Critics, you gotta love them

Critics…When you hear that word does it make your stomach churn? Its important to note here that not all criticism is a bad thing.  Some criticism can very helpful. An example of this is when my boss (Pastor Shawn Wood) tells me things that I as a leader need to work on.  I appreciate that criticism because he has a concerned interest for me.  He cares about who I am, so I don’t mind him speaking into my life.

Unfortunately  not all criticism is wanted. Negative critics can bring pain and hurt with the words that they use.  Our church from time to time takes shots from people in and out of the community (BTW this seems to be normal in church planting).  Does it hurt? yep! Does it hinder our mission of reaching those far from God? Nope! Heres why…Critics DO NOT dictate our calling as a church.  Critics DO NOT define who we are as a church. Critics DO NOT define me as a leader.  Pastor Perry Noble once said, “If Jesus and Paul could not please everybody then you can’t either”.  When critics attack you or your church you have to walk away with your character intact. You goal is for God to look at you and say, “thats how I would have handled it.”  You have to have tough skin and a soft heart. Be prepared when negative criticism comes your way!