When loving the church turns into critiquing it

Published 17 days ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader,

Today’s conversation hit closer to home than I expected.

John Crist is back on the podcast, and while we talk about comedy, recovery, and landing The Tonight Show, we also dig into something I see a lot in leaders these days: becoming overly critical of the church.

John is a comedian, so his job is to notice what’s off. But he’s honest about how that critical filter—when left unchecked—can turn into cynicism, distance, and even disengagement. And that tension is something many pastors and church leaders quietly carry.

We talk about how easy it is to tear down what’s broken, how tempting it is to mock what’s imperfect, and how dangerous it is when critique stops being about improvement and starts being about contempt.

This episode explores a better way forward, one where honesty and hope coexist, where accountability doesn’t eliminate grace, and where leaders learn to love the church without pretending it’s perfect.

If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in a service thinking, I’d do that better, or leading with frustration instead of gratitude, this conversation will challenge you—in the best way.

I think it will help you lead with more clarity, humility, and compassion.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward healthier leadership. Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

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