Oh How Fun is Criticism?

There are a few things I have learned about church in my years working in them. The lesson I continually have to remind myself of and even re-learn is the lesson on criticism. Recently I received an email from Church Volunteer Central with an article by Jim Wideman on criticism. It was a good reminder of the value of criticism and how to handle it. Here's what he said on the how he deals with criticism:

When unsolicited advice finds you, here are helpful ways to deal with criticism without becoming critical.

• Stay open. There may always be new ways to do things. Look for fresh ideas in others’ advice that may yield better results.
• Learn. A good leader never stops learning. Seek out ways you can learn from people’s comments or concerns.
• Maintain humility. You’re in ministry to serve others—this includes your pastor, your volunteers, children, and their families. Listening to those you serve will help you grow in your ministry.
• Know your call. Don’t take offense when people advise or criticize. Be confident in your call to ministry and don’t let others bring you down.

The best advice I’ve ever received about ministry is to grow thick skin but keep a tender heart. When you remember this wise advice, you can deal with criticism without becoming critical.

My roughest critic is without a doubt, myself. I process and analyze everything I do, it's like my mind never stops. I know that the above advice is certainly true on how I take criticism from others, but how about from myself. Am I humble, do I remind myself of my call, do I keep an open mind, and how well do I try to learn? The biggest question I have for myself is how objective can I be with myself? That's why when I'm working through this process in my own mind I find someone to process with.