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.

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the challenges young pastors face, particularly when they are forced to leave their ministry positions due to conflicts with senior pastors. They emphasize the importance of realistic expectations and the need for mentoring. They advise young pastors to assume unhealthy church situations and to seek mentoring from healthy churches. For older pastors, they stress the importance of mentoring young staff with care and intentionality, recognizing the significant impact they can have on their careers.

What is a pastoral blindspot? What are common blindspots for pastors? How can pastors become aware of and eliminate these blindspots?

Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.

What are practical ways you can stay refreshed spiritually? How important is a pastors relationship with Christ? How can a pastor prioritize life-giving people, places, and things?

Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.

How do you find qualified deacons? What do you do when your church has none? What do deacons do? How do you not find deacons?

Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.

What is the difference between vision and faithful ministry? Is there a way to have vision and be faithful? What cautions should a pastor employ as it pertains to vision?

Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.

What insight do Brian and Jim have from 5, 10, and 20-years in ministry? What encouragements do they find in ministry after the 20-year mark? What areas of growth happened in their ministries?

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

How should pastors think through ministry to children? What are strategic and biblical ways to do this well? How important is safety when ministering to children? What levels of safety should be implemented?

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

What are red flags when considering a person for church membership? What might be perceived red flags but really need to be handled with grace and wisdom? How can a pastor know which is which?

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

Brian Croft (Practical Shepherding), Steve Bray (Mile One Mission), and Matthew Spandler-Davison (20Schemes) discuss the important coalition of Advancing the Church as well as share an important UPDATE.

Is caring for your aging parents important? Is there a difference between extended and immediate family? What questions should you be asking when your extended family lives hours away from you? At what point should a pastor step away from ministry to care for his family?

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

Is a sermon without application still preaching? What role does shepherding play in effective application? How can a pastor use his time wisely to craft pointed application?

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

Can anything good come from Social Media? If so how can pastors use it wisely in their shepherding? What guard rails should be present when using social media as a pastor? Are my people being shepherded by influencers?

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

Should a pastor preach over 40-minute sermons? How long is he required to prepare a sermon for it to be faithful? What role does a pastor’s congregation have in this discussion?

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

What can a young man do to begin to prepare for pastoral ministry? Is seminary essential in preparing for ministry?  

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