What do you think the role of Christians should be when it comes to the topic of accountability? Do you think that church members (non-pastoral figures) should call each other out when a member of the body of Christ is openly sinning?
This is a great question. I absolutely believe that non-pastoral members should hold one another accountable, and I believe there is ample Scripture evidence to support this. That being said, I also think that accountability and church discipline should be rooted in love, which is rooted in relationship.
I don't think anyone should hold another accountable without having a loving relationship in place first. But when there is a mutually-beneficial, loving relationship that is founded on the Gospel of Christ, there should be plenty of room for confrontation and discipline...as both parties know the heart behind the encounter.
The problem that I've seen is one of two extremes: people love to "hold each other accountable" without having a firm relationship in place (acquaintances don't count)...which only leads to strife. OR great friends will let great friends continue in sin without intervention, at the risk of losing the friendship.
It's important to remember that to truly love someone is to seek God's glory, and therefore their joy, in their life...even when it stings a bit.
Just be prepared for them to do the same to you.
In addition. it is crucial for us to look to Christ. We are our brother's keeper (taking ownership of our brother/sister's sins) because it models the Gospel: Christ is the keeper for our sins that He is not at fault for.
For more, go to the Scriptures: Matthew 18:15-17, Proverbs 25:9, Ezekiel 33:7-9, 1 John 5:16
