On an all church evaluation several years ago (2007 I think) I received the worst/best feedback in my life.

Here it is…

Vince’s delivery on his sermons is so sloooooooooooooooooooooooooooow.  And he tends to repeat himself, repeat himself, repeat himself, repeat himself, repeat himself.  Am I being clear or do I need to repeat myself?

Do I need to explain why this was the worst feedback I’ve received?  It’s hard to hear criticism about something you’re passionate about.  It’s hard to hear criticism that contains no affirmation.  It’s hard to hear criticism that mocks/mimics/makes fun of you while critiquing you.

When I read this I thought __________, you buddy!  And I was very upset.  This feedback hurt.  And it hurt mostly because it was true.

And that’s why this was also the best feedback I’ve received.  It was true!  My delivery stunk.  It was way too slow.  And I repeated myself way too much.  I needed to change something ASAP.  And I did.  I went to preaching from outlines to preaching from manuscripts and my delivery dramatically improved.

The reason feedback often hurts is because it’s true.  I’ve received much nastier criticisms than this.  But they weren’t true.  They weren’t accurate.  They weren’t reality.  And so they didn’t hurt.  This feedback hurt because it was true.

So let me encourage you.  Listen to feedback.  Listen to feedback poorly given.  Listen to feedback given by someone mocking you.  Listen to feedback that hurts.  Listen for the truth--because the truth can come from anyone.  And the truth is always a friend. 

I’m thankful for this worst/best feedback I received.  It made me a better preacher.  I wish it could have been done a little better.  But at least it was done.  And I’d rather receive truth poorly given than no truth at all.