Small Group Toolbox: Cultivating Accountability
Summary: Repeating a lesson that wasn’t put into practice communicates that followers of Jesus do not just learn about him, but respond to him in practical, loving ways.
In the “Toolbox” series of blog posts, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about leading Small Groups. If you have questions you’d like answered, drop us a message!
- How do I cultivate accountability in my small group?
We communicate what we value by what we celebrate. At the beginning of your meetings, you can ask, “Who did you share with this week?” Then, celebrate even the smallest victories. At the end of your meeting take the time to ask, “Who will you share this lesson with this week?” It is very important to not skip this. Help them to imagine sharing with others what they have just learned. The more they can wrap their mind around it, the more they are being prepared. Some small groups even role play sharing Jesus with others. In the midst of laughter and silliness, you are showing what you value by the time you take with accountability. Remember to celebrate like crazy when people have even the simplest testimonies the next week.
2. What if those in my small group do not put into practice what they learned last week?
If your small group does not put into practice during the week what they learned that week, the next best step is to repeat the lesson. Why is this important? Repeating a lesson that wasn’t put into practice communicates that followers of Jesus do not just learn about him, but respond to him in practical, loving ways.
Repeating a lesson is the loving thing to do, though out of the box! You can say, “Hey, I noticed most of us didn’t put last week’s lesson into practice. Rather than moving on to a new lesson, let’s give the Holy Spirit another chance to help us this week. Let’s look at those scriptures again. I’m excited to see what will happen this week when we put it into practice.”
In this way, you have emphasized the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives. It isn’t about pleasing you, the leader, but about responding to the Holy Spirit’s voice whenever he speaks.
