Comments on: My First Criticism

By: Louis

Louis — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:27:10 +0000

I once knew a preachers wife who constantly criticized the elders and deacons publicly.
She once criticized one of our elders in LBC say she did not know how he got to be an attorney because he is not very smart. She then went on to harass one our deacons over mowing the lawn.
I really appreciate your attitude and would like to use this article in the future.

By: David

David — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:21:46 +0000

So, you invite criticism, even encourage it, and your first response is to flatly say, “I will never change this.” Maybe, “how could I praise them so that those who do not like it are less uncomfortable?” Maybe it is hard for them to hear public praise as anything more than … well, public praise. Once again the ministry in our brotherhood confuses being right with being righteous.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:31:27 +0000

I know Murray, I met him some years ago, a wonderful man. I never been to Mill Village, but certainly heard of the church there. I do plan to be back in NS in July and preach in Kentville. Thank you for connecting with me.

By: Marilyn Peeples

Marilyn Peeples — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:57:39 +0000

I think it’s great that you praise ones who need praised, whether elders, deacons, ladies’ class, etc., as long as they stand for the truth. Keep up the good work!

My father (Murray Marshall) has held many Gospel Meetings over the years in Nova Scotia. My husband and I had the privilege to visit in Kentville, Halifax and Mill Village in 1984 and my husband preached for the Mill Village church in a Gospel Meeting. Sadly they are no longer standing for truth.

By: James Jones

James Jones — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:21:52 +0000

It is great that you publicly praise each other. The fact that they complain you do it too much makes me wonder if they feel the praise is deserved. If so, what are they dissatisfied about that leads them to not be happy about this? Are they jealous that they are not being praised like the elders are? If so, then they have issues.

Keep up the good work!

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:05:54 +0000

I agree with Rex–building up is always the best policy–especially publicly from the pulpit. These men give of themselves and oftentimes will receive criticism in return. Who knows but that your praise publicly is exactly what they need to hear after a difficult week of shepherding.

Matthew

By: K. Rex Butts

K. Rex Butts — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:24:13 +0000

You and the elders are absolutely right not to criticize each other from the pulpit. To do so would only foster division and eventualy polarization within the church between those who stand behind the elders and those who stand behind the preacher and/or ministers. Churches need to be behind their leadership not divided between their leaders. There is a place and time for each of you to raise concerns and voice criticisms of each other, if such should arise, and a public forum before the congregation IS NEVER the place for such.

Thank you for your wisdom in this matter.

Grace and peace,

Rex