It is inevitable that pastors and other church leaders will face criticism. Some critics will be well-intentioned while others will be bent on destruction; some will be attempting to do the right thing (even if in a ham-fisted way) while others will be attempting to wreak havoc. Yet the prideful and troubling temptation can be to treat them all the same. In his book The Heart of the Preacher, Rick Reed lists four common critics and offers appropriate and constructive ways to respond to each of them.
Anonymous critics shoot from the shadows. They place unsigned notes in the offering plate or send letters with no signature or return address. (What to do about them: “If someone is unwilling to own up to his or her critique, I don’t feel obligated to give it much weight. In fact, a scathing, unsigned letter may best remain unread. Another option involves giving the letter to an ally to read. This allows someone you trust to filter the criticism and distill any valid comments.)
Analysts don’t see themselves as critical, just concerned about accuracy. They delight in pointing out areas where a preacher misspoke. They rush up right after the sermon
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