Ep. 313: Pastors Caring for Younger Men
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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(01:56) Biblical Framework for Caring for Younger Men
(04:30) The Crisis of Masculinity and Young Men Today
(06:32) Why This Crisis Is Worse Now than in Previous Generations
(08:08) Online Influence, AI, and Weak Youth Ministry
(09:33) Titus 2 as a Blueprint for the Local Church
(10:56) The One Command to Young Men: Sober-Mindedness
(13:14) Defining Sober-Mindedness / Self-Control
(18:00) Why Sober-Mindedness Matters So Much for Young Men
(18:40) How Pastors Can Urge Young Men to Be Sober-Minded
(22:08) Young Men in Unreal Worlds: Media, AI, and the Need for Embodied Mentors
(24:36) This Is a 2,000-Year-Old Issue with Fresh Applications
(26:51) Sober-Mindedness About Self: Gifts, Limits, and Immaturity
(28:17) Loving, Listening, and Validating Young Men
(30:07) Spiritual Fatherhood and a Culture of Older-to-Younger Mentoring
(31:38) Concrete Ideas for Churches and Pastors
(33:05) Closing Prayer for a Generation of Godly Young Men