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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When should a man consider stepping back into pastoral ministry? What considerations and questions should he ask himself and his family? How might he guard from operating in the same way this time around? What if ministry is just too difficult?
Jim and Brian discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow ought young men prepare for ministry? Is it better to go to seminary? Does an aspiring have to go to seminary to receive his qualification? What steps should he take in determining his pastoral calling?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and much more on this episode of Trenchtalk.
Read MoreIf you preach the word faithfully are you promised numerical growth, conversions, and other blessings? If this growth doesn’t come are the pastors unfaithful in some way? What example do we see in Jesus’ earthly ministry? How can young and new pastors set themselves up for success with realistic expectations for ministry?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen do you re-enter ministry from being fired from a church? Can the answer to this question sometimes show that our identity is tied into pastoral ministry more than Christ? How do you address the anger and/or bitterness that is tied to being fired by a church? Is there a set duration of healing before a pastor can re-enter ministry? How do you know if you should or not? What steps can you take in preparation for this?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat are the differences between denominations? What are the differences within each denomination making a local church distinct? How much agreement should there be for a pastor, or be a faithful member, at a specific local church? Should your primary goal be to move a congregation to a certain doctrinal position?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreAre you seeking the approval of man or God? Do you perhaps shy away from applications knowing that members might receive it harshly? Do you feel pressure to cater to your people? Do you struggle making a decision at the cost of losing members or hurting feelings?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen it comes to gathered worship and COVID restrictions, how should we think about essentials in worship? What changes should be made when it comes to the circumstances in worship? Are some authorities crossing the line on their authority within local churches? How should pastors respond in a biblical way? How should pastors proceed and plan for the next 6 months?
Read MoreHow should pastors consume and contribute on social media? What are the blessings and curses of social media? Do pastors have to be active on social media? Should a pastor address things on social media from the pulpit? How should we restrict our usage?
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 MoreWhat should pastors be reading? What books might be more accessible for bi-vocational pastors? What doctrines should a pastor be well versed in? Should there be a balance between “heady” and “devotional” reading? Should a pastor buy a set of commentaries or individual volumes?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreIs making a transition a wise decision? Can you begin to shepherd and establish a relationship with a new church in the midst of a pandemic? Should a church proceed with calling a pastor in the midst of a pandemic? Should you leave a church in the midst of a pandemic? Is the financial situation of the new church an important aspect to know?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhat should cause us to choose the books of the Bible that we preach through? Should you look at the specific flock God has given you when selecting books to preach? What would be some books you would start with as you begin your preaching ministry? Should we use some forms of caution when selecting the books we preach through?
Read MoreHow do you introduce the appointment of pastors? Is ordination a biblical requirement? What is the difference between biblical affirmation versus ordination of pastors? What questions can be asked in examining the biblical qualifications of a pastor?
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