The Shepherds Profitability of Criticism

Criticism comes in many forms and from every direction. It is a component of human nature in a fallen world. Regardless of its source, we will not avoid it. More importantly, we must learn how to receive and respond to it well.

A good number of pastors I know are exceptionally sensitive to criticism and, as a result, struggle to deal with it in a mature manner. Of the thousands of vocations available, the role of Senior Pastor, Lead Pastor, Head Shepherd—whatever title one chooses—is among the most people-oriented positions one can hold. It demands a man who can wholeheartedly endure every aspect of criticism that comes with leading people.

The leader of a local church should not only be willing to endure criticism but should be prepared for it and, to a good degree, welcome it. Too many pastors expect to be sheltered from conflict and refuse to acknowledge the reality that conflict and criticism are simply part of the role. This is one of the primary disconnects I see among my pastor peers.

There is one significant aspect of pastoral leadership that many pastors either lack or were likely never taught in seminary. It is every bit as important as theology: the business of shepherding.

I realize I may lose some readers at this point because the words business and church are rarely considered compatible. But lest we forget, Jesus Himself spoke of ministry in terms of His Father's business. In Luke 2:49 (NKJV), Jesus said:

“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

Interestingly, the Greek text does not contain the English word business in this verse. Translators have rendered the underlying idea in different ways. The NKJV uses “business,” while other translations emphasize being in the Father's “house” or being occupied with His affairs. Regardless of the translation, the underlying principle remains: Jesus understood His responsibility and was fully engaged in the work, the entire role, entrusted to Him by the Father.

If one assumes the role of instructor, teacher, shepherd, or leader, there will inevitably be an audience. And when there is an audience, there will be questions, comments, feedback, disagreement, and criticism. This is not an interruption of ministry. It is part of ministry.

Pastoring is the business of leading all the aspects of people.

Isn't it expected that leaders take responsibility for an entire organization or at the very least when an organization faces difficulty? Isn't the captain ultimately responsible for the whole ship and everyone on aboard? A captain has a duty of care to protect the passengers and crew and to act responsibly in the face of danger.

Shouldn’t this same principle apply to pastors?

If we claim to follow Jesus, if we embrace the title of pastor, if we accept the responsibility of leadership, and if we are willing to stand before people and teach God's Word, then we must also be willing to accept the difficult responsibilities that accompany the position.

We cannot simply embrace the authority, visibility, and influence of leadership in the good times, while expecting others to absorb the conflict and criticism in the not so good times.

God gives us a sobering warning about assuming the role of teacher/leader/pastor.

James 3:1–2 (NIV) says:

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Those are sobering words. They remind us that pastoral leadership carries a significant level of accountability and scrutiny—and rightly so.

As a pastor, are you willing to take the bullets for the sheep and your staff, or are you hiding behind others and allowing them to absorb the criticism for you? Are you willing to defend the flock with your life, just as Jesus continues to defend you? And when criticism comes, are you willing to examine it carefully and honestly to determine whether there might be even a small measure of truth within it?

Not all criticism is the same.

Some criticism comes from insecurity. People who struggle with feelings of inadequacy, fear, or dissatisfaction may focus on the shortcomings of others as a way of distracting themselves from their own struggles. Putting others down can create a temporary sense of confidence, control, or superiority.

But there is another kind: constructive criticism.

Ironically, constructive criticism can be just as difficult to receive. It can make us feel as though we are being told that we are inadequate, that we have failed, or that we are losing control. When our defenses rise, the natural response can become fight or flight. If left unchecked, this can damage both leadership effectiveness and the trust people place in their leader.

A mature leader learns to distinguish between criticism that is destructive and criticism that contains something worth hearing.

The pastor's responsibility—the business of shepherding—is not simply to teach God's Word. It is to live it, defend it, lead through conflict, protect the flock, receive correction with humility, and respond to criticism with dignity, and when appropriate grow from it.

Pastors cannot hide behind their staff, their boards, their favorite congregants, or their titles. Leadership means stepping forward when things become difficult.

Jesus did not hide from opposition. He did not avoid difficult conversations. He did not abandon His responsibility when people misunderstood, challenged, rejected, or criticized Him.

Neither should His shepherds.

The pastor who wants the privilege of leading must also accept the responsibility of being accountable. The pastor who wants to speak into the lives of others must be willing to allow others to speak into his life. And the pastor who expects his congregation to grow must first be willing to grow himself.

The business of shepherding is not simply standing in the pulpit. It is standing in the gap.

It is leading when leadership is difficult, receiving criticism when it hurts, confronting conflict when avoidance would be easier, protecting the flock when doing so comes at a personal cost, and continually examining oneself through the lens of God's Word.

_________________________________________________________________________

About the Author: West Kenyon is the Senior Pastor of Four Peaks Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He has served in ministry for 20 years, primarily in Biblical counseling and teaching within the drug rehabilitation field.