This is the official page for the Practical Shepherding Podcast entitled, “Trench Talk” where we tackle the issues pastors face and provide practical advice and wisdom for them. Practical Shepherding exists to “help pastors thrive in the trenches of pastoral ministry.” On this podcast, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio are asked the questions that you as pastors and aspiring pastors want them to address. If you would like a particular question addressed, please leave it in the comments section of this page.
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What did the church George pastored look like? How was it able to make a kingdom impact while being small? What biblical priorities marked George's ministry?
Brian and Jim are joined by guest George McDearmon in this special episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat joys and challenges might a pastor of 46-years experience? What events took place that helped him know it was time to transition from pastoring? What does life after pastoring look like?
Brian and Jim are joined by guest George McDearmon in this special episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre pastors impactful in their second half of ministry? How should pastors pivot in their second half of ministry? What are important aspects to consider when making a ministry transition? What areas of fruitfulness open up in the second half of ministry?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should a pastor go about setting a budget? What should he do when there is disagreements between pastors? How do you navigate a shortfall? How should a pastor balance advocating his own salary?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk
Read MoreHow can a pastor speak with both moral and gospel clarity? How does a Word-centered ministry impact this tension? What role does love and a pastoral tenderness play in this tension?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow important are pastoral mentors in a pastor’s life? What steps can a pastor make to faithfully pursue mentors? What does it look like to move from mentored to mentoring others?
Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MorePastors from around the globe discuss the challenges they're facing and ways they're thriving.
Read MoreWhat responsibility do pastors have to excel in administration? What is an important way to grow in areas of weakness? How might a pastor avoid the ditches of too much or too little time given to administration? What role do deacons, and the raising up of effective deacons play in administration?
Brian and Jim answer these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat types of grief do church members endure? How do pastors care for them well through their grief? How do pastors balance the realities of today and the realities of eternity? What are practical ways to prepare your people to suffer well?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can pastors shepherd their flocks during the 2024 United States election? How ought pastors handle the pressures members might place on them in regard to a specific candidate? Are pastoral responsibilities different from responsibilities of citizenship?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre pastors subject to more intense schemes of the devil? What signs ought you to look for in discerning spiritual warfare? How important is a personal and thriving devotional life to fight of these attacks?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreWhat practical ways can a pastor become a life long learner? What resources, information, or activities might prove helpful? How important is developing intellectual curiosity?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreWhat are common misconceptions of pastoral moral failings? How can pastors guard themselves from falling? How can pastors shepherd their flock when prominent pastors fall?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreBrian, Stephen, and Matthew provide an update on how SBC went and other developments from the last few months for ATC.
Read MoreHow long should a pastor spend preparing his sermon? What elements require more or less time? What practical steps can pastors take to utilize their time more faithfully?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and much more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat gifts are unique to pastoring versus being a missionary? What role does the congregation play in helping someone discern their calling? Might pastoring first serve a person before being sent to do missions?
Brian and Jim discuss these and much more on this episode of Trench talk.
Read MoreWhen does a pastor start to prepare for his transition? What responsibility does he have in helping his flock find another shepherd? Is there a unique challenge if you are a solo pastor versus a plurality?
Jim and Brian discuss planning for the next pastor on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should pastors care for grieving church members before, during, and after the funeral of a loved one? What questions should pastors ask to care for practical needs of those who are grieving? How important is being there for church members in their grief?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench talk
Read MoreWhat practical steps can ministry leaders care for seasonal visitors? How can they encourage their church to excel in hospitality with visitors? What about those who don’t intend to join the church?
Brian and Jim address these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow does a church appropriate missions giving? How can pastors lead their congregation to be strategic and intentional in missions giving? How can a church prioritize giving when church funds are limited? How do you determine who receives support and who doesn’t?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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