Word Count: 354 – Est Read Time: 90 Seconds
What’s Up: Most small groups miss their disciple-making potential because they avoid the uncomfortable but essential element of accountability.
So What: Small group accountability is the key to making disciples. Education informs, but accountability transforms.
The Points:
Christian Education Alone Isn’t Enough: If Sunday school or traditional education programs truly worked, churches would be bursting at the seams. But as you’ve noticed, they’re not.
Behavioral Change Requires Accountability: Information doesn’t alter behavior—accountability does. Think about a personal trainer; it’s the follow-up that gets results.
Experience + Accountability = Transformation: Real discipleship happens when you pair shared experiences with intentional check-ins. Without accountability, nothing changes.
- Reframe Small Groups for Disciple-Making: Shift from casual gatherings to intentional spaces for growth by building accountability into every meeting.
And … ?
For decades, the church has leaned heavily on Christian education programs to create disciples. Sunday school, small groups, and Bible studies have been the “go-to” tools. Yet, here’s the brutal reality: these programs rarely translate into actual disciple-making. If they did, our sanctuaries would be filled, and our communities would be visibly transformed. Instead, church leaders are left scratching their heads, wondering why attendance dwindles and faith feels stagnant.
The problem isn’t education itself—it’s the absence of accountability. Learning about Jesus is one thing; living like Jesus is another. Think about a child’s behavior improving under a parent’s watchful eye or an employee’s performance flourishing under a manager’s feedback. Accountability drives change, and it’s no different in discipleship. Small groups that focus on living out the behaviors of a Christ-follower—and holding each other accountable for doing so—are the ones that make a real impact.
In a disciple-making small group, participants openly share struggles, set tangible faith goals, and ask the tough questions: Did you share your faith this week? Have you been a servant in your community? Are you embodying the fruits of the Spirit? Without accountability, your group’s potential is wasted.
Action! Start transforming your small groups by incorporating weekly accountability questions and setting actionable discipleship goals. Grab your copy of our Simple Small Group Disciple Making Model today.
