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Dear friends,
I heard this week that the men's Bible study took up a small challenge. Chad Brown, their facilitator, challenged the guys to commit to prayer and meditation time every day this week, and that they would check in about their experience next Sunday.
One of the guys said this was a great idea--"I've never had anyone hold me accountable to something like that before."
Accountability. That's an important part of living in community together, yet we Episcopalians are not always great about that with each other. It is, nevertheless, one of the ABCs of community.
Andy Stanley, the pastor of North Point Community Church in Atlanta, originated the ABCs of community:
- Accountability
- Belonging
- Care
Belonging and care we're pretty good about (not perfect, but pretty good). The experience of belonging is the "Cheers" experience. If you remember that show, Norm would walk into the bar, and everyone would shout, "NORM!" He belonged there. Like Cheers, we all need a place "where everybody knows your name."
Care is the experience of being missed if you're not present. It's people noticing if you're not around and checking on you to make sure you're okay. Or the experience of community gathering around you in prayer or in deed when you need it.
Accountability is tougher.
Accountability is the experience of having a friend tell you if you've got spinach in your teeth. Or encouraging you to keep up a practice.
I always say accountability is what I experience when I've run a 5k or 10k and suddenly come away with a much better time than in my training. I train alone typically, but in a race I have people to keep up with, and spectators cheering me on.
Have some accountability makes all the difference in helping me stay on track.
Where do you need some accountability in your life? Where do you need some accountability in your faith? Who's your "accountabili-buddy"? I'm happy to fulfill that role for you if you need it!
This Sunday is "Good Shepherd Sunday." Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is the one who keeps the sheep in line. Who provides all of the ABCs--accountability, belonging, and care.
So, here's me playing the role of the shepherd and holding you accountable to joining us at 7:45 AM or 10:15 AM this Sunday. Get up out of that bed! You can do it! You've got this! Until then, keep the faith, St. Paul's!
God's blessings,
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