13: Mutual Accountability

Key Passage

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17

This verse highlights the importance of accountability in the journey of faith.

From the 20 Practices of Disciplemakers:

Mutual accountability is an essential aspect of discipleship. When I walk with someone in a discipleship relationship, I make sure that they know that I want to be in a mutually accountable relationship. What does this mean? It means that I expect them to be accountable to me as I make myself accountable to them.

Mutual accountability achieves three important things:

• The person feels safe with me, knowing that I am not inviting them into a one way, hierarchical relationship. It's easier for someone to open up and be vulnerable in this place.

• A good disciple is a learner, and I try to model a learner lifestyle for them. I ask them to speak into my life, showing that, no matter how many years I have been following Jesus, I am a learner and a servant to them.

• I place myself in a safe, accountable position, having people around me who can speak into my life. Many 'mature' believers place themselves in harm's way by distancing themselves from honest input. This can and should come from many places, even from those we are discipling.