Sorry, not that your prior content was lacking in any manner. But, this may be the best article you’ve written yet. Your experience last week, was my experience over the last month. What an encouragement from God to reaffirm His words through your article. I’ve had to learn these truths over a long period of time, but to have it written and articulated so well, is timely and powerful. Blessings my friend, and hopefully you and I can grab lunch again someday when I get back to Fort Worth.
This was so good, Pastor Jon! 🙌🏽 In our South American culture, we often take criticism too personally instead of seeing it as part of the growth process as leaders. And when we lack wisdom in how we respond, it usually makes things even worse.
May God help us stay intentional in our personal growth and use criticism as a tool to grow our capacity as leaders.
This article truly resonated with me. It made me think about those moments when, even with the 'armor' on, some darts still manage to shake you —emotionally and physically. When constant criticism makes stepping back feel like the only option... how do you resist that temptation without disconnecting from your purpose or losing your sensitivity? How do you keep leading without becoming hardened or giving up?
These are such great questions Rosangela. I think its a daily battle. There is no silver bullet or magic pill to help us as leaders do this well. I think one of the best ways to not become hard hearted is to remember who are you leading for...not for people, but for God. Paul talked about this repeatedly, not doing it to please people, but God.
Absolutely what Dr. Jon said, and if I may add a small glimpse of Jesus' ministry, which experienced some praise from men and a lot of criticism. For the praise and the criticism, I believe the action was similar, drawing away from the noise of the crowds to hear from the Father. The renewed purpose from the Father will protect you from losing sensitivity and disconnecting from your purpose in the midst of criticism because pleasing Him is more important than pleasing man.
Mark 1:32–39
[32] That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. [33] And the whole city was gathered together at the door. [34] And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
[35] And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. [36] And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, [37] and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” [38] And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” [39] And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. (ESV)
And I pray the words of Apostle Paul, "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thes. 2:16-17 NLT
Pastor Jon,
Sorry, not that your prior content was lacking in any manner. But, this may be the best article you’ve written yet. Your experience last week, was my experience over the last month. What an encouragement from God to reaffirm His words through your article. I’ve had to learn these truths over a long period of time, but to have it written and articulated so well, is timely and powerful. Blessings my friend, and hopefully you and I can grab lunch again someday when I get back to Fort Worth.
Thank you so much brother. I'm glad it encouraged you! Get your chain mail out and stay in the fight my friend!
Great article! So true, but it doesn’t feel so good walking through the season!
I call it leadership backlash. You know, when those walking with you don’t agree with the tough call you had to make!
We’ve all been there and will probably experience it periodically in our ministerial or leadership career.
Again ….Great article!
Leadership backlash...love that!
This was so good, Pastor Jon! 🙌🏽 In our South American culture, we often take criticism too personally instead of seeing it as part of the growth process as leaders. And when we lack wisdom in how we respond, it usually makes things even worse.
May God help us stay intentional in our personal growth and use criticism as a tool to grow our capacity as leaders.
Fight back on that culture and be a change agent for South America. Love you Misael!
Praying for all ReLeaders. ReLeading is definitely not for the faint-of-heart. Whether it be ReLeading ourselves, our family, or others!!
Excellent article, Pastor. Thank you.
Amen
Great article and great to see the man you have become!!
This article truly resonated with me. It made me think about those moments when, even with the 'armor' on, some darts still manage to shake you —emotionally and physically. When constant criticism makes stepping back feel like the only option... how do you resist that temptation without disconnecting from your purpose or losing your sensitivity? How do you keep leading without becoming hardened or giving up?
These are such great questions Rosangela. I think its a daily battle. There is no silver bullet or magic pill to help us as leaders do this well. I think one of the best ways to not become hard hearted is to remember who are you leading for...not for people, but for God. Paul talked about this repeatedly, not doing it to please people, but God.
others feel free to chime in here.
Absolutely what Dr. Jon said, and if I may add a small glimpse of Jesus' ministry, which experienced some praise from men and a lot of criticism. For the praise and the criticism, I believe the action was similar, drawing away from the noise of the crowds to hear from the Father. The renewed purpose from the Father will protect you from losing sensitivity and disconnecting from your purpose in the midst of criticism because pleasing Him is more important than pleasing man.
Mark 1:32–39
[32] That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. [33] And the whole city was gathered together at the door. [34] And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
[35] And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. [36] And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, [37] and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” [38] And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” [39] And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. (ESV)
And I pray the words of Apostle Paul, "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thes. 2:16-17 NLT