A Pastor Responds to Second-Hand Criticism
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Sun, April 24, 2005
- Viewed 108
- (34) comments so far
Pastor Scott Hodge writes this about this problem and his frustration on his blog recently... Scott writes...
"Beginning next Sunday, all of our sermons will be spoken in ancient Greek and Hebrew.
Why? Because we want to provide people with more depth.
Huh?
"I want more depth."
What does this mean? Someone just told me that a person they know made that statement in regards to our church. But what does that mean?
Perhaps what they should be saying is, "I want the the PERCEPTION of depth."
The question I have for someone who says that is, "How's your love walk? Are you loving God? Are you loving people (all)? How many relationships with unchurched people have you built in your life this past year? Perhaps 'depth' is not what you need. You think you do, but you probably wouldn't even know what to do with 'depth' if it jumped all over you."
Ok, so maybe that's not very nice.
But here's the thing... That person isn't ready for depth anyway.
Here's the proof: If they have a problem with me and what I'm doing, they should have come directly to me. Isn't that the Biblical way? But instead, they went to someone else who has no power to change anything in the first place.
WARNING WILL ROBINSON.
Matthew 18 - "If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately."
Ever feel like Pastor Scott? Why doesn't the person just come to me personally? Why should I give any credibility to a person who wants 'in-depth study', but doesn't have a handle on basic scriptural principles? Why do I have to spend so much of my time answering my critics? The harder I try not to offend, the more criticism it seems I receive. Why is that?
Are you ready for the answer? Here it is: I don't know! I really don't. I guess it's just human nature to criticize. Admittedly, some people tend to criticize and accuse more than others. Maybe the more important questions is... how do you deal with criticism? How do you respond?
As always, Jesus provides us the perfect example. Whatever you're accused of, Jesus was accused of worse. However badly you are treated, Jesus was treated worse. No matter how much pain people inflict on you; you can find consolation in the fact that Jesus endured more physical and emotional pain than you or I ever will.
How did Jesus respond to his critics? With love. Always with love. And that's how we must respond when we're criticized as well. Though we will many times initially be angry and want to fight back, the apostle Paul urges us to respond with sincere love. Look what he wrote in Romans 12:
Love must be sincere...Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer...Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ?It is mine to avenge; I will repay,? says the Lord... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A good many reading this right now were criticized yesterday! Some things that were said in churches across America yesterday were downright brutal. If you were the recipient of second-hand criticism, choose right now how you'll respond. Don't let it fester.
And don't be down on yourself... you're not the first pastor or church leader to be criticized! "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." (Elbert Hubbard)
Have a great week!
Todd
FOR DISCUSSION: Let's discuss this today at the MMI Blog... what are some of the criticisms you deal with the most? You do you repond? Have you ever responded negatively? What was the outcome? Stop by and share your experiences/input.
Comedian Steve Martin has said, "Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do criticize him, you'll be a mile away and have his shoes." Have you ever been criticized in your job as pastor or church staff member?Comments
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Jeff on Mon, May 09, 2005
Most criticism a) isn’t about what is being said, and b) is about control. Control of the church, control of their families and friends, and control of you.
Suggestions, input, new ideas, are all to be responded to with an open heart and listening ear. Criticism should be immediately routed to a group setting (elders, PPR, whatever your church has), or if in print, into a strong metal container. Like a dumpster.
Criticism is about the person offering it, not about the one receiving it. Which we pastors have trouble remembering, and there are too many clergy (oddly, mostly retired ones) around to say that all criticism “has some grain of truth” or “something we can learn from.” Anyone can discern the difference between a criticism and a suggestion, and when you look at it that way, you see what criticism really is.
Do not let critics displace Christ as head of the church. More churches have been harmed by this than anything else i know.
Peace, Jeff
Pastor Al on Mon, May 09, 2005
Do not let critics displace Christ as head of the church. More churches have been harmed by this than anything else i know.
AMEN Jeff,
It is good to know I am not the only one who is seeing Critics for who they are.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Pastor Al
Joe Gnatek on Thu, August 03, 2006
A book worth reading on this subject, if you haven’t already is called “Well Intentioned Dragons”. I definitely recommend it for any pastor who is going through the fire of “well intentioned” critics.
Kenya Botley on Fri, August 03, 2007
Hello,
Not a Pastor. Wife of one entering, daughter to one, grandchild of one and niece to another.
It is wrong to criticize the man of God, if his heart is pure and his love for the Lord and the flock is evident. But, when you have one that gossips, manipulates, deceives and refused to pastor the God intended, what do you do?
We don’t want to oust him, we have Matthew 18’ed him to death and he still behaves this way. We pray and fast for him, but as the Chairperson of the Board, I am faced with these issues that the members want me to deal with. I am confused, torn and scared of doing things wrong.
Please help.
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