II Timothy 3:2 says, “The overseer must be above reproach.”

I just thought it might be healthy and helpful to share some of the accountability measures that we have put in place for me as Lead Pastor of National Community Church. With some of the writing and speaking opportunities that have opened up in recent years, my life is much more complicated than it once was. But I think it’s a good complication as long as there are healthy boundaries in place.

Being above reproach means having well-defined boundaries that we are held accountable to. I never want to do anything to compromise my calling at NCC so I submit my speaking opportunities to our stewardship team. I decide what invitations to accept. But I am alloted 30 speaking days. That helps me in two ways. First of all, it helps me say no. And that is something I have a very difficult time doing! And it keeps me accountable. I’m grateful for the opportunities to influence the kingdom of God at large. And I don’t take it for granted. I want to make sure I’m a good steward of every opportunity.

The other policy we’ve instituted this year is that we pay a lump sum of money back to NCC to cover personal incidentals. For example, our staff helps me book travel for speaking engagements and they have shipped out thousands of books. And I realize that I get an honorarium or royalty from those things. So we pay back the church so there is never a conflict of interest. Our Stewardship Team estimated the number of hours and calculated the pay back amount.

As NCC gets larger, the stakes get higher. And it means you better pay attention to the little things. All the enemy wants or needs is a foothold. And part of the reason we’ve put these measures in place is simply because I’m human. None of us is ever beyond temptation. But hopefully healthy and holy boundaries can keep us one step removed from temptation. And they help keep our lives in balance!