False Praise & Distorted Criticism
One of the highlights of Catalyst for me last week was listening to Chuck Swindoll preach. I’ve listened to his sermons since I was in college. He shared with us the leadership lessons he’s learned over the decades of his ministry. One of his points which really stuck out with me was his thoughts about the opinions of others.
He essentially said,
“There will be people in your life who basically want to worship you. In their eyes you can do no wrong. They put you up on a pedestal and believe every word, every action, every thought is pure as the fallen snow.”
“On the other hand you will have your critics for whom you can do nothing right. Every word, action, and thought will be criticized with little thought to who you are as a person.”
He said the wise leader will not take either one of these groups serious. I don’t think he meant we shouldn’t still love them because I believe we should. I think he meant we shouldn’t allow them to shape and mold us. Their false worship and eager critical hearts will simply damage the work God is doing in you and through you.
Late last night someone sent me a link to a radio program that had aired earlier in the day. I listened to this guy spend two hours bashing me and taking one of my messages and going line by line tearing it apart. My first thought was…well, I can’t tell you my first thought. My second thought was, Who has this kind of time? And why would he go online and pick the one message he thought he could pick on the most? Why would someone who calls himself a Christian do this? How does this build up the Kingdom?
And then I thought about Swindoll’s words and I turned the radio show off, shut my computer, climbed into bed with my amazing wife and was reminded of how grateful I am for the things God is doing in my life.
Hear me now: Don’t waste your time listening to false praise or distorted criticism. The praise will go straight to your head and the criticism will go directly to your heart. Both will lead you astray and both will damage the work God is doing in you and through you.
Which is more likely to get you off course? Praise or criticism?
*Note: Please do not go on the guy’s blog above and say negative things. A reaction is exactly what he’s looking for and it only get’s him going more. At the end of the day he’s someone I’m called to love and extend grace to. While I clearly don’t do ministry in the way he does, we’re on the same team. Plus, he’s right. It really wasn’t my best message. 
90 Comments:
Which is more likely to get you off course? Praise when the criticism has been especially tough, and criticism when the praise has been especially good!
[Reply]
John Atkinson
6:39 am
Boy oh boy did I need this to share with a few others I know today. People in the public eye. Thanks for sharing this.
[Reply]
Daniel Decker
6:43 am
@John, dang that is good stuff.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
7:02 am
It frustrates me to no end when people choose to tear each other down. How is that helping build the kingdom. It may not have been your best message, but I learned so much from it at the time I listened to it.
I think they both could equally get you off course. If you take the praise without realizing God gave you your gifts that you are being praised for you could fall pretty hard. On the other hand criticism can damage your self esteem so much that it paralyzes you.
[Reply]
Amy
7:03 am
I think they can be equally damaging….
But I am so glad you closed all your “gates” with that negativity. It’s usually the people who are shaking things up for God that gets the enemy’s attention.
*~Michelle~*´s last blog ..My Thanku Haiku
[Reply]
*~Michelle~*
7:06 am
Pete: I am ashamed to admit that I was once in the camp of those who did more criticizing of others than building up. I have come to the conclusion: waste of time. Also rather unbiblical. I do not always agree with others and certainly know that others don’t always agree with me but what is the use in chopping down another? Need to be discerning? Sure. But to spew vitriol is just plain wrong. Reminds me of Westboro church and Charles Hill’s recent post about a man at a Mormon convention. Reaches no one and accomplishes nothing. Now about what you wrote and Swindoll said: 100% agree. To believe either one is dangerous and detrimental. I have had to shut off both. Listen, discern and trust those I have come to trust to tell me the truth. this is a great post and I was glad that you were able to shut it off and go be with your amazing wife.
bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Day of Service
[Reply]
bill (cycleguy)
7:14 am
I love how God is continuing to develop your heart, Pete, and I love how you transparently share so others can gain perspective and grow.
Amy Colon´s last blog ..My Home School Top 10
[Reply]
Amy Colon
7:16 am
Good reminder Pete. Keep your chin up, and remember that the people who will always tell you the truth are the ones who live in your house.
[Reply]
Bill Todd
7:17 am
I think I have the potential to let both get me off course.
Too much praise can make me prideful thinking I am someone or something I am not. Too much criticism can make me prideful that the criticizer is wrong and I am right, “who are they to criticize me?” – So I need to be careful with both.
By the way this was the VERY BEST post I have ever read and one of the VERY WORST post I have ever read, haha!
Nick´s last blog ..Revolutionary Change through Water
[Reply]
Nick
7:17 am
Criticism without question.
Amy´s last blog ..A Daddy’s Kiss
[Reply]
Amy
7:23 am
@Nick, I like that balance!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
7:26 am
Thank you for sharing this. Critical (negative) thinking amongst us is so counterproductive. False praise or excessive criticism do nothing for us except they can derail us in the areas of ministry, if we let them. I love Bill Todd’s commment – so true. Hold on to that! Review where God has brought you, Crosspoint and the ministries that have come about through Crosspoint. Look around. The fruitbearing is there. Whether your one sermon wasn’t ‘all that’, isn’t the point, is it? Praying for the private Christian radio show and his heart.
[Reply]
Vicki
7:27 am
Pete,
I must admit you’re taking it well. And even though you are taking it well…I hope you don’t mind…I’m gonna pray for your strength.
I’m listening to the radio broadcast…I probably won’t have time to hear all of it…but I do wanna hear what this guy is saying.
I must also say this: its sounds to me like a sign that God’s about to take your ministry higher. Everytime a critic raises to tear down a popular ministry God ends us turning it for the ministers good. Whether it be Billy Graham or any other ministry you can think: controversy catapults. Them tearing down actually HELPS in getting the message out faster and quicker.
I think God allows the critics to talk to raise us up and at the same time keep us humble.
Just my thoughts…but I’m praying for you:)
Michael Holmes´s last blog ..If Your Ministry Sucks, Don’t Expect Technology to Save It
[Reply]
Michael Holmes
7:29 am
Pete,
Have never met you, but follow you on Twitter and listen almost weekly to your messages via podcast.
I appreciate your honesty, grace, heart, and openess about your life.
Sometimes it is one line out of a message that grabs my attention, and I am sure that message spoke to someone.
Have been in (and am working on leaving) a church that speaks much about grace, but doesn’t extend it, I am impressed with what I see of Crosspoint from the distance.
Pete, let your overall body of work speak for you and your church. It does some pretty amazing work.
Praying for you today.
[Reply]
Karin
7:37 am
Generally whenever I hear excessive criticism of anyone in any area my first thought is directed towards the person doing the criticizing… as in, ‘wow, take some of that energy and direct it at something that needs the kind of time you obviously have’.
I think when I’m feeling good about myself it is easier to handle criticism and let too much praise get me off track. If I’m in a low place to begin with then it is much easier to allow criticism to get me off track.
joyce´s last blog ..The Art of Coming Home
[Reply]
joyce
7:38 am
I always seem to get to these dances late! @Nick and @John have already expressed where I am. I like to think it’s criticism, because I really like the praise — guess that should be a clue.
I’ve been with @Bill(cycleguy) in being one of the criticizers. Whew! I could smoke someone in nothing flat. Now, I see that all that does is tear down the Kingdom of God and keep people from even wanting to hear about it. I don’t want to answer for that.
So now I will make sure that this post is posted in my Evernote so that I can pull up the reminder to check up when I hear stuff — good or bad. Galatians 1:10
By the way, LOVED the comment that it wasn’t your message anyway!
[Reply]
Faye
7:40 am
I would guess you have plenty of people from both extremes in your life – comes with the territory – and I am sure you have plenty of people who give you honest praise and criticism that is helpful as well. Here’s some “honest” criticism: in the second to last paragraph above, i think you meant to say “hear me now” instead of “here me now.”
Seriously, I love your blog – not because your words are as pure as the fallen snow (love that line) but because it is genuinely entertaining and inspirational. Every post isn’t perfect, but this one was pretty stinkin’ good. Thanks, man.
[Reply]
codyvilla
7:43 am
@codyvilla, you’re the man! Thanks for the “honest” criticism. I got it fixed.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
7:50 am
Thanks, Pete. Helps keep me anchored. I RTed that one.
[Reply]
Kerry Bural
7:57 am
Pete: Drew and I are headed right back into ministry in January. I’m already aware of the “praise” and the “criticism” that will come my way. I’m expecting both. I know it’s coming. And I’m bracing myself.
Thank you for these words today – I need to know how to walk on, in the midst of fingers pointing at me, whether in applause or insult. I’ll remember this post. I’ll remember these words.
mandythompson´s last blog ..Anybody could do this. And, yet, not just anybody could think of this.
[Reply]
mandythompson
8:00 am
Sometimes it is not the head on attacks. The one that gets me is the criticism of my family. I like to think I have developed a thick skin in my time, but it turns out I am remarkably thin when it comes to people in the church attacking my wife and/or son to get to me. The instinct is to protect the ones you love from harm and it kicks in hard with me when they lash out at them to get to me.
BTW – I’d say if someone felt the need to take that much of their time to try and pick apart what you are doing for the Kingdom, then you are on the right track. Keep on keepin on! I saw someone above mention Gal. 1:10. When I see that verse, I also like to go over and read Gal. 2:20. “The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God”
[Reply]
Jay
8:06 am
What’s really sad is that if you look at the @piratechristian Twitter feed, he’s arguing with other Christians. Doesn’t he realize that we are now living in the end times getting closer and closer to the return of our Lord?
Our energy is better spent in reaching out to those who don’t have a saving faith through Jesus Christ and exhorting our brothers and sisters in the faith through the power of God’s living Word!
I will listen, but I probably won’t have the patience to listen for long.
[Reply]
blendahtom Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Hi Russ,
I know this is late.. found this via a @jaredcwilson post..
“Doesn’t he realize that we are now living in the end times getting closer and closer to the return of our Lord?”
— I think he does realize this very point you made.. . I would ask you to read 2 Tim 4 to see his point.. now I do think there can be made a case of his tone and manner 2Tim 2:25 that needs to be better but listening to the podcast he made many valid points and to just brush of this rebuke/critique I don’t think is wise.
my. 02
God Bless,
Tom
blendahtom´s last blog ..BlendahTom: @jaredcwilson amen to that!
[Reply]
Russ
8:12 am
Praise often can lead me astray more than criticism…If I’m not careful I can begin to trust myself more and God less…
Criticism, while painful, often leads me to a place of self reflection and seeking Gods perspective on the situation as well as His wisdom and grace in how to handle it. I often ask God what He is trying to teach me through it and so I grow more often through persecution than praise…the end result is always good but the process stinks!
[Reply]
Osann Heisner
8:14 am
Many moons ago I blogged and felt the rush of increasing stat counts and comments on items that I wrote. I made many friends who I still have however for a period my writing became distorted and became a production of content instead of free content from the heart. I have always thought you have done a great job from the outward balance you show. I pray that inwardly that you have that same balance as well.
[Reply]
lance lockhart
8:25 am
I tumble (not stumble, I fall headlong) into both of those.
We need to encourage and edify one another, not dissect another Christian, or any other human. As a pastor though, I think you were a target–you have so many praying for you.
Is it true they’ll know we are Christians by our love? I think we need more love for one another. I just can’t imagine waking up in the morning and wondering who I’m going to target and tear apart that day. And yet, I know I am that person some days.
Praise God for the grace He gives through Christ.
Tina Dee´s last blog ..Snarkyness, Pest Peeves, & An Unusual Giveaway
[Reply]
Tina Dee
8:36 am
Great post, Pete! I retweeted it and posted it on Facebook.
I think being in the public eye can be a great gift and a great curse. It’s like putting a big bullseye on your forehead. People respond out of their brokenness – either by falling on the ground in adulation or by trying to tear a person to shreds. We can respond to praise and criticism out of our brokenness, too, by believing the best or worst and letting that throw us off course.
For me, personally, it depends on the day, the phase of the moon, and how much coffee I’ve had.
I try to remember that (a) we’re all broken, (b) Jesus got thrashed so if I get a taste of that it’s only to be expected, (c) nobody hears/sees/understands completely, and (d) the ones who get my message are the ones for whom it is actually intended (those who have ears to hear will hear).
Michelle Brown´s last blog ..Life in Paradox (Part 1)
[Reply]
Michelle Brown
8:38 am
Unfortunately, I think what gets me off course the most is praise for someone else when I don’t think they deserve it, especially if my own efforts are being ignored or criticized. I fight not to have those feelings, because I don’t think they benefit anyone at all. But some days I’m just small!
Jan C.´s last blog ..Not sure if the appropriate title is “Peace,” or “Gag me with a spoon”–you decide.
[Reply]
Jan C.
8:41 am
I believe that nothing gives The Devil more pleasure than to convince Christians to judge, attack and tear down other Christians. Way to go Mr. Radio Man… you’ve got Satan doing a little happy dance today, and that’s the saddest part of all. Hang in there Pete! God knows your heart!
[Reply]
Marcia Ramirez
8:47 am
Pete, you reacted exactly the way I prayed you would after listening to about as much of that program as I could stand. Praise God for his grace and patience that He allows us to borrow from time to time : )
[Reply]
AymieJoi
9:12 am
For me, definitely criticism gets to me, more than praise. When I receive praise, I try to defer that praise to others, as well as praise God for using me to do what He wants me to do.
Blessings to you for sharing this!
[Reply]
Michael Levitt
9:14 am
I SOOOO need this today. Thanks, Pete! I love your spirit.
Michael Hyatt´s last blog ..Religion—in the Worst Sense of the Word
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Michael Hyatt
9:24 am
For me it’s criticism. I’m terribly tender hearted. So it causes me to question and doubt myself and to feel like a total failure – and that stops me in my tracks. It makes me withdraw from relationships. It makes me terrified to try again. I believe the bad things people say about me much more than the good things……
Jan Owen´s last blog ..Facing Change
[Reply]
Jan Owen
9:43 am
Pete,
You know that some of my critics are very vocal about my work. I have made a point to stop reading/listening to the vicious, non constructive criticism. I don’t want to be guilty of doing something I would normally not do or stop doing something because I feel the need to prove a point to someone who does not know me or my heart.
I am still looking for the people who will worship me and tell me everything I do is amazing.
Maurilio Amorim´s last blog ..We Should Never Grow Old
[Reply]
Maurilio Amorim
9:52 am
Both praise AND criticism have negative effects on me.
If I get praised, I criticize myself for not doing as a good a job as the person praising me thinks – and essentially deceiving them into thinking I’ve done better than I have.
If I get criticized, I take it straight to heart and believe every word….
I know that’s wrong, I’m just being realistic and honest.
I need to find a balance somewhere!
Great post, Pete.
Peter P´s last blog ..Help me, you creative geniuses
[Reply]
Peter P
9:52 am
Wow. This is good. Really good. Not that you are being criticized but I imagine at how much you have grown. True? Would the Pete Wilson early on in ministry have been able to handle this criticism with as much grace? Would the young man that surrendered to following Jesus into ministry…would he have been able to handle this without it defeating him for weeks? months?
I don’t know you, but I know that for me criticism and praise used to be a big deal. It either fed my ego or defeated it. As my inner life has transformed the outer interactions do not carry as much weight. You will always have critics. You will always have flatterers. With maturity in Christ comes the ability to handle excessive praise and excessive criticism.
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.” – William Arthur Ward
Praying for you as you adjust your sails.
jessica´s last blog ..Prayer: Distractions
[Reply]
jessica
9:56 am
Critical spirit
Cannibal – feeds on itself
Let’s starve that sucker!
http://ChristianHaiku.com
Matt 7:1-2, Luke 6:37-38, Rom 2:1-2, Prov 17:22…
[Reply]
ChristianHaiku
10:08 am
I would have to say both can cause equal amounts of damage and sometimes in ways that you never imagine. For example, if you have a large group giving you false praise someone who can see you for who you really are…a (GASP!) human being with flaws…will come off wondering what kind of organization you’re really running when you want a band of sycophants.
As for me…it’s like @John said.
Jason´s last blog ..I’m glad I didn’t win the trip to Catalyst ’09
[Reply]
Jason
10:24 am
Hey Pete,
You don’t know me but I listen online to your lessons and I feel like I know you. I’m a member of a church of Christ in Oklahoma. I know you have taken some shots at the coC but they are probably deserved. I love listening to your lessons. There are times when I’m not so sure but I will say this Pete I know that you love God and you have a great understanding of what it’s like to have a relationship with him.
So I listen to this guy’s blog podcast and I commented(whether he will show it or not that is another story). I know you said not to but I don’t attend crosspoint so I don’t have to listen to you. Right? jk I hope I wasn’t to negative but I only got through part of it where you where talking about walking like Jesus walked and he commented that could get you killed. That was all I could take. Why would I listen to someone who did not want to walk like Jesus. I told him that he came across like the pharisee who was praying – God I’m thankful I’m not like this man. I told him that he needed to pray to God for his help to re-evaluate his mission. I told him that I wouldn’t be listening to him but that I would be praying for him.
Keep up the good work Pete!
In christian love, Rodney
[Reply]
Rodney
10:34 am
I a healthy emotional states I’m better at discerning value in both criticism and praise, and in my most defensive or insecure emotional states I can’t do that. It usually depends on how emotionally healthy I am at the moment. If I find myself ‘trying cases’ in my head, ie repeatedly rehearsing my defenses to this criticism or that comment, etc., I know I’m at my worst. That’s my red flag.
[Reply]
Bill Renfrew
10:36 am
“In my…”, not “I a”
[Reply]
Bill Renfrew
10:37 am
Criticism. My overreaction to criticism is a reminder of how I’m not finding my identity in Christ but instead how others perceive me. Sometimes it stings more than it should, and my reaction is to mentally attack the person offering it. Then I usually try to figure out all of the reasons the person is wrong instead of considering that they may be correct.
[Reply]
ally
10:39 am
@Maurilio That’s awesome.
[Reply]
Bill Renfrew
10:47 am
Okay, I DID go to the link, and this critic must be an adventure to be around. I’m sad, not just because a self-proclaimed Pete-critic feels the need to straighten us all out, but because, once again, someone sees the world as closed and needing protection instead of open and needing transformation. A lot of pastors I know have spent years helping people recover from such abrasive truth-correctors. At the end of the day, it’s loving others that redirects our need for the TRUTH from Scripture to be lived out before a hungry world.
Tom´s last blog ..How about some FAITH, HOPE and LOVE?
[Reply]
Tom
10:57 am
WOW, what a lesson to be learned in this experience…. No coincidence if you ask me that this happened no sooner then when you got back from hearing that message from Chuck Swindoll! By-the-way, is Chuck Luci Swindoll’s husband???
Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..Just another day in Paradise!
[Reply]
Lauren Kelly
11:20 am
GUILTY as charged! And both…because my eyes are never focused on what God is doing when I listen to either side.
[Reply]
Paula
11:24 am
@maurilio, Keep looking.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
11:56 am
My post earlier should have read:
…I think you WEAR a target
God bless you.
Tina Dee´s last blog ..Snarkyness, Pest Peeves, & An Unusual Giveaway
[Reply]
Tina Dee
12:50 pm
Pete, it would be so easy to tear into that guy but I would prefer to just say thank you to you. Love what you & CrossPoint are doing. Keep up the good work.
[Reply]
Nathan Jeter
1:17 pm
@Nathan, thanks man.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
1:31 pm
@Lauren, Luci Swindoll is Chuck’s sister. I’ve had the privilege of working with both of them and they are the real deal. Great people.
Maurilio Amorim´s last blog ..We Should Never Grow Old
[Reply]
Maurilio Amorim
1:48 pm
Pete,
Boy can I identify with this. As my hubby says about all mankind, pastors included: “They put their pants on one leg at a time.” I would have to say both can be snares, but I really try and avoid critisicm which is not really a good thing. Marginal living is the result, I suppose. The more one steps out and leads, the more arrows that I believe will come from the back. However, I am reminded constantly of Eph 6 that we battle not against flesh and blood. The enemy’s course is to shut us up and shut us down. If what is in our hearts is the love of Christ for man kind, then what matters most is what Christ’s perspective towards us it, not man’s. I can remember after I would sing a special at church, people would come to me with compliments, or say that song really ministered to me….My dad gave me a wise visual picture that helped me so much. He said, “just envision that people are giving you a rose (compliment) and in my heart I immediately hand it up to Christ. All done in His name and for His glory. Great post Pete.
[Reply]
Storie
2:17 pm
Pete,
I admit, I started to listen to it just so I could reply to him. But after some of the first words out of his mouth were words criticizing your hair, your dress and your “soul patch” it was easy to assume he was not worth listening to. I appreciate your heart on this, and it taught me a lesson today! Thanks man!
[Reply]
Jason Petermann
2:20 pm
I think the one that is more likely to get you off course is the one you have the hardest time deciphering as genuine “praise” or “criticism”.
[Reply]
Scott Dye
2:47 pm
Hi Pete,
I listened to this guy’s show. The guy comes across as a total jerk, but I have to admit that he made a lot of valid points despite his poor delivery.
A wise man is able to pick useful feedback even out of the harshest criticism. I would suggest you take heed of his point that you introduced a lot of ideas that weren’t actually in the Bible.
God bless you, and I hope you bear much fruit as you continue to seek God.
Jon
[Reply]
Jon
2:52 pm
Hi Pete. I totally admire and agree with your point that it is important to separate the criticism and not let it shape you. I think it takes immense character and even courage to listen and face up to criticism, whether it’s warranted or not, and move on, whereas completely ignoring it takes no courage at all.
At the same time, I’m actually amazed at how many commenters are completely missing the fact that one can criticize an IDEA or a STATEMENT without actually criticizing the PERSON who holds the idea or makes the statement. Someone even called the radio host a “Pete-critic”. Isn’t it insanely hypocritical to call him a “Pete-critic” who is “judging” other christians and making the devil do a “happy dance”, when those very comments are doing the same exact thing?
Listening to the show, it is clear that he is not criticizing YOU but what you had to say. Yes, that must be extremely hard to hear. But I don’t think it’s automatically unchristian. I see Paul explicitly criticize Peter’s hypocritical actions with the Jews. Why would someone who calls himself a Christian do this? How does this build up the Kingdom? Well, he wasn’t tearing Peter down; he was correcting incorrect behavior. I’m sure Peter would have hated to hear it, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t warranted. The lesson is that sometimes criticism is necessary, even Biblical. Perhaps it would be better to think of it as correction, and recognize that the corrector is, like the rest of us, a sinner saved by God’s grace on account of Christ.
All I’m saying is that it’s important to distinguish between personal attacks and criticism of a sermon’s content. I think your post was fair, but misleading about the radio host’s motives. Unfortunately the majority of commenters have completely failed to see the irony in their statements about judging and criticizing.
Our Lord’s peace to you, Pete.
[Reply]
Andrew
3:00 pm
Thanks Andrew. I really don’t want to get into the host’s motives. I don’t know him. I don’t know his motives. What I do believe is he searched through tons of my messages to find the one he thought would be easy to pick on and prove his point. Fair? Who knows. Guess it goes with the territory. I didn’t take his comments personal at all. He’s just doing what he believes is his job.
I receive constructive criticism or “correction” as you call it all the time from trusted sources. However, I think I’m going to pass on the radio guy whose trying to drive up his ratings by bashing other people.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
3:11 pm
@Jon, hear ya bro. It certainly was not the most gospel-centric message I’ve given.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
3:12 pm
My false self wants to kick the butt of his annoying self.
[Reply]
britt
4:32 pm
I didn’t hear the broadcast and have no intention of doing so or reading the guy’s blog, but I admire your response here.
Responding to your question, in my own life, praise and the resulting prideful boost has gotten me in more trouble than criticism ever did. When criticized I automatically reach out to the Lord for comfort or understanding; Praise, on the other hand, makes me feel like I had something to do with it when in fact, any success I have is all because of God.
[Reply]
Shari
4:50 pm
I am who God says I am–His beloved daughter. My life is not based on other people’s opinions of me. My responsibility is to God–He and I are working on me.
[Reply]
patriciazell
6:09 pm
My former pastor gave me some advice that still rings in my ears after 20 plus years of ministry. “When people talk bad about you, don’t pay any attention to them…. When people talk good about you, don’t pay any attention to them.” They both mess me up, and have.
[Reply]
Randy Wood
7:29 pm
Dear God, can I have the last 25 mins of my life back? I feel like I just got through listening to a sports or comedy show, not a “christian” critic. Our small group often debates about your messages and I believe that this is healthy, because sometimes some of us disagree with you. You know why, Pete?…because, “news flash,” your’re not God. What does a healthy church look like to this guy? He critiqued you like he has a special “red” phone that talks to God or a special computer that translates the word to perfection. His arrogance reeks of self-righteousness and all I know to do is pray that his heart will be opened someday.
Jody´s last blog ..Too tired
[Reply]
Jody
7:44 pm
I am just glad that now I am not the only one bashing you!!!!!! Ha, ha.
It is interesting that individuals in most professions (especially those in a more public eye) often internally oscillate between exuberant confidence and self-doubt. The “talking heads” like to assist in that process. The challenge is maintaining CONFIDENT HUMILITY.
In this “digital, blogosphere, You Tube” society, opinions are cheap. This is where the gift of discernment needs to be exercised. Keep fighting the good fight…and go fishing once in awhile.
Nate VZ´s last blog ..It’s Out – Finally!!!
[Reply]
Nate VZ
8:46 pm
Someone recently told me that God allows the criticism of man to innoculate us against the praise of man. Not sure how I feel about that, but it seems to hold some truth.
I struggle much more with receiving criticism because I believe it. The thing is for me, I don’t ever want to “falsely flatter” but I struggle with finding the balance between being loving and supportive and being honest. So, I try to offer support and encouragement and sometimes, that is probably not the right response.
[Reply]
Julie
9:46 pm
@Andrew.
He called Pete’s hair “weird” and his clothes “silly”. I’m pretty sure that IS criticizing the person and a personal attack.
I couldn’t listen to the whole thing. It was incredibly condescending.
It’s dangerous having the sort of attitude that you know the right way to be a Christian and everyone else is wrong…
[Reply]
Andy
10:54 pm
In discerning whether the criticism is valid, shouldn’t we consider what it was that he was criticizing, Pete? (And I will grant a prior commenter that his criticisms of how you look are not valid and not helpful). His overarching criticism was twofold: 1. You weren’t preaching the good news (and before anyone responds that you were, I suggest that they take a moment to consider what the good news actually is) and 2. Not only were you not preaching the good news, what you were preaching wasn’t biblical.
Is criticism fun to receive? Absolutely not. But is it sometimes necessary to get us back on track? Yes! Especially as a pastor, if we have strayed from preaching the good news of Jesus Christ crucified for the forgiveness of our sins, we should be criticized and we should be rebuked.
[Reply]
Patrick
4:12 am
I can’t listen to it because my computer is being rebellious, but I have a few thoughts.
If the person thought Pete was wrong, should he not have approached Pete in private first? How is a podcast picking him apart leading people toward Christ? Where is the edification? Are Pete’s clothes or hair a matter of eternal consequence? There have been times I didn’t agree with Pete and it’s ok. This is what I know to be true, my spiritual journey and spiritual growth are dependent upon me. A Pastor can preach and lead, but it’s up to me to study the Word and make sure what he is saying lines up, etc… As far as preaching the good news, is that all Pastors are supposed to speak on? I see Paul addressing various issues through the NT and yes, it always comes back to furthering our walk with the Lord, but it’s not always the topic.
Pastors are going to have times the just miss it. There’s going to be times they let people down, annoy people, and are just plain wrong. It’s part of being human and working out the flesh. So, I would think prayer, encouragement, prayer, edification, prayer, and discipline (if needed by trusted people), and prayer, but most importantly, love, should be the way to address anyone, even Pastors. A critical podcast? Not so much.
[Reply]
Julie
5:39 am
“As far as preaching the good news, is that all Pastors are supposed to speak on? I see Paul addressing various issues through the NT and yes, it always comes back to furthering our walk with the Lord, but it’s not always the topic”
I fail to recall Paul addressing dream jobs. Which epistle was that in again?
[Reply]
Patrick
6:02 am
LOL Patrick, I didn’t say he spoke about dream jobs and I didn’t get to listen to the message he was tearing apart. I am speaking to the general theme of criticism and was asking a question based on responses I’d read here. However, I pray the Lord gives me a dream and that I am able to work in that passion.
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Julie
6:57 am
@Patrick, listed dude, this is really silly. Go listen to the whole series. The series all though titled “Dream Job” really isn’t about “jobs” at all.
It’s about finding our identity in Christ while living in a world that tempts us to find our identity in such things as our occupation. Something that Paul actually had quite a bit to say about.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
7:12 am
Don’t worry, be happy and stick with the journey…thats what I’m trying to do daily!!
… let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1
[Reply]
Phil Chalos
7:33 am
Pete, just want to go on record with a word of encouragement for you. I’ve never met you, never heard you in person, can’t listen or watch you on the Internet because we live too far out in the boonies. I’m sure that if we could, we’d agree on some things and disagree on others. But you’re a Christian brother, and what I have seen, I like. It looks to me like you’re preaching what God’s taught you to the best of your ability. And I think that’ll let you hold your head up when you stand before God. And as you’re faithful to what you see now, you’ll grow. You’ll learn. Keep it up. We pray FOR you.
PS – our only family debate about you came soon after we started following you, about the time of the India trip. We all asked each other, out loud, “how can someone who’s so young and good looking be pastor of such a big church? He looks more like a YOUTH pastor.” We talked about it for a minute or two, then my daughter asked “So do we think that to be a pastor of a big church you have to be old and ugly?” Once we stopped laughing, we all gave you our vote of confidence. And you still have it.
[Reply]
Pete A.
7:55 am
I am happy you wrote this. I have recently been publicly slandered and it hurt a lot. I pray for the offenders every time I think of the situation. So, I should pray again now, and I will in a minute. I pray that you will always remember what you’ve written here. The one person on this planet that matters the most sleeps beside you. And, Pete, God is in your heart, man. Go with Him! I’m certain He’s a proud Daddy.
[Reply]
Heidi Reed
8:10 am
@Heidi, thanks Heidi. I’m praying for you!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:40 am
I’ve heard it said that if you get 100 praises and only 1 criticism, you’ll focus 99 percent of your time on the criticism. For some reason human nature causes us to desire being liked by everyone.
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Des
7:50 pm
this was one of the best things that i have heard all week. since our book was released in late july, this has certainly been the case. i have been either praised for overcoming the obstacles or i have been depicted as some sort of villian. therefore, if you would, please consider the book, Euclid Avenue, Our scars mean something. the book package is on my facebook account. the press release can be seen at eloquentbooks.com/euclidavenue.html. the book is also available at amazon.com, barnes & noble, books & co, books-a-million, borders and select hallmark book stores.
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r keith rytaran
5:48 am
I think praise. Criticism hurts, BUT, it humbles me and reminds me that God is the only one worthy of praise. Words of affirmation are my love language, and so praise is appreciated, but I have to guard my heart and mind closely when receiving it. I have to remember that “from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things.”
Chrystie´s last blog ..Choose Courage
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Chrystie
6:13 am
I don’t know how I managed it, but I just happened to hear that program. (I thought I’d landed on a Christian music station.) At first, I thought one of the voices was familiar, and when I clued in what was going on, I was absolutely horrified.
I think the problem is basically the guy just doesn’t “get it” because he’s part of an entirely different generation that really lives in a totally different set of realities. He also doesn’t think the Bible can speak to others in different ways than it speaks to him.
Out of frustration, I wrote this:
http://tinyurl.com/yh8g2xc
Paul Wilkinson´s last blog ..King James Only Advocates Set to Burn Bibles October 31st
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Paul Wilkinson
1:55 pm
@Des, so true.
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Pete Wilson
3:35 pm
“It’s about finding our identity in Christ while living in a world that tempts us to find our identity in such things as our occupation.”
I think the question that every pastor needs to ask themselves after every sermon is: Is what I just preached the good news of Jesus Christ?
Do you really think that what you preached in the sermon that was reviewed was the good news of the gospel? If you think it was, what about what you preached makes you think it was the gospel? If you don’t think it was, do you think there’s any biblical precedent for preaching it rather than the good news?
[Reply]
Patrick
5:42 am
Patrick, I am really trying not to be frustrated with you and am trying to understand where you are coming from. The good news of the gospel being what? I seriously must not be understanding you.
Again, I haven’t listened to the particular message you are speaking of, but leading people toward investigating their lives, their motives, their passions, etc… does have a place in the church. If you are talking about the good news of the gospel being the message of salvation, I can’t imagine that being the only message. What about inspiring the believer to move on in their transformation? In case you haven’t noticed, the unbelievers aren’t running into the church to hear the “good news.” WE as the body are supposed to be loving them as Christ loved them and being a walking testimony to the good news. We are all called to be ambassadors for Christ. Pete is called to lead people. I do think there is a difference, but again, I could be wrong.
[Reply]
Julie
9:46 am
“Pete is called to lead people. ”
I dont’ doubt for a second that he’s called to lead people. It’s just there’s a big difference between “leading” people and being a pastor.
[Reply]
Patrick
6:47 pm
Pete,
Just wanted to let you know that as someone who attends weekly, I have been continually blessed by the messages you have given. I am incredibly guilty of being too greatly affected by the thoughts and opinions of others and playing the game of approval and condemnation.
I heard the message before this and a lot of things really resonated within me. As I listened to this podcast critiquing your message my heart just broke for the state of the church. The mocking tone and sarcasm made me sick to my stomach. Picking and choosing parts of the Bible to combat your sermon and ignoring passages that condemn the way that he has gone about it is so disappointing.
I’m no where near perfect, but I hope that the church will start speaking to one another in love, not spreading hate and dissension against a sermon, pastor, and church that is doing some incredible things.
[Reply]
Joshua
9:26 pm
Unfortunately, criticism after a while takes its toll on me and I become bitter, cynical and withdrawn. I have very little patience for whining or complaining, particularly from people who offer little to no constructive advice or are not willing to get involved and make positive change. However, I always come out of these funks renewed and ready to dig back into the work.
Pat´s last blog ..Translation, Please – Part 1
[Reply]
Pat
8:19 am
I think the key is to distill the truth out of everything that comes our way –whether praise or cirticism.
That takes discrenment and objectivity few of us have. My wife helps me sort thru lots of that, but she’s got her own blinders, as we all do.
Remember that even your most unfair critic probably has at least one point you should pay attention to.
Similarly, there are some things your cheer-leaders say that you should simply ignore.
[Reply]
BarryGuy
10:47 am
Patrick, what is the job of a Pastor in your opinion?
[Reply]
Julie
11:26 am
First time commenter. I’m a pastor in California and relate profoundly to the reality of criticism inside and outside our churches. While I seek to listen to truth (and sometimes very small kernels of truth) embedded in the criticism of others, it is always difficult. I end up spending too much time thinking about these critical people and not reorienting my life around the grace and life of God. I began to listen to part of the podcast that you linked to and I couldn’t stand to listen for very long. The cutting criticism and quips are just too close to home. It makes me wonder about a new Phariseeism in our churches and the religion of Christianity.
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Josh
4:01 pm
I like the truth in simple words. When there is praise I wonder, what the motive is. And when I hear criticism I wonder what happened to them to make their life so hard.
[Reply]
mysoul
6:57 pm
I’ve never been to your church – but am constantly encouraged, challenged, and stretched by your messages (online).
I like to listen to both sides of a story – but I couldn’t finish the Pirate’s rant. Not only was it mean spirited, but he used ugly comments and presented them as truth.
He is ugly on the inside. I know you that from the outpouring support you’ve been receiving, but I thought it could be said once more.
Thank you for serving the Lord in such a bold way that it would put you in a public position to be mocked.
Thank you for choosing the difficult path of encouraging and teaching God’s people when it is so easy to be torn down.
[Reply]
chris
1:54 pm
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