As a church planter/pastor, I have encountered criticism.  It can sometimes be so debilitating that it distracts you from what God has called you to do.  It can affect your health, your emotions, your marriage, and your church. Here are some things I am learning as I grow in this area of dealing with criticism:

1.  Understand that If you do anything worth while for Jesus, you will face criticism.  I truly believe that if you plan on doing nothing worth while for Jesus, then you will dodge criticism your entire ministry.  However, most pastors have a deep burning desire to change their city for Jesus.  When we act on this, understand that Jesus will call us to do things and say things that will rock the boat.  Jesus always called His disciples to “step out of the boat”.  It seems in my life that He never works inside my comfort zone.  It’s only when I am willing to step out of my comfort that Jesus shows up.  But when this happens, you will be misquoted, misrepresented, rallied against, and sometimes considered a heretic.

2.  Realize that the only person you really have to please is Jesus. With that said, realize that He is already pleased with you.  You do not have to compare yourself to others.  Jesus has made you, you!  So run with who He has made you to be and do not feel like you are not loved because you do not have the same size church as the other pastors you know.  Also, know that critics are usually looking for you to fit into their mold.  But God has made you different than their mold.  So do not be afraid to do what He has called you to do.  Realize that you are pleasing to Jesus when you be yourself in the context He has placed you in.  But since criticism will come…

3.  Consider the Criticism- Ask yourself these questions: Is it valid?  Who did it come from?  Do they have the right to speak into your life?  Some people just do not have any right to speak into your life. Others are just looking for a fight.  If it is valid, then change according to God’s word.  If not, then…

4.  Stay humble and take the high road with Jesus.  This is very hard to do.  The natural reaction to any criticism is to fight back.  You will want to defend  yourself.  There may be a time to defend and fight for your call; however, many times, you just need to humble yourself, admit you are not perfect, and ignore the critic while continuing to walk with Jesus.  Last…

5. Take time to heal and reconnect.  After a time of heavy criticism, sometimes comes a time of depression.   I know in mypersonal experience that after heavy criticism, even if you are right and everything turns out alright, I have still battled heavy times of depression.  People will try to push you to move on and they are right in a sense, but after a series of attacks, it takes time to heal.  As you take time to heal, one needs to reconnect.  Reconnection with your family and God is very important.  Sometimes in our pain, God seems distant.  But He is always right there.  We have to take time to spend with Him and reconnect with Him on a daily basis.  Our families sometimes suffer as well so we need to take time to reconnect with them.  You may be present physically with them, but your mind may be somewhere else for days or even months.  If we do not take the time to reconnect with our families and God, then the critic will have done the damage that they intended and Satan will get the victory.

In all of this, remember that Jesus is still on His throne. If you feel like you are doing His will, then there will be criticism, but take heart, Jesus experienced it as well.