Confidence Amid Criticism
Marshall Shelley and John Cionca
How we respond to criticism reveals a lot about our calling and our composure.
—Marshall Shelley
I
've always enjoyed the blend of lofty ideals and gritty realism of Jonathan Edwards, who once wrote:
"Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God. Resolved second: that whether others do or not, I will."
That resolve is rarely put to a greater test than when we are on the receiving end of pointed criticism.
Sometimes the criticism is subtle: "I think you'd benefit from listening to this tape of one of my favorite radio preachers. He really gives you the meat of the Word."
Other times the criticism is sharp: "In your sermons, I don't appreciate the way you use (pick one) humor I Scripture I contemporary analogies I personal illustrations."
Still other times, it's scathing: "Ever since you've come here, you've been prostituting the gospel."
How we respond to such attacks reveals a lot about our calling and our composure.
John Cionca has, he admits, received both compliments and criticisms during his years of ministry. He served as minister of Christian education at Trinity Baptist Church in Mesa, Arizona, and later as senior pastor of South-wood Baptist Church in Woodbury, New Jersey. He is currently dean of students at Bethel Seminary in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and he frequently serves various churches as interim pastor.
It was shortly after making the switch from the pastorate to the academic world that he reflected on the "pastoral paranoia" he experienced with critics.
As someone once pointed out, the qualifications of a pastor are these: the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of a rhinoceros.
My ministry in Woodbury, New Jersey, began on a beautiful autumn day in 1979. With a successful eight-year ministry ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,358 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
