Start a Weekly Accountability Group

Accountability Partner/Group Meeting Questionnaire

Meet with a group of 3 to 7 people each week for 12-16 weeks and give honest answers to the questions listed below. Begin a reading plan through the Bible as a group.

How are you doing in the following areas?

(Scale of 1 to 10) 1=need help 10=stable

Your consistency in satisfying personal Scripture reading?

Your consistency in satisfying times of prayer?

Your battle against ungodly thoughts? (unbelief, bitterness, resentment, anger, lust, pride, jealousy, covetousness, racism, etc.)

Setting your mind on things above, thinking on the Gospel?

How is your family in joy and harmony?

How is your eating and exercise?

Did you work on memorizing Scripture this week? YES or NO

Have been in a compromising position with a man or women? Have you viewed anything inappropriate? YES or NO

Have your financial dealings been filled with integrity? How is your giving through the local church? YES or NO

Have you worshiped/studied with your family at home during the week? YES or NO

Have you honored God by managing your time at home, work, school well? YES or NO

Have you told any half-truths or outright lies, putting yourself in a better light to those around you?

Have you shared the Gospel with an unbeliever this week? Have you worked at building a relationship with an unbeliever for the Gospel?

Beyond what we have discussed, have you knowingly violated any command of Scripture?

How can we pray for or rejoice with you? How can we help you grow as a believer?

Adapted from Pine Forest Baptist Church, SCBA

Five Essentials for a Guest-Friendly Church

After visiting many churches as a Director of Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention, I can sympathize with church guests. It would be extremely difficult for an unchurched person to walk into a strange building and encounter people they have never met to hear about a God with whom they may not have a relationship! 

I have visited many friendly churches. Every church has room for improvement! Here are 5 essentials for a church to be more guest-friendly.

1. Signage. Bathrooms, classrooms, and other areas are marked. Most church buildings were connected together without a master plan. Signage can help people navigate around the facility.


2. One well-marked (from the main parking lot or main road) welcome center/security post that is always manned. Consider posting a "guide" who will take people where they need to go.


3. Trained greeters. These men, women or families will greet everyone--not just guests. Trained greeters/ushers know where people of all ages are supposed to be at all times. 


4. A bulletin that has been proofread by a person who is not in your church for clarity. Make sure next steps for guests are mentioned.


5. How to give, join, sign up, or participate in the church or any activity should be explained clearly in print and from the platform, when possible.

Can't do all this right now? Start where you can! The Lord will bless your effort. May God use our love and courtesy to guests for his glory!