Berita NECF Newletters

LOOK OUT! pitfalls ahead

LOOK OUT!
PITFALLS AHEAD

Most of us can recall at least one instance when a respected Christian leader fell from grace. We remember the pain, the disbelief and the questions. “Why?” “How can a person like this do such a thing?”

Let’s not forget one simple fact. Leaders are busy people and they therefore tend to overlook and neglect their weaknesses. So it’s actually not surprising that when they fall, they fall hard. As the saying goes, “The higher you climb, the harder you fall”.

Wise leaders therefore know their weaknesses, and take concrete steps to manage these “thorns in the flesh”.

Accountability is one major way of managing weaknesses and preventing abuse. Our first accountability is of course to God. We must give an answer to Him everyday and on that last day. But someone who likes to say “it’s between me and God” is in for trouble.

Systems should be set up among men to help curb wrongdoing and abuse. These systems are protective frameworks to prevent us from sinning because no matter how much we think we love God, there are moments when our convictions just fail.

Perhaps some spectacular examples will help us understand this concept better. A well-known case is that of Odysseus in Homer’s Greek epic Iliad. Odysseus tied himself to the ship’s mast before sailing past the island of the Sirens so that upon hearing their (the Sirens’) captivating songs, he would not be able to steer the ship towards the island and sink it among the rocks.

An example closer to home would be the pastor who reportedly threw his room key out of the window (to lock himself in) when he sensed an overpowering temptation to go out and do something immoral These people knew their weaknesses and “burned the bridge” before it was too late. Likewise, accountability systems should be set up early when things are going well.
Accountability systems fall into two main categories – operating systems and accountability groups.


Operating Systems

Christians face a thousand and one different kinds of temptation but some claim that most of these can be grouped under money, power and sex. It is essential that accountability systems are set up around these treacherous waters. The following should be taken as broad guidelines.

Money: At the minimum, a transparent system of signatories and approval should be set up in a church. The larger the sum to be spent, the more people need to approve it. For really huge sums, a General Meeting of the congregation should be called.

Power: The structure of governance differs for different denominations. But ideally, check and balance should be enshrined in the Constitution. However, the pastor should be given enough freedom to work and not have to seek permission for every little thing.

Sex: A lot can be said here and what is actually put in practice depends on the situation. It’s not for one person to judge another, but each person should do what is reasonable for him or her.

Pastors, especially the men, often have to meet congregation members of the opposite sex in private. Sometimes, the meetings turn into counselling seeions, which may expose the pastors to vulnerable situations.

What should pastors do in such situation? How do they avoid extra-marital affairs with members of the opposite sex? To avoid these, pastors need to decide ahead the practical steps they ought to take.

ACCOUNTABILITY IS ONE MAJOR
WAY OF MANAGING WEAKNESSES
AND PREVENTING ABUSE


Accountability Groups

Even a pastor needs a pastor. The lack of a confessional structure in evangelicalism is perhaps one key factor contributing to the perpetuation of secret sin. Many effective Christian leaders are part of an accountability group. The exact form of such a group depends on many factors.

But the archetype is a small group (no more than three or four people) that meets regularly for prayer, Bible study, sharing and confession.

Some groups require that a list of pointed questions be asked so as to keep one another in check. Usually, members of accountability groups are peers, so Christian leaders may join up with those of the same “level”. Others look for mentors.

Trust takes time to build but the Bible says: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (Jam. 5:16a)
Also: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) Elsewhere, the Bible talks about the “body life” which is so important. Accountability groups take time and effort, but they are more than worth it.

There are people who are skeptical of accountability groups. They have their reasons – past betrayal of trust, etc.

But since all such reasons can be abused, it seems wiser to believe the Word of God and be patient with the results. There isn’t a single right way to “do accountability”, the point is to just go out and do it. Those who think they are walking closely with God and don’t need accountability should at least consider investing their lives into others, especially the younger leaders. We Are All Leaders Accountability is for EVERY Christian because we are all leaders – we are to lead others to Christ. Non-Christians observe our behaviour and attitudes, even if silently. How can we win them to Christ if we are not much better than they?

It’s therefore necessary to check our lives and an excellent way to do it is through the practice of accountability.



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