Far be it from me to speak from a high horse about the issue of accountability. I find that my tendency to be introverted and go about my own way causes me to be the kind of person that resists being in situations that require constant accountability. Canada is an excellent country for people like me to live in because I can live as an island for weeks on end without needing too much human contact. And yet I am reminded of Proverbs 27 verse 17 which talks about one man sharpening another just as iron sharpens iron. Accountability structures keep us on our toes and they help to keep us focused on what is important. Accountability with other people keeps us from navel gazing and shrinking our world so that all that is important is our narcissistic view of life, Christianity and ministry.
I'm so glad that I live in a country where time is valued and everybody tries to make it a point to let me know if they are not going to be able to honor the commitment of time that they made when they volunteered to join the worship ministry. Having lived and worked in a country where time and volunteer commitments were not treated with respect, I am thankful to be working in Canada and at Woodvale where everybody is so conscious of that aspect of things.
Over and above being accountable for our time, though, it is of increasing importance to me that each one of us is in a group that allows us to grow and develop relationships of spiritual accountability. At Woodvale we call these groups "Small groups" and the importance of the members of the worship ministry belonging to one cannot be overstated. A small group that works well is one where true spiritual growth happens; spiritual and physical care happens, and people take a genuine interest in one another.
Because you are all members of a rather large worship ministry group, the place to form deep authentic relationships is not at our jam-packed worship rehearsals or even at our large celebration services. The place to debate spiritual issues and to spur each other on to deeper levels of knowing Jesus is not at the 3 hours of volunteer-intensive time that we spend at the church. While the celebration service is a great place to receive encouragement and teaching (if you are not distracted by the noises all around you), the best place to receive prayer, ministry, healing, restoration, deliverance, etc... is with a group of people that you can be more open and intimate (I can hear the guys groan at the mention of the word "intimate") with.
This posting is not about some profound spiritual revelation, but more about my deep seated desire to see all of us connect to the church at a level that is more than our volunteer commitment of time and/or talent. This is not just a suggestion, but a matter of great importance both personally and to the worship ministry at Woodvale. We need to make sure that we are not trying to pour out of our ministry from a well that has long ran dry, but are continually refilling our tanks through the times that we spend in personal and group spiritual development.
Think about it... and ACT ON IT!
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3 comments:
Ryan and I used to lead a small group and they are a great place to be. A small group is a place where you not only learn about God but you make lifelong friends. The people in our small group are still around and we still know that if we needed them they would be there. I highly recommend you talking with Pastor Marvin and getting plugged in.
April
plugging into a 'small group' is acting on the conviction that the principle of accountability and of being known is important. truthfully, though, there are a number of healthy 'small groups' at Woodvale that aren't part of the formal small group ministry but serve the same purpose - individuals relational needs are being met by fellow believers who are committed to their growth and to loving them.....
having said that there are many at Woodvale who would benefit from being part of an existing group. please pray for people willing to take the initiative and form a group under Pastor Marvin's leadership.
I think that sometimes the word "accountability" scares people. My first impression when I heard of small groups was not positive, because to me that word suggested allowing a stranger to judge me. But what I have discovered by being part of various small groups is that it is more like friendship. When sharing with your Christian friends, iron truly sharpens iron. A small group is simply a venue for this to happen.
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