Criticism

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Criticism is a part of life. It’s something that I’ve struggled with in ministry. It’s something that I’ve had to confront in my life. I can’t imagine that anyone enjoys criticism, but some people seem to take it better than others. I’m not one of them. But I’m working on it. 

Some years ago a church member confronted me on this subject. He said that whenever someone criticized me I got defensive. Immediately I began to defend myself. I proved his point. Not one of my finer moments.

Proverbs 15:31-33, “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” I needed to learn this.

So I signed up for a seminar on “How to Deal With Criticism.” Probably among one of the best things I ever did. I learned in that seminar that every criticism has some truth in it and some things that are probably wrong perception. You need to sort that out. I learned criticism needs time to process before responding, hence resisting the temptation for self-defense. I also learned that the criticizer deserves a response. It even helps to solicit their help in improving the truth of their criticism. Implementing these things have helped me since, although in no way do I believe I’m doing it perfectly, I’m still working on it and will have to until I leave this world. 

Criticizing what you do is a little different than criticizing who you are. The latter is personal and harder to change. In ministry most criticism involves decisions that are made or even how they are made, and our actions as a result. Only a narcissist believes he doesn’t make mistakes and is immune from criticism. 

Decisions need to be explained and open to adjustments if warranted. Apologies are warranted for wrong actions that have hurt others when brought to our attention. Convictions need to be vetted by Scripture and the counsel of Godly people. Ministry leaders aren’t Lone Rangers in the Body of Christ.

I’m no longer active in pastoral ministry but I still have to battle my response to criticism. I’m still working on it. If you are in active ministry I urge you to take these words and my experience to heart.


reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow i.

33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. wisdom; humility precedes honor.


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