PERFORMANCE REVIEWS: AVIOIDING THE PITFALLS
How pastors can get honest feedback without getting ambushed.
Larry W. Osborne
July 1, 1988
Most pastors I know are committed to personal growth. Not many are willing to settle for mediocrity. The vast majority spend hours reading, praying, and studying in an unending quest for spiritual and professional growth. Yet, curiously, many of us avoid the most vital ingredient for continued growth-someone to candidly tell us how we are doing. My friend Dave is a case in point. In fifteen years of ministry he has never received a formal evaluation. It's not that he is unaware of the potential benefits. It's that he is also keenly aware of the potential pitfalls. He knows firsthand the sting of betrayal. The thought of providing a platform for a small group of adversaries to air their grievances makes the idea out of the question. In many ways, Dave is right. Reviews can be risky; handled poorly, they can give our enemies an opportunity to open fire. Expecting the precise scalpel of correction, we can get the blunt ax of criticism. I know two pastors who left seemingly successful ministries within months of a bungled evaluation. Despite the potential dangers, however, the hazards of avoiding reviews are even greater. We all have a natural tendency to exaggerate our strengths and downplay our weaknesses. One study of over 800,000 people found that everyone in the test sample rated himself above average in "the ability to get along with others." Only 2 percent saw themselves below average in "leadership ability." Obviously at least half the people were mistaken in their self-evaluation. The fact is, we are unaware of spiritual and personal blind spots-like a loose thread or a twisted collar-until someone dares to speak up. Many folks notice them but lack the opportunity, and sometimes the courage, to tell us. Still, most of us ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
