Sermon Central
-
Top 10 Healthy Ways To Handle The Church Critic
By Charles Stone on Aug 15, 2022
“Two things you can’t avoid in ministry are…people late to the service and … church critics.” In this short post, I suggest 10 ways to handle the church critic.
One well-worn adage goes, “The two things you can’t avoid in life are death and taxes.” I’d suggest one more adage for those in ministry. “Two things you can’t avoid in ministry are…people late to the service and … church critics.” In this short post I suggest 10 ways to handle the church critic.
Having served in full-time ministry for 35 years, I’ve experienced my share of critics. I’ve responded well to some and not-so-well to others. When I’ve sensed a good heart from the critic, I tend to respond with more grace. And, I’ve learned to appreciate this advice from Abraham Lincoln. “He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.“
10 healthy ways to respond to my critics
1. Give them your ear, but within reason. Don’t allow someone to destroy you with caustic criticism.
2. Let your body language communicate that you are really trying to understand their criticism.
3. Avoid an immediate retort such as, “Yea but,” “You’re wrong,” or some other defensive response.
4. Breath this silent prayer, “Lord, give me grace to respond and not react.”
5. Before responding, take a few moments to check what you’re about to say. President Lincoln suggested that we when we get angry we should count to 100 before responding. That may a bit of overkill, but counting helps us avoid reacting.
6. Look for the proverbial ‘grain of truth’ in the criticism, and learn from it.
7. If you see more than a grain of truth and you can’t process it alone, seek feedback from a safe person in your life. (see my post on What to Look for in a Safe Person).
8. Ask God to keep you approachable to your critics (within reason). You probably don’t want to vacation with them.
9. Learn from your critics on how best to deliver criticism to others. When someone delivers criticism that you received well, ask yourself what they did that made it easer to receive. For those who botched it, remember to avoid those tactics.
10. …… what would add as a tenth?
Related Preaching Articles
-
Why Preparing Sermons Takes Me So Long
By Joe Mckeever on Jul 31, 2020
A candid walk through sermon preparation, showing how prayer, Bible study, reflection, and disciplined refinement shape faithful and Spirit-led preaching.
-
Why Small Churches Don’t Grow
By Joe Mckeever on Sep 21, 2024
Small church growth stalls for reasons deeper than numbers. These ten barriers reveal why congregations stay stuck and how leaders can pursue renewed health and mission.
-
Why I Said Yes To Pastoral Ministry
By Chuck Warnock on Dec 16, 2022
Pastoral calling can fade under pressure, success, or discouragement. This reflection uncovers why ministers lose sight of their call and how to remember it again.
-
Busting Out Of Sermon Block
By Haddon Robinson on May 28, 2020
Weekly preaching can feel creatively exhausting. Learn a two-phase approach, practical rhythms, and daily habits that keep your sermons biblical, fresh, and deeply fed all from Haddon Robinson.
-
Preaching When You Are Not A Mother: Honoring Moms Without Pretending
By Joe Mckeever on Apr 30, 2020
Many pastors dread Mother’s Day sermons. This article shows how to preach honestly when you are not a mom, honoring real struggles through Mary, prayer, and prodigal hope.
-
Jerry Rice And The Art Of Preaching Well
By Derwin Gray on Jun 26, 2024
Insights from Jerry Rice’s passion, self-awareness, and heroic mindset show preachers how to cultivate love, authenticity, and Gospel-centered confidence.
-
Preaching When The News Intrudes
By Eric Reed on Jan 6, 2025
Pastors must navigate public tragedy with discernment, comforting emotions, anchoring people in Scripture, and knowing when to speak and when to wait for true clarity.
-
Ten Principles For Pastors Leading Plateaued Churches
By Joe Mckeever on Dec 13, 2022
Many churches plateau, but pastors don’t have to. These ten principles guide leaders toward renewal through prayer, humility, small improvements, and practical, Spirit-led steps.
