Accountability is Not an Attack: A Christian Mandate Rooted in Scripture

In many parts of Africa, especially within religious circles, a troubling trend has emerged — the rejection of accountability by Christian leaders, particularly pastors and self-proclaimed prophets. When confronted with allegations of misconduct, many respond not with transparency or repentance, but with silence, spiritual intimidation, or outright hostility. Instead of submitting themselves to scrutiny, some resort to curses, threats, or scriptural manipulation to cast themselves as victims of persecution.

This behaviour is not only antithetical to Christian doctrine, but it also endangers the integrity of the church and the moral health of society at large.

1. Accountability Is Biblical

Accountability is not a modern invention; it is a divine principle embedded throughout Scripture for the purpose of order, correction, and spiritual growth.

  "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." – Romans 14:12

  "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." – Proverbs 27:17

Even Jesus Christ, though sinless, lived a life of openness. He welcomed scrutiny, taught transparently, and denounced hypocrisy. The apostles mirrored this practice — most notably, Paul’s public rebuke of Peter (Galatians 2:11–14), demonstrating that accountability among leaders was not optional but necessary.

2. Spiritual Leadership Demands Higher Standards

Christian leaders are not above scrutiny; rather, their position demands greater responsibility and integrity.

  "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." – James 3:1

Leadership in the church is a sacred trust, not a sanctuary for misconduct. When leaders see genuine inquiries as attacks, they distort their calling. Authority in God’s house is not a license for abuse but a mandate for servanthood.

  "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account." – Hebrews 13:17A

3. Accountability in Action: A Global Comparison. 

In Developed Nations:

When spiritual leaders in developed countries face allegations, responses often include transparency and investigation:

• Ravi Zacharias (USA/Canada): After credible posthumous allegations of sexual misconduct, his ministry, RZIM, commissioned an independent investigation and publicly released the findings. This painful process emphasised the need for accountability, even in death.
• Carl Lentz (Hillsong NYC): Following moral failings, Lentz was removed from leadership. His church acknowledged the situation publicly, sparking broader reforms.
• Driscoll (Mars Hill Church): Stepped down after internal investigations into spiritual abuse and misconduct, showing that accountability structures, though imperfect, were functional.

These leaders didn’t resort to curses or spiritual manipulation. Institutions responded, not just for damage control, but to preserve integrity.

In Developing Nations (Especially Africa):

In contrast, the reaction often follows a dangerous pattern:

• Denial of all accusations.
• Demonization of accusers as enemies of the gospel.
• Misuse of verses like “Touch not my anointed” (Psalm 105:15).
• Spiritual retaliation, including curses or threats.
• Mobilization of loyal followers to attack critics online and offline.
• Avoidance of legal, public, or ecclesiastical review.
• The use of the state's security apparatus, such as the police and the Cyberbullying Act, to intimidate and sentence to prison voices of reason.

In extreme cases, accusers are silenced, publicly shamed, or mysteriously harmed. This is spiritual tyranny, not biblical leadership.

4. Defensiveness and Threats Are Not Christlike

When leaders respond to criticism with curses, intimidation, or accusations of persecution, they reveal insecurity — not spiritual authority. Jesus never cursed those who questioned Him. Even under false accusations, he remained calm and truthful.

  "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing..." – 1 Peter 3:9

  "When He was reviled, He did not revile in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten..." – 1 Peter 2:23

This is the character every Christian leader must emulate. Anything less is a betrayal of Christ’s example.

5. Jesus Modelled True Accountability

Jesus lived openly and welcomed dialogue. Even during His arrest, He appealed to truth, not power.

  "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you smite me?" – John 18:23

He didn't silence His critics. He didn’t manipulate His followers to defend Him blindly. He stood on truth.

6. Accountability Fosters Healing and Unity

The early Church grew strong because it was rooted in truth and transparency.

  "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." – James 5:16

  "Everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." – Ephesians 5:13

Hidden sin festers; exposed sin can be healed. Secrecy breeds abuse, but accountability builds trust and credibility within the body of Christ.

7. Rebuke Is Scriptural and Restorative

Scripture makes it clear that public rebuke is not always persecution — sometimes, it's necessary correction.

  "Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning." – 1 Timothy 5:20

Rebuke is not hatred. It is a form of love when done in truth and humility.

Final Word: The Culture of Untouchability Must End

Shielding Christian leaders from accountability is spiritually reckless and biblically unfounded. True Christian leadership is marked by humility, repentance, and the courage to face truth. Let us reject the dangerous culture that equates accountability with persecution.

Let us stop spiritualizing abuse and calling arrogance "anointing." Let us remember:

  "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." – 1 John 1:8

No man of God is beyond question. No title, gift, or popularity exempts anyone from the principles of Christ. For the sake of the Church — and the society it seeks to serve — let us restore the biblical mandate of accountability.

Accountability is not an attack. It is a call back to the truth. A call back to Christ.