Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
All pastors and church leaders experience criticism—but that doesn’t make criticism easier to process or to address well. With wisdom, charity, and illustrations from decades in the ministry, pastors Joel Beeke and Nicholas Thompson strengthen and equip the reader as they provide a biblical foundation, a Christ-focused theological vision, and practical principles for coping with, and benefitting from, criticism.
This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.
- Includes practical principles for coping with, and benefitting from, criticism
- Provides a biblical foundation, a Christ-focused theological vision
- Features illustrations from decades in the ministry
Top Highlights
“As an old Dutch saying goes, ‘He who stands in the front will soon be kicked in the rear.’” (Page 14)
“‘The first thing we should know,’ advises James Boice, ‘if we are trying to do something worthwhile and are being opposed, is that it is because we are achieving something.’21 Satan rarely attacks our spiritual failures—he does not need to.” (Page 33)
“The Serpent in his craftiness strategically aims his disparaging lies at the anointed leaders of God’s people. Few Old Testament leaders suffered from these fiery darts of Satan to the degree that Moses did. From day one of his ministry, he faced seething verbal abuse from his own people (see Ex. 5:21). Within a week of their mighty deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the people were venting complaints toward their God-appointed deliverer (see Ex. 15:24; 16:2–3). Their forty years of wandering in the wilderness were marked by recurrent floods of unjust criticism hatefully aimed at this man of God, even by his own brother and sister (see Num. 12:1–3; 14:1–4).” (Page 23)
“‘If you already believe you know better than the person you’re listening to, you’re not listening. If you already have advice to give, you’re not listening. If you already know how this story turns out, you’re not listening. If you’re already listening only to the parts of the story that confirm your beliefs, you’re not listening. And if you already have your counterattack planned, you’re not listening.’” (Page 77)
“A lack of training can quickly lead to disillusionment regarding the ministry, and in far too many cases, even resignation. Being on the receiving end of criticism for any length of time can result in exasperation, insomnia, cynicism, burnout, and even despair.” (Page 14)
As a young pastor, I received a letter of constructive but rather direct criticism about my preaching from the person who had recommended my name to the pulpit committee of the church! To say that I was stung is to put it mildly. It hurt so badly, I filed it away after one reading and went on about my work. When I ran across the letter again, fifteen years into my ministry there, I realized that every word he said was right and helpful (though I am not sure that I would have even have known how to follow his counsel until I had lived a little more life). But it did get me to thinking about criticism, and how to benefit from it and respond to it. This book would have been a help to me then, and will be to you now. To be a pastor, especially in our time, is to be criticized. So how we respond to that criticism, how we process the criticism, how we keep from being defensive or even paralyzed by the criticism, and how we learn and grow from the criticism is all of great significance. We want to be neither despondent and discouraged, but entreatable and correctable. Furthermore, we should learn how to offer criticism in the most God-honoring and helpful way possible. I’m thankful for the hard thinking that has gone into these subjects in this book. I think it will help you as you try to develop “tough skin and a tender heart
—Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary
Beeke and Thompson’s guide to receiving and responding to criticism is a wonderful gift for the church. From beginning to end it is personally informed, biblically framed, and Christ-centered. If you experience or fear opposition, this little volume is a must read. My only criticism of the book is that it was not published ten years ago
—Chad Van Dixhoorn, Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary
Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, and editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth. He has written, coauthored, or edited over 70 books.
Reviews
1 rating
David Green
1/17/2023
Any pastor who is willing to take a stand for the Lord and His Word is gonna face criticism. Every pastor ought to read this at least once in their lifetime. My only regret is that I didn't have this book sooner.