GROWTH POINTS WITH DR. MC
DEAL WITH CRITICISM
On Your Mark — Robert Knegel in his book, If It Ain’t Broke? Break It!, shares, “Pardon the grammar, but if it ain’t broke today, it will be tomorrow. Today’s innovations are tomorrow’s antiques.”
That’s easy for a businessman to say, but pastors in a local church must handle the criticism which results from “breaking” old forms of ministry in order to use new ones.
Get Set — Consider three pieces of information.
Realize that criticism is inevitable. Any movement produces friction. Since change requires movement, pastors must expect to be criticized. Criticism will come through email, in the hallways between services, via phone calls, and conversations. Be ready for it.
Realize that some people receive more criticism than others. Generally, the more responsibility one has the greater the exposure to criticism. The Law of the Whale always holds true, i.e., when you rise to the top and blow, you get harpooned!
Realize that pastors are magnets for criticism. Pastors give answers, confront sin, appear strong, and create change. All such activities bring criticism from those who disagree.
Grow — Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” God says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 For. 15:58). The work of the Lord always includes criticism. Expect it! Face it! Move through it!
-Gary L. McIntosh, Ph.D.
Author of The Ten Key Roles of a Pastor
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