WHEN YOUR SERMON IS CRITICIZED
I don’t like being criticized. I don’t think anyone does, but it really bothers me because I have a deep need to be liked and affirmed by everyone. When someone criticizes something I do I take it personally. Maybe you do, too. It hurts when I put my heart and soul into something I’ve worked hard at and someone rejects it, finding fault with it. I feel like they are rejecting me as well, even though I know that isn’t really the case. Still, criticism is something I still struggle with. I think most pastors do as well.
Pastors aren’t the only people who get criticized, of course. People in other professions do as well. Someone once said, “If you do not want to be criticized, then say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing.” We are commanded to preach God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2) but preaching invites criticism because God’s Word corrects sin (2 Timothy 3:16) and sinners don’t want to be corrected. The Word exposes hearts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12-13) and those not yielded to God’s Spirit react against that. Scripture warns us that our message will be rejected (2 Timothy 4:3). When people criticize you because God’s truth is making them uncomfortable, there is nothing you can do about it. You can’t change the truth to please people. If they criticize you because you teach error or because your life doesn’t live up to God’s standards, then you must do something to correct that.
So, it is important to discern where the criticism is coming from: a heart in rebellion to God or one submitted to His will. Aquila and Priscilla took the gifted preacher Apollos aside to correct him (Acts 18:21-28) and he responded with humility and learned much from them. Notice they did it privately, graciously, lovingly and to help him improve, not to tear him down. I know a pastor who was approached by a group of singles in his church who pointed out to him that his sermons were only directed to married people when over half of the congregation was single, divorced or widowed. He was glad for their observation and made sure they were included from then on.
If someone is trying to cause disunity in the church and discourage you, and they won’t change when approached by church leadership, that is a time for church discipline (cp. Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 1 Timothy 5:19-20). Criticism by unbelievers is another story because they have different criteria. Pastors should receive criticism from our loyal members and friends with great care and attention. These people know and love us and care enough to risk their relationship with us to help us in our calling as preachers. It pays to listen to them and consider what they say.
Sometimes we may say something that unknowingly hurts someone in the church. When we become aware of that we must go to them and apologize, then learn from the error so it doesn’t happen again.
If no one ever criticizes us, we will never improve. I read somewhere that Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher, used his sermons’ weekly criticism to strengthen his grammar and style, thus becoming one of the greatest preachers in the English language. Getting a good evaluation of your preaching from someone knowledgeable and that you trust is very important. It could be another pastor, an elder in your church or even your wife. They must be honest but also gentle and encouraging. This can be very beneficial, especially for young pastors.
By all means, always be available to those who have comments about your sermons. Don’t send the message you don’t want to hear anything negative. Listening to their remarks will help your sermons and will help you get to know your people better. Learn to not react to negative criticism. Just listen politely without defending yourself and ask God to show you if there is anything you can learn from it. There usually is if you are open and don’t let your pride get in the way. If someone is always critical, or if you receive unsigned notes or emails, ignore them. Don’t even read them. Just stay humble. Be honest with others and yourself. Apologize when you make a mistake. If it’s in a sermon then apologize in the next sermon.
Martin Luther once said, “Trials make a preacher.” Indeed, and one of those trials is the criticism of our sermons. May they make us better preachers for the glory of God and the good of His people.
2 Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
When is the last time you asked someone you trust for honest feedback on your preaching? That takes courage because many of us are would rather not hear anything negative so we don’t learn how we can improve. Ask someone today about your last sermon. Just listen, don’t explain or defend yourself.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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