NAVIGATING YOUR REALM
Understanding Accountability
INTRODUCTION
One of the best definitions I have heard on accountability comes from Leadership Ministries, Inc. The ministry states, "Accountability is one Christian submitting to the Christ-centered admonition of another Christian in one or more areas of life. Hand in hand with accountability is an attitude of grace and forgiveness, and the taking on of one another's burdens (Romans 12:16, Colossians 3:13, Galatians 6:2)."
The only addition I would make here is to add the words "encouragement, affirmation, comfort and strengthening" after the word "admonition." True accountability - whether in mutually affirming relationships, pastoral, apostolic or mentoring capacities, will always include these healthy components. In addition, we must understand that "accountability" can take on different forms in our lives depending on where we are in our spiritual growth, what is available to us in our current community and, most of all, what fits within the design of our lives.
I have an apostolic mentor who I submit to for guidance. This, however, may not be a situation that fits your life or calling. You might be in a place in which YOU HAVE HAD THIS KIND OF MENTORSHIP or have not reached a place where this is what you need. On another note, you may want this kind of guidance but may not have made the right connection just yet. My point is this: Accountability is not ALWAYS sitting under someone for guidance. Please read this article by my dear friend Helen Calder on this subject, "The Power of Prophetic Accountabilty." It's thorough, and reflects what I have been taught over the last decade.
Prophetic writers DESPERATELY need accountability.
WRITING PROPHETS & ACCOUNTABILITY
Remember, writing prophets are PROPHETS. They are not a special gift. As such, we never outgrow accountability in our prophetic growth, development or maturity. The only thing that really changes is what that accountability might look like.
In “accountable community,” every public prophetic word is subject to judging openly within that community. Accountable community, as discussed here, is referring to the local church, mentoring relationships, small intimate groups of like minded-people, schools of study and/or ministry relationships in which God-directed alignment is taking place, etc.
Accountability isn't bondage. For the purpose of our discussion on WRITING PROPHETS, it simply means to have some mature ministry connections in our lives that help us ensure we are representing God well in the midst of our calling as writing prophets.
Writing prophets are creating PERMANENT RECORDS. We are writing on the hearts of people with every stroke of keyboard or pen. In addition, accountability is results driven -- keeping us from pitfalls and self-sabotage. There is WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING at the root of accountability.
As such, accountability helps us remain humble, focused, encouraged, motivated, teachable, responsible for our words and motives, reflective of likeness and image, and rooted and grounded in the faith.
Trust me, it is easy to get off course and pulled into unproductive situations and thought processes!
We live in a time when many prophetic people are pursuing fame, notoriety, popularity, coveted titles of master prophet, and a host of other self-serving activity. Look closely, there are many "writing prophets" who have lost their way. It is our responsibility to uphold the name of the Lord and bring glory to the Lord. Accountability is biblically sound tool the Lord uses to help us accomplish this.
It can also help us produce finished projects within our realm that are completed in excellence. (We've already talked about this in the course.) Listen, writers need accountability in "the craft of writing" as well. So as you consider this weeks focus, keep both the spiritual and the natural realm of accountability in mind.
If you are at a loss concerning how to be accountable in your realm as a WRITING PROPHET, consider the following:
Connect with another student in this course. Perhaps a mutual accountability relationship in the prophetic writing dimension can be formed, and during COVID you can meet by zoom.
Consider some form of coaching or mentoring as you might need it. For example, I offer mentoring opportunities through my website, Scribal Commanders. Consider connecting with Prophet L.A. Holts via the Scribal Prophets Facebook group or her personal page. Consider coaching, courses or classes online that can walk you through critical parts of your writing journey.
Purchase books or other resources that support what you do in "your specific writing realm," especially if you are a creative. For example, learn about different poetry forms if you write prophetic poetry or spoken word. Watch online poetry videos to observe the styles of writing. This applies for all creative realms.
If you are a member of a local congregation, see if you can get permission to start a prophetic writing group. Start small by simply gathering to discuss your projects at a local library, bookstore, etc. and/or encourage one another in a virtual or social distanced environment.
In the midst of all that is before you, seek the Lord for meaningful connections - especially if you believe you need a deeper connection perhaps with a mentor in your area.
Just remember, we are challenged in this hour to make the most of every moment and clear new pathways as we meet new challenges daily. Remember, it is okay to ask other people for ideas.
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