What Makes a Strong Growth and Accountability Group?

Why Growth and Accountability Groups Must Be Strengthened

Growth and accountability groups offer a unique opportunity to reach out in strength and love to those who are dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction. The number of groups is growing, and many are being blessed by the relationships, discipline, and instruction that they provide. However, some groups struggle, and many who could be helped leave group participation because their local group lacks proper organization.

The solution to these problems is often simple, and successful growth and accountability group leaders continue to stress these principles in their organization. Please review the following suggestions and dedicate yourself, as a group member or leader, to requiring a high standard of performance from your local support organization.

Groups Must Have Strong and Consistent Advisors

No group will succeed if it lacks the influence of a strong advisor. The advisor provides group members with perspective, consistency, and safety. Their responsibility is to interview potential new members, see that meeting stay on subject, decide when rules need to be enforced, and know the individual strengths and weaknesses of each member of the organization.

To do this they must attend all group meetings. No group meeting should ever take place if an advisor is not in attendance. If one individual finds this difficult, then perhaps more than one advisor needs to be recruited. In large groups (those with more than 8 or 10 members), a second advisor is almost always necessary. This team approach can provide reliable leadership without too much responsibility falling on the shoulders of one individual.

If you want to succeed, a strong and consistent advisor is an absolute necessity!

Potential Members Must Be Carefully Screened

Believe it or not, there are folks out there who want your group to fail. Many gay organizations insist that no one can resist same-sex attractions. Some who support this philosophy may try to join your group with no sincere interest in growth. They may approach other group members as potential companions, or just subtly distract the group from its intended purposes.

Screen potential members carefully. The advisor and the group leader should combine their efforts to see that everyone in the group is truly committed to the Evergreen mission and the group goals. Do not be afraid to suggest that the individual read some helpful books and bind themselves to strictly observe group rules before they are invited to attend their first meeting. There are some good folks out there that just aren’t ready to commit themselves to give up their “acting out” behaviors. Protect your members from these potential problems.

Five strong, committed group members will be far more successful than any large gathering weakened by indifference. Screen new members carefully!

Teach the Rules and Enforce Them Strictly

A group without rules is just a social gathering. Each group needs to have a written set of rules that stress confidentiality and safety. These rules need to be reviewed with every new group member and reviewed at every group meeting. Every few months the group lesson should focus on a particular group rule, with instruction stressing the principles upon which the rule is based.

Breaking the group rules is a betrayal of every member of the organization. Acting out with another group member can never be tolerated. Approaching another group member for a date, or improper liaison, must be dealt with immediately. This is why a strong advisor is vital. They must protect the integrity of the group so that a safe place exists for sincere participants.

Demand a sincere effort from every member, and ask those who are not willing to support the group purposes to leave the organization until they are ready to pledge themselves to the growth process!

Demand High Standards

The decision to grow and develop into the image and likeness of the Savior demands a great deal from anyone. The journey toward sexual purity is particularly challenging for those experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction. Growth and accountability groups need to be safe places of love and understanding. They also need to be organizations that stress the hard work and dedication that will be required for progress.

When a group fails to hold its members to high standards, expect a dedicated effort, or simply allow the meetings to deteriorate into social gatherings, it can become a place where people are damaged by their participation. We are children of God. We have divine potential. Love means expecting the best of ourselves and those with whom we associate.
 

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