Everyone sins. We all get tempted and struggle. But if you’re not confessing your faults (James 5.16) and receiving ministry within a scriptural church setting, who is helping you find restoration to God and His people? And if those around you don’t love you enough to ask how you’re doing—pointedly at times—where’s the accountability?

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3.16, 17)

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the Word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith . . . Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing— for that would be harmful to you (Heb. 13.7,17).

We need God’s appointed leaders to speak into our lives. Of course, it takes time and effort to build a relationship of love and trust. Especially with a spiritual leader/mentor with whom we can share our greatest trials and temptations.

In common disagreements between husbands and wives, band members, etc., the input of a pastor can prove invaluable. One of the chief reasons people fight and continue to harbor bitterness toward one another is that they never asked for an impartial church elder to mediate the dispute. One fulfillment of the Matthew 18 principle in taking “another along with you” could mean bringing your pastor to help biblically confront the one who has sinned.

If a member of the church sins against you [other ancient authorities lack ‘against you’], go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector (Matt. 18.15-17).

What if you are abused, clearly and biblically wronged while in an accountable relationship?

Peter states, “In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And ALL of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ ” (1 Pet. 5.5)

“All of you” means leaders as well as those under their care. If you believe you have been wronged by someone you are submitted to apply Matthew 18. If someone in church leadership is involved in more serious areas of ongoing sin (immorality, financial scams, false doctrine for example), Paul clearly directs the actions of the church: “Never accept any accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear” (1 Tim. 5.19,20).

There is no question that everyone will have to give an account for his/her own life. If not now, certainly before the throne of God. We can never claim, “I just obeyed the direction of my leader(s). I’m not personally responsible.” If we violated the clear teaching of God’s Word, we sinned. This is where careful Bible study, and humbly questioning those we are in an accountable relationship with is essential. I am NOT suggesting blind, unbiblical obedience to leadership. Nor am I condoning petty accusations against godly leaders.

While reconciliation to God and His Church is the ultimate aim, reconciliation never happens without confrontation. One of the greatest lessons to be learned from this issue of Cornerstone is that those aware of misconduct must biblically confront.

Finally, I would like to offer a few comments for those planning a Christian outreach of some sort. Get references. We now have telephones, fax machines, and mail services. Why don’t more of those promoting a Christian outreach contact folks they respect and ask a couple of hard questions relating to the current morality and general attitude of a speaker, artist, or group BEFORE they invite them in? Frankly, how they were doing spiritually last year may not mean much this year.

When few questions are asked, and when well-meaning promoters accept book and record company sales figures, coupled with management/agency p.r. in the place of scriptural recommendations, there is great potential for a continuum of circuit-riding sin. The New Testament pattern was for traveling ministers—even Paul—to produce letters of recommendation from respected church leaders or to be accompanied by known and respected “elder brothers.”

Ask what church a given writer/speaker/musician/etc. is accountable to. Contact that fellowship and don’t bring the artist in until you’re satisfied that they really have a genuine relationship with that church. If they only show up for regular service six times a year, forget about them being answerable to anyone on any real level. Entering into “ministry” with them may in reality mean “entering into another man’s sin.” Further, if they aren’t plugged into a strong church, how can they ever receive loving, scriptural church discipline if needed?

Radical? So are the wages of sin.

I have a novel idea. Why not try biblically honest, accountable living? I believe it is the single most practical key to maintaining spiritual integrity. In fact, I challenge anyone to scripturally explain how Christians can get along without it.