission.
7. The Danger of Accommodation in Today’s Church
• In a time when society often prioritizes inclusivity and accommodation, the church can face pressure to overlook sin or rebellion. However, this attitude can harm the spiritual health of the church and lead to compromise. Allowing open sin and rebellion to persist without accountability damages the church’s witness and diminishes its commitment to God’s standards. Biblical discipline, though counter-cultural, preserves the church’s purity and strengthens its testimony to a watching world.
Practical Steps for Church Accountability
1. Encourage Honest Relationships: Create spaces where believers can share openly, fostering an environment of trust and mutual accountability.
2. Implement Biblical Discipline: Follow the steps Jesus outlined in Matthew 18, starting with private conversations before involving others. Respect the biblical process to address sin gently but firmly.
3. Teach Obedience and Righteousness: Consistent teaching on living according to God’s Word reinforces the church’s commitment to holiness and accountability.
4. Establish a Support System: Having mature believers, mentors, and accountability groups within the church provides support and encouragement for members to seek righteousness wholeheartedly.
Conclusion: Accountability as an Expression of Love and Faithfulness
True Christian fellowship goes beyond casual gatherings; it means committing to the spiritual well-being of each member. Church accountability, while challenging, is an expression of love and obedience to Christ. Prioritizing righteousness, guarding against division, and holding each other accountable aligns the church with God’s call for holiness and unity. By fostering a community where members seek righteousness first, the church fulfills its mission to honor God and reflect His love to the world.