With God’s help, I want to encourage you in avoiding burnout by discussing seven ways to cope with criticism in the ministry. My prayer is that these insights will be helpful to you as a minister of the gospel in addressing this significant issue. Many ministers experience burnout because they have not learned how to handle criticism well.

Criticism is the number one reason why ministers burn out or even abandon their calling. It is astonishing how little has been written on this subject. As ministers, our calling is not to rise above all criticism but to handle it faithfully. Criticism provides an opportunity for growth, maturity, and sanctification, teaching us faithfulness even in this difficult area of ministry. With this in mind, I want to present seven practical ways to respond to criticism faithfully.

1. Consider Criticism to Be Inevitable

There is an old Dutch saying: “He who stands up in the front will get kicked in the rear.” As a leader, you will inevitably face criticism. It is impossible to live in a perpetual honeymoon with your congregation and avoid all negative feedback. John Wesley once wrote in his journal, “Lord, what’s wrong? I haven’t received any criticism all day long!”

Ministers engage in what has been called “visioneering.” They develop visions for their ministry and seek to implement change—something that naturally invites criticism from those who prefer the status quo. Jesus Himself said, “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” Expect criticism. Do not be surprised or ambushed by it.

2. Consider the Motive and the Source

It is essential to get the facts straight, listen well, and understand the criticism accurately. Is there a deeper issue behind the complaint? Is the critic struggling with unresolved anger, depression, jealousy, or shattered expectations?

A key question to ask is: Is this person genuinely seeking to help improve my ministry, or is their criticism driven by another motive? As a general rule, give the critic the benefit of the doubt unless you have strong evidence to believe otherwise.

Additionally, it helps to recognize patterns in different types of critics. Flatterers who once praised you may soon turn against you. Those seeking attention may feel hurt when they do not receive it. Power-hungry individuals may support you only as long as they feel in control. Gossipers create division like underground moles disturbing the peace of the church. Understanding the source of the criticism can make a significant difference in how you process and respond to it.

3. Consider the Content of the Criticism

Criticism, even when painful, can provide valuable insights. Some of our best friends are those who lovingly, openly, and intelligently disagree with us. As Proverbs says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Constructive criticism is like medicine—bitter to swallow but beneficial in the long run.

David Powlison reminds us that critics can be used by God to expose blind spots, areas of neglect, or attitudes that contradict our stated commitments. Ask yourself: What is the critic saying that might help me improve? If there is truth in the critique, absorb it, confess any faults, and make necessary changes. If the criticism is unfounded, thank the person for their concern and move on. Do not let criticism fester inside of you.

4. Consider the Context

The circumstances surrounding criticism can influence whether it is valid or not. When receiving criticism, take time to reflect before responding. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours before reacting. Often, after prayer and reflection, we find ourselves in a better state to respond with grace rather than defensiveness.

Remember, in ministry, people often remember your reactions more than your actions. If you do not handle criticism well, it will eventually damage your ministry. Stay calm, walk in integrity, and allow time to reveal the truth. Luke 21:19 says, “In your patience possess ye your souls.”

5. Consider Yourself

Criticism can be God’s way of protecting us from pride and self-sufficiency. Ask yourself: Am I responding appropriately? Ministers who develop the habit of feeling slighted should examine their hearts closely.

To guard against unhealthy responses, seek accountability. I personally have three accountability partners:

1. My wife – If she is wise and honest, she can provide invaluable perspective.
2. A close elder or church leader – Someone who knows me well and can confront me in love.
3. A fellow minister from another church – A trusted friend who offers outside wisdom and helps me evaluate my responses.
4. Consider Scripture

Some ministers have fragile egos and cannot endure even mild criticism, while others become so hardened that they lose a tender heart. We need a balance—the heart of a child for receiving faithful criticism and the hide of a rhinoceros for enduring baseless attacks.

Scripture helps us develop this balance. Meditate on verses such as:

• “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Eph. 6:10)
• “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love.” (Rom. 12:10)
• “All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Rom. 8:28)

By soaking ourselves in God’s Word, we gain strength to endure criticism and wisdom to respond rightly.

7. Consider Christ

Above all, we must look to Jesus. Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself.” If the perfect, sinless Son of God was falsely accused, mocked, and crucified, how can we expect to avoid criticism?

At times, we may be criticized unfairly. I once faced a completely false accusation from an elder, and I struggled with frustration and anger. In my distress, I picked up a book, and the author wrote something that changed my perspective: “If you are being criticized unfairly, praise the Lord! Your critic does not even know how bad you really are in the depths of your heart.”

This humbled me. I realized that even when accusations are false, my sinfulness runs deeper than what my critics see. When this truth sank in, I found myself weeping—not in anger but in gratitude to God for His mercy.

Conclusion

No matter how much we are criticized, we are never criticized as much as we deserve. And we are certainly never criticized as much as Jesus was. Understanding this truth allows us to turn to Christ, find strength in Him, and trust that He is using even our critics for our good.

Let us endure criticism with faith, humility, and confidence in God’s sovereign purpose.