Preachers can count on being critiqued. In some ways, it’s only fair. Preaching, by its very nature, takes place in a public forum. And going public with our thoughts—even when seeking to exposit God’s Word—opens us to public response. Since we can’t expect only positive feedback, we must expect some level of criticism. This brings us to another test of a preacher’s heart: how will we respond to the criticism we receive as preachers?
While painful, criticism can actually bring great profit to preachers. The bruising can produce blessing—if we respond well. And the starting place for a healthy response to criticism involves developing a biblical view of correction.
A Biblical View of Correction
Correction emerges as a major theme in the book of Proverbs. “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid” (12:1). “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (15:31). “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (26:12). That’s just a sampling, but it highlights an important truth: correction is essential for wisdom and growth. Conversely, those who reject rebuke head towards folly.
So while correction is rarely enjoyable, it still must be embraced. That’s why we train preachers to profit from constructive correction in our homiletics courses at Heritage College and Seminary. After each sermon, we go through the same drill. We ask those who just heard the message to answer two questions: What did the preacher do well in this sermon? Where would you encourage further growth? Over the years, I’ve been impressed by the way students give and receive honest feedback. I’m hopeful this exercise will prepare them for the range of feedback they will hear when preaching to their congregations.
Let’s get specific here, because talking about correction in a general way is too vague to be useful. The assessments and evaluations we receive as preachers come in several categories. Three of the most common are 1) content, 2) communication, and 3) character.
Content. When someone criticizes our content, they react to what we said. The apostle Paul received this kind of criticism. In Romans 3:8 he writes about being maligned for the content of his message: “And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.” Paul’s critics falsely accused him of preaching a twisted message of grace. Whether intentionally or not, they misunderstood his message and responded with unfounded criticism. Paul wrote it off (“Their condemnation is just”) and went on preaching.
Sometimes, however, the critique of our content is justified. Just ask Apollos. Although Apollos qualified as a committed and capable preacher, his message was theologically deficient. He only knew about the baptism done by John (repentance baptism) and not the baptism commanded by Christ (Christian baptism). Thankfully, Priscilla and Aquila, a seasoned ministry couple, “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Their correction sought to equip rather than embarrass this promising young preacher. Evidently, Apollos humbly received it. Luke tells us that after being set straight by Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos went on to preach with great effectiveness in Corinth (Acts 18:27–28).
When our sermon content gets criticized, we should consider whether we were actually mistaken or simply misunderstood. In either case, content criticism challenges us to strive for biblical accuracy and clarity in our sermons.
Communication. When someone critiques our communication, they assess how we spoke. The focus shifts from what we say to the way we speak. Paul faced this kind of critique as well: “For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account” (2 Corinthians 10:10).
This kind of critique calls us to continual growth as effective communicators of God’s truth. While we cannot cater to everyone’s tastes when it comes to communication style, we should listen for patterns in this kind of feedback. When we hear the same critique repeated by different people, we must take it seriously and consider it carefully.
Character. When someone criticizes our character, the concern moves from what we said (content) or how we spoke (communication) to who we are. This type of criticism ranks as the most painful of all. Once again, Paul faced this kind of blistering rebuke: When on trial before the Roman governor, Felix, a lawyer named Tertullus lit into him, directly attacking his character: “For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world” (Acts 24:5).
Most preachers I know have never been accused of stirring up riots, but many of us have had our characters maligned. Paul’s response to Tertullus shows that sometimes this kind of critique must be countered and refuted (Acts 24:10–21). However, the proverbs quoted above warn us against quickly writing off any who question our character. If we become wise in our own eyes, we play the fool and will suffer for it (Proverbs 26:12). All of us can benefit from the refining fire God allows to come our way in the form of criticism.
Considering the Source
Not all critiques are created equal. The old maxim about considering the source applies to critics and criticism. Just as it helps to evaluate the kind of criticism we receive (content, communication, or character), it’s also wise to consider the source. Here are four common critics preachers can expect to meet along the way.
Anonymous critics shoot from the shadows. They place unsigned notes in the offering plate or send letters with no signature or return address.
Analysts don’t see themselves as critical, just concerned about accuracy. They delight in pointing out areas where a preacher misspoke. They rush up right after the sermon to tell the preacher he gave the wrong month for the moon landing in his opening illustration. Analysts are picky about particulars and tactless in their timing.
Antagonists mean to be critical. For reasons we may or may not know, they’ve become hard and cynical toward us. They no longer give us the benefit of the doubt. They interpret our words in the worst possible way. If they listen closely to our sermons, it’s only to look for ammunition to fire back at us. These folks can break our hearts and boil our blood—at the same time.
Allies remain on our side even when they get on our case. Their words can hurt but they never mean to be hurtful. Proverbs 27:6 speaks about allies when it says, “Faithful are the wounds from a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” If married, your spouse should be your closest ally.
Responding to Correction
Since all preachers can expect criticism, all of us need to learn to respond in a godly, healthy way: staying gracious and humble, willing to listen to words of reproof. A soft answer does generally turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
I find it helpful to remember that different types of critics call for different kinds of responses. Let me run through each of the four categories of critics and suggest constructive ways to respond to each one.
Anonymous. If someone is unwilling to own up to his or her critique, I don’t feel obligated to give it much weight. In fact, a scathing, unsigned letter may best remain unread. Another option involves giving the letter to an ally to read. This allows someone you trust to filter the criticism and distill any valid comments.
Analysts. I’ve found analysts are normally harmless and genuinely want to help. What they say often has validity; however, their comments can also be relatively unimportant and poorly timed. If their input comes infrequently, pastoral wisdom calls us to graciously hear what they have to say, thank them, and move on. However, if they start making comments on a regular basis, set gracious but firm boundaries. The goal is not to punish them or turn them into antagonists, but to help them become more tactful in what they say and when they say it.
Antagonists. When dealing with antagonists, don’t try to go it alone. Alert other leaders to the situation and ask for help. One of the reasons God designed the church to be led by a group of elders was to guard against “fierce wolves” (Acts 20:28–29). Elders and other wise allies can help determine how to best respond to antagonists—seeking resolution while providing protection.
Allies. When an ally speaks a word of correction, listen closely and respond gratefully. Wise pastors identify allies in the congregation and invite them to offer constructive feedback on their preaching and other aspects of their pastoral ministry.
As a young pastor, God blessed me with the gift of an older, godly man as one of my closest allies. When he spoke words of correction, they were always well-timed and well-intentioned. Usually, they were also on the mark. I remember telling him that, if he ever had a concern or critique, he had an open invitation to come to me directly. Like Aquila with Apollos, he occasionally took me aside and provided wise guidance. I became a better pastor and preacher because of his feedback.
As preachers, we can’t avoid criticism. But instead of letting this test frustrate us, we can seek to understand it and profit from it. If we do, we will not only become better preachers and pastors, but better people as well.
This article is taking from the book, The Heart of the Preacher, by Rick Reed. Used with publisher’s permission.
You can purchase a copy (paper or digital) of The Heart of the Preacher here.
Rick and Linda Reed 