How are spiritual leaders described in terms of accountability?

• A. Leaders are only accountable to the local congregation.
• B. Spiritual leaders are accountable to God, Scripture, and the church body; leadership requires integrity.
• C. Leaders are autonomous with no accountability.
• D. Leaders are answerable only to a national board.

Answer: (B)

Spiritual leadership carries multiple layers of accountability because those in authority shape lives and the health of the church. Leaders are accountable to God because they answer to the One who judges motives and calls them to shepherd His people, and their life and ministry should reflect His character. They are accountable to Scripture because doctrine and moral teaching come from divine revelation, so leadership must align with biblical truth in word and action. They are also accountable to the church body because the local congregation and the broader church community oversee ministry, governance, and stewardship to protect the flock and uphold integrity in ministry. Integrity is essential because without it, leadership loses credibility and trust, and the gospel witness suffers. This view fits the Assemblies of God emphasis on leadership that remains under divine authority, Scripture, and communal oversight rather than being autonomous or answerable to only one governing group.