Dealing with criticism is one of the most difficult lessons for a leader to learn. We begin in ministry with the highest of motives: to serve God and bring others to Him. Then it happens, something we do or say, or a change that is made, meets with criticism.

Encountering a critic can be a painful experience. I have learned over the years that criticism has it's place. As a matter of fact, for  anyone in leadership or ministry, or anyone trying to make a difference, criticism should be embraced!

Anyone who is leading is open to criticism. All leaders, servants, and innovators are criticized. The absence of criticism may mean I am not leading effectively. David Hocking, in his book, "Seven Laws of Christian Leadership" said, "If I am not being criticized, I am doing nothing, I am being nothing, I am nothing!"

What should we do when we meet with criticism? How can I embrace criticism? First, let the critic be your teacher. No matter what manner the criticism is given, ask yourself if there is any truth in it. Has your critic seen something you failed to see? If anything, your critic is teaching you how to handle criticism!

Second, many criticize because they aren't informed. There are times that criticism can be addressed by sharing information on the strategy behind a decision or the information that brought about the change. Once the critic has more information they may be willing to let the situation play itself out.

Thirdly, if there is no truth to the criticism, or nothing you need to learn from it, you need to dismiss it. You cannot please everyone, and some people believe they have the spiritual gift of complaining! Win Arn, a very respected church growth expert said that there will always be 3-5% of people in your ministry who will be against change forever and ever, amen! The old saying is true, you can't please everyone. So stop trying. As matter of fact, if you try to please everyone,  you will wind up not pleasing anyone.

Finally, we have to keep the proper perspective. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Love people, and understand that decisions and changes you make affects them, sometimes in a profound way. But always keep in mind the goal of ministry and/or leadership is to help people become more mature disciples. More than anything else, our responsibility is to follow God's will. With prayer and fasting, earnestly seek Him. Boldly go where He wants you to go. Remember you are to lead people by following God.

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