God has designed the body of Christ to work like our natural bodies.  Each part may have a different function, but exists for the benefit of the whole body.  Since ministry is about what God wants to bring to the body of Christ as a whole, rather than our own agendas, we need accountability.

Accountability is taking responsibility for something and becoming answerable for our actions. Accountability protects us from ourselves and the inherent seduction that comes from being in a place of influence.

I've identified four cornerstones that make up the framework of accountability:

• Invite feedback. Carefully select a group of two to four women with whom you can be transparent.  Meet with them one-on-one and as a group on a regular basis.  Give them permission to give you honest feedback on what you teach, how you teach and how you live your life away from your ministry.  Invite scrutiny into your life so you can walk with integrity, honesty and humility.  Click here for questions to help you get started.

• Admit mistakes.  Be open about the mistakes you have made.  Take responsibility for them, and make amends as needed.  Use mistakes as learning tools that help you grow as a leader.

• Depersonalize the feedback. It's easy to develop a “ministry is about me” attitude when true service is about the work of God through me.  Don't take offense at feedback. Instead, focus on how it can bring honor to Christ above all things.

• Live in community.  God will use your life not only to touch the body of Christ but also the world around you.  There is no such thing as living one way in our “vocations” and another in our personal lives.  Live as openly as possible in every way.  The people we invite into our lives will help us when we begin to get real with them.

Click here for an outline on how to develop an effective accountability partnership.

Anyone in leadership has the potential to bring God's name into disrepute if not held accountable on a regular basis.  When people look at us, they expect to see what Jesus is like.  It is up to us to show them.  Accountability is for God's glory and our protection because “Each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)  Accountability will help us maintain a ministry that pleases Him.

There's even an app for that!  For those who are attached to their mobile device, there's now a free app for accountability partners. Click here to see if it's right for you.

Maria has a passion to share the hope she has in Christ to women. Through her ministry at www.thewoman2woman.com, she encourages women to discover, develop and use the gifts that God has given them by offering workshops & training seminars.