quiz 4 leadership criticism

Expect criticism

• Suffering, affliction, hardship, and conflict is part and parcel of our calling, this side of heaven

• with ministry comes attacks of our family, our church, our church staff, our beliefs, and us

Don't quit

• Remember who your enemy is

• Let God expose and be the judge

Constructive criticism

• Don't let compliments go to your head and criticisms. Go to your heart

• Criticism is shared directly, indirectly, and anonymously

• Constructive criticism:

  • Voice questions, concerns, and preferences

  • Leaders can adjust decisions, address problems or misunderstandings, and apologize if necessary

  • It involves trust

• Honest criticism should be heard thoroughly, interpreted clearly and taken seriously when given in a kind spirit

• Questions to ask:

  • Is there any truth

  • What can I learn from this

  • Ask God to help us lay down our defenses and pride

  • Who is it from (close friend or acquaintance)

  • How well do they know the situation (first hand or second hand)

• If the critic is wrong, you can help him and if you're wrong, he can help you. Either way, somebody's helped

Handling criticism is a skill to be developed

• Are natural tendency is to defend and return the fire

• Resisting these natural impulses require spiritual discipline and commitment to a better approach

Characteristics of criticism

• Criticism often comes when we least need it

• Criticism comes when we least deserve it

• Criticism often comes from those least qualified to give it

• Criticism often comes as a personal attack

• Leaders personify, the church or the ministry they lead

Response to criticism

• Refrain from responding immediately

  • Pray about how you will respond

  • Respond with Grace

• Respond don't react

  • Retaliation is never a clean process

  • Retaliation violates jesus's command to love your enemy

  • Retaliation just doesn't work

    • Use much caution when giving a response electronically

      • Cowardly

      • Can be forwarded

    • Difficult conversations are to be

      • Face to face after much prayer

      • Thought through thoroughly

      • Approach humbly

      • Heart for unity

      • Forgiveness is a gift that you have to give over and over

    • Reacting to critics involves

      • Trying to explain your actions

      • Trying to justify your motives

      • Trying to argue the issue to your advantage

When you are criticized you want to

• Tell others about it

Side note: what to do when you're married and they attack your husband

• I'm sorry you feel that way. I think it would be helpful if you talk to my husband about this. I know he would want to hear your perspective and I know he would reconsider going differently

• Let's go. Talk to him now. I will go with you

Stay focused on your calling

• Identify the true obstacles

• What response, if any is needed

• Find God's good in every criticism

• Allow God to handle your critics

Results of criticism

• God produces _ in our lives

• We learn to be less critical of others

• We share a small part of the sufferings of Jesus

longsuffering

David's response to criticism

• Focus

• Reflection

• Appropriate reply

• Developing a long-term strategy