Can You Take Some Criticism?

The words of a critic. In the theater, we often wait anxiously for them on opening night hoping he or she will write a rave review of our performance and propel our show into multi-season success. When the words are less than positive, however, we tend to dismiss them, citing the critic's lack of ability or calling into question his or her authority to criticize us at all.

Interestingly, the same scenario plays out, sometimes with even more drama, in a church setting. Worship and drama teams sometimes come under weekly critical review from people in the congregation. Why were certain songs or sketches selected? Why were certain persons and not others given leading parts or solos. Why weren't there more hymns? Why weren't there more contemporary songs?

Sometimes the criticism can turn personal and focus on a worship or drama team member's ability to sing or play an instrument. Sometimes the posture of a worship leader is criticized (you always have your eyes closed, you don't smile enough, you always have to be front and center).

So what can we do when we feel like we're being judged? First, make sure our hearts aren't hard. Yes, some people offer criticism with wrong motives. And some do so because it's a reflection of something not quite right in their own heart. And some offer it in love with the hope that we'll benefit from it. Keeping our hearts soft will allow us to discern where the critic's review is coming from and to act accordingly. If we harden our hearts, we close ourselves off to constructive criticism that can help us improve and serve him better. Non-constructive criticism we can accept with a smile and a heart of forgiveness that prevents strife from gaining a foothold between believers.

God wants us to be teachable. We learn from him, from his word, from his spirit-- and from other people.

On that note, here are some great learning opportunities:
Worship Leader Webinar
Monday, February 11, 2008 11:00 am PST
Helping Others Worship: a Philosophy for Worship Leadership, taught by Curt Coffield
More information and registration at http://wltc.webex.com">http://wltc.webex.com

Lillenas Drama Arts Conference
April 24-26, 2008, Kansas City
Information and registration at http://www.nph.com/nphweb/html/lcol/index.jsp?nid=qlink">http://www.nph.com/nphweb/html/lcol/index.jsp?nid=qlink

Masterwork Productions Workshops
Training for worship and drama teams
http://www.masterworkproductions.org