Why Criticism Is Always a Blessing

I remember shortly after joining the staff of our church, a couple of members of the worship team asked if they could meet with me, to my horror they had a long list of complaints. We had a chat about some things they felt deeply about, to do with the direction we were taking the worship, and practical things like song choice, volume and the way I was leading. It was supposed to be helpful, but it felt like a mutiny. I found their comments painful, personal and direct. I was just trying my best to be obedient to God and the leadership of the church who were encouraging me to go for it. I'd left a career that I loved behind, burned my bridges and here I was, living for the dream of seeing the worship life of our church come alive, but I felt like I was failing. That night I had supper with my boss Nicky Gumbel and I explained the situation to him. I was concerned that I could not lead a team that was divided and did not support me. I felt like throwing the towel in and going back to my regular job. He listened patiently and gave me some advice I've never forgotten. He explained that you're always blessed when people criticize you, because [1] if they're right, you can learn something, and that will be a blessing to you, but [2] if they're wrong, you're blessed because Jesus said we're blessed when people criticize us unfairly when we're serving God: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12) Nicky encouraged me to search for the grain of truth in what they were saying, and to see their comments as a blessing. He also told me in no uncertain terms that he was on my side, thought I was doing a brilliant job and to keep going. I learned later that out then Vicar Sandy Millar used to get regular letters complaining about various aspects of the worship, but would always answer them himself, and would never let on to us that people were anything other than thrilled. It been under this umbrella of protection, affirmation and belief that we've been able to thrive as a team. Criticism is a guarantee along the way: people will criticize us when we're doing well, when we're doing badly, when they see successes or failures. Criticism will come from outside the church, and sadly often from within. I've even noticed a trend recently to criticize the 'contemporary worship movement' for a seemingly endless list of faults: too boring, too complicated, too loud, too quiet, too successful, too unoriginal, too whatever... If you find yourself encountering criticism, take courage. If they're right, you'll grow from the experience, if they're wrong, you're taking a hit for Jesus: what a privilege! If you're unsure it they're right or wrong, then love and forgive extravagantly anyway, because we're in this together and when it's all over we all get to hang out for eternity. Further reading/listening: Firstly, Ephesians 4 - Paul's masterclass on the balance between unity, character and calling. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=56&chapter=4&version=31 Secondly, check out Nicky's brilliant talk on this subject in the HTB Sunday Talks podcast - I'm not sure how to post a link to it (help me out anyone?!) but it was on on 18/11/08