Logos Bible Software
Sign In
Start a free trial
An Ebook—and So Much More
Discover connections between this resource, others you own, and thousands more with Logos.
Products>Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry

Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry

Publisher:
, 2020
ISBN: 9781629957524
Be the first to rate this.

Digital Logos Edition

Logos Editions are fully connected to your library and Bible study tools.
See Inside
Save 25% during the Super Sale!

$10.49

Regular price: $13.99
Save $3.50 (25%)

Overview

All pastors and church leaders experience criticism—but that doesn’t make criticism easier to process or to address well. With wisdom, charity, and illustrations from decades in the ministry, pastors Joel Beeke and Nicholas Thompson strengthen and equip the reader as they provide a biblical foundation, a Christ-focused theological vision, and practical principles for coping with, and benefitting from, criticism.

This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.

This title is included in the following collections

You can save when you purchase this product as part of a collection.

Resource Experts
  • Includes practical principles for coping with, and benefitting from, criticism
  • Provides a biblical foundation, a Christ-focused theological vision
  • Features illustrations from decades in the ministry
  • Includes practical principles for coping with, and benefitting from, criticism
  • Provides a biblical foundation, a Christ-focused theological vision
  • Features illustrations from decades in the ministry

Top Highlights

“As an old Dutch saying goes, ‘He who stands in the front will soon be kicked in the rear.’” (Page 14)

“‘The first thing we should know,’ advises James Boice, ‘if we are trying to do something worthwhile and are being opposed, is that it is because we are achieving something.’21 Satan rarely attacks our spiritual failures—he does not need to.” (Page 33)

“The Serpent in his craftiness strategically aims his disparaging lies at the anointed leaders of God’s people. Few Old Testament leaders suffered from these fiery darts of Satan to the degree that Moses did. From day one of his ministry, he faced seething verbal abuse from his own people (see Ex. 5:21). Within a week of their mighty deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the people were venting complaints toward their God-appointed deliverer (see Ex. 15:24; 16:2–3). Their forty years of wandering in the wilderness were marked by recurrent floods of unjust criticism hatefully aimed at this man of God, even by his own brother and sister (see Num. 12:1–3; 14:1–4).” (Page 23)

“‘If you already believe you know better than the person you’re listening to, you’re not listening. If you already have advice to give, you’re not listening. If you already know how this story turns out, you’re not listening. If you’re already listening only to the parts of the story that confirm your beliefs, you’re not listening. And if you already have your counterattack planned, you’re not listening.’” (Page 77)

“A lack of training can quickly lead to disillusionment regarding the ministry, and in far too many cases, even resignation. Being on the receiving end of criticism for any length of time can result in exasperation, insomnia, cynicism, burnout, and even despair.” (Page 14)

Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, and editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth. He has written, coauthored, or edited over 70 books.

Reviews

2 ratings

Sign in with your Logos account

  1. Werner Braun

    Werner Braun

    6/27/2025

    Beeke gelingt mit diesem Buch ein durchdachter und ausgewogener Beitrag zur pastoralen Theologie – mit einem Fokus auf ein Thema, das selten so systematisch behandelt wird: Kritik im Dienst. Was zunächst nach einem Nischenthema klingt, entpuppt sich schnell als pastoral relevantes und tiefgreifendes Anliegen. Im ersten Teil legt Beeke eine biblisch-theologische Grundlage: Er zeigt, wie sich durch das Alte und Neue Testament hinweg unterschiedliche Formen von Kritik und der Umgang damit entfalten – sei es bei Mose, David oder bei Christus selbst. Besonders die christologische Perspektive im NT ist herausfordernd und seelsorgerlich tiefgehend: Kritik begegnen mit Demut, Geduld und Gottvertrauen. Der zweite Teil bietet einen erfrischend realistischen Zugang: Kritik gehört zur gefallenen Welt – und doch kann Gott sie gebrauchen, um zu heiligen und zu formen. Beeke liefert hier viele gute Anregungen, wie man lernfähig bleibt, ohne sich zu verhärten oder zu verzweifeln. Teil drei hebt die Bedeutung einer gesunden Gemeindekultur hervor, in der Kritik verantwortungsvoll, umsichtig und in Liebe geschieht – fundiert anhand der klassischen Rhetorik (ethos, pathos, logos), aber nie abgehoben. Und schließlich führt der vierte Teil das Ganze in eine ermutigende Perspektive: Der Blick auf Gottes Wirken und das Ziel seines Reiches wird zur Kraftquelle für einen langen, fruchtbaren Dienst – auch inmitten von Widerstand. Ein rundum lesenswertes Buch – nicht nur für Pastoren, sondern auch für Gemeindemitglieder, die ein tieferes Verständnis für die Lasten und Herausforderungen des Dienstes entwickeln und lernen wollen, konstruktiv und ermutigend zu begleiten.
    Reply
  2. David Green

    David Green

    1/17/2023

    Any pastor who is willing to take a stand for the Lord and His Word is gonna face criticism. Every pastor ought to read this at least once in their lifetime. My only regret is that I didn't have this book sooner.
    Reply
Save 25% during the Super Sale!

$10.49

Regular price: $13.99
Save $3.50 (25%)
Chat with an Expert