Leaders Need Tough Hides and Tender Hearts

Dan Doriani delivered a message in a breakout session at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Only Be Strong and Courageous: Why Every Pastor Needs a Tender Heart and a Tough Hide.” The workshop explored the unique challenges faced by pastors, including five separate types of criticism. 

Doriani presented a composite of leaders in Scripture who are both “strong and courageous” and willing to “weep with those who weep,” Christ himself as the greatest example of one who was tough and enduring but also deeply loved those he shepherded. He also offered comfort from Scripture for hurting pastors dealing with these inevitable issues.   

This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church ' by bestselling author, Paul David Tripp. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Tripp offers 12 gospel principles to help churches battle the issue lurking behind every pastoral failure—a lack of a strong leadership community. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Thursday, October 15, and enjoy 40 percent of this book at crossway.org/PaulTripp.