Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry

Every pastor knows what it's like to be criticized. But how does he respond? And how does he offer constructive criticism of his own? With wisdom, charity, and a wealth of personal illustrations, Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson answer these questions and more. The Bible is full of critics, and it gives us practical principles for responding to criticism, offering criticism, and creating a healthy church culture. As Beeke and Thompson unfold a theological vision for coping with criticism in the gospel ministry, you will be strengthened, encouraged, and equipped.
When it comes to criticism in church ministry, false optimism hopes that pastors will be above reproach and their congregants fully supportive--while false pessimism holds that criticism is inevitable, constant, and only ever destructive. The truth, of course, is much more nuanced. In this short, comprehensive, and necessary book, pastors Joel Beeke and Nicholas Thompson lay biblical foundations for coping with criticism, give practical principles for receiving criticism and responding appropriately, provide guidance for offering criticism and creating a healthy church culture, and unfold a theological vision for coping with criticism in the gospel ministry. With wisdom, charity, and illustrations from decades of pastoral experience, they turn to the example and comfort of Christ, strengthening, encouraging, and equipping the reader.
When it comes to criticism in church ministry, false optimism hopes that pastors will be above reproach and their congregants fully supportive--while false pessimism holds that criticism is inevitable, constant, and only ever destructive. The truth, of course, is much more nuanced. In this short, comprehensive, and necessary book, pastors Joel Beeke and Nicholas Thompson lay biblical foundations for coping with criticism, give practical principles for receiving criticism and responding appropriately, provide guidance for offering criticism and creating a healthy church culture, and unfold a theological vision for coping with criticism in the gospel ministry. With wisdom, charity, and illustrations from decades of pastoral experience, they turn to the example and comfort of Christ, strengthening, encouraging, and equipping the reader.
When it comes to criticism in church ministry, false optimism hopes that pastors will be above reproach and their congregants fully supportive--while false pessimism holds that criticism is inevitable, constant, and only ever des