That each of us will ultimately give an account of our lives on that Great Day is argued little these days. True, the exact details of final judgment are still debated and remain hidden in mystery of God's ways. Still, most of expect to stand before Christ to account for our deeds since the day He claimed us. The expectation of "that day" is one of life's equalizers.
Church leaders also understand the raised level of accountability that attends their calling. As a result, believers are advised not to pursue the teaching office, for example, because the standard of evaluation will be so much greater (James 3:1). The anonymous writer of Hebrews commands the Christian community to obey their leaders because, for one reason, they will have to stand accountable for their place in the work of God (see Hebrews 13:7).
Accountability is a function of any kind of leadership. A hallmark of the Promise Keepers movement a few years ago was the pointed demands which men were encouraged to place on each other, the Q & A of accountability groups, the requirement of answering to peers. Many recovery programs are based on accountability to a personal coach or sponsor. Today accountability is among the most effective means of monitoring pornography addiction or questionable television programming. Years ago when Harriet and I led Master Life groups, participants usually had to adjust to other people reviewing their work. Ouch! Better get the homework done. Or, whatever!
Ezekiel prophesied in a time when few leaders were willing to be held accountable. I remember when Dr. Findley Edge, professor of Religious Education at Southern Seminary, spoke at a men's function in our church more than 30 years ago. He referenced Ezekiel 22:30 as his text. God used that message, among others, to clarify my personal call to ministry and facilitate our move from hospital administration to seminary student. It is a memorable verse, a lesson about accountability. God spoke through Ezekiel, "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so that I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." Evidently no one was willing to stand accountable before God at that time.
This CGR controversy puzzles me somewhat. Don't ask me how such things happen, but someone hit the shift button on our machinery and converted a return to the Great Commission into a denominational function or a work of the state conventions. Maybe it's the new, revised blame game, or just another manifestation of the accountability thing. But, the GCR isn't a corporate decision or a state convention department. It is the command which Jesus gave to his disciples. The Great Commission belongs to you and me, and to our church.
Yesterday, I announced a Great Commission Resurgence at Northwood Baptist Church. We didn't convene a conference, appoint a task force, or conduct a community survey. At the same time, I committed to share the Good News of Christ with an unbeliever every single day, retroactive to last Monday. Someone said this is grand-standing, a personal power play to draw a little attention as I actually begin my year as President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Whatever?
Point is, I've asked several of my most trusted pastor pals to hold me accountable to this commitment. Even more, I asked our deacons and church leadership to hold my feet to the fire about a resurgence at Northwood Baptist Church. Grand-standing? Not really. This is being done in the belief that it's time some of us clergy types were held accountable for our role as leaders. If we're not going to model the components of a Great Commission Resurgence, then who will?
As I've asked those questions, the answer is aways the same. Who will stand in the gap these days. Like Isaiah standing before God, I've concluded: that would be me.
And so, that's that! If not me, then, who? If not now, then, when? If not here, then, where? You see, it's the accountability thing, again.