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Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry
Every pastor knows what it’s like to be criticized. But how does he respond? And how does he offer constructive criticism of his own? With wisdom, charity, and a wealth of personal illustrations, Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson answer these questions and more. The Bible is full of critics, and it gives us practical principles for responding to criticism, offering criticism, and creating a healthy church culture. As Beeke and Thompson unfold a theological vision for coping with criticism in the gospel ministry, you will be strengthened, encouraged, and equipped.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2020
About the author
Joel R. Beeke
492 books393 followersJoel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the editor of the Puritan Reformed Journal and The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.
Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.
Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 9, 2022
Great book for any Christian to read if they are submitting to the authority of elders (as they should be). This book not only helps the members of a church to understand what their pastor goes through but also helps us to know how to deal with criticism in our lives.
September 7, 2024
Although this book is primarily directed to pastors and the church ministry, I think many of the principles apply to all people; in confronting criticism, and being a constructive critic yourself. The authors speak of receiving, and giving criticism in humility and wisdom. Using many real-life and relatable examples, they practically applied the points pressed. This was a very helpful and encouraging book!
January 3, 2022
This was a very practical book for those in ministry. It not only gives wonderful, God glorifying advice on how to deal with criticism in ministry, but also on how to wisely give constructive criticism to others. Recommended.
April 24, 2025
ch. 4 on humility is golden
September 24, 2025
The one criticism I have with this book is that it didn't talk about how to respond to criticism on Goodreads.
August 2, 2026
This was an outstanding book.
January 4, 2023
Excellent book.
I leave its pages encouraged by the pastoral and biblical wisdom, convicted for how I have handled conflict and criticism poorly up to this point, challenged to do better in my care and service of others, and reminded of the necessity (as an under-shepherd) to rely upon and trust in the Good Shepherd for strength, wisdom, boldness, and kindness, in caring for the sheep and bringing God glory above all else.
Filled with practical wisdom and biblical encouragement, this book will provide a path toward a healthier pastoral ministry and a better way forward in both receiving and giving criticism for anyone in the church.
I leave its pages encouraged by the pastoral and biblical wisdom, convicted for how I have handled conflict and criticism poorly up to this point, challenged to do better in my care and service of others, and reminded of the necessity (as an under-shepherd) to rely upon and trust in the Good Shepherd for strength, wisdom, boldness, and kindness, in caring for the sheep and bringing God glory above all else.
Filled with practical wisdom and biblical encouragement, this book will provide a path toward a healthier pastoral ministry and a better way forward in both receiving and giving criticism for anyone in the church.
May 24, 2026
I’m now an extreme Joel Beeke fan. I’ve been telling people, “you know I’m reformed now because I like Beeke.” I think every 1st year seminary student should read this book. I didn’t realize just how much this book gives people in preparation for the ministry.
February 15, 2024
An excellent book, both practical and theologically informed.
March 25, 2025
Criticism of any kind can deal a death blow to each of us if unprepared. This book goes through practical ways to deal with criticism, how to grow from it, and further love thy neighbor in such situations, just as the Lord has loved us.
Easy read.
Easy read.
December 29, 2022
Read this as a session. Really good, from theological and biblical grounding for handling criticism to practical application.
October 16, 2022
When I was ordained in May, 2006, I would have been surprised that regular and persistent criticism would be one of the most challenging aspects of ministry. It’s not that other pastors didn’t try to warn me. I just was arrogant enough to think I could keep everyone happy.
The folly of youth.
If you are a pastor, you will face criticism. It doesn’t matter if you lead a small church, a big church, a denominational church, or a non-denominational church.
Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson wrote “Pastors and Their Critics” as an encouragement to pastors everywhere. They navigate the biblical story of criticism, consider how to receive criticism, and suggest how to offer criticism.
Criticism is not a contemporary phenomenon. It’s as old as the Garden of Eden. “Unjust criticism is woven like a black thread throughout covenant history.” Satan attacked God’s “generosity and his integrity.” God understands what it is to have his people groan at him. Beeke and Thompson carry the thread of criticism from the Garden of Eden to Moses, through the biblical narrative to Jesus.
Our suffering Messiah understands our rejection. “The meekness and gentleness of Christ are not signs of weakness, but of great inner strength, for only a mightily spiritual warrior could rule his own spirit under such provocation.”
Beeke and Thompson tell us that we need criticism to grow in our Christian life. They suggest that critics don’t know the depth of our “When we are honest, we realize that our critics do not bring us low enough.” We cannot underestimate our own pride nor the lengths God will go to unroot it in us. “Pride is not satisfied, however, with its own high estimation, but wants all the world to join in praising and adoring the self.” They continue, “Due to the nature of pride, we ought to be aiming and praying for Christ-appreciation and self-deprecation—even self-annihilation—so that genuine humility would be cultivated in us and our wicked pride would be mortified.”
God uses criticism to humble us. The double-truth is that criticism is inevitable. “If you proclaim the whole counsel of God as you should, you are bound to become a target of criticism because the truths you declare are offensive to fallen humanity.”
We must recognize, though, that criticism comes with temptation. When criticism comes our heart can flare up in pride, self-justification, self-centeredness, and bitterness. We must be careful of a cold or indifferent heart.
These temptations will come, but we are called to look like Christ. We are to love our enemies. “A prideful pastor is a contradiction in terms. The very title minister means servant.” Criticism ought to press us to Christ and prayer. Pray for compassion. Pray for empathy. Respond with mercy.
Like it or not, every pastor is enrolled in the school of criticism. “But the reality is that we need failure—and so do our churches. Failure is an important component of spiritual maturation. It grounds us in reality. It humbles us.” Beeke and Thompson's book was timely, coming out of a particularly challenging season and was a balm to my soul.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
The folly of youth.
If you are a pastor, you will face criticism. It doesn’t matter if you lead a small church, a big church, a denominational church, or a non-denominational church.
Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson wrote “Pastors and Their Critics” as an encouragement to pastors everywhere. They navigate the biblical story of criticism, consider how to receive criticism, and suggest how to offer criticism.
Criticism is not a contemporary phenomenon. It’s as old as the Garden of Eden. “Unjust criticism is woven like a black thread throughout covenant history.” Satan attacked God’s “generosity and his integrity.” God understands what it is to have his people groan at him. Beeke and Thompson carry the thread of criticism from the Garden of Eden to Moses, through the biblical narrative to Jesus.
Our suffering Messiah understands our rejection. “The meekness and gentleness of Christ are not signs of weakness, but of great inner strength, for only a mightily spiritual warrior could rule his own spirit under such provocation.”
Beeke and Thompson tell us that we need criticism to grow in our Christian life. They suggest that critics don’t know the depth of our “When we are honest, we realize that our critics do not bring us low enough.” We cannot underestimate our own pride nor the lengths God will go to unroot it in us. “Pride is not satisfied, however, with its own high estimation, but wants all the world to join in praising and adoring the self.” They continue, “Due to the nature of pride, we ought to be aiming and praying for Christ-appreciation and self-deprecation—even self-annihilation—so that genuine humility would be cultivated in us and our wicked pride would be mortified.”
God uses criticism to humble us. The double-truth is that criticism is inevitable. “If you proclaim the whole counsel of God as you should, you are bound to become a target of criticism because the truths you declare are offensive to fallen humanity.”
We must recognize, though, that criticism comes with temptation. When criticism comes our heart can flare up in pride, self-justification, self-centeredness, and bitterness. We must be careful of a cold or indifferent heart.
These temptations will come, but we are called to look like Christ. We are to love our enemies. “A prideful pastor is a contradiction in terms. The very title minister means servant.” Criticism ought to press us to Christ and prayer. Pray for compassion. Pray for empathy. Respond with mercy.
Like it or not, every pastor is enrolled in the school of criticism. “But the reality is that we need failure—and so do our churches. Failure is an important component of spiritual maturation. It grounds us in reality. It humbles us.” Beeke and Thompson's book was timely, coming out of a particularly challenging season and was a balm to my soul.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
December 13, 2022
A truly challenge perspective on how we ought to handle criticism that is relevant for all Christians, not just pastors.
October 7, 2020
This is no "poor me" book on receiving criticism. It is convicting, equipping, and refreshing. It brims with biblical wisdom played out "on the street."
After two chapters on biblical foundations for coping with criticism, the authors move on to practical principles for coping with criticism: 1) Recieve criticism realistically 2) Humbly 3) Respond with sober judgment 4) with grace.
The 3rd part of the book was refreshingly unexpected. The authors present practical principles for constructive criticism in the church. These two chapters focus on the pastor giving constructive criticism to others and how to go about cultivating a church culture open to constructive critique.
The final chapter helpfully zeros in on a theological vision for coping with criticism. Anyone desiring to be more like Christ will finish this book hating sin more (his own and others), filled with biblically grounded hope in the gospel, and longing to see criticism be used by the Lord for the flourishing of his people, not by Satan for the destruction of Christ's church.
After two chapters on biblical foundations for coping with criticism, the authors move on to practical principles for coping with criticism: 1) Recieve criticism realistically 2) Humbly 3) Respond with sober judgment 4) with grace.
The 3rd part of the book was refreshingly unexpected. The authors present practical principles for constructive criticism in the church. These two chapters focus on the pastor giving constructive criticism to others and how to go about cultivating a church culture open to constructive critique.
The final chapter helpfully zeros in on a theological vision for coping with criticism. Anyone desiring to be more like Christ will finish this book hating sin more (his own and others), filled with biblically grounded hope in the gospel, and longing to see criticism be used by the Lord for the flourishing of his people, not by Satan for the destruction of Christ's church.
January 14, 2022
An excellent book that every seminarian, pastor, and even believer should read. The biblical theology portion of the beginning chapters tracing criticism through Scripture in a redemptive-historical fashion is worth the price alone. Also makes good distinction between destructive and constructive criticism. Has good insight and application for learning how to handle criticism of the destructive kind as well as be open to the constructive kind.
March 30, 2025
As a chronic people-pleaser, this book was really helpful in preparing me for facing criticism. However, they used the KJV in their scripture references. I think a modern translation would have made it easier for me to read.
Read
February 13, 2026This was excellent and I will probably read it again in the future! Very helpful reference for receiving and giving criticism in ministry.
August 18, 2021
When I was ordained in May, 2006, I would have been surprised that regular and persistent criticism would be one of the most challenging aspects of ministry. It’s not that other pastors didn’t try to warn me. I just was arrogant enough to think I could keep everyone happy.
The folly of youth.
If you are a pastor, you will face criticism. It doesn’t matter if you lead a small church, a big church, a denominational church, or a non-denominational church.
Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson wrote “Pastors and Their Critics” as an encouragement to pastors everywhere. They navigate the biblical story of criticism, consider how to receive criticism, and suggest how to offer criticism.
Criticism is not a contemporary phenomenon. It’s as old as the Garden of Eden. “Unjust criticism is woven like a black thread throughout covenant history.” Satan attacked God’s “generosity and his integrity.” God understands what it is to have his people groan at him. Beeke and Thompson carry the thread of criticism from the Garden of Eden to Moses, through the biblical narrative to Jesus.
Our suffering Messiah understands our rejection. “The meekness and gentleness of Christ are not signs of weakness, but of great inner strength, for only a mightily spiritual warrior could rule his own spirit under such provocation.”
Beeke and Thompson tell us that we need criticism to grow in our Christian life. They suggest that critics don’t know the depth of our “When we are honest, we realize that our critics do not bring us low enough.” We cannot underestimate our own pride nor the lengths God will go to unroot it in us. “Pride is not satisfied, however, with its own high estimation, but wants all the world to join in praising and adoring the self.” They continue, “Due to the nature of pride, we ought to be aiming and praying for Christ-appreciation and self-deprecation—even self-annihilation—so that genuine humility would be cultivated in us and our wicked pride would be mortified.”
God uses criticism to humble us. The double-truth is that criticism is inevitable. “If you proclaim the whole counsel of God as you should, you are bound to become a target of criticism because the truths you declare are offensive to fallen humanity.”
We must recognize, though, that criticism comes with temptation. When criticism comes our heart can flare up in pride, self-justification, self-centeredness, and bitterness. We must be careful of a cold or indifferent heart.
These temptations will come, but we are called to look like Christ. We are to love our enemies. “A prideful pastor is a contradiction in terms. The very title minister means servant.” Criticism ought to press us to Christ and prayer. Pray for compassion. Pray for empathy. Respond with mercy.
Like it or not, every pastor is enrolled in the school of criticism. “But the reality is that we need failure—and so do our churches. Failure is an important component of spiritual maturation. It grounds us in reality. It humbles us.” Beeke and Thompson's book was timely, coming out of a particularly challenging season and was a balm to my soul.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
The folly of youth.
If you are a pastor, you will face criticism. It doesn’t matter if you lead a small church, a big church, a denominational church, or a non-denominational church.
Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson wrote “Pastors and Their Critics” as an encouragement to pastors everywhere. They navigate the biblical story of criticism, consider how to receive criticism, and suggest how to offer criticism.
Criticism is not a contemporary phenomenon. It’s as old as the Garden of Eden. “Unjust criticism is woven like a black thread throughout covenant history.” Satan attacked God’s “generosity and his integrity.” God understands what it is to have his people groan at him. Beeke and Thompson carry the thread of criticism from the Garden of Eden to Moses, through the biblical narrative to Jesus.
Our suffering Messiah understands our rejection. “The meekness and gentleness of Christ are not signs of weakness, but of great inner strength, for only a mightily spiritual warrior could rule his own spirit under such provocation.”
Beeke and Thompson tell us that we need criticism to grow in our Christian life. They suggest that critics don’t know the depth of our “When we are honest, we realize that our critics do not bring us low enough.” We cannot underestimate our own pride nor the lengths God will go to unroot it in us. “Pride is not satisfied, however, with its own high estimation, but wants all the world to join in praising and adoring the self.” They continue, “Due to the nature of pride, we ought to be aiming and praying for Christ-appreciation and self-deprecation—even self-annihilation—so that genuine humility would be cultivated in us and our wicked pride would be mortified.”
God uses criticism to humble us. The double-truth is that criticism is inevitable. “If you proclaim the whole counsel of God as you should, you are bound to become a target of criticism because the truths you declare are offensive to fallen humanity.”
We must recognize, though, that criticism comes with temptation. When criticism comes our heart can flare up in pride, self-justification, self-centeredness, and bitterness. We must be careful of a cold or indifferent heart.
These temptations will come, but we are called to look like Christ. We are to love our enemies. “A prideful pastor is a contradiction in terms. The very title minister means servant.” Criticism ought to press us to Christ and prayer. Pray for compassion. Pray for empathy. Respond with mercy.
Like it or not, every pastor is enrolled in the school of criticism. “But the reality is that we need failure—and so do our churches. Failure is an important component of spiritual maturation. It grounds us in reality. It humbles us.” Beeke and Thompson's book was timely, coming out of a particularly challenging season and was a balm to my soul.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
October 26, 2020
As the authors note in the introduction, no one is immune from criticism, and that goes especially for pastors. This book was written to assist pastors in rightly handling--and benefiting from--criticism. Written by a very experienced pastor (Beeke) and a recent seminary graduate wants desires to be a pastor (Thompson), this book gives a healthy perspective to pastors young and old.
The book begins by giving Biblical foundations for handling criticism, using the examples of Moses, David, and Nehemiah from the Old Testament and Jesus from the New Testament. It goes on to give practical principles for coping with criticism; specifically, receiving criticism realistically and humbly, and responding to criticism with sober judgment and grace.
Those sections alone are very helpful. But the authors go on to explain how the pastor should give criticism to others, and how to cultivate a church culture in which constructive criticism can be profitably given and received. Elders can benefit from this section particularly well (although I would suggest they can benefit from the entire book). The last chapter gives some theological perspectives to the pastor to help him in handling and responding to criticism.
The book contains an appendix written by Nick Thompson, in which he gives ten suggestions for the seminarian to prepare himself while in seminary for dealing with criticism. This is must reading for every seminary student, and I would argue that he should read the appendix first and then read the rest of the book.
Pastors obviously can benefit greatly from this short but helpful book. Elders and other church leaders can also benefit, both in terms of how they handle criticism and how they help the pastor handle it. Finally, I suggest that any church member can benefit from this book. I wouldn't say that pastors should never be criticized, but if you are going to criticize your pastor, do it in a godly and helpful way. And if you are criticized by your pastor, receive it in a godly and submissive way.
This book can help us care for the souls of those who are caring for our souls as their daily ministry.
The book begins by giving Biblical foundations for handling criticism, using the examples of Moses, David, and Nehemiah from the Old Testament and Jesus from the New Testament. It goes on to give practical principles for coping with criticism; specifically, receiving criticism realistically and humbly, and responding to criticism with sober judgment and grace.
Those sections alone are very helpful. But the authors go on to explain how the pastor should give criticism to others, and how to cultivate a church culture in which constructive criticism can be profitably given and received. Elders can benefit from this section particularly well (although I would suggest they can benefit from the entire book). The last chapter gives some theological perspectives to the pastor to help him in handling and responding to criticism.
The book contains an appendix written by Nick Thompson, in which he gives ten suggestions for the seminarian to prepare himself while in seminary for dealing with criticism. This is must reading for every seminary student, and I would argue that he should read the appendix first and then read the rest of the book.
Pastors obviously can benefit greatly from this short but helpful book. Elders and other church leaders can also benefit, both in terms of how they handle criticism and how they help the pastor handle it. Finally, I suggest that any church member can benefit from this book. I wouldn't say that pastors should never be criticized, but if you are going to criticize your pastor, do it in a godly and helpful way. And if you are criticized by your pastor, receive it in a godly and submissive way.
This book can help us care for the souls of those who are caring for our souls as their daily ministry.
December 17, 2024
The best parts of this book were those on the OT foundations and Christological foundations for coping with criticism. This book complements Rigney's Leadership and Emotional Sabotage well in that 1) the foundations sections of this book are clearer than Rigney's use of Shakespeare for the average guy, and 2) this book also offers practical advice on how to offer constructive critique because of the authors' aim.
Also see Crabtree's Practicing Affirmation.
Helpful Spurgy quote: “Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches and it would be still nearer the truth.”
Also see Crabtree's Practicing Affirmation.
Helpful Spurgy quote: “Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches and it would be still nearer the truth.”
May 26, 2022
This book is full of great practical advice and real-world examples. There's a lot to learn here, and a few things that convicted me personally.
In the introduction, the authors insist that, while this book was written with pastors in mind, they hope it will be useful to laymen as well. I think the principles are certainly broad enough to be applicable, but all of the illustrations are limited to the ministry, which honestly may hinder its usefulness to some laypersons.
It took several chapters for me to get used to Beeke's citations from the KJV. Switching back-and-forth between contemporary and early-modern English felt like whiplash. While I do have an appreciation for the KJV, I found its use here distracting.
All-in-all, this is a solid book.
In the introduction, the authors insist that, while this book was written with pastors in mind, they hope it will be useful to laymen as well. I think the principles are certainly broad enough to be applicable, but all of the illustrations are limited to the ministry, which honestly may hinder its usefulness to some laypersons.
It took several chapters for me to get used to Beeke's citations from the KJV. Switching back-and-forth between contemporary and early-modern English felt like whiplash. While I do have an appreciation for the KJV, I found its use here distracting.
All-in-all, this is a solid book.
July 13, 2023
The life experiences shared in this book provide a in-depth understanding of a pastors heart and wrestle behind the scenes. This is a book worth reading for anyone who wishes to understand the emotional and spiritual challenges pastors and all those in ministry go through. I would even say, if congregational members read this book, we may even see more honour towards those in eldership positions. Also, those considering being a teaching elder would be more prepared for the difficulties ahead. Nevertheless, the joys of pastoral ministry were expressed greatly in this book, presenting a strong case that God’s grace is sufficient, even when under great criticism of others.
September 13, 2022
Perhaps the best resource on ministerial criticism
The authors do a fantastic job of detailing a few of the common fears and insecurities of pastors as well as common reasons people tend to criticise. With not a few examples of historical figures and their engagement with critics, the authors ably and convincingly encourage today’s pastors to take up their cross and follow Christ and to enjoy their fundamental union with him.
The authors do a fantastic job of detailing a few of the common fears and insecurities of pastors as well as common reasons people tend to criticise. With not a few examples of historical figures and their engagement with critics, the authors ably and convincingly encourage today’s pastors to take up their cross and follow Christ and to enjoy their fundamental union with him.
January 16, 2023
Good stuff. Read it as a session. Provides theological and practical information on how to cope with criticism in ministry. I think even lay people would find the book useful.
December 9, 2023
Outstanding! Every seminary student and pastor should read. Humbling, engaging, and encouraging.
November 3, 2024
Practical and God honoring. Thoughtful and thought provoking.
February 20, 2025
Great read. Points the reader to the gospel and teaches him how to rely on the gospel when facing criticism.
January 1, 2026
While geared towards pastors, this is a great book for any Christian to read, especially those who are in ministry.
January 30, 2026
Encouraging, helpful, and memorable.
June 3, 2026
Well written, just not the season of ministry I am in. There are beneficial aspects for those not currently under fire, but this will be one I place on my bookshelf for when that time comes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews