How to Respond to Unfair Criticism

In this episode, Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock discuss an article from Matt Henslee about how to respond when you hear these unfortunate phrases from church members.

1. “You couldn’t preach your way out of a paper bag.”
2. “We get it; we need to share the gospel. Find something else to preach.”
3. “I can’t look at you when you preach because you don’t wear a suit.”
4. “We aren’t going to get as close to you as the last pastor.”
5. “You obviously don’t look at my tithe amount.”
6. “Preacher, that was a good message. It would have been better if you weren’t so fat.”
7. “You can preach, but you’re a lousy pastor.”
8. “Stop preaching about our sin. We already know what we’re doing wrong; just preach love.”
9. “You’re an elder?!?! Wow! I don’t know what to say…”
10. “I’m leaving because it’s too cold in here. We need to keep it at 78.”
11. “You just canceled church during COVID so you could have more vacation time.”
12. “I didn’t vote for you, and I still wouldn’t. I just don’t like you.”
13. “Eventually, you’ll figure out how to preach.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

13 Things a Churchgoer Should Never Say to a Pastor by Matt Henslee