Cultivating Conversations with God - CULTIVATING ACCOUNTABILITY
Building A Partnership

Last couple of weeks we have been talking about HOW TO develop conversations with God and where to start.

We have mentioned: Best time, best place, avoiding interruptions, and what do you need to bring with you.

The Conversation Partner…Galatians 6:1-10

Biblical Examples of Partnerships:

David / Johnathan                          Jesus / Disciples                           Elijah / Elisha
Samuel / Eli                                    John the Baptist / Disciples         Abraham / Lot
Moses / Aaron                                Paul / Barnabas                            Peter / John
Joshua / Caleb                               Paul / Timothy

Defining Spiritual CONVERSATION PARTNER:

A conversation partner is someone you share regularly with your joys, cares, and hopes. This person though, is not afraid to challenge you to change -- or get in your face when you are messing up. Overall - they Love Jesus and want to share in your life with all that He is showing you!!!

"5 of you will chase 100; and 100 of you will chase 10,000, and your enemies will fall by the sword.." (Leviticus 26:8)

"Two are better than one b/c they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up! But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!!! Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12)

"…you do not have many Fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your Father through this gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me" (I Corinthians 4:15-16)

"To Timothy, my true spiritual son in the faith" (I Timothy 1:2)

 

Two special relationships denoted here:

#1. Support for one another (accountability / encouragement)

Accountability is defined as…helping someone stay the course (steady / stable) in areas that they may be weak in; asking the tough questions

#2. A Mentoring relationship (or father / son; mother / daughter)

Mentoring is defined as…a trusted counselor or guide; tutor / coach

Some Tips about finding an Accountability Partner:
#1 They must be serious about their walk with Christ (you too)

#2 They must be committed (you too) to a regular / weekly time if possible

#3 There needs to be a strict code of confidentiality

#4 There must be honesty / openness / transparency (mean you do not hold back)
and you confront each other when necessary.

#5 Operate your meeting time off of some set questions (I can provide)

#6 Group size should be 2-3 / Time should be limited to about 90 minutes

#7 Remember this is new - you will have to learn your way through what works

Some tips about finding a Mentor / Coach:
#1 Look for someone who is living out their faith. They are not perfect, but they reflect a humble attitude, transparent heart, make wrongs right, and love Jesus.

#2 Look for someone who is doing something; demonstrating something you want to model in your life.

#3 This person will probably not be a peer. Might be someone a couple of years older or much older for that matter.

#4 Approach them and ask for help. Ask if you can get together every other week or weekly (phone, email also work - but face to faces are the best!!!)

#5 Make the time to grow and take care of yourself!!! About 60-90 minutes at a setting is appropriate.

#6 This person must be willing to challenge you and confront you when needed. They will already be showing love and grace to you or you wouldn't be looking at them in the first place.