Since last year, I have been participating in a church group where we read the same book and then meet for discussion every Wednesday. I have participated in a few reading groups before but have never picked a textbook, Systematic Theology, that is more than 1,000 pages long. When I was studying in the seminary, the most difficult subject for me was systematic theology. The content was academic, theoretical, and very dry. I considered it a product of scholars working in ivory towers. So why am I willing to read this book with my group now?
In my mind, I agree that systematic theology is an important discipline. Yet I am reluctant to study it. That’s exactly why I need to be part of a group and be held accountable so that I can learn something important and beneficial.
Accountability means first making a commitment to an action plan. Secondly, to execute the plan, we ask others to check on us whether we have fulfilled our commitment. Such a process will keep us going until we achieve the plan. Accountability is a rational approach. We put aside our emotions. It does not matter whether we like it or not, or whether the environment is favorable or not. It is all about trying our best to complete the task. Human nature often favors easy and comfortable choices. That’s why we need to be accountable to others. With encouragement and sometimes pressure from the group, each person will learn to carry out one’s responsibility without asking why. We are concerned only to meet our commitment. Soldiers understand the importance of accountability. An effective military rank system is based on the obedience of the subordinates to their superiors, and to carry out responsibilities regardless of personal preferences.
Being responsible needs to be cultivated from a young age. I remember when I was in elementary school, teachers used chalk and blackboards. Between classes, that day’s “student on duty” would ensure that the blackboard was wiped clean and that the next teacher had enough chalk. Everyone took turns, and nobody ever complained.
In a family, if everyone regardless of adults and children is responsible for something, all will view their home as his/her own. In a church, if each member is responsible for something, they will feel that this is their church. In any community, if each member assumes some responsibilities, it will enhance everyone’s sense of belonging. With a sound system of accountability, we can learn to put aside our emotions and do something beneficial to the whole group. In the end, we can enjoy the group’s achievements together.
In my current group, no one is a young student anymore. It is unlikely that we will finish the whole book in one year. However, accountability makes us study and attend weekly discussions. If I read it alone without the group, I probably will stop after a chapter or two. Since we hold each other accountable now, I’m sure we can read at least the first half of our book in a year. The results are obvious.
