Create Accountability Among Your Leaders

Written by Shirley Moses

Having team accountability requires work, but it will yield great benefits for your ministry. You need three elements to develop team accountability among your core leaders: character, commitment, and challenges. 

 

Character

Character building is a process. The process of building team character begins with the integrity of the leader.

To build character in your team members, you must model attributes associated with integrity – especially these three:

• Trust: Trust is the very foundation of character and is something that must be earned. Guard the trust of your team members, no matter what the cost. Without trust they will not follow you.
• Sincerity: How sincere are you about your ministry? Are you willing to give up anything that's holding you back? No sacrifice is too great. Remember, true sincerity is always very visible.
• Transparency: How difficult it is for most of us to be transparent with each other! We're reluctant to let others examine our behavior and actions. In order to be transparent, we must start with a humble heart willing to submit itself to the godly scrutiny of others.

Commitment

Commitment is being able to count on each other. It's the one quality that each team member must have to make a successful team. A team member who's not totally committed will drain the power out of your team.

The time to discuss commitment is before a woman joins your team, not after. A good way to do this is through a personal interview.

Ask the prospective team member some questions to help both you and her if she has the level of commitment you need. Try these for starters:

• Tell me about your conversion experience.
• How do you personally maintain a growing, vibrant relationship with the Lord?
• Why do you desire to be part of the leadership team?
• What are your spiritual gifts?
• What other activities are you involved in?
• Are you willing for this team to take priority over other activities?
• What are your current responsibilities?
• Have you discussed this with your family?

The following are some details about the team you might want to cover with her:

• Her potential area of ministry and responsibilities
• The time frame of her commitment: long-term or short-term
• Frequency and length of team meetings
• Training involved
• A leadership criteria/committee agreement (A form designed for the women to have something to refer back to)

Each situation is different, but the main thing is to let the women know what is expected of them and what they can expect from you and the team.

Challenge

Challenges bring enthusiasm and excitement to your team. When women are challenged regularly, they will reach their potential and experience a sense of fulfillment. Consider the following challenges:

• Move them out of their comfort zone.
• Have them make a list of their strengths and weaknesses and what they will do with both.
• Make a list of the goals they want to accomplish this year, and ask them to create a plan to accomplish them.

Team accountability is not an unreachable goal. By concentrating on promoting godly character, committed leadership, and regular challenges, you can have a powerful team.

About the Author

Shirley Moses is women's ministry consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention and also serves as a women's ministry trainer for LifeWay.

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