QUESTION: I had to remove a band member for moral failure, but have been accused of being judgmental. Some are saying 'we all sin and have fallen short of the glory of God.' Could you clarify what "moral failures" would warrant removal and what steps do you take to restore the individual after the fact?

RICK MUCHOW: Dealing with criticism is part of ministry. For all the complements and encouragement I get, just a little bit of criticism can get me feeling discouraged if I’m not careful.

Here are three ways to deal with criticism in a healthy way:

1. Realize that criticism can be a blessing from God. That’s right. Criticism can be a blessing from God. I don’t think that God always sends the critic but I do believe God will always use the critic to help shape our character and ministry. In a very real way, criticism has helped me to evaluate my heart and motives through the years. It has also helped me to make changes and to keep growing, which leads me to the next thought.
2. Learn from your critics. Sometimes their presentation is not what we’d hope for, but there is a truth behind it. If the critic is wrong, it can further affirm the truth. If they are right, it can be very helpful if we are open to suggestions and realize that we have a lot to learn ourselves. Pastor Rick Warren has written some great messages about dealing with critics, leaders are learners, and on dealing with discouragement, which are available through www.pastors.com. These messages have helped me to better understand the journey.
3. Always love your critics. Not all criticism comes from hostility. When your critic senses that no matter what, you love them then a critic can become a strong ally. Often you can turn what looks like a lemon into lemonade. Jesus loved his critics. He prayed for them. The Bible says to love our enemies. Obviously not all critics are enemies, but if we can love our enemies, we can also love our critics.

It seems to me that the second part of your question has to do with how to encourage others to grow in their involvement with ministry. Here are some thoughts.

Let others know how they can become involved. This is the beginning of developing a music program. Have regular auditions. Audition for three things: Spiritual Commitment, Musical Commitment and Time Commitment.

Spiritual Commitment includes four items. While we may not all be at the same level of spiritual maturity, what is important here is that we do all need to be going in the same direction.

• Regular church attendance
• Upholding the testimony of the church
• Personal testimony
• Personal spiritual growth steps and goals

Musical Commitment is the agreement to be practicing our instruments, learning our parts, trying to be the best we can be musically. We meet the “standard” (unique to every church) of the musical worship ministry.

Time Commitment is where you communicate how much time you are asking from them and then you ask for a commitment. In order to participate, the ministry team member commits to the minimum time required. For example, it might include all of the following: a weekly rehearsal, scheduled worship services and being punctual to start times and rehearsals.

When I started at Saddleback, the time requirement was less than it is now. Basically you need to look at who you have to work with and be REALISTIC about what you can require. Once you get them involved in the team, gradually increase the commitment level from season to season. . What’s great about the audition process is that it makes clear what is expected and required. It helps to insure that you have the players needed for a season and at the same time allows the members to decide if the time required is healthy for their season of life, thus guarding against burnout.