No matter how great a youth ministry program you have going, you are going to get criticized.  Sometimes it comes from right out of the blue. Sometimes it seems like someone is sticking a loaded gun in your ribs. Usually it comes when you least need to hear it, like right after a big youth weekend when you’re exhausted, or when you think you’re finally making some progress with the kids.

Three Ways to Deal With Criticism

1. Separate fact from fiction.
And use the facts to make changes.

When a parent says, “How come you never have any sports activities that my son, Brad, would enjoy?” bite your tongue. Refrain from defensively listing the rollerblading afternoon last July, the football every Fall Sunday, or the upcoming basketball night. Ask your self if you need to implement more sports into your planning. Find out what your kids want more of.

And don’t forget to put Brad on your activity planning committee!

2. Ask for advice, before it’s offered.
You hear that Mrs. Smith doesn’t think your youth program is meeting her kid’s needs. Don’t wait for her to bring this up at the Church Board Meeting. Go talk to her. Find out what she feels are the weak areas and ask her for her ideas on improving.

You’re stumped on how to get Jon involved. Don’t wait for his parents to complain that he never is included. Ask them for suggestions on how to spark his interest and make him a team member. Get Jon’s input, too.

3. Recruit!
You don’t have to have all the answers.

You’re at your wit’s end with Jill, a sullen and sarcastic youth who will not participate in any part of your Sabbath School programs. When Jill’s mom complains “Jill hates Sabbath School, and you need to make it better,” ask for her help. It will give her a bird’s-eye view of your planning and your efforts, as well as her daughter’s attitude.


From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.