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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As 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 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 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 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 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 MoreHas the western church forgotten the importance of corporate prayer? What role should prayer play in the life of the church? How can we ensure that our churches are a place that prioritizes deep prayer? How much do you preach when you pray? and is this a good thing? What role should prayer play in the gathered worship service?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow do you transition out of ministry well? How do you assist your church in finding the pastor who will succeed you? What responsibility does shepherding place on transitioning well? What if there is no clear successor? How much of a leadership role do you take in presenting a new pastor? What about the pastor who doesn’t feel like he can leave?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow much should our families determine where we go in ministry? How do you balance leading your family and following at times in ministry? What might a pastor’s wife struggle with in ministry situations? Pastor, are you caring for your wife as you would other members (or worse) or are you treating her as your wife?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
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 MoreWhat are some of the unique joys of being a pastor? Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer this important question and give examples from their ministries on this special 100th episode of Trench Talk.
Thanks for your faithful listening and support!
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 MoreShould you plant a church where there are many healthy churches already doing faithful ministry? What aspects should we think about as it pertains to church planting? When should a church consider planting or replanting a church? Why should you not want to plant a church?
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 MoreShould a pastor raise up Elders or move toward the process of having an Elder-led polity? How can pastors identify other Elders within their congregation? How can pastors intentionally raise up men to be Elders? What 3 qualities does Brian look for in an Elder?
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 MoreHow do we pursue pastoral care in the midst of the pandemic? What biblical foundation do we turn to for wisdom in a pandemic? How should pastors shepherd the flock through social media? Should you meet face-to-face with couples for counseling?
Brian Croft and Jim Savastio answer these, and many more on this episode of Trench Talk.
Read MoreHow should a pastor address underlying sin within the congregation? What biblical passages inform us on this topic? Should sin be confronted from the pulpit? What are practical steps pastors can take to correct but also provide hope?
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