Here’s a frequently asked question about semester-based small groups:

If groups operate on a semester system and everyone rotates groups, how do you manage accountability?

Kerrick Thomas, co-author of Activate: An Entirely New Approach to Small Groups and Executive Pastor at The Journey, answers the question:

Thank you for your question about “accountability” in a semester-based small group system.  I’ll do my best to answer concisely.

First of all – accountability is provided in the small groups during the 10-12 week semester.  Each individual signs a small group covenant, commits to attend the group, serve, give, attend on Sunday and keep up with the reading during that time.  And the members of the group help them be accountable for those important spiritual disciplines during that time.

There are more people being held accountable through a semester-based small group system that has over 100% of the average Sunday attendance signed up than in a long-term small group system that only has 30% of the Sunday attendance involved.

And the goal is that personal accountability for issues that are more personal will develop naturally through longer term relationships that develop within the group and then carry on afterwards.

But secondly – as far as long-term accountability for members – church membership provides that accountability structure for us.  Members sign a Membership Covenant and we hold them accountable for standards of membership (giving, serving, being in a small group, attending, living a godly life-style (as much as we can know).

So – I would say that having a Membership Class, a Membership Covenant and holding members accountable for the commitments they make serves as a strong primary accountability structure.

I hope that helps answer your question!

Kerrick

P.S. To go ‘in depth’ on semester based small groups, check out the Small Groups Intensive that Nelson and I put together – its goes into every aspect of the system.  Simply click here.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.