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Biblical Soul Care
Rick shares the story when he refused to be his friend’s accountability partner. He cared for his friend, which is why he wanted to envision him on a better way to find long-term, soul care help.
Historical accountability happens in community and contexts.
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. – Proverbs 18:17
There is no reason to complain about poor accountability partners if you want to be held accountable. Any person who wants to be held accountable can be held accountable. The character traits for accountability are straightforward:
If you want to be held accountable, you must hold your accountability partner accountable, or you will not be held accountable by your accountability partner.
Too often accountability meetings are not for accountability.
The first set of questions is for you to examine your heart regarding biblical fellowship (koinonia). My appeal is for you to spend time with the Lord, discussing what you think about living in community with other believers.
It would be helpful to share your thoughts with someone who is close to you. I also recommend you have a solid understanding of the previous two chapters on communication to help you get a better handle on true community.
This second set of questions are the ones Lucia and I regularly ask each other. They always get the ball rolling conversationally as we transparently share our experience with God—the good and the bad of it—with each other.
Rick Thomas leads a training network for Christians to assist them in becoming more effective soul care providers. RickThomas.Net reaches people around the world through consulting, training, podcasting, writing, counseling, and speaking.
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology, and in 1991 he received a BS in Education. In 1993 he was ordained into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).