Expect Leaders to be Accountable

Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord – you serve the Lord Christ.”

 Over the years the standard of accountability for leadership has lowered to such a level that there is hardly any expectation from the Sunday School/small group class or from the Sunday School/small group leader. The teacher/leader teaches the class out of a sense of need, responsibility and traditional values. We attend the class out of a sense of obligation, responsibility and traditional values. We may hear a good lesson but leave without any thought of spiritual good or any commitment to act on what has been taught. Years ago, Findley Edge wrote a useful book called “Teaching for Results.” This matter of teaching for results is what we are now discussing as we look at expecting leaders to be accountable in the ministry entrusted to them.

If we are going to go beyond merely teaching Bible facts and enter into the realm of leading members to putting revealed truth into action in their own lives and into the life of their churches, we must face up to the fact that leaders must be held accountable in more areas than the presentation of biblical content. Accountability of leaders in our Sunday School ministry comes at a high price in this fast paced age. Are we willing to pay the price?

Accountable Leaders …

• are going to be leaders with a surrendered life to the teachings and principles of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• are going to have a wholehearted devotion to the Bible teaching ministry of the church. 
• will be willing to spend quality time in studying God’s Word as well as spending genuine time in prayer.
• will have love and compassion for the people being taught, realizing that the ministry is actually 24/7  not just an hour on Sunday morning.                                                                                                         
• will love their ministry and exhibit a co-operative spirit within the Bible teaching ministry and the  church .    
• will also be eager to learn and try new methods in working to make growing disciples of those being taught. 
• will teach within the theological framework of his/her church
• will faithfully teach gospel-centered lessons, giving opportunities for people to be saved

Accountability has a high price to pay! 

The standards of accountability are in front of us. It takes pastors, minister’s of education, Sunday School directors and teachers standing together empowered by the Holy Spirit and being the “whole body fitly joined together” to see the standard raised high and the church starting to change. Are we willing to lovingly expect leaders to commit to this standard or are we content with the status quo?