A friend of mine mentioned recently that he’s frustrated when he goes into new church environments because, rather than just experiencing the worship and teaching, he always finds himself critiquing the teacher, the music, the facility and everything else. Do you know that feeling?

I do. I used to feel guilty about that. I thought it was sin. I avoided voicing my opinion. I found myself constantly trying to fight my instinct.

Then, a number of years ago, I heard Andy Stanley talk on this very topic. I think I may have heard it at one of the early Catalyst Conferences when the event was still held on the North Point campus. Here are some of the thoughts Andy shared:

  • “Change is preceded by challenge, and challenging the status quo is where leadership begins.”
  • “As a leader, there is something in you that leans toward evaluating and critiquing everything you bump into organizationally.”
  • “Deep in your heart you feel that if you were in charge, things would not only be different, they would be better.”
  • “When you stop challenging, you have stopped leading and begun managing.” And that’s a problem!

In other words, that tendency to evaluate and critique environments and experiences is part of what distinguishes you as a leader. When God is in control of your life, he can use that gift powerfully to further his Kingdom.

I couldn’t find the original message online. Here are a couple of articles, though, that summarize Andy’s thoughts on this topic:

Do you know what I’m talking about? Have you found yourself trying to fight this instinct to evaluate and critique?

(Is there anyone out there that can point us to where this message is available online?)