Pastors and Their Critics by Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson

Pastors and Their Critics by Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson 

Joel Beeke grew up in Michigan where he still resides. He was born into a Christian home and was converted at the age of 14 while reading Puritan works. In high school, he read a biography of Spurgeon and wanted to drop out of high school to preach, but his father and pastor advised against it. Instead, he finished his high school education and has now been a pastor for over 45 years.  

Beeke received his bachelor's degree from Calvin College, later studied at Westminster Theological Seminary to receive his MDiv, and then finally, he studied at the University of Amsterdam to receive his PhD. He is the Chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He is the lead pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation. Beeke also helped found the great book publisher and distributing company, Reformation Heritage Books.  

Description of the book 

Though the title of this book may be a turn-off for some readers, due to it seeming to be written for pastors. And though the book was written with pastors in mind, it is also an excellent read for those who attend church and are being served by a pastor. It helps the reader to understand the kind of critique and challenges the pastor must face while serving the Church. The book is grounded in Scripture and gives very helpful practical advice for the pastor and congregant alike.  

The book itself is split into four very easy-to-understand sections and includes nine chapters. The sections are: Biblical Foundations for Coping with Criticism, Practical Principles for Coping with Criticism, Practical Principles for Constructive Criticism in the Church, and Theological Vision for coping with Criticism.  

Three quotes from the book 

“In waging spiritual warfare, God’s people often must advance under withering verbal fire from critics of all kinds.” - p. 19 

“As the saying goes, “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” Gospel ministry could be summed up in doing, saying, and being, all in a peculiarly public manner.” - p. 56 

“As we strive by grace to keep our consciences clean and learn the lessons of criticism, we will be enable to stand strong and embrace our critics with grace. As our Savior is full of “grace upon grace,” so too will we be. Let our responses to criticism not contradict the gospel of grace that we proclaim.” - p. 117 

Where this book is currently published 

This book is published by P&R Publishing (Puritan and Reformed).