As Iron Sharpens Iron - Life Transformation Groups

Today my daily devotional took me through Proverbs 27:17. "As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another." This verse has always been important to me, and to many other men who have found spiritual growth through Jesus Christ AND an accountability partner. A few years back I was introduced to an author named Neil Cole. He wrote a book that may have influenced my direction in ministry more that any other text outside the Bible entitled Organic Church. In fact, it influenced me so much that I chose to write my Master's Thesis at North Greenville University on Life Transformation Groups, an accountability model introduced to me in this book by Neil Cole.

A Life Transformation Group (LTG)  is made up of two to three people, all of the same gender, who meet weekly for personal accountability in the areas of their spiritual growth and development. A group should not grow beyond three but multiply into two groups of two rather than a single group of four. If a fourth person is added to the group it is recommended that the group consider itself pregnant and ready to give birth to a second group. Once the fourth person has demonstrated faithfulness (2-3 weeks) the group should multiply into two groups of two.

Now, although in a different church in a different city, I meet with 2 men weekly that hold me accountable to living out God's will for my life. Here are 10 accountability questions we work through each week. It's also something that we encourage people at theWELL to work through.

1. Have you spent regular time in the Scriptures and in prayer.
2. Have you had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts, or exposed yourself to any explicit materials which would not glorify God?
3. Have you been completely honest with your financial dealings?
4. Have you spent quality relationship time with family and friends?
5. Have you done your 100% best in your job, school, etc.?
6. Have you told any half truths or outright lies, putting yourself in a better light to those around you?
7. Have you shared your story, the STORY,  or heard another's this week?
8. Have you takn care of your body through physical excercise and proper eating/sleeping habits?
9. Have you allowed any person or circumstances to rob you of your joy?
10. Have you lied to us on any of your answers today?

Interestedin forming an LTG? I would love to be of help to you. Mutual accountability has changed my life.