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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How do you assess your members resistance to your shepherding? What criteria should a pastor do his own assessment in his shepherding of the sheep? At what point can you determine if your members are wounded sheep or goats? What if an individual, family, or couple no longer receive your ministry the way they once did?
Jim and Brian discuss these and much more on this episode of Trenchtalk
Read MoreHow can parents faithfully shepherd their kids through sports? When does a pastor talk with a member about non-attendance due to sports? How important should Lord’s Day worship be for a believer?
Jim and Brian discuss all these and more on this episode of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreHow does a pastor faithfully shepherd single mothers? Are single mothers like and therefore need similar care as widows? What needs can you meet when the resources of your church are sparse? Is there a responsibility for the church to help as matchmaker? If so, what cautions might be needed?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more questions on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre there times when a pastor must return while on a family vacation? If so, how does he know? How can he work against the perception of being indispensable and how can he raise up and empower other to step up while he is away?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs it more difficult for pastors to have friends in the church? If so, where might he go to find friendships? What if a member desires friendship for selfish gain?
Jim and Brian discuss all these things on this new episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow well do you celebrate the blessings of your sheep? Should there be categories of sheep that are difficult and those that are a blessing? How can we love those who bless us in the way they are faithful and encouraging members? How can we seek to shepherd all of the sheep, even the difficult ones?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs the role of shepherding more difficult in the midst of a pandemic? What is the biblical role of a pastor/shepherd? What are the best ways to combat being disconnected from church members?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do you bear the burden of your congregation when you sense that your sheep are overwhelmed in this life? What impact does the regular care of members have on the pastor? Is the pastor called to fix the burdens of members?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreBrian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAs a pastor, you are unfortunately not absolved from criticism from your flock? How should a pastor discern if the criticism is true or false? What scriptures can we point to in helping receive criticism? How can you determine if the one bringing the criticism is regenerate?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs this the most important election in history? Should a Pastor lead and shepherd his congregation through elections and civic responsibility? Do our marching orders or responsibilities change with a new president? What about when your church is split on social issues? Should you encourage your congregation to vote a certain way?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can you shepherd those in your congregation who are straying away from the church and perhaps nearing apostatizing? What if a pastor has pursued a person drifting away, and they simply don’t want to return? Is every member who doesn’t attend the regular gathering of the church in danger of apostasy? What if a church member continues in doubt, when is it necessary to pursue church discipline?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can a younger pastor shepherd congregants who have more life experiences than him? Is there wisdom that he can provide? What if your church is made up of one age and stage in life? Does biblical wisdom and authority provide help for a pastor without life experiences? Is there a requirement for a pastor to relate with all of his people?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do you pursue being a safe pastor? How do you cultivate a culture of safety and trust when it comes to discussions you have with church members? What role does empathy play in this? How do you pursue your people for their own safety? How does this culture trickle down to the congregation?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat obligations do pastors have to those who attend their church but have not become members? Is he obligated to them? Is church membership biblical? What is the difference between affection and obligation? Will a pastor give an account for non-members?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreCan pastors come to different conclusions on how to navigate the days in which we find ourselves? What biblical guidance do we have to help us navigate what is before us? What about when brothers disagree with contention rather than unity? Should you address this contention through social media? How do we pastor contentious church member?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do we prepare to gather again? What do we need to be thinking about before we reopen? Should your church allow your members to hug, shake hands, etc.? Do you continue children’s or nursery ministry? Do you gather if less than 50% of your church is not attending?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow can pastors encourage members (particularly the men) in their church to read good books? Is “I just don’t read” a good enough excuse? Should a pastor be careful with the books he recommends his members read? What other tips would you give to assist your members in taking in good books?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these questions and more on this week’s edition of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreIs premarital counseling a biblical requirement? What should a pastors primary goal be when providing biblical premarital counseling to church members? Should a pastor require premarital counseling for couples under his care? What resources (other than the bible) do you take couples through?
All these issues are addressed by Brian Croft and Jim Savastio on this episode of Trenchtalk.
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