THAT PUSHES MY BUTTONS: HANDLING COMPLAINT AND CRITICISM IN MINISTRY
A Practical Workshop for Pastors
May 19, 2010 9a.m. - 12 noon

This training aims to support ministers in handling complaint and cirticism in ways that enhance the health of the minister and their work in the congregation. Clergy frequently experience critical and evaluative comments from parishioners and others - about sermon content and delivery, leadership style, speaking, voice, personal mannerisms - almost anything at all. It is important to be able to field these observations in a pastoral manner, taking in what needs to be heard and learned from, discarding the rest: otherwise an accumulation of feelings and even frustration may build up over time. Wise stress management would have the pastor become skillful at fielding critical comments. What are the needed personal qualities to work with oneself? The workshop will address:

• What makes complaint and criticism difficult

• Useful personal assumptions to employ when criticized

• Common (although unsuccessful) defenses people use when criticized

• Useful ways to handle complaint and criticism

• General self-care and lifestyle balance for ministers: finding and maintaining - why is this so elusive?

Leader: Kenneth Reeves, M.Div., Ph.D., is an ordained Unitarian-Universalist minister, and a licensed psychologist. He is part of the professional team at the Career Center.

Workshop cost: $40

Please call the Center office at 781-329-2100: Jessica Harrington is the registrar for this workshop.