This week a friend, whose Kingdom influence dwarfs mine, asked me to evaluate a significant ministry piece he had just completed. He said he would call in a day or two, and expected me to be honest in my evaluation.
I prayed long and hard about my response. On the positive side, parts of what was done were extremely good. In my opinion, however, other aspects of the project were flawed. Because he truly wanted to know my thoughts, I determined to be straightforward in everything I said.
I believe his openness to the thoughts of others he respects is one of the reasons my friend’s ministry has been so influential. He doesn’t feel he knows everything, and therefore he probably seeks the opinion of those he values.
By way of contrast, over the years I have known any number of church leaders who pretend to be open to constructive criticism but really aren’t. I can tell, because they go on doing things exactly as they always have. When I’ve subsequently pointed this out, they’ve made excuses.
But now, because I know nothing is going to change, I’m reluctant to share my thoughts when such individuals ask for them. So, I graciously turn down their requests to meet. I know what I will say isn’t really going to make any difference.
I wonder which category you would fit in—those open to constructive criticism or those closed to such critiques? My guess is that over time this could have something to do with how influential your ministry is on behalf of Christ and His Kingdom.
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