Here’s a frequently asked question about semester-based small groups:

If groups operate on a semester system and everyone rotates groups, how do you manage accountability?

Kerrick Thomas, co-author of Activate: An Entirely New Approach to Small Groups and Executive Pastor at The Journey, answers the question:

Thank you for your question about “accountability” in a semester-based small group system.  I’ll do my best to answer concisely.

First of all – accountability is provided in the small groups during the 10-12 week semester.  Each individual signs a small group covenant, commits to attend the group, serve, give, attend on Sunday and keep up with the reading during that time.  And the members of the group help them be accountable for those important spiritual disciplines during that time.

There are more people being held accountable through a semester-based small group system that has over 100% of the average Sunday attendance signed up than in a long-term small group system that only has 30% of the Sunday attendance involved.

And the goal is that personal accountability for issues that are more personal will develop naturally through longer term relationships that develop within the group and then carry on afterwards.

But secondly – as far as long-term accountability for members – church membership provides that accountability structure for us.  Members sign a Membership Covenant and we hold them accountable for standards of membership (giving, serving, being in a small group, attending, living a godly life-style (as much as we can know).

So – I would say that having a Membership Class, a Membership Covenant and holding members accountable for the commitments they make serves as a strong primary accountability structure.

I hope that helps answer your question!

Kerrick

P.S. To go ‘in depth’ on semester based small groups, check out the Small Groups Intensive that Nelson and I put together – its goes into every aspect of the system.  Simply click here.