Accountability partners?

[lalalalela]

Okay I don't know if this is the right spot to post this... but I was wondering if having an accountability partner of some sort is necessary in my walk with God? Right now I don't really feel like I have someone with whom I can ask serious questions about God. I know God created us to support eachother in our walk but I don't really feel like there's anyone in particular in my life that I can talk to about that sort of stuff. You know... someone who has more experience than me with christianity. I'm kind of backing away from the idea of having an accountability parter because I feel like I'm just not the type of person that really gets deep like that with people, and I'm really quite reserved. I'm just going to keep praying about it but if anyone has any advice to give me, please feel free.

 

[tpk]

first of all welcome to CF! I see this is your first post, so if you need any help with anything, send me a PM.

In answer to your question, I feel that it is important to have someone to whom you can ask questions, whether they are an accountability partner or not. However, I know a lot of people who feel an accountability partner is very important. I suggest you ask one of your Christian friends if they would like to be an accountability partner.

But realize that as an accountability partner, there are things to take into account. First and foremost, everything you two talk about is confidential; don't share it with anyone else unless it is life threatening. You're there to help each other out but if you share with other people, it can turn to a rumor or gossip. Secondly, you should meet regularly and just talk. It doesn't have to be about anything particular; talk about your day or how your walk with God is, or if you have a particularly persistent sin that you just can't get away from doing.

But anyway, I feel it's important, but not necessarily the most important thing. The most important thing in your walk with God is your relationship with Jesus. Having an accountability partner can help keep you focused, but isn't necessarily required, imo. It's really up to you.

EDIT: But realize that this is just my opinion. Make sure to hear what other people say before you make a decision.

 

[itisdeliciouscake]

I agree with tpk, I'll still throw in my 2 cents on it.

the idea of an 'accountabililty partner' is kinda like the whole 'quiet time' concept. I mean.... they're trying to force a Biblical concept (such as accountability and consistant bible study and prayer life) into some an over-simplified activity-thing. we are DEFINITELY supposed to be held accountable by other christians, but the idea of 'getting an accountability partner' usually fosters the 'checklist-mentality'. (did my devos-check, prayed-check, confessed-check....)

accountability shouldn't just become this thing where you meet once a week and talk about how bad you feel cuz you looked at porn and admit that you hardly touched your bible. the focus of accountabililty should be first and foremost to show what you're learning in your spiritual walk. the biggest encouragement to a Christian who is stuck in a rut, is seeing how other people are growing.

I've surrounded myself with friends who are always talking about how they're growing and what they're learning. whenever I'm stuck in a rut, or failing spiritually, I see what God's doing in their life, and I want it. and I'm drawn back to my re-focusing my own relationship. THEN, I share with them how their walk has encouraged me, and refocused me! and THEY also get encouraged through it and are strengthened in their walk!

to get friends like these, you HAVE TO, HAVE TO, HAVE TO step outta your comfort zone tho! but once ya do it, it's SOOOO easy and amazing! I admit, i've been blessed with an amazing church where a good HALF are completely legit about REALLY pursuing thei relationship with God in high school no matter what. (which from what I've seen, is unheard of in youth groups) it's easy for me cuz I'm surrounded by so many people that want it so badly. but I still had to, at one point, step out of my comfort zone. and if they're really serious, the rest is easy.

and also kno, at times you'll hate that you have friends like that. sometimes I LOVE talking spiritual things with other people. but I admit, sometimes there are times when it's the last thing I wanna do.

and now i'm rambling, and i'm tired, and i don't even know if what i just typed made any sense

 

[itisdeliciouscake]

actually, i take that back bout COMPLETELY agreeing with tpk

the way I see it, an 'accountability partner' isn't required per se. but a significant portion of the NT is about how we're sposed to function as a church and in our relationships to others in it, and it does seem to put a HEAVY emphasis on holding one another accountable and sharing with others what we're learning. we're meant to function as a unified body, and that can't happen if we're all trying to manage our walks with Christ on our own.

 

[snoopy500]

this should have been posted in the 15-19 sercious stuff fourm but if your not over 15 then this is the spot. Just letting you know. Your not in trouble or anything

 

[tpk]

@cake: i respectfully disagree. Yes, we should be acting as a unified body, but if we aren't right with God personally, how are we going to work for God as a group?

@snoopy: that, or it could go in Serious Stuff. I think it's a topic that should be discussed by all ages and that it is a pretty important topic. EDIT: actually, it could work best in the Christians Only forum, imo. But it's fine where it is for now.

 

[snoopy500]

@cake: i respectfully disagree. Yes, we should be acting as a unified body, but if we aren't right with God personally, how are we going to work for God as a group?

@snoopy: that, or it could go in Serious Stuff. I think it's a topic that should be discussed by all ages and that it is a pretty important topic. EDIT: actually, it could work best in the Christians Only forum, imo. But it's fine where it is for now.

true,true. Just wanting to keep everything organized

 

[lalalalela]

Thanks for all your advice!! Sorry if I posted in the wrong spot.
I think I found a youth group to attend (since I have wednesday night free now) so maybe God will do something in that area of my life!

 

[tpk]

THat's good that you found a good youth group. But don't go just so "God will do something"... because that makes God seem like he's in a little box that we take out on Sundays and Wednesdays and hold him up and say: "Ok God, do something" like a Genie or something (not saying that's your attitude; I go of on tangents like this a lot ). Instead, I suggest that you get active in the youth group and give something back; then God will bless you.

 

[appletreeblossom]

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[arturobela]

Wow, welcome! I keep several accountability partners. I'm lucky to have my closest male and female friends be serious about God. We all fail sometimes, but it's fun to see and help each other grow. Hope God does something great with your new youth group!