You’ll build a great church, pastor, if you ever learn how to communicate.<\/p>\n
Listening to that sermon was like drinking from a fire hydrant.<\/p>\n
I’m so disappointed! I wanted you to give God all the glory. And you missed it!<\/p>\n
Your preaching is too intellectual.<\/p>\n
Your preaching is too practical.<\/p>\n
You don’t talk enough about social justice.<\/p>\n
You talk about social justice too much.<\/p>\n
Your preaching is over people’s heads.<\/p>\n
Your preaching isn’t deep enough. Give us meat, not milk.<\/i>
…Some of these criticisms surprised me. Some felt unfair. A few hurt. Some were well-deserved (especially the “fire hydrant” comment). Occasionally they roll off, but the fact I remember so many of them proves they stick. Every experienced preacher could add to the list. Personal criticism is one of the job hazards of Christian ministry.<\/p>\n
It’s also one of the great benefits….<\/p>\n