For Pastors Who Struggle with Criticism, This Book is For
You
Pastors and Their Critics is a well-thought out,
well-rounded treatment on criticism that is directed at pastors. If one were to
judge the book simply by its cover, they would come to the conclusion that it
sides with the pastor vs. any and all critics. This is simply not so.
The authors begin with criticisms leveled at Old Testament
heroes. This is a good study in what leading Old Testament figures dealt with
in the area of criticism. Moses, David, and Nehemiah are all examined. But before
them, the authors show that even God was criticized.
Then the work moves to criticisms leveled at Christ. His
reactions include silence, meekness and even the calling out of injustice. This
is a great summary of what Christ went through and how it applies to us who are
criticized.
Principles are given to cope with criticism. In this the
reader sees that the authors deal with both fair and unfair criticism. It is
pointed out that there are benefits to being criticized and that sometimes even
from an attack, there are things that can be learned from the critic.
The authors then encourage a culture of constructive criticism
within the church. This is an environment in which the critic does so while
communicating obvious love and concern for the one criticized. How to deliver
constructive criticism as well as how to receive it are gone over.
The book ends with a theological view of critics and criticism.
The authors encourage the criticized to continue to work for the Lord’s glory
and not one’s own. And in that spirit, the reader is pointed to the glories to
come.
I couldn’t recommend this book more. If you are a pastor,
get this book and read it and consider what it has to say. I won’t be loaning
my copy out as I have thoroughly marked it up and will be reminding myself of
its counsel in the future. If you are
not a pastor but you know and want to encourage someone who is, then get them this
book. Don’t wait for pastor appreciation day in October or your pastor’s
birthday or their anniversary at your church. Get it for them now and surprise
them with it and include a card letting them know you love them, you’ve got
their backs in prayer and include my review, if you wish.
Buy a copy:
From PRPBooks $12.00*
On Amazon Kindle $9.99*
On Christianbook.com $12.49*
*Prices are from the time of posting
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