Criticizing the Preacher

Sitting in the Jacksonville airport answering emails while I wait on my delayed flight back to Nashville.

Got an email from one of our Filipino preachers, a guy who has recently joined our weekend preaching rotation. (Our church has 64 weekend worship services in 14 Metro Mania locations with around 75 different preachers each month.)

The guy who emailed me is one of our better preachers. He was a bit discouraged because of a professional and persistent sermon critic who seems to analyze and complain about everything he says.

Here’s my 7 point response to my preacher friend:

1.  Welcome to the pulpit!  Too many Christians are called and gifted to complain and criticize preachers.

2. In my opinion your preaching is excellent, anointed, clear, focused, understandable, practical, biblical and Christ-honoring.

3. My wife agrees with point #2.

4. More importantly, your wife agrees with point #2.

5. Remember, you minister to hundreds of people every Sunday. Most love and respect you, and most appreciate your leadership and your preaching.

6. Do not let this affect your preaching. Preach the Word.  Feed the sheep. Don’t respond to your critics from the pulpit. Don’t attempt to pull up the tares, b/c you might uproot some wheat.

7. Forgive and forget.

Here are some more of my thoughts on preaching for preachers.

Comments

[Mike Watkins]

Dear Pastor Steve,

This post was ok but basically too long. It also had too many points and sub points without enough cross references to the Greek. I usually read your posts in about 30 seconds, but this one took 45. This effected how long I had to wait before I sipped my coffee again.

I have also noticed that you are bit repetitive in your themes, always Evangelism, Establishing, Equipping and Empowering. I mean, man, don’t you think the body of Christ has heard enough of that?

Anyway, it was more or less a good post, but back off a little on the 4-Es leadership development thing. If you don’t we just might get enough people for the harvest. :)

[Mike Watkins]

I meant to say "affected" instead of "effected" in that last comment. I don't want to appear dumber than I am.

A grammar check filter on the PA system would help a lot of us preachers from the Bible Belt.

[eulema]

Yes Pastor Steve, "forgive and forget". The preacher must have an endless reserves for that-like Jesus, He chose to pass the offense and moved on to what God had told Him to do.