Wednesday, February 4, 2015
SOME UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR YOUNG PASTORS
Be wary of praise.
You will get some.
There will, of course, be criticism,
much of it framed as "a suggestion"
and some of it will be hard to hear.
Which is why words of commendation
will be so welcome. You'll be tempted
to lap it up like a puppy at a milk bowl.
Yes, you did work hard on that sermon.
You thought the ending was especially strong.
No doubt it was.
Several people told you it was.
But now, let it go.
Be wary of praise.
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So true, so true! Thank you for the reminder, even now that I'm not in a congregation full time. It can be said for all people in all walks of life! I remember an especially helpful article in Christian Century that said (something along the lines of...) you can't take the criticism with a grain of salt if you don't take the praise with that same grain. It can be easier to start with the praise (let it flow through you and offer it up) and eventually the criticisms will find such a movement to. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I like the "let it flow through you and offer it up." Great image.
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