Declare War on a Critical Spirit and Negativity – and do it while you’re young! As a young Pastor, it’s easy for older members to look down on you, especially if they have children your age or younger! What can you do? Here is what Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 

 “If you don't want to be despised, God's solution is to be an Example!”

 Speak and think the good, the lovely, true and good report stuff.  Talk about how well things are going, how pleased you are, how exciting it is to be a part of what God is doing. Talk about how well different ones in the church are doing and how proud of them you are.  Speak and think in terms of a good future, NEVER in terms of being negative.  Get known for this, establish a reputation for imparting hope, faith and confidence to people.  

When you do this, you'll be able to help and teach other people because you're living it. You have authority when you're already doing it. You have earned and demonstrated the right to say, "Here's what you need to do." 

Learn to never be Critical and Negative About Other People

 Romans 14:19 says Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

 Rapid Change in an individual or a congregation comes from rapidly changed attitudes. 

 Successful people just aren't critical and negative. You can state facts or feelings, but don't get judgmental.

 If you want to lose respect, be negative, opinionated and pass on gossip; belittle other Believers in front of others. If you’re married, never criticize or belittle your spouse in front of others. No leader would do that. 

 What if you have a complaint? Share it with the person responsible, or those over you, but never  in front of other people who are not part of the problem or part of the solution