Labels

Show more

Dealing with Criticism as a Small Church Pastor

Criticism is a part of life, and as a pastor, you're bound to receive criticism from time to time. Criticism can come in many forms, from constructive feedback to downright hurtful comments. Regardless of the form it takes, criticism can be challenging to deal with, especially for pastors of small churches who may feel vulnerable and unsupported.

It's essential to remember that criticism doesn't have to be a negative experience. It can be an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve. In this post, we'll explore some strategies that pastors of small churches can use to deal with criticism in a healthy way.

  1. Listen carefully and try to understand The first step in dealing with criticism is to listen carefully to what's being said. It can be tempting to dismiss criticism or become defensive, but it's important to resist that urge. Try to understand where the criticism is coming from and what the person is trying to communicate.

  2. Separate the criticism from the person It's important to remember that the criticism is about your behavior or actions, not about you as a person. When you receive criticism, try to separate it from the person delivering it. This can help you to view the criticism objectively and avoid taking it personally.

  3. Seek out different perspectives It's helpful to seek out different perspectives when dealing with criticism. Talk to trusted friends or mentors who can provide you with an objective view of the situation. They may be able to offer insights or suggestions that you hadn't considered.

  4. Consider the source Not all criticism is created equal. Consider the source of the criticism and their motivations for giving it. If the criticism is coming from someone who is generally negative or critical, it may be less valuable than criticism coming from someone who is genuinely interested in helping you grow.

  5. Respond thoughtfully Once you've had time to process the criticism, respond thoughtfully. Consider what you've learned from the criticism and how you can apply it moving forward. You may want to thank the person for their feedback and let them know how you plan to address their concerns.

  6. Take care of yourself Dealing with criticism can be emotionally draining, especially if it's coming from multiple sources. Take care of yourself by practicing self-care techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, or spending time with loved ones.

Dealing with criticism is never easy, but it's an essential part of growth and development. By listening carefully, seeking out different perspectives, and responding thoughtfully, pastors of small churches can use criticism to become better leaders and serve their communities more effectively. Remember to take care of yourself throughout the process, and don't hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. 


How have you dealt with criticism in the past?



Small Church Guys exists to serve you and your congregation, and we are committed to empower small churches to make a difference in their communities. We believe that no church is too small to have an impact, and we're here to help you fulfill your mission. If you are interested in learning more about how we can support you please give us a call or visit our website we hope to hear from you...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 3: When the Numbers Don’t Add Up – Why God Still Builds His Church

You don’t need a seminary degree to see that churches are closing their doors at an alarming rate. In 2025, Carey Nieuwhof’s Church Trends report estimates that church closures in the U.S. outpace new church plants by a ratio of 3-to-1 . In raw numbers, that’s potentially 7,000 churches disappearing every year. Many of these are small churches. Churches like yours. Maybe you’ve seen it firsthand. That neighboring congregation who sold their building. The pastor friend who quietly stepped away. The older church a few blocks down that once thrived but now barely keeps the lights on. And perhaps—if we’re honest—you’ve wondered: How long can we hold on? If these stats make you feel like the odds are against you, you’re not alone. But before despair creeps in, let’s pause and remember: God is not surprised. He is not panicked. And He is not powerless. He still builds His Church. This Is Not the First Time the Church Has Faced Crisis Jesus didn’t promise His followers that church growt...
Read more

Week 4: No Copy-Paste Needed – The Beauty of Being Your Church

 If you've been in ministry for more than a few months, you've probably felt the pressure: Make your church more modern, more exciting, more relevant. Maybe you've asked yourself: Do we need better lighting? Should I change my preaching style? Is our worship too old-school? Are we behind because we don’t have a full creative team or slick social media? Carey Nieuwhof’s 2025 Church Trends report calls this out directly. He points to the growing fatigue with “just-add-water” church models—the kind where every church looks, sounds, and feels exactly the same. A modern worship band. Three Hillsong or Maverick City songs. A cool logo. An upbeat sermon. Coffee. Kids check-in. Go home. There was a time when this formula “worked.” But in today’s spiritual landscape—especially among Gen Z and Millennials—it’s wearing thin. People aren’t looking for a copy of culture. They’re looking for an alternative to it . Enter: The rise of the non-derivative church. What Is a...
Read more

Church Revitalization: 5 Essential Steps to Renewing Your Church - Wk 3

Week 3: Heart Surgery – Transforming Church Culture & Addressing Conflict Church culture is the unseen force that defines how people interact, worship, and serve together. While theology and mission provide the framework, it is culture that determines whether a church thrives in unity or collapses in division. Many churches that struggle with revitalization do not have a vision problem; they have a culture problem . This week, we will examine how to diagnose unhealthy church culture, resolve conflicts biblically, and create a culture of unity and health. Diagnosing the Health of Church Culture Church culture is shaped by attitudes, behaviors, and unwritten rules that govern how people engage with one another. Here are key indicators of a toxic church culture: Persistent Conflict – Ongoing disputes that are never fully resolved. Cliques & Division – Groups within the church that exclude others. Negative Speech & Gossip – Conversations that spread division instead of encou...
Read more