By Chip Alford

GLORIETA, N.M. (BP) -- To Rod Handley, character counts.

That's why he gets up early every Monday for a 6-8 a.m. "accountability meeting" with a small group of Christian men.

"When I get gut-level honest with God, myself and others, I realize I don't always make the right decisions and choices," Handley, chief operating officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Kansas City, Mo., told a group of student workers during an Aug. 10 seminar at Glorieta (N.M.) Conference Center. "That's why I need a group of guys to help keep me focused on my relationship with God."

Prior to 1989, Handley said he was "very much a surface guy." While he was in full-time Christian work, all of his relationships with Christian men were superficial.

"There was no one I was deep with," he said, adding he longed to share his struggles and temptations with others and receive their support and encouragement.

Handley said he also tired of reading about Christian leaders who stumbled because of moral failure. He didn't want to be the next headline.

So, for the last nine years he has sought out and participated in accountability groups with other Christian men. His wife, Janna, does the same with a small group of Christian women.

Each week, they gather for Bible study, sharing and prayer. To facilitate discussion, they developed 10 questions which each of them must answer each week. The subject matter ranges from whether they've spent daily time in Scripture reading and prayer to whether they've had "any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts" or exposed themselves to "explicit materials that would not glorify God."

"It's a lot more than a fellowship group," Handley explained. "Our goal is to get to know the Lord better, so I don't need people who just pat me on the back. I need people who are willing to kick me in the rear every now and then -- people who are willing to sharpen me."

The results? "It's been incredible," Handley said. "As I opened up to the other guys, I found they loved me and accepted me just as I am. I learned they had struggles, too, and we all help each other strive toward godly living. I feel so much stronger in my faith now."

Handley shared six positive results that come from participating in an accountability group:

1) growth in your Christian walk,

2) deeper friendships,

3) greater awareness of your strengths and weaknesses,

4) the ability to set priorities,

5) the peace of God, and

6) an invaluable support system.

So, why aren't more Christians involved in accountability groups?

"People give numerous excuses," Handley said, from "If they knew the truth about me, I'd be rejected" to "I can handle things on my own." Some have been burned by betrayed confidences, claim they're too busy or jealously cling to their privacy. Others "enjoy the sin they're wallowing in and don't really want to get right with God."

Accountability, Handley said, is a key to developing good character, adding that's something in short supply in America today. He cited surveys which revealed only 13 percent of Americans believe all 10 of the Ten Commandments are binding and little difference between believers and non-believers when it comes to falsifying tax records or following other laws of the land.

"Wouldn't it be great if the body of Christ became famous for leading lives of integrity?" Handley asked. "We need heroes today. We need older believers making an investment in younger believers. You need a Paul in your life, someone who loves you and encourages you and keeps you accountable."

Good character doesn't always come with age, Handley said. He cited a study by a Fuller Theological Seminary professor which showed of the top 49 leaders mentioned in the Bible "only 12 finished strong."

A good character is maintained, Handley said, through an intimate love relationship with God, a total reliance on the movement and direction of the Holy Spirit, the practice of the disciplines of the faith (e.g. Bible reading, prayer, worship and fasting) and being held accountable by other believers.

But as important as accountability groups can be to a Christian's growth, Handley stressed "nothing is more important than your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Your accountability group partners may change, but Christ never changes."

Handley's session on character was part of Student Week '98, which drew more than 1,400 students and student leaders to Glorieta. The conference was sponsored by National Student Ministry (NSM), part of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Three years ago, Handley wrote the book, "Character Counts," about his experiences with accountability groups. He included suggestions on how other Christians can start their own groups. A revised edition is scheduled for release early next year.

In addition, Handley is writing a collegiate edition of the book for NSM titled, "CrossSeekers: Transparent Living." The manuscript, one of several new resources being published as part of "CrossSeekers," NSM's new collegiate discipleship initiative, is scheduled for release in November.

[Baptist Press August 1998]

Addendum

FCA leader recaps '10 questions' for accountability group's success

By staff

GLORIETA, N.M. (BP) -- Rod Handley, chief operating officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Kansas City, Mo., participates in a weekly accountability group of Christian men.

One of the keys to the group's success, he said, is a list of 10 questions developed and answered each week by members. The questions:

1) Have you spent daily time in Scriptures and in prayer?

2) Have you had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts or exposed yourself to any explicit materials that would not glorify God?

3) Have you been completely above reproach in your financial dealings?

4) Have you spent quality time with family and friends?

5) Have you done your 100 percent 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 the gospel with an unbeliever this week?

8) Have you taken care of your body through daily physical exercise and proper eating and 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?

Handley presented a Aug. 10 seminar on accountability groups during Student Week '98 at Glorieta (N.M.) Conference Center.