Every Monday morning I dreaded that call! George was one of my long-term predecessor's biggest fans. And, as much as he was certain no one would ever fill my forerunner's shoes, George tried hard to turn me into a latter-day clone of him. As sure as Monday followed Sunday, George called with an unsolicited and unfavorable review of the previous day's sermon. His criticisms seemed always to have at least twice as many negative as positive points, they were often harsh, and, after a while it seemed, intentionally cruel. Eventually, George's calls became insulting and slanderous. Finally, one day I firmly, but gently, asked him not to call me any more with his Monday morning review. Soon afterward, George left the church but not without slandering me in the community.

If you're a preacher and you don't have critics, one of two conclusions can be drawn: Either you're already dead and buried, or you're so hopelessly ineffective as to be no threat to the devil! Criticism is part and parcel of every preacher's call. It's as much a part of what we do as reading Scripture.

Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11,12). Notice that Jesus does not say, "Blessed are you IF . . . " It is "when" we are criticized, slandered, and maligned that we are blessed. Criticism and slanderous insults are part of what we are to expect as preachers.

"Criticism," remarked Bishop Stephen Neill, "is the manure in which the Lord's servant grows best!" It took me a long time to realize that George was, in fact, a plus to my ministry. His criticisms helped make me a better preacher and pastor. His slander and insults kept me flying straight if for no other reason than to prove George wrong to those who might hear him. As hard as it was for me to see at the time, George, whether he intended to or not, was blessing me. But that didn't stop his criticism from stinging at the time!

How can we who preach learn to handle criticism and our critics? In the years since George, I've had many critics. Some have been justified and others have not. Some convinced me that they had already made up their minds I was wrong about something and they didn't want to be confused by the truth. I've come to the conclusion that God doesn't want me to spend too much time trying to respond to them all. Frankly, I've also realized that critics can be the devil's instruments in distracting us from the work we're called to do.

I've learned some other things. One is to get used to the heat of criticism. It is better to be criticized than unnoticed. Criticism comes with our call. If you're looking for a criticism-free life, you're in the wrong place in ministry. Criticism can be a good barometer that we're being effective. "For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

I've also tried to at least give some consideration to what critics say. Sometimes I've asked a trusted counselor if the criticism has any merit. If it does, it's not criticism, even if said with malice; it's instruction. It can add value to who we are, what we do, or how we do it. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise" (Proverbs 19:20). If it's not true, we should forget it and get back about the business of serving the Lord. Praise is a wonderful ego booster but it is in criticism that we grow. That is why I call criticism and slander "blessed manure!"

Remember how Jesus dealt with opposition and criticism. Often He refused to answer, particularly when His detractors didn't really want to hear the truth. Only when they seemed teachable — and simply had their facts wrong — did He respond. Ask God to give you discernment here about which critics to answer and when to hold your tongue.

Whatever you do, don't respond in kind. You can't throw dirt without getting your hands dirty. Don't become defensive. It's natural to want to vindicate yourself, but no matter how off-base the critic may be, cut him, or her, some slack. We never know what is going on in their life away from our relationship.

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Ask God to help you to know when to be silent and when to, gently but firmly, set the record straight.

But, above all else, remember that you're in good company. Every great servant of God in history has had to deal with criticism and slander. Unless it has merit, wear it as a medal of honor!

_______________________

Robert Leslie Holmes, pastor of Pittsburgh's First Presbyterian Church, is a contributing editor to Preaching. He is the author of a number of books. The latest, The Creed: Life Principles for Today (Ambassador-Emerald Int'l), examines the Apostles' Creed in the light of post-modernism. You may reach him at rlholmes@fpcp.org.