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.
Find us on iTunes here.
How 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 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 MoreWhat should a man do when he is seeking a pastorate but is unable to get hired? How might a man asses his own character, gifting, and call when seeking a pastorate? Isn't pastoring just about the pulpit ministry? How important is shepherding in pastoring?
Jim and Brian discuss these and much more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreWhen do you know if you should hire another pastor? What qualifications do you prioritize? Should they possess complimentary skills or be similar?
Brian and Jim discuss these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow 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 much should a pastor do? Should he always be serving, and if so how much? How can he hand off tasks? and how can he prevent burnout?
Brian and Jim answer all these questions and more on this episode of Trench Talk
Read MoreWhat is a sabbatical? Do pastors deserve an extended vacation? What should pastors do on sabbatical? Should there be any requirements for a sabbatical?
Join Brian Croft and Jim Savastio as they discuss these things and much more!
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 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 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 MoreNo one knows and loves the sheep of their flock like the shepherd; the pastor. As a pastor how do you shepherd your flock through crisis? Does crisis call a pastor to alter his sermon series? How can pastors fulfill their calling in new and creative ways given the circumstances? How can we care for our flocks when we cannot be with them?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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