Criticism, Leadership and Ministry

Posted on 30. May, 2011 by frank in leadership

I’ve been at Hope Summit Christian Church for a year now and the transition has been a great experience.  Especially because I have an Elder team that has been extremely supportive through every challenge we’ve faced.  However, leaders that are guiding any organization through transition often deal with criticism.  Change brings criticism because people are resistant to change, but as leaders we can impact the attitudes of those around us by how we respond.  A while ago, Rick Warren posted some good advice that has helped me when I’m frustrated.  I hope it helps you too:

Pastors get criticized all the time – from church members, community members, and even other pastors. Sometimes it isn’t worth giving a second thought. But a good leader has a teachable spirit. He learns from criticism while not letting it deter his ministry.

Godly leaders don’t pretend to know it all. They accept constructive criticism, and try to learn from it. The Bible teaches in James 1:19, “My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry.” (CEV) When criticism comes, take James’ advice and listen. When you do that, you’ll hold your temper and remain teachable.

How do you relate to a constructive suggestion? Do you get uptight or defensive?

Don’t consider the source; consider the suggestion.

Leaders don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, we should be concerned about leaders with all the answers. They are dangerous.

The truth is, your biggest critics often help you out the most—unintentionally. They may mean to hurt you, but God can use that criticism to teach you and make you the kind of pastor he wants you to be.

Does that mean that you should blindly accept all criticism? Of course not. Sometimes people are just being mean. Ask God, “Is there something I can learn from this criticism?”

Never let a critic set your agenda. That’s God’s job. Never let a critic keep you from doing what God has called you to do.

Also, ask people you trust to help you evaluate your ministry. Put people around you who can give you their unvarnished perspective. People you can trust for honest input in your ministry are absolutely invaluable.

The Bible says in Proverbs 13:18: “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” (NLT) Criticism isn’t always negative. It can often prevent great failures. I once read a sign that said: “I’d rather change my mind and succeed than have my own way and fail.”

That sounds about right to me.

Another leader I respect is Tim Stevens, Executive Pastor at Granger Community Church in Indiana. He recently reflected on a letter he recieved from a leader in the church and how they were threatening to leave if the church didn’t submit to some demands, here is what Tim had to share:

I just spent a few minutes in memory lane reading a letter exchange I had with a leader who was contemplating leaving our church six years ago. They had written several pages of gripes and complaints about the church, which I attempted to graciously address. This leader ended the letter by laying out a challenge with a list of 14 people: Talk to everyone of these people about why they left the church, or if they are still here, what they don’t like about the church. If you don’t, I’ll know my points are valid and I’ll leave the church.

I really don’t like being threatened. And frankly, after having several one-on-one conversations with this leader and reading their list of things they were unhappy about, I believed it was probably best that they leave. Here is how I responded…

In your list of names, in every case (of the ones who are no longer at the church), I, or someone on our senior team, had a conversation with them upon their leaving. We knew their issues. There is no reason to have that conversation again. The others on your list are still here and participating.

We aren’t interested in “no” votes. There are over 290 million people in America alone who haven’t voted “yes” at GCC. I’m not trying to be sarcastic. I’m just saying there are a number of reasons someone isn’t going to attend GCC. Geography is a big one. But there are a bunch of other reasons. We just want to say, “Here’s where we are going…do you want to come with us? Do you want to help us get there? Yes? Good, let’s go.” We aren’t counting the people who say “no.” We aren’t mad at them. We don’t think they’re stupid. We don’t think they are lesser as Christians. They just want to go somewhere else and that is fine. We’re looking for the yes votes.

Does that mean that we don’t want feedback? Absolutely not. I have conversations every week (with people who are “in”) about what they wish were different. We change things every day. I imagine you’ve never been to a church anywhere that is quicker at changing things that aren’t working or aren’t effective. I believe there is a “kernel of truth” in just about everything. So I look for that. Sometimes it’s a high percentage of truth…sometimes you have to look hard to get past the individual’s filters and biases…but you can find a kernel of truth.

I think too often churches get side-tracked by the “no” votes. We cater to their whining, or we spend all our energy trying to keep them happy, or we do damage control because of the side conversations they are having. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s important to listen. Sometimes (perhaps often) God will speak through someone when we least expect it. But there is a cross-over point after we’ve listened, considered and prayed. We know what God has called the church to do and be–and we must pursue that with confidence.

Some will go with us. And some won’t. And we’ll experience deep pain, sometimes, when the person who chooses to leave is our closest friend or relative–the person who we never imagined moving on without.

Just put one foot in front of the other. Count ‘yes’ votes, and keep moving.

I don’t think I completely agree with Tim in only counting yes votes but I do think that we have to remain confident enough in our mission that we never compromise on essentials.