In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio tackle one of the most urgent pastoral issues of our time: how to care for younger men in a culture of fatherlessness, digital unreality, and a growing crisis of masculinity.

Drawing from Titus 2 and other key Scriptures, they unpack why Paul gives young men just one command—sober-mindedness—and how that single virtue touches sexuality, work ethic, relationships, and long-term faithfulness. With pastoral honesty, practical stories, and concrete ideas for mentoring, this conversation will challenge and equip pastors, parents, and church leaders to intentionally disciple the young men in their care.

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Don’t miss this episode of Practical Shepherding’s Trench Talk! Brian Croft and Jim Savastio dive deep into Titus 2 and the vital, often-overlooked care of older men within the church. Learn practical strategies for young pastors, explore the “crisis of masculinity,” and gain actionable insight into intentional intergenerational mentoring. With wisdom, compassion, and honesty, the hosts examine challenges, share real-life experiences, and offer hope for thriving multi-generational churches. This episode is packed with encouragement, biblical grounding, and creative solutions—empowering every listener, pastor, or church member to value and invest in the older men in their community.

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the topic of Christian friendship in this episode, emphasizing its significance, especially for pastors. They explore Biblical models like Jonathan and David, highlighting the value of companionship, trust, safety, and presence in true friendship.

The conversation addresses why many men struggle to form deep bonds—cultural expectations, busyness, and superficial connections. The episode underscores that meaningful friendships require vulnerability, persistence, and investment.

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In this episode of Trench Talk Brian and Jim discuss how pastors and churches can address and mend broken relationships. They emphasize that most church conflicts stem not from doctrine but from personal disappointments and unresolved hurts. The conversation explores biblical guidance for unity, referencing both Old and New Testament teachings, and offers practical advice for pastors—such as frequent preaching on love and reconciliation, strategic public prayer, encouraging the Lord’s Supper, and practicing sensitive mediation in disputes. They stress the importance of being proactive “stealthy peacemakers” while acknowledging that full reconciliation isn't always possible in this life.

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Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the unique pressures pastors face as a new year begins—balancing personal renewal and congregational expectations. The conversation covers the common emotional lows of January, heightened by holiday stress and societal pressures, and the tendency to feel overwhelmed by the need for “grand” vision sermons. Practical insights offered include gradual transitions into new routines, quarterly rather than yearly sermon planning, careful budgeting, and slowly restarting church events. Pastor, be encouraged— focus on faithful, consistent ministry, prioritizing spiritual health and realistic planning over grand resolutions.

In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the challenges and opportunities younger pastors face when leading older, more experienced church leaders. Drawing from personal stories and biblical references like 1 Timothy 4:12 and the example of Elihu in Job, they underscore the importance of patience, humility, curiosity, and servant leadership. Rather than demanding respect, younger pastors are encouraged to earn it through consistent integrity, relational investment, and genuine appreciation for the wisdom of older leaders. They highlight practical tips, ask questions, seek advice, and acknowledge contributions, building trust over time.

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In an age of increased visibility and temptation Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss challenges to pastoral faithfulness. Using scriptures like Proverbs 4:23 and 1 Timothy 4:16, they emphasize guarding one’s heart, abiding in Christ, humility, and accountability. The episode explores classic pitfalls—“girls, gold, and glory”—the need for biblical integrity, supportive relationships, and loving marriages. They encourage pastors to value usefulness over greatness and assure that daily, faithful service—often unseen—leaves a lasting legacy before God.

In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian and Jim explore the tension pastors face between caring too much (or not enough) about what people think. Drawing on scripture, personal stories, and ministry wisdom, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss dangers on both sides, how criticism impacts pastors, and offer practical strategies for finding a healthy balance, concluding with encouragement and prayer for church leaders.

This episode of Trench Talk explores how pastors and leaders can cultivate joy within themselves, their leadership teams, and their entire congregations. Drawing from Scripture, Brian and Jim discuss the importance of balancing hardships and celebrations, fostering vibrant worship, preventing burnout, and encouraging service without expectation. They close with practical steps and prayer, aiming to restore joy to church communities.

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Brian Croft and Jim Savastio explore "good fears" in pastoral ministry, discussing how certain fears can motivate pastors to be more faithful and effective. They highlight fears like avoiding moral failure, protecting the church, maintaining spiritual passion, and being a good steward. The conversation emphasizes that these fears should drive pastors to greater dependence on God, not paralyze them.

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In this podcast, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss how to biblically and pastorally respond to sensitive current events like the Charlie Kirk assassination. They emphasize understanding your congregation, avoiding fear-driven decisions, maintaining church unity, and providing spiritual care without taking extreme political stances. The key message is to shepherd your flock with wisdom, love, and biblical discernment during challenging times.

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Pastors must handle disagreements with wisdom, prioritizing unity, direct communication, and mutual respect. Healthy leadership requires open dialogue, spiritual maturity, and a commitment to resolving conflicts graciously while maintaining strong relationships.

Brian and Jim discuss these things and more on this episode of Trench Talk

Church building programs require careful spiritual and financial discernment. In this episode of Trench Talk Brian and Jim encourage pastors to prioritize ministry effectiveness over mere growth, consider alternatives like church planting, maintain financial integrity, and ensure building decisions align with the church's core mission and pastoral care capabilities.

Brian Croft and Bryce Butler discuss the foster care crisis in the US, highlighting that 80% of youth aging out of the system face severe challenges. They call on churches to provide support, mentorship, and care for these vulnerable young people, emphasizing that one caring adult can make a life-changing difference. The discussion aims to raise awareness and encourage church leaders to get involved in supporting foster youth.

Pastor Alton Hardy shares his journey of planting Urban Hope Community Church in Birmingham, focusing on gospel transformation in urban communities. Overcoming theological and cultural challenges, he developed a ministry that combines biblical teaching with practical community support, including a grocery store and leadership program. His approach emphasizes gospel proclamation over social services, creating a model of urban ministry that attracts national interest and demonstrates racial reconciliation through Christ-centered work.

In this episode of Trench Talk Brian Croft and Jim Savastio explore why hobbies are essential for ministry leaders. They argue that pursuing personal interests outside of ministry helps prevent burnout, provides rest, and celebrates individual creativity. Using Jim's acting experience as an example, they encourage pastors to find activities they enjoy without feeling guilty, emphasizing that having diverse interests is healthy and God-honoring.

In this episode of Trench Talk, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio explore how pastors can authentically know and be known by their congregation. They offer practical insights on building meaningful relationships, sharing personal experiences, and creating genuine connections that go beyond surface-level interactions, all grounded in biblical principles of shepherding.

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio explore how church ministry has changed, discussing the transition from multiple weekly services to primarily Sunday morning gatherings. They candidly share personal experiences, addressing the challenges young pastors face in traditional churches and emphasizing the importance of adapting ministry approaches while maintaining spiritual faithfulness.