Word Count: 410 – Est Read Time: <2 Minutes
What’s New: It’s time to overhaul how we disciple church leaders—and it starts with intentional accountability.
So What: The old methods of church leadership development aren’t working. If Sunday school, Bible studies, and sermons were enough to make disciples, our worship services would be standing-room-only instead of in decline. We need a better strategy – one that drives real-life transformation.
The Points
Accountability is the game-changer. Begin every staff, board, and committee meeting with disciple-making: Before starting the agenda, turn to the person on your left and ask, “What did you read in Scripture this week that intrigued you?” Wait for an answer. No shaming, no lecturing. Just ask the question. Accept the answer and continue to the next person. And the next.
Build a habit, not a hurdle. Resistance is inevitable, especially early on. Leaders might dodge the question or admit they “just didn’t have time.” Don’t let that derail you. Persist. Start EVERY meeting this way and leaders will begin engaging Scripture regularly—even if it’s just five minutes before the meeting.
Take the wins. They only read a couple of verses five minutes before the meeting? That’s a win! That’s more scripture than they’ve read the previous couple of weeks, and it’s a good start. Keep asking the question. Keep expecting an answer. In my experience, by the third meeting almost everyone will have read something. And by the sixth meeting, you’ll start to experience some transformation of the spiritual kind in your meetings and in the church.
And … ?
Church leaders don’t just happen; they’re intentionally shaped. Acts 6:3 reminds us to seek leaders “who are known to full of the Spirit and wisdom,” but developing those leaders takes more than education. It requires accountability. Over the past century, churches have relied heavily on programs, hoping that spiritual maturity would follow. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t. The decline in church attendance and engagement is proof enough.
Let’s be real—the average church leader is overcommitted and under-discipled. And that’s why our churches are floundering. By holding one another accountable, you create a ripple effect that extends beyond the meeting room. The simple act of asking, “What did you read?” keeps Scripture central and reminds everyone of their primary call: to be faithful disciples and make more disciples. Transformation begins with intentionality, and accountability is the tool that ensures it sticks.
Action! Try it starting this month … by June, you’ll see the difference.
