Effective Accountability

December 21st, 2006 | Posted in » Baptist Issues

While I appreciate much of what Don Hinkle has to say in his recent Pathway editorial entitled, “Accountability: I need it, we all need it”, I think there are a few things left unsaid that should be added. (So it’s clear, what I say here is NOT intended to criticize Don or to imply anything about his beliefs regarding accountability… it’s simply intended to add a few things that I think go hand-in-hand with the theme of his editorial.)

Anyway, maybe these are no-brainers, but here are a few thoughts on what I see as keys to effective accountability:

1. Effective accountability requires mutual trust and transparency.

In any form of accountability relationship, trust and transparency are paramount. Why? The nature of accountability demands it. Accountability, at least in our Christian faith, exists as a means of encouraging godly behavior (or conversely, discouraging ungodly behavior). To do this, we have to be aware of those things our accountability partners struggle with. We have to be open about our own struggles. This kind of transparency simply cannot exist without complete trust in our accountability partners.

Now I realize this is really most applicable to one-on-one accountability relationships (which exist for mutual accountability), but as evidenced by recent events in Baptist life, trust and transparency are also important when it comes to corporate accountability… whether we’re talking about an individual to an executive committee, or a committee or board to its convention. Transparency in business dealings fosters trust in those to whom an individual, committee, or board is accountable. Of course, in order to do this, that same individual, committee, or board must trust those to whom they are accountable. It’s somewhat of a catch-22, but the cycle of trust and transparency must start somewhere. Grace must be exhibited by both sides to help that accountability relationship grow.

2. Effective accountability is fostered by friendship.

If effective accountability is to exist, the cycle of trust and transparency must be established. The problem is where to start… it’s a scary thing to step out on a limb, be vulnerable, and hope that your trust and transparency is reciprocated. One side of the accountability relationship has to budge.

Friendship is the lubricant that allows that rusted machine to start turning. Friendship establishes a baseline for trust… and allows us to open up.

Of course, that’s obvious when we’re talking about one on one accountability partners… are we really going to try to establish that kind of relationship with a complete stranger? It’s almost ludicrous to think so. But when it comes to corporate accountability… we’re often forced into an accountability relationship with those we don’t know. A focus on relationship building is critical in this case. I wonder if that’s not one of the main problems with some of the boards and committees we have in Baptist life?

3. Effective accountability is impossible without mutual commitment.

The bottom line? Trust, transparency, and relationship building are not easy. It requires commitment, dedication… hard work. But it can’t be one-sided… it has to go both ways.

Again, that’s obvious in a one-on-one accountability partner relationship. The accountability partnership just wouldn’t exist if it were one-sided. You’d have one person doing all the soul-baring… one person feeling vulnerable all the time… one person making all the effort… one person receiving benefit from the relationship. It simply doesn’t work without strong mutual commitment.

I wonder if we, as Baptists, don’t often expect accountability to be a one-sided relationship though? We often seem so committed to ensuring our leadership (be it pastors, ministry executives, boards, committees,e tc.) fall in line with certain theological, methodological, or yes, even political stances… to ensure that they are “accountable to us”. I wonder if we aren’t missing the “mutual” part of accountability? We expect openness and transparency, but how do we reward it? With investigations… accusations… meddling… labeling… ostracizing…

What about our commitment to that person or board? There has to be mutual commitment for effective accountability.

Anyway, as I look back over this, I see a three-point sermon, minus Scripture. Scary, given I really don’t feel called to preach! What do you think, though? Am I on target here? What do we need to do as Baptists to see effective accountability amongst our brothers and sisters, in our churches, in our associations, in our convention, in our missions organizations?