When People Throw Stones: A Leader's Guide to Fielding Personal Criticism [Paperback]

Blaine Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2005

Pastor Blaine Allen helps leaders under attack respond to criticism biblically. He shows them what to do when they cannot take anymore, when the criticism is accurate, and when they don't want to forgive. (20060601)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Allen writes with unusual freshness and transparency on big subjects, such as: when you have done your best; when you cannot take anymore; when your critic speaks the truth; how to deal with unjust criticism; when to take a stand; some survival techniques; how to temper your fire; what to do when an explosion seems inevitable; and when you do not want to forgive. It is inevitable that pastors will face personal criticism. Being thoughtfully prepared and emotionally equipped to handle criticism is vital. I highly recommend a careful and slow study of this excellent book. " (T. Ray Rachels Enrichment 20051114)

"The book, though aimed at ministers, is a must to help every believer in Christ prepare and respond spiritually to charges that may be true or not. This volume holds sound advice for everyone who has been wounded by sharp tongues, malicious gossip, slander, even true statements about your sins that are spoken in order to destroy you, or uttered to damage your testimony." (Dr. Lacy Couch Conservative Theological Journal 20060501)

"After evaluation, we must learn what to do with criticism. Blaine offers suggestions for when to blow off criticism and when and how to take a stand. Survival techniquesóincluding the times when it is hard to forgiveóare also included. The discussions are filled with scripture and examples that will be a powerful guide for all those who find themselves in the personal struggles of ministry." (Pam Campbell New Resources )

"Dr. Blaine Allen, author of 'When People Throw Stones: A Leader's Guide to Fielding Personal Criticism,' gives excellent counsel in dealing with verbal attacks and harsh criticism. He's also refreshingly transparent regarding his own life in the ministry." (crosswalk.com )

I've read other books on how to deal with criticism in the church but this one is different. The writing is personal and speaks to my heartónot just my intellect. (ShesOrganized.com )

From the Back Cover

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

But they do. They hurt us. They hurt our families. They hurt our ministries. And the hurt they cause can fester. Ministry is hard enough without the added difficulty of harsh criticism from those you serve. Criticism from the body of Christ is not always constructive, and when it’s not, it can emotionally kill us, often making for another ministry casualty. When criticism becomes painful and you can’t take any more, what do you do? Where do you turn when you’ve done your best and God doesn’t seem to be defending you?

Like most leaders, Blaine Allen is familiar with the underside of ministry, where critical words and negative attitudes thrive. He provides helpful advice for ministry leaders struggling with personal or public criticism to know when to blow it off, when to take a
stand, what to do when the critic speaks the truth, how to make the situation easier, and what to do when we don’t want to forgive.

“Bruised and battered servants of God will benefit greatly from Blaine Allen’s ‘in the trenches’ encouragement. His empathy is evident and his advice is invaluable—no Christian leader under assault should be without either.”
—Hans Finzel
President, CBInternational

“Dr. Allen presents a comprehensive analysis and practical guidance on an issue that every pastor faces regularly—personal criticism. As he says, the ultimate standard for processing criticism is faithfulness to a sovereign God and one’s call from that God. This is a worthy addition to every pastor’s library.”
—Rev. Dan Davidson
Pastoral Ministries, Focus on the Family

Blaine Allen (Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) pastors in a university community and loves it. But having served three churches over the years, along with the good he has seen the ugly side of ministry.  Blind-sided. Friends turned snipers. Power plays. Betrayed. He’s been there and felt that and then some and he still loves to pastor! Blaine is the author of Before You Quit: When Ministry Is Not What You Thought.

(20060515)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional (March 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825420148
• ISBN-13: 978-0825420146
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,909,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a book that speaks to my heart and head!, August 20, 2005

By 

VICTORIA SHIPMAKER (TORONTO, ONTARIO Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When People Throw Stones: A Leader's Guide to Fielding Personal Criticism (Paperback)

I've read other books on how to deal with criticism in the church but this one is different. The writing is personal and speaks to my heart - not just my intellect.

Though you can read the book in one sitting, I find the chapters are best read for specific situations. The first chapters are in response to current hurt from criticism. Other chapters help walk the reader through how to forgive and how to respond when you know the criticism is valid.

The extensive use of scripture helped me view the situation from God's perspective - beyond "he said, she said".

This book has helped me turn a corner whereas other books on this topic focused more on the "why" people criticise then the "how" to move on.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At the right time, February 1, 2006

By 

Caramia (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When People Throw Stones: A Leader's Guide to Fielding Personal Criticism (Paperback)

I found this book in fall 2005 just at the right time as 2004-2005 were years of challenges and criticisms for our church and our pastors. I gave copies to our pastors in hope they would find the contents helpful, enlightening and comforting. I'm also sharing it with my fellow colleagues in the ministry area we serve as church secretaries and administrative assistants in hopes they too will find a new perspective in dealing with the challenges and criticisms of being in ministry.

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU MUST READ THIS!, April 29, 2009

By 

Tarra (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: When People Throw Stones: A Leader's Guide to Fielding Personal Criticism (Paperback)

I work at a church and this book has been a lifesaver. I have recommended this book to everyone I know who either works at a church, or who is in a position of leadership at a church. I even ordered it for our custodians because they get stones thrown at them as well. This is not a "God will get them" kind of book...it's more about how YOU respond/or don't respond when you are criticized by supposedly well-meaning 'church folk'. Words DO hurt...especially when they're thrown at you from people of faith...and I'm so thankful for this book that helps deal with those situations.