MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CRITICS
Don Follis
January 1, 1990
To paraphrase Job, pastors are born to criticism like sparks fly upward. When criticized, however, many of us don't exhibit the patience of Job as much as the defensiveness of a politician under fire. And thus, sometimes we fuel more fires than we douse. In my ministry I've struggled with how to respond to critics. Since it's in such great supply, I've tried to turn criticism into a beneficial resource. Acknowledge mistakes
When the critics are right, I find it best to admit my mistakes and learn what I can. A few years ago, some students wanted to teach. I gave them the go-ahead. I have had lots of good ideas in more than a decade of campus ministry, but having unsupervised students prepare and give a Bible talk to fifty or sixty other students was not one of them. When the time came for the talk of one student, he was so nervous his knees knocked. He did a lousy job. He knew it. I knew it. My student leaders knew it. We all were embarrassed. They blamed me, and rightfully so. I should have cleared the speakers with my student leaders first, and I should have supervised the fellow's preparation. It is best to admit such mistakes and learn my lesson. That way even though the criticism is still painful, I can agree with the critics and let them help me do better in the future. Remember the whole truth
I've learned, however, that most of the time criticism of my work is only partly true. In that case, a different tack is required. After a recent sermon a woman said, "You sure did talk fast. I could hardly understand you today." Her words set me on my heels. My natural tendency is to dwell on the criticism and assume everyone felt the same way. Left unchecked, my discouragement soon would have me judge the whole sermon worthless. But ...
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
