Criticism
How to deal with it
The life of the pastor is part faith, part confidence, part
talent, and a great part God's guidance. When pastors can put all
these together, it's a wonderful life. But many pastors daily
deal with critics - both in and out of the church - who are more
than ready to put in their two cents. Learning to deal with
criticism, is a vital skill to develop.
- Keep your perspective. The call of a sovereign God is reason
to celebrate, and a source from which to draw strength in the
hard times.
- Be honest. Ask yourself: Is the critic right? If so, change
what needs to be changed, and move on with gratitude. Your
critic has helped you.
- Learn from criticism. Does this person have a point? God may
be saying something to you through the ordeal. It is
dangerous to assume that every critic is wrong.
- Move on if the criticism is unfounded or unfair; don't
retaliate or argue.
- Put your dilemma in perspective. No one has all the facts
about whatever it is he or she is criticizing. A pastor must
consider the entire church, but the layperson often sees
things only from his/her point of view.
- Remember you are all pursuing the same goal. Often some of
the severest critics are good people who want to see the work
of God progress as much as pastors do.
- Remember that often the critical words on a pastor's ministry
stem from unprocessed anger, a disappointment, some personal
failure, or a heartbreak. Out of such hurts, people lash out.
Often these people are mad at God for some event or
experience. The one who gets the venom is the pastor, whom
they perceive as God's representative.
- Some people are critical by nature; pray for them.
- Don't dwell on the negative. Remember and take strength from
the joyful, positive, and successful experiences.
- In difficult times do not overlook your devotional and prayer
life. Prayer gives God opportunity to have a part in your
ministry.
- Be positive. If you focus on the criticism, it can snowball
into fear and create near-paralysis. Stay positive, think
solutions, and remember that not all is bad. A positive
attitude keeps hope alive and nurtures its potential.
- Encourage others. When you encourage someone, you build the
bridge to a better day. When you lift another, you will be
lifted.
- Believe that failure is only part of any story. Beauty comes
out of ashes, success comes out of failure, and joy rises out
of sorrow.
- God has the best and final word on your ministry. He has
called you into service and He will equip and encourage you
to serve, to minister, to love, and to care.
From Pastor...Be Encouraged! by C. Neil Strait.
Copyright (c) 1996 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas
City, Mo. Used with permission. To order copies call:
1-800-877-0700.